#433194 - 10/16/03 07:30 PM
Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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jsegovia
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I'd like to sync my MIDI sequences (drums, keys, etc.) with my AW4416 so I can only print those while doing the two track master and free up more tracks for live audio. I don't want/need audio or editing, I just want a straightforward PC and Windows-based MIDI sequencer program that will sync via a MIDI cable, the less expensive the better.
Recommendations?
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#433195 - 10/17/03 03:35 AM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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Alndln
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There are no straight forward midi-only sequencers for windows that I know of except for G-Media's Master Tracks Pro,but I found the demo a bit flakey.Your best bet would be to get Cakewalk's Home Studio which is a somewhat stripped down version of Sonar.The midi features are excellent,straightfoward and solid and it is fairly cheap.You can setup up midi only templates and use it just for midi if you like.
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#433196 - 10/17/03 07:41 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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BOOKUMDANO
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I'm in my 16th year of using MasterTracks Pro. Can almost use it with my eyes closed by now, which is why I keep it around. We sell all the brands and I've used everything, but MTPro is a real workhorse and, nowadays, a real bargain.
Syncs well to smpte or mtc. We sync it to anything from multitrack tape to Nuendo (all via Digital Timepiece).
I might be mistaken, but I think I've read somewhere that Craig also still has a fond view of the program.
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#433197 - 10/17/03 10:13 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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Alndln
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Originally posted by BOOKUMDANO:
I'm in my 16th year of using MasterTracks Pro.
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"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#433198 - 10/18/03 11:42 AM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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jsegovia
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Thanks for all the replies. I'll start looking around myself for Cakewalk Studio and Mastertracks Pro, but what can I expect or pricing?
Also, what are these programs like to use? I'm used to Dr. T's KCS which allows you to record with a tape-recorder-like interface and create individual sequences, track-by-track (loop the same 8 or 16 bars, etc.), then save these tracks as verses and choruses from which you then assemble complete songs.
Do either of these programs allow you to work in this way or do you need to work with a complete song start to end in piano-roll mode?
Thanks!
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#433199 - 10/18/03 01:11 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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BOOKUMDANO
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kcs...now, that one was a nightmare. Stringing sections together like on the old Linndrum, trying to conserve ram. Almost like my first two sequencers, the old Sequential Circuits boxes on Commodores...on 5 1/4 floppies.
Download demos of the new programs and try them out. Home Studio/MTPro are both close in price nowadays. Advantage to Home Studio is that Cakewalk has always been around and probably always will be...if you learn Home Studio and then go on to some other Cakewalk product in 3 years or whatever, there probably won't be much of a learning curve to deal with.
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#433200 - 10/18/03 02:16 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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My take on this: and I should preface it by saying that I don't use MIDI anymore and haven't for years,... is that a program like Sonar is probably the way to go.
Why?
Up to date, and incredibly powerful, plus you get all the other features, too... looping, etc. Once you start to use them, you are not likely to want to give them up. The price point of about $300 (or is it $200....) makes it a way better bang for the buck.
If you are certain that you don't ever want to leave 1987 (and I didn't.... give me Sequencer Plus any day...) the a straight MIDI app might be what you want. Master Tracks Pro is a wonderful choice. But my suggestion is that you try the Sonar demo. You may find that you end up letting the Yammy collect dust, or just use it as a front end/controller for a more powerful and editing-friendly Sonar system.
Bill
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"...it's easier than hitting the kids, and almost as much fun..."
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#433201 - 10/18/03 08:51 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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jsegovia
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Thanks again. I wanted to download the Cakewalk Home Studio demo but it appears there is none. 
Is there a Master Tracks Pro for Windows? I can't find a home web site for Master Tracks Pro on the web to find out - I only seem to find it on Mac software sites and bbs's.
I think I'll pass on Sonar for now - the cost is prohibitive and I'm getting fairly facile on the AW doing what I need to do. At this point I think I'd rather get better on the AW than scrap it and learn a whole 'nother system.
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#433202 - 10/18/03 09:04 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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http://www.churchchoirmusic.com/mastertracks.html
That was the result of a google search, and I didn't spend any time on it. I'm sure that you could do better in ten minutes.
Bill
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#433203 - 10/18/03 09:22 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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Alndln
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Originally posted by jsegovia: Thanks again. I wanted to download the Cakewalk Home Studio demo but it appears there is none.
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#433204 - 10/23/03 12:44 AM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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chuck.dallas
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jsegovia: I recently bought Cakewalk's Home Studio 2004 for $79 just for MIDI writing/composing purposes. I have been pleasantly surprised with how powerful and easy to use it is as a MIDI sequencer. The Sonar demo might give you an idea, especially if you just look at the MIDI piece of it (not all the other Sonar stuff). I have a full-blown ProTools HD3 system, but I've started using Home Studio for MIDI and then just exporting the MIDI file into ProTools. Works great. Hope this helps.
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#433205 - 10/23/03 10:37 AM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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jsegovia
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Thanks. I've looked into Home Studio and I think that's the way to go. The only question I have is on the Cakewalk web site, there's a comparison of Home Studio with the full Sonar package. They say both SOnar and Homestudio have MIDI editing capabilities but only Sonar has 'advanced' MIDI editing capabilities. DO you know what these advanced capabilities are? I know sysex stuff is included here - anything else?
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#433206 - 10/24/03 05:33 PM
Re: Recommendations for a PC-based MIDI Sequencer (no audio) to Sync with my DAW?
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chuck.dallas
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They say both SOnar and Homestudio have MIDI editing capabilities but only Sonar has 'advanced' MIDI editing capabilities. DO you know what these advanced capabilities are? I know sysex stuff is included here - anything else?
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