Can you add instruments using a midi cord?

gloriadcolumnist wrote on 6/4/2013, 11:51 PM

I have a Yamaha Portasound PSS-480 keyboard. I purchased a usb midi cord a few years ago, not knowing I needed music software. So now, I have my keyboard plugged in, but MMM 17 is not showing that is connected. The little light in the midi 1x1 Tab E-MU cord is light up and everything, but nothing in the actual software is showing that there is an instrument connected.

I'd really like to use my keyboard instead of having to use the computer keyboard that the program supplies.

I would like to say that for $15 (which is what I paid for it brand new) this software is jaw-dropping when it comes to sounds. It's better than what I expected. However, here's the con: you basically have to play with the software and click on stuff and experiment to see what happens. I generally learn software this way, but I get frustrated when I want to do something, and I can't look it up in the instruction manual. I want to add an instrument outside of my computer, but the term is probably something complicated like, "integrating external instruments into your compositions" or something like that. If someone could help, thanks!

Comments

gloriadcolumnist wrote on 6/5/2013, 1:18 PM

Ummm... "I want to add an instrument outside of my computer." Meaning, picture a laptop computer sitting on a coffee table. Now, picture a keyboard sitting beside the laptop on the coffee table. Now, picture a cord connecting the keyboard and the laptop together.

"Adding an instrument outside of my computer." Meaning, NOT using the instuments included in the software program, but rather, wanting to use my Yamaha keyboard to make sounds, then place/record the songs in the software I use to make music.

What do you mean using the keyboard as a midi controller? The keyboard has midi input and output jacks, but basically, I want to use the keyboard to make music, NOT to use the keyboard to record music.

What program settings are you referring to? The ones in the software itself?

I've tried just about everything I can think of in order to tell the computer/software, "hey, I would like to bypass your awkward keyboard and use a real one; how should I hook this up?" I'm not the only one who is frustrated by the "just play around with it" version of "the quick guide." I have time to mess with it because I'm recovering from surgery, but once I'm back to working three jobs again, it will take me years, literally, to find out all this software will do, and by then it will be obsolete.

gloriadcolumnist wrote on 6/6/2013, 5:35 PM

Comment removed by Moderator

I had a keyboard from the 1990s. I was experimenting with music a few years ago and someone told me to get a usb cord, so I bought one. I thought that some software I had on my computer would work. Well, it didn"t. Since I"m not swimming in money and I work three jobs, the music was put on hold for a while. I still had the cord and the keyboard, and if I wanted to make any original music, I just used the keyboard, recorded it with my digital camcorder (you must be shocked by now) and put it on YouTube.

I want to do some things that are a little more sophisticated, and I"m trying to figure out something that seems fairly simple: how to get the sounds the keyboard is making into my computer. Obviously, I"m going to need a cord.

I really don"t want to answer questions on this forum. I just want answers, and I find it a little sad that companies are turning to customers to serve as support techs. Anything for a buck. I just wish they"d find people who aren"t as nasty/condescending as you are. Procyon seems like kind of a XXX, too.

johnebaker wrote on 6/7/2013, 11:31 AM

@ gloriadcolumnist, Procyon and gnarly

A valid question has been asked - the reulting answers have degenerated into passing insults and uUnnecessary personal comments which will not be tolerated on this forum - if in doubt refer to the Community rules sections 2 and 8 available here

http://www.magix.info/uk/pages/rules/

http://www.magix.info/us/pages/rules/

John

Forum Moderator

Procyon wrote on 6/9/2013, 4:52 PM

Yet, you edit my non-personal, matter-of -fact comments, but you allow these instigating, offensive, personal attacks to remain...

"I just wish they'd find people who aren't as nasty/condescending as you are. Procyon seems like kind of a XXX, too." - gloriadcolumnist

How is that appropriate?

[edit] Sorry...simply X-ing out the offensive word does not erase the intent of the insult!

Former user wrote on 6/10/2013, 7:33 PM

Is it still broke ? I need an update before further advice....any information would be helpful...I use to run with sissors !!!!