I'd like to get my son (age 16) set up with a basic PC-based synthesizer and recording setup. But I can't figure out if I need to purchase Sonar X2 Essential plus the Rapture add-in, or if there is a standalone version of Rapture we can use instead. Can someone clarify? Thanks! Eric

Rapture installs as both a VST plugin for use in a DAW, such as SONAR X2 Essential and a standalone version which you can play outside the DAW with a MIDI keyboard.

I recommend you download savihost (search google for it), which you can use to load up an instance of a software synthesizer.

Also, there are many excellent free software synthesizers. My favorite one is Tyrell.

To record, though, I would need to have Sonar X2 Essential in addition to Rapture? And (sorry): what is VST?

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...tual_Studio_Technology

VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and is used to refer to both plugin (Virtual FX) and virtual synths although they are more correctly VSTi (the i standing for instrument)

The VST has become a standard of sorts and was created by Steinberg (Cubase)

I'm sure someone will give a more accurate in-depth explanation shortly* but it gets used to generically mean a virtual effect or synth.

*Edit. Someone already has.

Ah -- thanks, onebadbug.

I see. A basic recording setup will require: DAW software (may include some VSTs) Like Sonar X2 Essentials, or Savihost. VST synth plug-in: Rapture, Tyrell Midi instrument (e.g., keyboard) Is there any other hardware I might need? I've never used the MIDI system on my old Kurzweil PC-88...how does it connect to the PC? There's no MIDI jack on the PC.

I use a USB to midi converter for my older stuff - check amazon

Today a lot of MIDI keyboards use USB to connect directly to the PC. If you have an older MIDI keyboard the simplest way to connect to a pc is http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Uno.html