Hi,
 
I was wondering if there is a virtual midi k/b I can use so I can quickly sample dimension pro and rapture programs in their standalone versions?  For example in Z3TA there is a k/b available with the app you can use to quickly sample the sounds.
 
Jim

When I'm playing around with a new synth, either auditioning presets or programming it, I like to run it standalone using SAVIHost. It's got a virtual keyboard that's mapped conveniently to the computer's keyboard.
 
If I'm looking for sounds for a specific project, and running the synth outside of SONAR is inconvenient, then I manually create a short MIDI file with ascending notes of varying lengths and loop that while stepping through presets or tweaking controls.

http://vmpk.sourceforge.net/
 
http://freepiano.tiwb.com/en/
 
http://virtual-midi-piano-keyboard.en.softonic.com/
 
Try the above - please note I found them through a search and know nothing about them, other than a quick glance at the page that comes up for each link.
 
Bob Bone
 

Update - I downloaded the FreePiano app, from the above links, and it works like a champ.
 
I don't happen to have the 32-bit Dimension Pro installed, but I loaded up the x32 Rapture, and it worked flawlessly to allow mouse and keyboard triggering of Rapture sounds through FreePiano.
 
I got it to work by clicking on the Instrument tab, then selected Rapture from the list, then scrolled back to the top of the list and clicked on Show VST Instrument Windows, and it popped open the regular Rapture UI windows, where I could load up whatever sound I wished.  Then, I could quickly play some notes using the mouse to very quickly cruise through a bunch of sounds to look for a particular bass sound, or whatever.
 
If this is the functionality you are looking for, I thought this app fit the bill very well.
 
It doesn't even need installation - just copy the contents of the zipped folder to an uncompressed folder and then right-click on the application and send it to the desktop to create a shortcut.  Double-clicking the desktop shortcut fires it right up, no problem.  It allows routing to whatever type of audio device you have installed and want to use, and you can also set it to use midi controllers as input, though I do not know why one would use the program in that event, as you could just point Rapture to use the same midi controller for input.
 
Anyways, I think this is a pretty cool application.
 
I hope that helps you, 
 
Bob Bone
 

Hi Guys, just got back from a round of golf - sorry couldn't get back to respond earlier...
 
Thanks Bitflipper, yeah I'm wanting to play around with the synths rather than using them in sonar - taking down notes on some of the interesting sounds I may want to use in a project...
 
Hi Bob, freepiano sounds exactly what I'm after - I just don't get to see either dimension pro or rapture, (they're both x64)...  I can see other but none that I'm interested in using...
 

 
Do you think I need to browse and find the VSTi's dlls?

Well, I did not install 32-bit Dimension Pro, so I do not at the moment see that either, BUT I did install a 32-bit Sonar, and all of its included plugins and such, so Rapture does show up.
 
The 32-bit Rapture sounds are the exact same as the 64-bit sounds, and the same would be true for Dimension Pro.  I do not believe any sounds are above 24-bits, so I think whether or not you are previewing in 32-bit Dim Pro or 64-bit Dim Pro, or whatever synth you want, I would imagine this Free Piano app would still fit the bill very well.
 
I am actually going to go ahead and install a 32-bit Dim Pro, as i REALLY like this Free Piano for browsing myself - this is of course all your fault, and I thank you for it. :)
 
As a matter of fact, I just bought the Arturia V Collection, and while there are 64-bit dll's for inclusion in 64-bit Sonar, stand-alone versions of individual synths, like their amazingly good Modular V are only present in 32-bit form.  I believe that is because the sounds sound the same, and they just did not bother with creating a 64-bit app when it was not needed.  It is only a 64-bit need to run without bridging in 64-bit Sonar.
 
So, I would suggest you just go ahead and install the 32-bit Dim Pro and then you can happily cruise the presets using the Free Piano.
 
I did not happen to find any 64-bit virtual keyboards, and to be honest, because the 32-bit one works well for me, I will likely not even bother to look for any.
 
Bob Bone
 

Well, I knew as was even typing that lengthy bunch of hooey above, that I would not be able to resist looking for a 64-bit virtual keyboard, and within a matter of about 23 seconds, I found one.
 
I have not yet tested it, but will do so momentarily, and will post back with an update on whether or not I can get it to work like the Free Piano app, or at least function similarly.
 
Here is the link to one that I found - I also do not yet know if indeed it will work in Windows 7:
 
http://www.windows8downloads.com/win8-pc-73-virtual-piano-keyboard-mznbjrqy/
 
Bob Bone
 
 
 
 

robert_e_bone
....., and within a matter of about 23 seconds, I found one.
 
 

Haha Thanks Bob,.. Looking forward to your review on the 64bit version :)

That 2nd one above doesn't cut it.  I am still looking, and still happy with Free Piano in the meantime.
 
Bob Bone
 
 

Well, I found a Lite version of something made by Cantabile:
 
http://www.cantabilesoftware.com/download/
 
I downloaded both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and am currently testing out the 64-bit one.
 
It DOES load and allow triggering of Dim Pro x64 sounds, with a midi keyboard.  It seems like a bit more work to get things going - not by much - but I think it has some additional features I will have to explore.
 
Anyway, it is at: http://www.cantabilesoftware.com/download/
 
And it is the Lite version.
 
Bob Bone