vst's...Dxi's...HELP!

Is it zipped? if so...unzip it. Move the new unzipped file folder into a handy location in the cakewalk directory... it's a good idea to keep all VST and font files in their own folders in a common VST... FONT folder. this way, you know where it's at for future reference.

Once it's moved to it's new home..... copy/cut/paste... or click and drag....

Open cake and go to the plugin manager..... you want to add this new folder to the list of VST's that cake scans on startup. When this is done.... the new VST should appear in the available list of synths and VST's. You can now add this VST to a track in the FX bin. remember..... synths go into an audio track and you will need to get midi data to it from a midi source track......

I'm curious how it works...... but not that curious that I will install it. I use Jamstix.

Don't worry JD, many of us are catching on to this stuff late.
The download was most likely a zip file. This is a compact format that allows for easy transport, but it cannot run. You need to extract the file(s) first. Once that is done, run the VST adapter. It is native in MC4, but you still need to run it to identify new VST's in your system. I don't like moving files from their default location, and many VST's will extract to a Steinberg folder.
Steinberg owns the patent for the VST format. Just include the folder in the list for folders to be searched by the VST adapter.
When the VST is recognised by the adapter, it is ready for use.
You can insert any VSTi (VST instrument) by clicking Insert>Soft Synths>[name of VSTi].
Select MIDI Source Track, First Synth Audio Output, and Synth Properties Page from the dropdown menu.
You may need to fine tune your input(ie a MIDI controller) but this should be pretty straightforward.
If you are using a controller, the Input Echo must be turned on (usually by default). If you use the PRV, input is not an issue.
If that is not clear, or if you have any other questions, ask away.

ok...I did all that....and I can't hear anything. but most frustrating to me is the vst i downloaded claims to be triggered via the computer keyboard, which i believe it does not do. i can run my mouse over the "pad" and left click it, and it lights up like it's recognizing it's being "played". when i hit keys randomly on the pc keyboard, nothing on the vst drummer lights up, which leads me to believe it is not really triggered by the pc's keyboard. All I want is to add some drums in real time without having to use a midi keyboard to trigger it...ARGHHH....if i had hair i would be ripping it out. any suggestions on vst's, or whatever to do what i want? or is there such a thing?

Thanx..
JD Scott

it is called "drumz Akoustik" by DSK. it sounds great. i used it online in a demo and it worked by simply hitting the keys on my pc. No, I do not have a midi keyboard, and with the good ol' economy, I will not have one soon, either.

too bad....maybe I'll switch to Frooty Loops...lol

I downloaded that kit and couldn't get it to work, either. I tried clicking the 'Preview' buttons in the GUI, no sound. I played the MIDI keyboard, no sound. Entered notes in the PRV and clicked play, no sound. I have the DSK Strings, and it inserted and played fine in the same project. I don't recall seeing that it can be played with the pc keyboard, and it didn't work for me that way, either. I do recall something on the download page about having to use 2 outputs for it to play. Maybe research that a little more? The documentation isn't very comprehensive.
The economy being the way it is works both ways; lots of folks are selling stuff, cheap, because they need the cash. Look in the newspaper and check the yard sales. It wouldn't surprise me if you could get a MIDI keyboard for 10 or 20 bucks somewhere. If the keys work (transmit), that might be the ticket out of your dilemma.
But I know gas and groceries come first.

And check the pawnshops! I saw 4 Yamaha MIDI keybaords in the one close to my office last week. Small to large they were from $25 -$135. The $135 looked really cool, gadgets all over, but I have no clue how to play piano so I'll stick to the staff, tyvm.

On a side note, I noticed on my son's drum kit for the Wii that it has a MIDI out port. I may try jacking that into my 2496 and see what blows up!

Well since he wants to play the drums in real time, jamstix doesn't offer any more than what he already has to play. He wants his fingers on the sticks, so to speak. There's only 1 cursor, right? Or can it be played with the pc keyboard?

I think that MIDI in is what goes to the computer, and MIDI out is what would be returned from there on a regular MIDI keyboard. I haven't bought a MIDI cable yet so haven't tried it, but it would make more sense that it would be sending signals out from the kit as MIDI, as opposed to receiving MIDI from somewhere.

Edit: Did some checking, and the MIDI port on the Wii kit is "supposed" to swing both ways. Either to hook up a MIDI kit to the Wii kit to play (waaaaay too much work for a gam in my opinion ) or to link to the computer for MIDI input for tracks. Of course, anyone who has been using the MIDI port are pretty much only doing it to cheat the game (write the 6 output MIDI track for the song on your Roland and jack it in, record it, put it on YouTube and Voila! You can beat expert level at 100% everytime, you must be a Deity!) Would be kinda fun to play around with using it as a MIDI for MC4 though, I still might try it for S's & G's.