Ernst Vincent Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Hi, guys.. I'm looking for some guidance here. For starters I am a novice to 'software recording' I have never used a computer for recording songs in my life. What I need is a DAW, prefferably just a sequencer (be it software or a dedicated hardware) that could record multiple-midi tracks. In the past I use to own a Roland MC-500, then I upgraded to the Roland MC-50 which I still have to this day. However I find myself lately needing more internal capacity (RAM) then what the MC-50 offers, and-also floppy disks are becoming too inconvenient to work with these days. I am primarily a keyboard player I am familiar with synth/workstation keyboards that has sequencers built-in. But, I find these sequencers very limited. For instance on my Roland MC-50 the sequencer could go upto 9,999 measures whereas most synth workstations can only go upto 999 meas. This is HUGE for me I need the extra measures onboard for when I am working on a piece of music that requires me to change meters / time signatures.... say, 1/4. Also need the sequencer to be able to read and write SYSEX (system eclusive). This is important for me as well -- my budget is only $400. Please let me know what's out there? Thanks, for reading and thanks in advance for your kind help ! Ernst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr88s Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Hi Ernst, Others here are much more knowledgable about DAWs and the like, but for starters let's just clarify some of the terminology; a sequencer will hold the data that can drive your synth or soft synth to play music, but a sequencer will not record audio at all. Are you just looking for software to store MIDI data about each track, or are you looking to record separate tracks (or the output of your workstation) to audio format? Most DAWs will include a sequencer. If you're new to the technology, a good place to start is to try REAPER. It's free to try a fully functional copy for a fair evaluation period, and there's a large online community to discuss issues and seek help. If you do buy it, it's reasonably priced for what you get. Nord Stage 2 Compact, Yamaha MODX8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Hi, guys.. I'm looking for some guidance here. For starters I am a novice to 'software recording' I have never used a computer for recording songs in my life. What I need is a DAW, prefferably just a sequencer (be it software or a dedicated hardware) that could record multiple-midi tracks. In the past I use to own a Roland MC-500, then I upgraded to the Roland MC-50 which I still have to this day. However I find myself lately needing more internal capacity (RAM) then what the MC-50 offers, and-also floppy disks are becoming too inconvenient to work with these days. I am primarily a keyboard player I am familiar with synth/workstation keyboards that has sequencers built-in. But, I find these sequencers very limited. For instance on my Roland MC-50 the sequencer could go upto 9,999 measures whereas most synth workstations can only go upto 999 meas. This is HUGE for me I need the extra measures onboard for when I am working on a piece of music that requires me to change meters / time signatures.... say, 1/4. Also need the sequencer to be able to read and write SYSEX (system eclusive). This is important for me as well -- my budget is only $400. Please let me know what's out there? Thanks, for reading and thanks in advance for your kind help ! Ernst. Hey, Ernst! I used to work on the Roland MC-50 as well. The Alesis MMT-8 too at one point. Heck, if you could figure out how to use devices like these with their little screens, function hierarchy, and key combination interfaces... using a modern DAW (which all have audio and MIDI sequencing capability these days) will be a BREEZE! a freaking BREEZE! ha ha What you will need is a computer, the DAW software, and an audio interface (possibly with MIDI as well if your keyboard doesn't have USB MIDI - so let us know what keyboard(s) you are using). If you already own a "newer" computer then that would be good, because you can eat up your budget right there. Otherwise, you can get a good interface for about $150 these days, and DAW software for anywhere for free to try (like Reaper) to $99 to $199 and up. Best question is are you on Mac or PC? Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernst Vincent Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hi, Dr88s.. Sorry! that my post was a bit confusing. I am looking for a midi-sequencer something that could eventually replace my MC50. I am not concerned about whether the software includes onboard audio-recording. For now, Ill leave all audio-recording stuff for the studio engineer (he must wet his beak too, right?). My main focus right now is to have a device where I can compose & edit my backing tracks... Could you tell me more about Reaper? 1. Does it have a maximum song length, 2.is there a maximum note-capacity, 3.could it read/write sysex, 4.does it have available options to change time signatures, quantize ?? Thanks, Ernst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Ernst. Just about all the DAW software in use today has both MIDI and Audio sequencing in the same software. There's no longer a differentiation. Most of these applications/software started off 15, 20, 25 years ago as strictly MIDI sequencing software, but as the computers become faster, had access to more RAM and storage they all added audio recording and editing. It happens in sync with your MIDI parts... Titles include but not limited to... Steinberg Cubase MOTU Digital Performer Apple (previously eMagic) Logic Studio Avid Pro Tools Check out their features on their company product pages, YouTube to see them in action. Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernst Vincent Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hi, ElmerJFudd.. Totally a PC guy; Mac is for people driving Volvos who worry about their safety. My keyboard has regular midi in/out and thru ports nothing fancy. To be honest the MC50 covers most of what I need its just that I get a memory full error message too quickly.. would like something with more space so that I can finish my songs. Oh, I am a dinosaur! i do own a pair of reading glasses and a magnifying glass. Is there a site where I can find a trial copy of Reaper to download? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hi, ElmerJFudd.. Totally a PC guy; Mac is for people driving Volvos who worry about their safety. Welcome to the forum, Ernst Vincent. Congratulations on showing us all exactly where you're coming from in 3 posts. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernst Vincent Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Ernst. Just about all the DAW software in use today has both MIDI and Audio sequencing in the same software. There's no longer a differentiation. Most of these applications/software started off 15, 20, 25 years ago as strictly MIDI sequencing software, but as the computers become faster, had access to more RAM and storage they all added audio recording and editing. It happens in sync with your MIDI parts... Titles include but not limited to... Steinberg Cubase MOTU Digital Performer Apple (previously eMagic) Logic Studio Avid Pro Tools Check out their features on their company product pages, YouTube to see them in action. I was in the process of writing my last reply when you posted this. I am green (clueless) beyond all recognition. I have searched YT and viewed so many tutorials Fruitloops, Cakewalk, ProTools, Cubase, Reason, Abelton FL studio Sonar etc.. I am beyond overwhelmed. I feel like Robin Williams (click above link) in the presence of all this technology This is the reason why I started this thread, so that I might find some help from the experienced (expert) users who could possibly steer me in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hi, ElmerJFudd.. Totally a PC guy; Mac is for people driving Volvos who worry about their safety. My keyboard has regular midi in/out and thru ports nothing fancy. To be honest the MC50 covers most of what I need its just that I get a memory full error message too quickly.. would like something with more space so that I can finish my songs. Oh, I am a dinosaur! i do own a pair of reading glasses and a magnifying glass. Is there a site where I can find a trial copy of Reaper to download? Time has moved on, my dinosaur friend. Only one of the 4 applications I have listed is exclusively for Mac OSX. The rest are actually developed for BOTH Windows AND Mac OSX. Since avoiding Google seems to be your thing, I'll link for you... Cuckos Reaper Win/Mac Steinberg Cubase Win/Mac MOTU Digital Performer Win/Mac Avid ProTools Win/Mac Apple Logic Pro X Mac PreSonus Studio One Win/Mac All offer both MIDI Sequencing and Audio Recording/Sequencing/Editing together side by side. However, it did just occur to me. If you are still on Windows Vista or better... and you REALLY REALLY don't want audio features on your PC... Passport Music is apparently still around and they offer Master Trax Pro v6.8.4 in a full version for Windows on CD for $69.99 + $10.00 s&h ($30.00 outside US). System Requirements Windows Pentium class CPU or greater, 32MB of RAM, SVGA video, PC running Windows Vista or higher (Vista, Win7, Win8, Win10) MIDI interface and MIDI keyboard (or other MIDI instrument) for live recording, and a compatible ink-jet or laser-quality printer for printing sheet music. Here's a screen shot. http://www.passportmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/MasterTracksWin.gif And here's where you get it. http://www.passportmusic.com/products/master-tracks-pro/ Good luck in your MIDI sequencing journey! Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Ernst: I believe it's safe saying that for what you want to accomplish immediately, any and all of the software packages will more than serve your needs. In addition, each will open up all sorts of new opportunities and options that 1) you may never want to use, or 2) you may find useful beyond your wildest dreams. For instance, once you're recorded your MIDI sequences, one argument could be made that you really don't need a single sound-producing piece of hardware ever again - higher quality sounds can now be produced by software in almost every regard - almost. Things really have come that far since the days of the venerable Roland MC days. But part of the trade off in jumping into that pool is a whole new level of reliance upon your computer - and related peripherals. Relying on software can bring a whole new level of frustration for folks who are still running old operating systems, using old hardware, etc. In some senses, there is no such thing as a free lunch in this domain. Despite your preexisting bias, you may find eventually that a Mac is really the sensible option for your music making. Or not. Tim .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xp50player Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 How about an MC-80? There are several on ebay, one in Europe for $399 euro w/optional 2.1Gb 2.5"HDD. The drive looks like it comes in a proprietary caddy and the machine will only address 2.1Gb of any drive, so no point in trying larger HDDs. Song length is 9999 to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr88s Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 Could you tell me more about Reaper? 1. Does it have a maximum song length, 2.is there a maximum note-capacity, 3.could it read/write sysex, 4.does it have available options to change time signatures, quantize ?? I've only delved superficially into the sequencing capability of Reaper, so I am no expert, but: 1. I'd be VERY surprised if there was 2. I'd be VERY surprised if there was 3. I have no idea 4. Yes. Nord Stage 2 Compact, Yamaha MODX8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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