Midi Controllers without computers
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Posted on Jan 22, 2008 08:43 pm
crux
Typo Szar
Member Since: Jul 04, 2002
My band is just starting to dabble in the world of live synths after a few years work in computer based stuff. The thing is our new synth player doesnt want to carry around and maintain a laptop and were actually experiencing alot of problems using the laptop to keep up with our music live.
A the moment he is using an M-Audio Oxygen type USB controller but were looking into getting something like the MicroKorg or another fully functional virtual analog type synth, but again our synth guy wants the full octave keyboard.
I was "speculating" that since the M-Audio can use external power (not from the USB) and it has midi ins and outs, could it be used to control the microkorg or a similar unit? As in just using the microkorg to supply sounds taht will be played through the controller without a computer in the equation. Any suggestions on how to accomplish this would be great.. and while were on the matter suggestions for synth units in that type or price/sound range.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 22, 2008 10:14 pm AS long as the synth you want to control has a midi input and output you will be good. And the M-audio unit will need to have a midi output to get the data to the outboard synth as well.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Jan 22, 2008 10:44 pm I remembered the wrong model of midi controller it turns out it is a Roland Edirol PCR 50. Says it has Midi in/out so i should be good to go to just get any synth with midi in/out and audio output right?
Any suggestions on which? Im looking at the Microkorg but some reviews says its a bit limited in terms of sounds. My band uses quite an array, from more traditional piano type sounds to full out electronica stuff.
RandalMcFloydI wish I had a profile pictureInactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Jan 23, 2008 07:29 pm There aren't any keyboards that can be used for MIDI and save some of the soft synth sounds on themselves are there?
Or maybe a gizmo that would hold the sounds and give access to them that the keyboard would plug into.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 23, 2008 08:09 pm crux, exactly what type of music are you looking to use it for? And what kind of sounds in a brief description?
Randall, you would need a sampler to do that, or a workstation that can save user created sounds.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Jan 23, 2008 08:09 pm Yeah,im wondering the same thing, even though computers and soft synths offer alot of power their not much of an option at the lower budget levels at this point in the game, not everyone can afford a Macbook, not in this third world country im in anyway.
There probably is some sort of soft synth sampler type unit though out there.
Sorry Noize, saw ur post after i answered Randall. My band is *cough cough* an emo type band but were moving more into experimental type alternative territory, which in short means were using sounds from the standard grand piano, to pad type synth sounds. Our synth guy uses the new Reason 4 "Thor" patch alot, if that gives an idea of what he likes to use, but we also incorporate sounds like a wurlitzers, organs and other more traditional instruments as well. And because of transport and such issues we really have to limit to just one or two light weight portable keyboards for shows.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 23, 2008 11:48 pm crux, I'll come up with a couple that are comparable to the MicroKorg that might work well for you guys then. It'll have to be tomorrow though as I'm off to bed soon.
Randall, Both those you linked to use ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY) for GM which are known as General Midi. They are the common sounds found in any generic sound card set like a Sound Blaster and the like. The other that has RAM uses it only for storing the patches you might tweak the settings on, like adding Chorus and Reverb and stock type GM effects.
I can shoot up tomorrow a quick little dity that will give you an example of what GM sounds are all about. Very Generic really.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 24, 2008 10:17 pm OK the little dity is going to have to wait until Sunday after I get back from camping.
And yes, camping in the snow is fun?
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Jan 25, 2008 03:20 am
It should at the least be more interesting, im a snow enthusiast myself