Basic Soft Synth Understanding
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Posted on Nov 02, 2004 05:09 pm
acoustic rain
Member Since: Nov 02, 2004
I know I had a soft synth running a couple years ago <can I remember it? NO>. I thought I patched my midi controller to the USB Midisport <2x2>. Then the Midisport plugged in via USB into my computer. Well, I thought I was controlling the soft synth and using their samples by playing the keyboard. Although, I can't exactly remember. An internet music friend and I were experimenting with these synths and I know he had better luck than I, however, I did get the ball rolling. I understand a compatable VST host is necessary. Can someone break this down? How is the soft synth controlled by an external controller? What is the connections that I must make? Programs that allow this? Etc... thanks in advance. Kirk
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Nov 02, 2004 06:11 pm Hey! Welcome to HRC. I think I have heard some of your stuff over on the VF-16/160 board. (I use a VF-16) I'm listening to "Fall Again" as I write. Sounds great.
I can't answer your question because I am MIDI-challenged. I just thought I recognized the "Acoustic Rain" handle.
Welcome!
Jim
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Nov 02, 2004 06:30 pm Erm, I think you pretty much have it, except for what programs to use. I personally use Reason, and Massiva for working with softsynths (Massiva for hosting VST softsynths). Basically once you choose your program, you select your midisport as your midi input, and you should be able to bang around with your controller, and ahem, control your VST softsynths. I'm sure someone else here will be able to give additional hosting programs to mess with.
and welcome to HRC!
Nov 02, 2004 06:46 pm I use a M-Audio Radium 61 keyboard which plugs in via USB. I use V-Stack to control all of my soft synths (Native Instruments B4, Pro-53, and Lounge Lizard). I then run my synths out through my soundcard (audiophile 2496) into my Peavy tube guitar amp. This warms up the organ sound + lets me add spring reverb and other effects for live uses.
If I use my soft synths for recording, I just route the signal to a midi track in Cubase and I'm all set. It's all pretty easy to do and with all of the soft synths now days and the unbeliveable quality of them, why woudln't you not consider them?
Nov 02, 2004 07:28 pm Well, that's my goal ... I'm just trying to start simple on it and see what I can do with it. I have a Yamaha midi controller <a cheapo, but a controller nonetheless>. I'll research. Thanks, kirk
Nov 03, 2004 03:44 pm OK ... I can load samples fine. Play them with the virtual keyboard. But, I can't get my controller to play "live" Perhaps I'm in the pre-beginner stage, but I'd like to think I can control the samples in Mellosoftron with my Kaysound MK-4902 . I'm wondering if the controller isn't the "right kind"? Do I still need to hook up the Roland Sound Canvas in the midi loop here? As so far, I've plugged the midi cable into the rear of my controller out to the Midisport 2x2. And the 2x2 goes into my computer USB. Now, when I go to select midi, there's only MPU-401 to select from. So, I don't know where my 2x2 selection is. Should there be one? The Help file on this software is vague at best. I guess the company assumes amyone who's going to use this software has some knowledge of s/s. Any ideas what I could be doing wrong? Am I expecting this software to do something it doesn't? And the saga continues. Kirk
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Nov 03, 2004 04:37 pm Have you installed drivers for the midisport?
Nov 04, 2004 09:05 pm Yes, the driver is installed. Sonar & Mellosoftron don't see it. I've only got the MPU-401 & Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth Outputs and the MPU-401 Input available. I'm gonna check the midiman website for an updated driver for WinXP. I'll get back. Kirk Out!
Nov 04, 2004 09:55 pm OK .. I've installed the new driver for the midisport and voila ... the programs now see the USB midi. I can get sound out of the Synth in Sonar but with some delay from the time that I press a keyboard key to the time it comes out of the speakers. Mellosoftron seems to be ok. Moving right along. What could cause the delay? Is it what they refer to as latency? Kirk
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 14, 2004 01:18 am Yes that is what is called latency. It is an issue with the sound card mostly not being able to process fast enough to keep up with the input. I didnt see what sond card you are using, but I would geuss it is the cause of the latency.
You can go in and try to adjust the buffer settings to see if you can get it down lower, but you might introduce distortion if you set it to low.
