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I have a keyboard that i want to use as a midi controller, but i dont know how to. I use a laptop and i dont know if that makes a difference, but i dont know what cable or cables i need or where to plug them in. Sorry if this is a bit retarded but just humour me...

theres a lot of midi interfaces etc about but if you only want to connect the one k/brd i wouldn't spend lots of money on multiple ins/outs!

i bought my brother one of these for his midi keybrd, very simple to use - literally plug in the usb to the pc, plug in the 'in' midi cable to you k/brd's 'out' socket and it will recognise the midi device straight away


http://www.cables2u.co.uk/midi-cable-p- ... EgodQhcC0w

if its 5 pin din:


you will need a 5 pin din to usb adaptor. laptops don't have 5 pin din connections because they are old skool.

if it is usb, then just get a usb lead. i'm guessing its an old keyboard with 5 pin midi lead though

you can even get midi to usb connectors if you so want, not very expensive either i think.

for $30.00 u.s. you can get the M-AUDIO UNO

it'll get the job done

my output plughole is small though, like headphone plug size, i checked them out and they look too big...

cracktactics wrote:my output plughole is small though, like headphone plug size, i checked them out and they look too big...

u cnt send Midi dn audio cabels

lmao sshhhhh dont tell him!

Ha, if all production forum's where this harsh...



doesn't sound like your keyboard has midi. You're gonna have difficulty. What keyboard is it? (make/model)

if you want to use it to control a softsynth in a sequencer, you can't (assuming that you only have a headphone out on your keyboard). If you want to record the existing sound from your keyboard...either...3.5mm or 1/4inch jack to audio-in on your laptop will do it. But the results won't be as nice as a midi keyboard controlling a softsynth.

But hey, maybe your a demon on the ivory's...and don't need what some of us require, like quantize and hyper-editing

yeh doesnt look like it does have midi, i need to get one which does. Any cheap reccomendations?[/quote]

cracktactics wrote:yeh doesnt look like it does have midi, i need to get one which does. Any cheap reccomendations?

if you want to control a soft synth via midi...a cheap one would be this...



but alot of Midi controllers send over USB (as does the one pictured above) aswell as Midi cable.

i paid £40 for this one, but may have been in a sale item...can't remember

cracktactics:

If you are using a laptop, I'm just guessing that you are probaby even using the built in pile of shit sound card ?
The thing is, you can go ahead and buy bits and pieces and stuff will sort of work but just save yourself the hastle... buy an external sound card first (USB2) and just pick one that has all the connections you think you need.
Myself, as I use a mixer, I dont need lots of ins/outs so I use the Emu 0404 Usb for the laptop and the internal 0404 for the desktop pc.

Sorry if I jumped the gun but you seem new to it.

spencerTron: thats the exact kind of midi controller i need, what make etc is it and where did you get it from? sorry i think it says but my eyesight is shit.

Cheers

Actually in second thought i think ur rite RobPhoboS i probly do need an external soundcard. But to be perfectly honest im crap with all the technical stuff, and have no idea what an external soundcard does or why i need one. Can someone please explain?

Im not really all that savvy with technical shit either..

But I do know that default internal sound cards and speakers have a "built-in" eq curve already.. Which will not give you accurate playback sound. An external soundcard and near-field monitors have a "flat" response... So you hear exactly what is supposed to come out.

I may be missing some critical information on this subject.. Im sure someone with alot more knowledge will pass through and give you the whats up.


I do everything with headphones and a Avance A97 soundcard. Sucks balls.


The MIDI keyboard in the pic is a Korg K25 I believe. Shop around online and read reviews.

Well you are entering a world full of pitfalls because its easy to buy something, then realise you needed something bigger\better\faster ect later. I know because I've been doing that for years

But seriously I would advise you to get something like the Emu 0404 Usb external sound card as it has good primary inputs and outputs, plus the important factor of having an ASIO 2 driver.
£130 though.
You will want to use the ASIO driver because I'm sure you are going to start using VSTi's (software synths, plugs ins, fx) so the sound card takes the burden off the CPU in the laptop... meaning you can run more software synths at the same time if need be, and usually less crashing !
You can find cheaper ASIO 2 complient cars starting from about £50 and yes they will pretty much have the same performance as a £150 card but you will have less inputs and outputs on it, and usually not good quality ones either.

Then I'm pretty sure you are going to need good monitors, or at least some good headphones to hear what you are making.

thanks for your help guys, i think now i see why its so expensive to be a producer. I was happier when it was just me, my laptop and fruity loops haha!

cracktactics wrote:thanks for your help guys, i think now i see why its so expensive to be a producer. I was happier when it was just me, my laptop and fruity loops haha!

You dont need loads of gear to produce good music, or even expensive stuff. BUT there is always a minimal ammount to get you started without it being restrictive in almost anything you fancy learning.