herb
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Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 4, 2021 14:48:00 GMT -5
For years I've had my digital keyboard hooked up to my iMac, where I use it to record onto Garageband, and all of that works fine.
I've got some piano, organ, mellotron software in the computer that I purchased and installed into my computer and what I want to do is hear sounds from this software when I play my keyboard through my keyboard amp to possibly use in a live setting. I'm having a tough time finding directions on how to do this, if it's even possible.
Any help?
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Post by ninworks on Oct 4, 2021 15:21:38 GMT -5
It is most certainly possible.
You need an audio interface with MIDI ports on it so you can connect the synth's MIDI OUT to the interface's MIDI IN to trigger the soft-synths and samplers. You will probably need an ASIO driver for the interface. ASIO4ALL is a driver that will operate just about any typical audio interface. It can be downloaded for free. There may be a particular one for your interface. Just Google it. If your interface uses an ASIO driver to begin with then using ASIO4ALL will not be necessary.
Some keyboards have a USB output to feed the computer. If you have that then all the MIDI connections may not be needed.
After that it's just a matter of setting up the soft-synths or sample player to talk to the correct MIDI ports and audio outputs of the interface. There is usually a menu on the synth software called either "Settings" or "Preferences." Just look for an option that says "Setup" or something to that effect. When you open that there should be a drop-down window where you can choose your Audio and MIDI devices. Once that is done it should work as long as your keyboard is set to either MIDI channel 1 or OMNI. Oh, and you will need to connect the audio output of the interface to an amplifier or some kind of system to be able to hear it.
It sounds like you already have most of it set up. It's just a matter of getting the audio into the amplifier.
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herb
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Post by herb on Oct 4, 2021 18:27:51 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks for the detailed answer! Right now I'm using an M-Audio Uno 1X1 interface. Can I get by by using that? I also own a Steinberg UR-RT2 interface but haven't yet unpacked it. I made a major move to a new city and haven't unpacked that one yet. I'm fairly inept when it comes to computers.
Thank you!
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Post by ninworks on Oct 4, 2021 20:48:35 GMT -5
I looked up the specs for the M-Audio unit. That appears to be a MIDI interface only with no audio capability. You would have to tap into the soundcard on your computer to get an audio output to feed your amplifier. Not a very good option since the audio output from the computer probably uses a 1/8" Mini jack for the output. That would require some sort of adapter which will put a lot of stress on the computer's audio jack and probably break it.
The Steinberg unit appears to have everything you will need. MIDI In and OUT as well as 4 audio outputs. That should be more than adequate.
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 5, 2021 13:25:57 GMT -5
I'll break out the Steinberg in the next couple of days and let you know how that works. I really appreciate your help on this pal! Best of luck.
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 10, 2021 15:20:17 GMT -5
Update: I got the Steinberg interface out today. It's been almost a year since I packed it up for my move and found that I pretty much have to relearn how to use it. This might take a few days but I'm sure it'll work the way I want. More later...
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 21, 2021 13:20:22 GMT -5
Do I have to also connect my keyboard outputs to the interface inputs or are the MIDI connections sufficient on their own for accomplishing what I want to do?
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Post by ninworks on Oct 21, 2021 13:40:34 GMT -5
MIDI connections are all you need if all of the sounds you are using are inside the computer. For example, software synths or sample libraries. If your keyboard has internal sounds you want to use you will have to connect its audio outputs into the interface for playback.
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 21, 2021 17:32:02 GMT -5
Muchos gracias!
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 22, 2021 14:26:45 GMT -5
Dear Friend! Thank you so much for your guidance in helping me get my DAW and MIDI keyboard set up. It's amazing what you forget and what you have to relearn when you are away from the technology as I have been for the last year or so. I've got the keyboard running and am able to use the sounds in my keyboard plus the software plug-ins I use in the manner I wished for. This little exercise has reacquainted me with both my DAW and computer and now at least I know where to go to look things up, where I was a little confused before. Now that it's set up that should make things so much easier. Your time and help is much appreciated and you are a credit to this message board. Have a great weekend!
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Post by ninworks on Oct 22, 2021 20:48:35 GMT -5
You are so very welcome. I have been doing this sort of thing for decades and have been using MIDI extensively since it's commercial release back in the mid 80's. Been programming synthesizers since the 70's. Getting everything to talk to computers has been another endeavor all by itself. I have gone through much trial and error and read multitudes of poorly translated operators manuals and technology books in the process. I am glad that knowledge can be useful to someone other than me after being kicked in the shins so many times while attempting to make all of it work. Have fun.
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Post by Cal-Woody on Oct 25, 2021 9:24:43 GMT -5
I saved this info and from what I read, I think I need a new interface also for connecting my M-Audio keyboard to my computer and sound system. I'd like to be able to use all of my software and hear it live. This was a wealth of information that you supplied! Thank you for being so generous! Woody
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Post by ninworks on Oct 25, 2021 10:28:01 GMT -5
Woody, I am happy to help. Check this one out. It's new and I have no experience with it but knowing Universal Audio's track record, I can't imagine it being anything but a great value. It has all the necessary connections you will need. It also comes with some plugins. Looks like a great entry level interface. All you will need is a computer with a USB port on it and some kind of audio system to monitor the audio. If you don't an external monitoring system it has a headphone amplifier built right into it. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Volt1--universal-audio-volt-1-usb-c-audio-interfaceI did notice that they are not available yet but they have been advertising the heck out of it. So, I wouldn't think it will be very long before their release. Check with Sweetwater. They will have a pretty good idea when they will be available. If it's going to be awhile then there are other devices in this price range that will do what you need. Just make sure they have MIDI ports. Some of the entry level Focusrite stuff doesn't. Sweetwater is great for product info and support. They can and will help you make a decision. |
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herb
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Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 27, 2021 14:57:47 GMT -5
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 27, 2021 15:06:13 GMT -5
Here's a pic of my basic home studio. The keyboard is an old Hammond XK-2. Interface (under envelopes) is a Steinberg UR-RT2 that I bought last year. Monitors are Adam Audio T8Vs. Right now going direct in for guitar and bass. Occasionally use my old Line 6 POD 2.0 and Tech 21 SansAmp GT2. I've also an assortment of mics for vocals and micing up amps. DAW is your basic Apple Garageband. Pretty basic but it does what I want for an old guy.
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Post by ninworks on Oct 27, 2021 16:50:08 GMT -5
Nice!
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Oct 27, 2021 18:49:41 GMT -5
Thanks for looking at my set-up and again for helping me get it going!
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