Dear Dixie Replies

Dixie back to answer your questions that you may have about
the equipment and product side of being an independent artist.

This week's question comes from an artist who's also a reader of my
blog:

"Dixie, just read your blog. I have a midi keyboard, although I am a
beginner on it. I also have pro tools 7LE. What I am stuck on is creating
a midi"style" rhythm track, then getting into my pro tools. The way I have
been able to get it over is put on it on flash drive, but then I dont get
the sounds.(from the keyboard)I would like to be able to get the sounds of
the keyboard over to pro tools. I read in the manual that it is possible,
but the manual isnt clear to me, how to go about it.. Thanks for any help...

Ed"




So basically the question becomes how to connect a MIDI keyboard to my
computer?

Countless people are intimidated by even thinking about trying to connect
their MIDI instrument to their computer. (and the manuals ARE confusing).
Take a few seconds to go through this checklist before you get started,
because you'll need to make sure you have one or more of the following on
or in your computer:

Parallel printer Port (almost all computers have one by default)

A free serial port

A soundcard with a joystick port (such as a Creative Labs SoundBlaster
compatible with MPU-401 compatibility or similar card, in a PC)

First (assuming you've already got a computer) you'll need a MIDI interface.
This is a vital part to your MIDI setup, as it allows your MIDI instrument
to communicate with your computer. (Also, some interfaces have really cool
flashing lights, and they look neat when you use them in the dark LOL). My
suggestion for an inexpensive one would be a handly little interface found
in the Lexicon Omega desktop recording studio. Digital studios can be
pretty pricey but this little dream comes in at less than $200. I won't go
into all the specifications here--which are as confusing as the manuals,
but here's a description of what it can do:

The Omega I/O mixer provides 8 inputs which are assignable in pairs to any
of 4 simultaneous record channels featuring ultra-transparent,
high-resolution analog to digital converters to capture your performance
with pristine 24-bit quality. Two of the inputs feature extremely low-noise
dbx mic-preamps with 48 volt phantom power and TRS insert points. Four TRS
active balanced line inputs accept up to +22dBu signals to allow interfacing
to either unbalanced or professional high-output level balanced equipment.
Included is an S/PDIF input combined with an additional DAC for zero-latency,
direct monitoring of the S/PDIF source to allow simultaneous tracking of
analog and digital sources. A high-impedance instrument input is conveniently
accessible on the front panel. The Omega I/O mixer provides a peak indicator
for each analog input as well as an assignable bar graph meter for signal
level monitoring. By monitoring the signal at the A/D converters, it avoids
the problems with software-only level monitoring that can miss clipping and
ruin your track. The Omega I/O mixer also includes a fully opto-isolated
MIDI input to ensure that there is no annoying ground loop hum or MIDI
talk-through noise common with many I/O boxes and sound cards. MIDI output
has rock-solid synchronization to USB frame rate to support applications
requiring critical sync.




The Omega Includes

Pro Tracks Plus(TM) is an easy-to-use, comprehensive 32-track recording
suite that includes all the modules you need to track, edit, process,
sequence and mix your masterpiece. Not only does it include intuitive
non-linear editing, plug-in support, and acidized looping features,
it contains a full featured MIDI sequencer with outstanding event editing
and powerful automation features as well as soft synth support. Since the
author of our question uses Protools LE (Light Edition), this is a more
powerful version of the same thing he already uses.



Pantheon Reverb Plug In
Designed entirely by Lexicon engineers, the Pantheon reverb plug-in offers
35 factory presets featuring 6 reverb types (hall, chamber, plate, room,
ambience and custom) controlled by an intuitive user interface with 16
editable parameters. The Lexicon name is synonymous with 'the world's best
reverb'. Pantheon continues this legacy by bringing "that Lexicon sound" to
your projects.

So check out the prices on Lexicon interfaces through my favorite online
equipment store at http://www.u-ni-que-music.com Through them, you may be
able to find it even cheaper than the typical price I saw out there on the
net.

Second, now that you know you'll need a midi interface, you'll need at
least 2 MIDI cables. These cables have 5-PIN male DIN connectors, and
they can be picked up at any music equipment shop, or
even bought online (check the same great store above) for less than $5.00
a piece.

Third, you'll need some sequencing software. Since the Omega comes with
a sequencing software, our artist is set, but if you choose another interface
then you'll need to find a separate package for sequencing software. The
prices of these software packages range from free to up to $1000 or more;
the more expensive packages usually offering more advanced features for
professional use. Protools can be a bit hard to pick up, so for those
of you looking for a more "user friendly" suggestion, my suggestion would be
Cakewalk's Sonar sequencer software. Let me digress a bit and explain how
it works for those that are looking to get set up.





I've used Cakewalk in the past, although I've moved on over the years to
other sequencers as I've understood more about how they work. Sonar 8
has been released, but my last experience was with Sonar 7. This bit is
a bit technical (for those geeks like me out there), so skip to the bottom
if you don't like a string of specification descriptions LOL.

Cakewalk products are always powered by the latest technology, and Sonar is
no exception. SONAR takes full advantage of the power of your machine;
it's a powerhouse on today's multi-core PCs and Intel-based Macs (using
Bootcamp). You can feel confident that you'll never be left behind, no
matter how technology changes. Cakewalk has been first to innovate on
Windows Vista, x64 processing multi-core and multi-processor support, and
64-bit double precision audio quality, and they incorporate it seamlessly
so all you need to think about is making music.

Flexibility-wise, SONAR gives you the freedom to configure your studio to
meet your unique needs. It's compatible with your choice of WDM or ASIO
hardware from the stock sound card that ships with your PC all the way up
to an SSL AWS 900+ console. If you're switching to SONAR you can load
presets of keystrokes from your favorite applications and you can make
your own. It features the best support for control surfaces and MIDI
controllers, and you can expand your creative abilities with DSP cards,
and third party VST, DirectX, and ReWire effects and instruments.
Plus you can customize menus, toolbars, layouts, channel presets,
track icons, color schemes, and more just the way you like it.




Aside from what the software does, one of the best things about ANY
Cakewalk product, is it's support. SONAR is developed by musicians who
listen, understand, and respond to the discerning needs of their customers,
including Grammy and Emmy winning producers, engineers, and composers.
So when you use SONAR, you are getting a complete package that includes
regular updates, affordably priced upgrades (no leaving you in the dust as
technology changes), an unbeatable user forum (yes, you can actually ask questions
and get help!!), and the backing of world class customer service, and
support that has made Cakewalk the musician's favorite for over 20 years.
And like all good companies, they're so sure their product will sell itself,
they have a free demo version on their site. And they give free lessons on
how to USE it on their site in video form. Most people want to buy it once
they get the hang of the demo version, and of course WHERE do you buy it?
(and what's the bottom line Dixie) Check out u-ni-que-music.com of course--
they'll have sniffed out the bargains, but generally, it seems to come in
under $300. So between the midi interface and the sequencing software,
you can have a really classy set up for under $500.




Now back to our interface and how to USE it. You'll notice that your midi interface has
three spots for connectors on it. Also, if you've got access to a MIDI
keyboard, take a look at the backside of it. You'll notice that it has the
same funny looking 5 pin midi connector spots as your interface does. They
will usually be labeled as being MIDI THRU, MIDI IN, and MIDI OUT.

What does each connector spot (port) do? Lets start with MIDI IN and
MIDI OUT. MIDI IN receives MIDI information, and MIDI OUT sends out
information. Think of it as an office mail system. Information that has
to go OUT of your office, gets put in the OUT pile for processing by a
secretary or assistant. Information being delivered to you (like your evil VISA bill or employee company expense report), will be placed into your
IN pile. The same process applies to your MIDI instrument and MIDI interface.




The input port on both the interface and the instrument act as receiving
bins. Before your MIDI instrument can process the information sent to it
by the computer, it has to have this information sent in through its IN
port. When you want to communicate your performance to your computer from
your instrument, the computer must receive the information into its IN
port (the MIDI IN port on your interface). The output ports work in the
same way. Your instrument's MIDI OUT port sends OUT information to the
interface (your interface receives the data through it's MIDI IN port).
The interface's MIDI OUT port sends out information to your instrument
(your instrument receives the data through the MIDI IN port). The MIDI
THRU port is used for daisy chaining, or linking other midi devices on to
one another. To do this, run a cable from the MIDI THRU of your interface to the MIDI IN on your 2nd MIDI instrument. Note that when you play something on your primary MIDI instrument, the secondary MIDI instrument will mimic or echo it. In a nutshell, anything that is sent into the MIDI IN of a midi device is passed out through its MIDI THRU port.




Now, here's some step by step instructions on how you should connect your
keyboard to your interface, and your interface to your computer:

Step 1: Configuring the MIDI interface

Follow the instructions by the manufacturer of your MIDI interface to hook
your MIDI interface up to your computer. Since all midi interfaces are
somewhat different, and some of them require you to install certain drivers etc, it's impossible to explain how to do that here, for every possible midi interface. If you bought a parallell port interface, hook it up toyour paralell port, if you bought a serial port interface, hook it up to the serial port, if you bought an interface that connects to the joystick port of your soundcard, hook that up accordingly. Make sure you follow the instructions and install any drivers that the manufacturer wants you to install. If you're installing a MIDI interface that hooks into your PC soundcards' joystick port (in Windows), consult your Windows help guide by clicking on your start menu, then click on the 'help icon' on how to set up a new MIDI device.

Step 2: Connecting things

Now its time to connect your MIDI instrument to your MIDI interface.
Plug one of your MIDI cables into the MIDI OUT on your interface, and stick the other end of the cable into the MIDI IN on your MIDI instrument. Now,plug your 2nd cable into the MIDI IN of your interface, and plug the end of that cable into the MIDI OUT of your MIDI instrument. So, to recap; the MIDI IN on your interface goes to MIDI OUT on your keyboard. The MIDI OUT on your keyboard goes to the MIDI IN on your interface. If you've got LED indicator lights on your interface, play something on your keyboard - your MIDI input lights should flash. (If your interface has a power switch,don't forget to turn that on).




Step 3: Configuring the sequencer

Moving along, now we can get everything up and running with our sequencer. Getting your ports set up in the sequencer can be tricky, especially if you've never done it before, and if you're new to sequencing with MIDI.
Carefully read the documentation of your MIDI sequencer, and pay attention to anything regarding the selection of MIDI ports. Since most beginners will (and should) be using something easy like Cakewalk or similar, here's how you do it in that Cakewalk, as an example:




On the top menu bar, click on tools, and then click on MIDI Devices. That'll bring up a window called "MIDI Ports". Now, you should see two columns, one that says MIDI INPUT, or Input Ports, and one that says MIDI OUTPUT, or Output Ports. Let's say you have a MIDI interface hooked in to your SoundBlaster's joystick port. You should highlight something similar to 'SB16 MIDI IN [330]' in the Input Ports Column. If you have a multi port MIDI interface, select all the ports that you want to have active. In your Output Ports column, make sure your 'SB16 MIDI OUT' port (or the port you want to use as your primary port; it's a good idea to select your primary port as your sound module/keyboard etc that you use most often, since it saves time if you're setting up new sequencers or simply loading in midi files to play back) is selected. Click on the button "Move selected devices to top", so your primary device is moved all the way to the top of the list.




What's the point of this? The device that's listed at the top of the list will be your default device, so every time you load up a MIDI file, or create a new sequence, this device will be automatically set to playback your MIDI. The device(s) listed below the primary device will be listed in that order when you go to select them in the sequence view.

Now that you've got your ports selected, hit OK. You'll be back looking at the sequence view again. Create a new track by double clicking on one of the numbered rows. Your primary port should now be selected (if not, double click on it and change it, but note that this is JUST to designate the output port).




Now you should be ready to record - do a test recording by pressing "R" on your computer keyboard. Play a few notes on your instrument, and when you're done, click on the 'stop' icon, or press your spacebar to stop recording. You can now playback what you've just sequenced, by clicking on the play icon (forward arrow) or hitting the spacebar.

Congratulations! You've just made your first sequence! Now get crackin' on becoming a star.

Have a question you'd like to ask? I'll do my best to answer them based
on my unique experience as artist, producer, label owner and disc jockey. Send those questions to triplestrandprod@yahoo.com and let's make "Dear Dixie" fun and a great learning experience for all.

Dixie McCorkell CMA/CCMA/ECMA
Triplestrand Productions
http://www.triplestrandproductions.com