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Can somebody educate me on MIDI stuff?

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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
So, first off, I don't want to be a dj or a music producer or play DubSt3pzzzz. I mainly do piano.

I have a casio px100, which is an 88 key keyboard. Weighted and all that, piano focused, only a few different voices. I've never messed with computer music, but I saw that colbert report with the postal service, and colbert asked him if he played the computer, which was funny.

So what do I need to play the computer? My keyboard has midi in and out, so I'd need a 1x1 interface, correct? Any recommendations? Nothing super fancy. I think I've got this part figured out between google and common sense. I'm assuming trying to do this would yield some results with my instrument.

My main question is, what software do you run, and what can you do? Can I control all sorts of goofy synth sounds so my hipster friends will accept me? As well as all the instruments garage band has to offer?

I'm on a macbook pro, that can also boot ubuntu, so software for either os is cool. Os x would be better though, cause sometime my linux boot is stupid. Free would be nice. I don't need anything professional. Or would garage band be close enough for just messing around? Any other good software that I can play/control virtual instruments?

Perhaps I've been listening to Late of the Pier and that sort of music too much? I don't know shit about synths or anything, so if somebody would care to enlighten me on the ways of the synth, that'd be cool. Also, if I'm going in the complete wrong direction, well, lol.
Sep 29 2013 1:31PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
I'm guessing that your Casio has a USB port on it somewhere, I suggest you use the USB option instead of midi, it's doing essentially the same thing but its easier to set up. What are you trying to achieve here? Do you simply want to have access to more sounds? Do you want to write and record songs with your keyboard? Do you want to actually learn how to make sounds with a synthesizer or do you want a bunch of presets to just play around with? I'm on mobile right now but I'll weigh in later with some more specific ideas for you.
Sep 29 2013 1:58PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
I really have no idea what I'm trying to do. Just have access to a bunch of synth sounds? I guess that would fall into the realm of presets? I'm still unclear on how an actual synth keyboard functions so... I'm going to do some reading and googling. I don't really need to record anything, I don't play like shows or anything like that.

It's an older keyboard, so it's got no usb, which is why I believe I need a midi usb interface device that goes through the in/out on the keyboard and into the computers usb.

From my basic understanding, a synth is the interface that allows you to control a software instrument and output to speakers, or it can make sounds on it's own via whatever built in mechanics and computers it has?
Sep 29 2013 2:09PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Okay, here's what I've figured out. My keyboard has midi in/out. Connecting it to a computer with a midi/usb interface should allow me to control software instruments, aka sounds not on the keyboard, by hitting keys on my keyboard. Then sound will come out somewhere, and I will be happy.

I found a software that's supposed to be good on linux, so I'm gonna boot my linux os and see what's up on that end, and look around to see what other software is available.
Sep 29 2013 3:13PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
Alright, as far as the midi interface goes almost anything will do; you don't need something fancy. MIDI is a digital signal so there's no loss of quality or speed with cheap gear. You can go the cheap route if you want to and it doesn't matter. I suggest m-audio, as far as midi goes they offer some cheap interfaces and their stuff is fairly easy to setup on a mac. You will also need a MIDI cable. You need to connect the "MIDI out" port on your keyboard to the "MIDI in" port on your interface. Also, whatever interface you buy, go to the company's website and download the latest driver for it.

If you're on a mac I highly suggest you check out mainstage, which comes with loads of sounds and is available for like $30 in the app store. Its made for live performances, so you don't have to use recording software and sort through all the buttons and settings to figure out how to get a simple instrument up and running.

I would give you more info but sometimes it works better to just jump in and trouble shoot as you go until everything is up and running. Discussions about MIDI and synthesizers can get very long and complicated. If you need any more info just ask. Hope that helped.
Sep 29 2013 9:30PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
maudio has this thing, which I was looking at
Click for larger image

I did some reading, and got a software called linux multimedia studio, which has a few software instruments. I had some graphic instabilities, but I think I resolved them so... But I'll see when I can get my hands on an interface and then start playing around.

Too bad I don't have more free time, the electronics of an analog synthesizer are interesting.
Sep 29 2013 9:36PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
That adapter would be just fine for your purposes. I've heard they can be pricey though. If its cheap then go for it.

Nothing wrong with linux but your software selection might be seriously limited. There is a ridiculous amount of free software for mac, and even more for windows. I only suggest mainstage because it requires minimal setup and has lots of built in sounds. There are better options if you actually want to learn how to use a synthesizer though.
Sep 29 2013 9:45PM
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