Years ago I used one of the early Cakewalk programs, connected to a very basic midi keyboard for input and output. My needs were very simple, just some simple somg accompaniments for schools. Most of my input was done using the "piano roll" view. After a while, my activities moved elsewhere, now, some three computer upgrades later, I have a similar need and installed Music Creator 5.
Istarted a "new project" which set up four tracks automatically. One (vocals) I did not need and managed to delete. Using the PRV I created a simple melody on the "piano track". I now want to see how that would sound as a violin. How do I change it? I have managed to make the text at the top of the track icon change from piano to violin, but the sound still comes out the same. I have clicked on everything I think I can find but to no avail. I have also found numerous instructional videos on line, but none seem to deal with this most simple factor. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks.

Hi
Please check the trackinfo
On your left find your track: input/output
click the arrow button to expand
assign the input port
Look in options midi devices and make sure your'keyboard is enabled in the input'port.
The output port is allready there but the CH, Bank, and Patch indicators are blanc so you must fill in
what CHannel (midi 1 to 16) PATCH  just right click on the arrow and make your choice
succes
ris
 

Thanks,
I don't have an "input", I am "inputting" the notes in the PRV, output is via the inbuilt soft synth. My intention is to create an mp3 from the resultant audio, which can then be played as needed, thus the "midi" is just a "means to an end" sandwiched between sheet music and a sound being produced.

You always have an input if you have a sound card...and that means you also have an output as well.
 
My web page has a tutorial on how to get different instruments to play using TTS. If you have MC5, you have TTS as well. It's a nice softsynth that was included with MC5 and you should be using it as your default synth if you are not already. If not, you need to set TTS as the default..... then, follow this tutorial.
 
http://www.herbhartley.com/hh2_edited_slimmer_005.htm
 
read the info there, and use what you need.  To learn how to switch instrument sounds, go down to "Advanced TTS" and follow the instructions.  If you have questions, just ask. I tried to make it as easy as I could.

Hi Herb,
Thanks for the link to your tutorial. I took a quick look, but will follow it with more care later when I can give it the time it deserves. At the moment, I understand the need for the output definition, but not the "input" definition if I am not using any sort of midi input. However, as I said I wil get stuck in later.
Thanks again.

Herb,
I couldn't wait to get stuck in!
I followed the first part of your instructions and got something rather different.
I have four tracks, the two originals (labelled "vocals" and "guitar") then two new ones, labelled:
TTS-1 2OUTPUT1:S
TTS-1 2
no reference in the latter two to audio or midi.

Welcome to the forum.
The TTS-1 2OUTPUT1:S should be the folder that the synth is in. Does it have a manila folder-type icon?
The TTS-1 2 is the actual synth; it takes output from the MIDI track and converts it to audio.
Since you're starting off with MIDI, I would choose the MIDI template instead of the Normal template, or Blank (no tracks) template and add a MIDI track or 2.
Then change the output of the MIDI track from Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth to TTS-1. 

Hi Greg,
The TTS-1 2 OUTPUT 1:S track has a keyboard icon, the other shows a DIN plug.
Got to leave it for now (getting nagged by SWMBO) but will get back on it later. I tried to post a screenshot, but I could not see how to insert it from my computer ( there are times when the will diminishes!)
Pete

I don't appear to have a "midi" template".
I opened a blank template, added two midi tracks, moved my cursor to the left of the track name until the "double arrow" appeared, right clicked, selected properties. The only option I have for "output" is "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth", so how do I select TTS-1?
Am I just being thick?

I believe in MC 5 you click Insert at the top and navigate to the soft synth you want to use.