How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input?

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mmholtman
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2014/01/03 13:28:57 (permalink)

How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input?

I am relatively new to Cakewalk products and home recording in general, so I don't know if this is obvious or not. I have the Sonar VS 100. I want to record mainly on the drum machines that Sonar has. I went to add new track, instrument track then SI-Drum Kit. It opens up the drum machine window and something I noticed at the top right hand corner was a keyboard symbol that said "Give all keystrokes to plug in" and i click enabled. Except nothing happened. How do I use my computer keyboard to perform on the drum machines and other virtual instruments that include this capability?
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    scook
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    Re: How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input? 2014/01/03 14:08:38 (permalink)
    The short answer is don't do it, buy a MIDI keyboard, pads or other input device instead.
     
    The long answer.
    The "Give all keystrokes to plug-in" feature is for sending keystrokes that would normally be interpreted by SONAR as shortcuts directly to the plug-in instead. In order to use the PC keyboard as a MIDI input device requires a virtual MIDI keyboard and virtual MIDI cable. There are a few available on the internet but the better solution is to purchase, no matter how inexpensive, a real MIDI input device. Many of them directly connect to the PC via USB. Instead of using a MIDI input device, MIDI can also be entered in SONAR, albeit not in real-time, using the step sequencer, piano roll and staff views.
    post edited by scook - 2014/01/03 14:10:18
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    RobertB
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    Re: How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input? 2014/01/03 22:26:27 (permalink)
    I'm  with scook.
    The only computer keyboard controller I have used is Bomes Mouse. It has its place, I suppose, but setup is somewhat involved, and it offers limited control. And you have to purchase a license after a short trial period.
    Something like this might fit your needs nicely:
    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/akai-professional-lpd8-laptop-pad-controller
    A dedicated controller is 1000 times more satisfying to play than faking it with the computer keyboard.

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    Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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    mmholtman
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    Re: How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input? 2014/01/04 00:56:23 (permalink)
    What I am trying to accomplish is to get drums going that I can manipulate without copying and pasting some preset drum beat. Robert, would you say the drum pad you posted can do the job? Thanks guys
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    RobertB
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    Re: How do I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI input? 2014/01/04 10:36:33 (permalink)
    As far as creating your drums, yes it would. For me, the best way to get an idea from my head to the track is to play it. That's where a drum pad or controller comes in.
    Once your MIDI track is recorded, you can manipulate or edit the notes in the Piano Roll View.

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    Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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