running a korg N1

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Member Since: Aug 23, 2010

Hi there. been havin a few problems setting up my small home recording outfit and so the idea of asking others has come to mind. I have a primitive simple set up, a korg N1 midi keyboard into an M-Audio fast track pro usb into my laptop. whilst I can get sound from my bass and guitars, I have not yet got sound from the korg. Sound seems to register on level meters and the usb, I have yet to hear it. Do I need a separate connection from the korg direct to the laptop? Do I have drivers to install? I just dont know and Im lost for an answer. Im not good with technology but I do want to learn. thank you. S

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Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Aug 24, 2010 02:17 am

Hi, welcome to HRC!

So, you are just sending midi signals into the computer, not actual sounds. You can use these midi signals to control a software synthesizer and the computer will generate the sounds. Otherwise if you want the N1 sounds, you need to connect the audio out from the keyboard to the audio in on your soundcard/interface.

Member
Since: Aug 23, 2010


Aug 24, 2010 09:01 am

Coolo, thank you dude. Yup now getting audio from my keyboard and it has brightend up my day immensly. So the blatently obvious was the answer, its funny how it works out. My history is that of a bass player who wants to expand his horizons so midi and even recording techniques are still something of a mystery. I have now got to figure out how to use the keyboard as a trigger. I also have fatar sl 880 and wonder does it have to be hooked up to a sound module to trigger vst instruments. trust me, all advice I recieve in my quest is valued. Again I thank you most kindly. S

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Aug 24, 2010 02:50 pm

rusticbotox, I'm glad I could help. I had no clue at one time also, and the nice people at this forum helped me out, so I'm glad I could repay the favor, so to speak.

In order to use the fatar to trigger sounds, you need to hook it up to your computer, or a rack type synthesizer via midi. Within your computer, you will need a program that can host vst instruments, as well as the vst instruments themselves. Some vst instruments act as their own hosts. Alternatively there are other programs that act as software synthesizers that do not use vst technology, but still turn midi signals into sound. You will also need to make sure your program recognizes the fatar controller, but this is usually done automatically and painlessly.

Member
Since: Aug 23, 2010


Aug 24, 2010 08:22 pm

Thank you again Coolo. Ive been sat all day workn at improvin myself in this game and since gettin your advice on my obvious lack of an audio input from the keyboard ive found that the korg answers my needs at the moment so the fatar will have to wait until my needs match my knowledge and experience. That may take a while. Dont even know how to get a smilie in even.ha ha.
Ive found the means to use the korg as a trigger for the drum samples contained within cubases LM7 wich at the moment is my primary source.

Truth is Im workn my way thru the tutorials at the moment whilst trying to put together my first composition, and I say that with serious a tongue in cheek. latest problem is workin with loops. I set up a drum loop thinkin it would be contained within the track but found it applies on a vertical level once applied. I was hopin the loop would act as a template for the whole track. Was wrong again. Im sure with perserverance I will work my way thru this but any advice you can offer would be kindly appreciated. I dont have any expectations from you dude as you have already been such a help.and for that I am thankful. yours S

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Aug 24, 2010 08:35 pm

Unfortunately I don't know anything about Cubase, really. So I can't be of much more help, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Or maybe someone else will chime in. Good luck.

Member
Since: Aug 23, 2010


Aug 24, 2010 08:43 pm

Not a bother. By the way I took the liberty of checkn out your sounds, hope you dont mind. Pretty cool. Keep it up and I wish you success. S

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Aug 26, 2010 02:40 am

Of course I don't mind. I'm happy for people to listen! Thanks!!!

Member
Since: Aug 27, 2010


Aug 27, 2010 11:52 pm

This is amazing that I found this website. This is my first post. I am having similar problems with hooking my keyboard up to laptop which is using windows vista. I tried to download the driver for the USB cable I am newly using, Edirol UM1-X by Roland. This shows successful in my downloads list, however when i fire up the program, i get "windows cannot find a driver for unknown USB device". I am attempting to use this setup for "printmusic" which is score-transcribing software i'm running through my laptop. I get some information coming through (like the Korg instrument list for instance) but no sound is coming through . I have lost my Korg manual, do you have to
"do something" to switch it to MIDI , perhaps? I use the keyboard daily for just straight recording, and the sound is fine through monitors , headphones, my recording station, etc. Just this going to USB/laptop . Also Re the midi/usb cable, the LED lights don't light up. Does that mean the cable is broken? I don't see how it could be broken if i'm getting "some" information running through. I've tried the midi in to out, in to in , still no sound. I am trying to figure out where the problem is.
I am l o s t. Any suggestions / direction very welcome, thx

Member
Since: Aug 27, 2010


Aug 28, 2010 09:24 pm

I figured it must be a dysfunctional edirol usb cable as the led wasn't lit. So went back to Long and Mcquade and bought a brand new usb interface cable. Installed the driver (cd rom that came with it) and followed all the directions. This is to use keyboard and a score writing program. Everything i checked is fine, but still I can't get the instrument sounds to go from Korg to and out of my laptop. The only question I can't answer is " have you checked the midi settings on your sound module" so does anyone know if I need to set the Korg N1 to a midi mode" or something like that? The example given was for a Cassio, to turn the "midi switch" on. But there isn't any Midi switch on a Korg N1. Or is there????????????????/HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Member
Since: Aug 23, 2010


Aug 29, 2010 07:09 am

Hi ya eartotheground.
Them korg N1's are a pain I think. Did you try running an jack lead from your audio out on your keyboard to your sound card. IT seems that mid does not produce sound jst info. One other point, korg N1 manuals can be down loaded, takes a while to print off and is a bugger to understand but is usuful nonetheless. Im probably no help but I wish you luck. S

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