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Synth to PC

Last post 01/11/2009 19:09 by PepperBoxer. 2 replies.
  • 31/10/2009 20:56

    Synth to PC

    Hi,

    I hope I'm posting this in the right section. Hopefully, it isn't too off-topic.

    I have a Yamaha W-7 that features a 16-track sequencer. I can save my compositions to the built-in double-density floppy drive. However, I would like to be able to save the MIDI data, in addition to the real audio output, to my computer’s HD... and not rely on the floppy drive.

    I purchased a MIDI to USB cable. I downloaded the free version of Anvil Studio and the keyboard and computer seem to be able to communicate with one another. However, I seem to be restricted to Anvil’s software for synth voices. 

    So, I guess I have two questions:

    1) What software should I be using to save the MIDI data and allow for playback using the built-in W-7 voices?

    2) I presume all MIDI data will be passed through the MIDI/USB cable. What’s the best way to record the audio output of the W-7 to my computer’s HD? (Analog output directly to my computer’s soundcard input?)

    Sorry for the newb questions. I’m basically a guitar guy and this is my first foray into this MIDI stuff.

    Oh, I guess I should also state that I’m using a PC with Window’s Vista. I’m also looking for cheap/free solutions!

    If anybody could point me in the right direction, it would be most appreciated.

  • 31/10/2009 22:50 In reply to

    Re: Synth to PC

    Answer
    Reply Quote
    This question is probably better asked in a place like the www.kvraudio.com forums.

    In brief, to save workstation "projects," you have to do a MIDI SysEx dump, and use a MIDI SysEx librarian program to record it. To re-use it, you have to load the dump, and play it back to the synth, to re-load the composition into the synth.

    To save the audio to the computer, you generally have to plug "sound out" into the "sound in" on the computer, and use regular recording.

    An alternative is to make the MW-7 play the entire composition out through MIDI out, and record it as multi-channel MIDI in in a sequencer on the PC. Then, to play it back, you have to set up the right voices/instruments/patches on the synth, and start playback in the sequencer. You probably want to use MIDI Time Code and/or clock to do the recording, so that you get beats/bars right in the sequencer. Although if you don't, it will still work, as long as you don't quantize or otherwise edit the data after it's been recorded in the sequencer.

    Although, in my honest opinion, what you really need is a good software-based workstation. Something like Cubase Studio or Cakewalk, with a bunch of "soft" instruments, and do all the recording and production in software on the PC. A good soft sampler like HALion or Kontakt will go a long way towards filling the need of voicing different instruments.
    Keep the keyboard as input keyboard for recording phrases, but don't use its sequencer or voices anymore.

    Jon Watte, Direct3D MVP
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  • 01/11/2009 19:09 In reply to

    Re: Synth to PC

    Thanks for the info. Yeah, I'll probably go the software route then for voices. I'm a bit worried about latency issues but hopefully they won't arise.
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