Hello from a new old-timer!

[buckyswider]

Hi all, and John!

I'm returning to the MIDI world after a hiatus of almost twenty years (!). The focus of my project will be for live entertainment- when my tech (and musical) chops get back to an acceptable level, I'll be putting together a 2 or 3 piece ensemble to play local dive bars. I miss the stage!!

My last project, in 1994, ended when I broke my ring finger on my left hand. Shortly after, I bought a house, got engaged, then had a kid. You know how it goes.

So I dusted off my old gear and will set up my rig again, and probably need some new hardware along with the requisite new software. My last experience was sequencing with Cakewalk Pro 4.0 !!!

My old gear is an Ensoniq SQ80, Korg Proteus I module, and an Alesis D4 drum module. I was using a Key Midiatior 128 serial<>MIDI interface for my PC. I obviously can't use that anymore--not many machines even have serial interfaces these days- so I just picked up an M-Audio Midisport 4X4 Anniversary Edition Usb Midi Interface.

Next up is to pick new sequencing software. It seems Cakewalk is now "Sonar" and geared more towards digital recording than sequencing. Anybody have any good recos for software? I loved the macro capability within Cakewalk- for instance, I just read John's excellent tutorial about volume controls- I remember writing a macro that would go through a MIDI file and remove all volume change events so I could start fresh, to avoid any surprises.

Another technology difference that I need to tackle is the evolution of "sound modules". It seems like everything these days is going towards PC based sound modules, and there isn't a whole lot of 19" sound modules anymore (like the good 'ol Proteus).

OK, I think I'm drifting a bit from a basic intro- I'll take specific discussions into the appropriate threads. I look forward to talking to everyone!!

[JohnG]

Hi Old-Timer, or should that be Bucky?

And welcome to the MIDI Tutorials forum.

So pleased you took the time to do an intro, I do wish more would do the same. Hint, hint!

I wish you good luck with your venture.
If you're looking for MIDI files to play with, the van Basco MIDI file search engine is an excellent place to begin. Though these days I find that more and more of the hits end up with sites that have closed down, unfortunately.

If you find this you can always use the Internet Archive (try Googling 'wayback') to hunt down an archived copy of the site you're looking for.

I started my first forays into sequencing by examining and learning from other people's expertise. Then making modifications and eventually doing my own sequences.

AS far as MIDI sound modules are concerned, as well as other gear, I have been lucky so far to pick up all my equipment over the past ten years via ebay. Certainly I've sometimes had to wait a while until something becomes available but, to date, I've had two Yamaha MU128 (XG) modules and later two MU1000s, a VL70m and very recently an AN1x synth as well as a Roland SC8850.

I've also had two E-MU 1616m cardbus audio interfaces from ebay in the past 3 years. But you do need some patience.

As far as MIDI sequencing software goes, I still use XGworks v4. Whilst other s/w, like Sonar, has many bells and whistles to it, for MIDI I haven't found much better than XGW. There's a few freebies like Sekaiju out there. If you're interested in XGworks try popping over to Yahoo groups and look for XGworks-users. Joining the group and making a polite request might yield a surprise.

I do have a copy of Sonar Studio version 7 (wish I'd upgraded to 8) which I use from time to time. But I'll never bother upgrading to the new X version. It's not for me.

With XGworks I use it via a virtual MIDI cable (Maple MIDI) to VSThost. In there I run the soft synths and sample players (VST instruments), more info in tutorials on site.

When looking for a MIDI interface don't buy a cheap one. Get one with it's own drivers, preferably as an audio card too. The E-MU one I use got excellent reviews in Sound on Sound magazine. www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct05/articles/emu1616m.htm.
Since the review the drivers have been given an update or two correcting the minor criticisms.
Sadly they don't make the cardbus (PCMCIA) version any more.

Most of my own work with sequencing is making classical backing tracks for my wife to use. She's an operatic mezzo-soprano. And I use PC based sample libraries like Garritan Personal Orchestra to realise them.
Here's a link to my latest project:app.box.com/s/i8m1obe5o4pcygcj9tvu.

Good luck with the project and with sequencing, any questions, please fire away.

Kind regards,
JohnG.

[parametric]

Hi Bucky - and welcome . . . .

Regarding Software, take a look at Reaper www.cockos.com/reaper/

I had been supporting ProTools in my former employment as a Tech, and was impressed enough with Reaper that I ended up registering it (£38).

Its a FULLY FUNCTIONAL download that you can try FREE for 60 days.

I have found it to be bullet-proof and rock solid on my earlier XP Home in its 32bit version, and latterly on my Vista64 HPE installation. I actually installed the 32 & 64 bit versions (which is allowed) on Vista64 and they both work perfectly, to date.

Being retired, I don't have the resources for ProTools and other high-end DAWs that tend to force you down the road of expensive upgrades.

Reaper is quite small - as it comes with no "Instruments", but it DOES come with a load of plugins.

Whilst I appreciate your interest is primarily MIDI, Most DAWs now feel obliged to offer audio too - which is no bad thing really - You might want to add a vocal or acoustic guitar at some point . . . .

I like Reaper because, it is CHEAP, Its now at v4.52 - and your £38 will see you through to v5.99. Its not tied to any Hardware - and will use pretty much whatever you have. I have a SB Audigy ZS which will do the Audio AND I can use the on board Synths A & B on it for MIDI.

There is an active user forum - much like this one - which can answer any questions - and there are downloadable video guides on many aspects of Reaper. These are "bought" items, but they are both cheap and GOOD (IMO)

Anyhow - best of luck, whatever you decide . . .

Best Regards

parametric