Subject:Keyboard

Posted by: Moxx

Date:3/14/2005 3:10:25 PM

Yes, another stupid noob question:

If I get a oh, say, $300 electronic keyboard, how would I hook it to my computer, and be able to make loops with it, and be able to use those loops in acid?

Are there any other software programs that I would ABSOLUTELY NEED to make this work?

All of the programs like the ones native instruments makes cause me great confusion, which is why I use Acid.









Go easy on me, and explain clearly and understandably.
:)

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:3/14/2005 3:26:26 PM

If you want to record the SOUNDS from the keyboard into ACID, you would plug the AUDIO OUT of the keyboard into the AUDIO IN of your PC sound card. Then use AUDIO recording in ACID.

If you want to use the keyboard to play Soft Synths (VSTi’s) via MIDI then you need to plug the MIDI OUT of the keyboard into the MIDI IN of your PC’s MIDI interface (providing your PC has a MIDI interface) Then use MIDI recording in ACID.

~jr

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: Moxx

Date:3/14/2005 4:13:23 PM

How would I know if my computer has a MIDI interface?

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:3/14/2005 4:54:40 PM

It would have MIDI I/O jacks of course. ;-)

It probable doesn’t have a MIDI interface although Soundblaster cards allow you to buy a special cable to plug into the Game port and use that for MIDI. Your best bet is to buy a USB MIDI adapter like the M-Audio Midisport Uno/1x1 (~$40 USD)

~jr

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: Moxx

Date:3/14/2005 5:56:58 PM

I couldn't find the audio thing in acid, where is it?

(Yes, stupid question.)

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:3/14/2005 8:01:56 PM

The audio inputs are selectable under Record device at the bottom of the Record dialog (Ctrl+R) in ACID. These are based on the sound device you selected in the Options > Preferences > Audio tab under Audio device type. The “physical” hardware audio inputs are on your sound card at the back of your computer. You will most probably need to make a cable that terminates with the proper connectors for the keyboard (mono phone jack) and computer (stereo mini-jack).

If you are that new to ACID, I would recommend you consider buying an fully illustrated book like Instant ACID which will explain all of this step-by-step. There is a whole chapter dedicated to Audio recording and another one dedicate to MIDI recording that covers all of this including selecting the right audio and MIDI interfaces. You might find it easier to follow than posting one question at a time here. It’s only $15 at WalMart.com.

~jr

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: Moxx

Date:3/15/2005 5:13:00 AM

I've just never used that feature before.

I'm new to that feature.
:)



Is there anything else I should know before I go buy it?

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:3/15/2005 6:36:48 AM

> Is there anything else I should know before I go buy it?

If mean by "it" you mean the "keyboard", I guess I’d question the quality of the sounds that a $300 keyboard could make and whether you would find them useful for making loops in your music. But that’s a choice only you can make. I happen to like using Soft Synths so I just use a MIDI Keyboard Controller without any sounds.

Even if you’re not planning to use MIDI now, make sure the keyboard has a MIDI interface just in case you decide to get into MIDI later. You never know.

~jr

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: DKeenum

Date:3/15/2005 9:46:30 AM

Moxx, Why don't you do a google search for midi, soft synths, vst, vsti, and whatever else you run across. When you first get into this, the concepts can be so confusing that it can cause you to just give up. In the words from the movie "What About Bob?", "Baby steps!" Try a little bit at a time.

And you might want to look into getting JohnnyRoy's book on acid.

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:3/15/2005 12:31:49 PM

And you might want to look into getting JohnnyRoy's book on acid.

Um, hello? Am I invisible here? ;o)

Just being a bozo. It really is JohnnyRoy's baby.

Iacobus
-------
RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid
Buy Instant ACID by JohnnyRoy and mD!
mD at ACIDplanet

Subject:RE: Keyboard

Reply by: Moxx

Date:3/15/2005 1:27:48 PM

Ok, thanks.
=D