VSTi?
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Posted on Jun 23, 2008 03:17 pm
CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member Since: Jun 20, 2006
Ok, so I cannot afford a keyboard at this time but want badly to have some keys in my recordings. What is a easy to use software that let's me program the parts and won't break my bank?
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J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Jun 23, 2008 04:18 pm Hmmm, lemme see if I've got this right:
So you're looking for a keyboard sound, either piano, or electric keyboard, or something in that area, that has a built in sequencer so you can program the melody and accompaniment?
Hrmmm, I think yellow tools independence has some keys sounds, and a built-in step sequencer/midi editor, but I'm not sure if that's exactly what you're looking for. The basic version isn't -too- bad price wise, I think it runs about $100. Their higher end stuff gets a bit pricey though.
www.yellowtools.us/cp21/cms/index.php?id=801
Might be something worth checking out though. And in my experience with the free version, it's not too heavy on the cpu/RAM usage, and I'm running a 1.8Ghz machine w/ 2.5GB RAM.
edit: Doh, missed the "easy to use" part. YT has a little bit of a learning curve I think. I'll letcha know if I come up with anything else.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 23, 2008 04:46 pm You pretty much have the usage nailed, I would like piano, organ, strings n stuff. Probably not alot of synth tone but I would like the option.
And yes, ease of use is critical as I won't be using it day to day and therefore will probably never master it. It would be mostly for filling out my acoustic recordings when needed.
J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Jun 23, 2008 05:52 pm Did some picking around in KVR, and came across this one: Key Rig from M-Audio.
www.kvraudio.com/get/1520.html
looks a bit more simple than the yellowtools stuff, and has a decent rating.
off the page:
"4. The GM-4 General MIDI Module delivers 128 GM instruments plus a great GM drum kit. It instantly plays GM-compatible standard MIDI files from host applications and provides an extremely easy way of sequencing additional backing tracks."
Haven't tried it myself, but it looks like it'd be right up your alley. Mebbe they have a demo/trial version you can test out?
-J
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 23, 2008 09:41 pm Yep, hit up KVR for a whole pile of different synths that will do anything you need.
And you can simply use the sequencer software you have. But ya, if you have trouble using KVR and finding exactly what you want put up a list and I'll run em down for you.
At last count I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 1700 different freebies I have used over the years and each one I can attest has its own unique character. Some are much better then others, but all are cool. And may came from KVR or their links to external sources.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jun 24, 2008 12:19 pm I went mad downloading free VSTi synths at one point. I really like "Embracer", "Bars and Stripes" and "Crazy Diamond" (guess what sound that makes?!).
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 24, 2008 01:00 pm Well, I did find a cool organ tone I like but realized within 5 minutes that I don't want to draw these damn things out, I will try again but am going to have to get a keyboard so I can just play it. I will say though, the Audition sequencer is very straightforward and simple.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 24, 2008 09:13 pm Look for an interesting bit called the Delay Lama. Its one of the funest synth's I have found in years. They actually had it included in the extra's section of Sonar 5 or 6 I think. But it is a freebie out there.
Jun 24, 2008 09:35 pm There are programs that turn your computer keyboard into a midi keyboard. Might be worth a try if you're tight on coin.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 25, 2008 12:26 pm Hmmm, that might be worth a shot CS, I am not looking to do anything fancy but drawing into the sequencer was sooooo not my thing. I could probably get away with just the qwerty row for some ambient organ tones.
