2015/06/01 20:19:55
Ian1957
Thanks for all the advice regarding a keyboard. However I think my biggest problem at the moment is working out the best way to replay midi. It seem the only way I can do it atm is via the onboard graphics card. And as someone pointed out it is better done via the soft synths. But I dont seem do be able to do this. Despite  following the tutorials. 
What I need is the idiots guide to setting this up...Lol
Cheers
Ian
2015/06/01 21:07:50
scook
Here is the simplest setup I can think of
Start MC7,
Close the Quick Start dialog
Type CTRL+N
Insert > Soft Synth > DirectX > TTS-1
Select "simple instrument track" in the Insert Soft Synth Options dialog
Drag the MIDI clip from the browser to the TTS-1 instrument track
start the transport.
 
Alternately, if you do not have a MIDI output device specified in Preferences, you should be able to Open a .mid file and have TTS-1 automatically setup.
2015/06/01 21:41:03
Beagle
azslow3
Beagle
As far as the PSRE-243, it's fine for a starting keyboard.  it should be able to send MIDI data to MC using USB and will play sounds on its own as well (so if you prefer you can hook up audio cables to your soundcard instead of using softsynths and MIDI).  it has synth based keys which are "springy" not weighted and not waterfall edges.

With all respect, are you serious about recommending not sensitive keyboard to someone, even as a starting one? Soundwise he can play computer keyboard with the same result... May be 343?
 
I had my fun with not sensitive mini toy (I think it was Yamaha) as well as not sensitive Casio "full size". As a toy, 25 years ago, they was not bad.




I agree that a keyboard without velocity sensitive keys is not ideal and I agree with you that it would be best if he chose something that does have velocity sensitive keys.  
 
But honestly if you're comparing a PSR to a computer keyboard then I'm can't even believe you're really serious.  it certainly does not show "respect."  
 
Mostly what I've found for advice for people, Ian, is that "it will work for you until it doesn't"
 
basically that means it will work until you decide you need something that works differently.
2015/06/01 21:41:44
Beagle
Ian - follow scook's instructions, they should work for you.
 
2015/06/01 21:43:54
Ian1957
Hi Scook that seems to work.
Thanks
2015/06/01 21:46:11
Ian1957
It seems like I have a lot to learn. But thanks to you guys I am taking my first small baby steps.
Cheers
Ian
 
2015/06/01 21:51:21
scook
You might want to spend some time viewing the videos not just the MC7 ones here http://www.cakewalk.com/caketv/music-creator
And yes, there is a lifetime of learning.
2015/06/02 09:53:17
57Gregy
Bought my Yamaha PSR-GX76 in 2001  for ~$330 and it's still going strong.
Sampled sounds, MIDI, touch-sensitive, 76 keys. It may be a 'toy', but I like it.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional musician, but I have been paid to play.
2015/06/02 15:03:58
azslow3
May be I should apologies for my definition of a 'toy'. I am not professional and I am not paid for playing...
 
It is just so that after real piano I was unable to find some satisfaction in the digital world in the affordable for me price range.  Several years ago I have systematically tested everything with keys, from $300 up to $3000 (thanks to the shop in the near, which always has them ALL), days long, reading reviews, technologies and discussions. I was concentrated on Digital Pianos, but with often travels in mind, I was also testing small format synth actions.
 
My conclusion was that middle range hammer actions are acceptable for me (decision between Yamaha and Kawai was hard). For lightweight solution I have noticed MIDI keyboards not only smaller then something with sound module (like PSR) but also of better quality for the same money. I was surprised that I prefer light synth action over semi-weighted and I have no problems with Roland's short (in length)  keys.
 
About sounds. From technologies, discussions, playing with Sonar and testing real devices, I come to the conclusion that computer synth sound generation is way better then "hardware" way on cheap devices. The fact is that producers are using quite old hardware for all models.
 
All that is subjective, not professional, etc.
2015/06/02 16:33:44
57Gregy
Of course. There are many fine keyboards out there which I would love to own. I think the PSR series is a great line of starter keyboards; inexpensive, well-constructed and mostly good sounds.
As a hobbyist, it works fine for me. If I was a professional, I would certainly seek out better gear. 
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