Using MIDI in Reaper
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Posted on Sep 28, 2011 07:31 am
dbmasters
Administrator Since: Apr 03, 2002
OK, Reaper users, I am cornfused...
I am starting to record some songs with a friend, sharing files and stuff...we decided to use Reaper since we can both get it cheap as well as a bunch of plugs and VSTi's and stuff.
So, last night I downloaded and installed Reaper, a couple of Drum tools and got to know it a little bit...
One question, how the **** does one get to the piano roll editor to step time sequence drums...or any MIDI synth?
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J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Sep 28, 2011 01:38 pm I believe it might be somewhere under the midi options in the piano roll editor somewhere. Here's the blurb from the user guide:
Use F1-F12 as step sequencer
When enabled, the function keys (F1 - F12) can be used to enter notes. These keys are mapped to the 12 Semitones of an Octave, with F1 having the lowest pitch and F12 having the highest pitch. The starting pitch for F1 is set by the location of the highlight bar. In the example shown, the starting pitch for F1 is C6. If F5 (for example) is then pressed, an E note will be created. By moving the highlight bar and the Edit Cursor, and using the Function keys to enter notes, complete arrangements can be quickly created.
Normally this mode will also advance the cursor according to the snap settings. You can bypass this and not advance the cursor by holding Shift while pressing the function key.
So, in the Editor, look at options, at the bottom you should see both the step from the function keys, and right below that you can also check "from any midi input" so you can use the keyboard to step-sequence input inside the editor. :) You can also look at View -> Piano Roll notes in the menu bar, and turn the midi notes into triangles or diamonds for drums.
Sep 28, 2011 01:56 pm Oh, I didn't see that, F key bidness in the user guide...googled around a lot, got a lot of non-specific guidance...doesn't seem to be the most intuitive app out there!
Thanks J-Bot!
Sep 28, 2011 06:05 pm OK, I got it...add a virtual instrument, hit record for a couple seconds and it opens a midi track, awesome, click that it opens piano roll...easy enough, rock! I have levels in the meetings, now nothing coming out the speakers.
Grrrrrr, what happened to the days when learning new software was FUN.
J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Sep 28, 2011 06:19 pm Yeah, that's one of the spots where I think Reaper needs to improve the intuitiveness.
If you're running a VST instrument on a track you need to A) set the input to a midi input (I usually just set mine to all channels on a device) B) right-click the little meter on the track panel and set it to monitor inputs. And C) Arm the track. That should get the VST instrument's audio to play through the speakers.
Also for future reference, you don't have to record anything to the midi track to create a blank midi track. You can go up to media on the menu bar, and choose to insert new midi item I think.
One caveat: when I'm using something like jamstix where the drumming is automated, I tend to leave the input to nothing (though sometimes I do use my padKontrol) And since it doesn't actually "record" to a midi track (though you can have it do that if you want) it doesn't need to be armed or anything. Just needs the input monitoring enabled.
But yeah, I agree, Reaper's midi-setup stuff on tracks could be a little more intuitive or automated or something. And have a setting where you can choose a "default" midi input device, and have it set that up automatically when you create a new midi track or something.
I'd definitely like a more simple "drag'n'drop" sorta thing like in FL Studio where you just create a new channel, add a VST instrument to it and you're good to go. (which I have FL Studio, but I like a lot of Reaper's features better, particularly with straight up audio stuff)
Sep 28, 2011 06:29 pm OK, I think I got it together now...I read about the "insert new midi item" thing but couldn't find it...must missed it...still, the f key thing is kinda cool, overall, once the piano roll is up it's pretty easy...got the driver thing figured out too, I forgot when I install the KB37 drivers it takes over all the system defaults...still want to go out of the old card, just not in.
I'll figure this out.
Kinda cool to be back up and creative again.
Time for a beer! Thanks muchly for the help.
J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Sep 28, 2011 06:53 pm Yep! Glad to help. Hopefully we'll get to hear some new things from the guy running this place. ;-)
Sep 28, 2011 11:16 pm in time, it'll be posted for sure...gotta get my chops back!
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Sep 29, 2011 03:04 am It's been a while since I heard some db music!
Sep 29, 2011 01:34 pm Back in action, baby! Recruited a singer too, though the guitarist can sing, so the singer is getting reaper up on his machine. w00t!
I'm excited...plus, the basement is getting closer to completion, so a lot of crap will go down there, clearing out our office room for recording and general officey type stuff for me and my wife....kids crap, gone!
Reaper is boiling down to be kinda cool, going to run it through some real paces tonight...record some guitar, bass, drums, etc...getting the flow. Not as intuitive as Cakewalk, but seems workable...worth a $60 license if it pans out.
