MIDI Noob

[Kublai]

I will soon be purchasing software and audio interface so I can do some recording on my PC. I have NO experience with MIDI, but I do want to have the capability to use it. The audio interface that I (think) I want to use for recording guitar is not MIDI capable. Can I still have MIDI capability using a MIDI controller keyboard with USB? Or would it be best to get a different interface with MIDI?

 

[AndyG]

What interface are you buying?  Most audio interfaces also include at least 1 MIDI in and out.  If not, and the software supports it, you can get an inexpensive USB 1 MIDI in/out box so you can connect a keyboard and take advantage of any virtual instruments you may have.

Remember (if you're really new at this), MIDI doesn't make any noise, per se; it is simply note information.  You need some kind of sound module; either hardware or software, to convert that note information into acutal sound.

 

[Kublai]

TC Electronic Konnekt 6 is the interface I am looking at. It will be just me laying down a track at a time w/guitar or vocals, so any more inputs that that are not needed. If not that, then I am considering the Presonus Firestudio Mobile, which does have MIDI in/out.

Any suggestions?

 

[bpmorton777]

Im using an M-Audio midi keyboard controller

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Keystation88es/

you can step up to the weighted version or down to the 61 key version. All are USB powered and transmit over the same USB cable. simple to use.

Brian

 

[Volitions Advocate]

your link is broken brian

I use one of these:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Uno.html

Alternatively if you wanted to use your guitar for midi rather than a traditional midi keyboard
you could go with one of these:

http://www.roland.com/products/en/GI-20/
http://www.axon-technologies.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36&menu=102

but in order for it to work you need a divided pickup installed on your guitar, and the result is not a clean as a traditional midi keyboard.
But its a good idea if you're no good at the keys.

you will need one of these to make it work:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/GK-3/
http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?SubCategoryID=15

Axon used to offer an alternative to the GK that was made by seymour duncan but I guess they have discontinued it.. bummer.

Your price starts to go up and up when you get into the midi guitar realm,, especially if you're goign to shell out for a ghost system.  But.. just so you know... the option is there.

 

[bpmorton777]

ok, try this link...

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Keystation61es.html

I would start out with a simple keyboard controller....dont mess with the guitarsynth stuff till you figure out what you want to do the the midi stuff. the keyboard will be usefull for banging out drum parts and chords.

I use a roland GR33 and have the midi pickup on my strat...but they are harder to use when you just want basic stuff like drum tracks. I think the basic 61 key keyboard runs about $150+USB cable. simple and cheap. they also make versions that have drum pads.

Brian

 

[Kublai]

Thanks guys!