Ok, so in order to use Massive

[(b)Assman]

By native instruments, does my signal coming into my computer have to be midi already? Or can I send it in analog and have it converted somehow ? I've been questing to find a program synthesize/edit my bass sound for about a week now because I'm sick of wasting money on pedals that end up being useless.

Help appreciated

I'm getting close I think. Massive looks completely awesome.

Also

Thoughts on good sound cards for use with programs and VSTs?

[kingofthestring]

for a sound card i use a M-Audio Delta 44

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tem?sku=701346

[(b)Assman]

oh wait

I suppose I should tell you it kind of needs to fit in a laptop :P

[Bongolation]

It's not going to go "in" a laptop, but there are numerous small USB interfaces that work with notebook computers. M-Audio, Behringer and numerous others have them at relatively low cost.

Be warned that many notebooks produce so much noise that they are unusable for recording or even MIDI programming through the USB ports. Mine, for example.

[(b)Assman]

That's the problem I've having right now. I figured it was so noisy and crappy because I'm using built in mobo audio :|

[(b)Assman]

anyone know about Massive?

[bass349]

Originally Posted by Bongolation

Be warned that many notebooks produce so much noise that they are unusable for recording or even MIDI programming through the USB ports. Mine, for example.

Does this only happen when you're running off external power, or when you use the battery as well? This is assuming you mean hum, not digital noise. We used a laptop in a band a few years back for using VST instruments with midi and we found that it was only noisy when it was plugged into an outlet. Unfortunately it only lasted a few hours on battery, so you'd have to charge between sets!

Actually come to think of it i've also had this problem more recently with another band where we were "DJ-ing" (itunes playlist!) set breaks ourselves. Same thing, we'd charge it during sets and then on set breaks unplug it to get rid of the hummm.

[dannybuoy]

Massive is the same as any other VSTi synth - it needs MIDI input to trigger it. Unless I'm missing somethnig and it has a built in audio>MIDI convertor and you can plug it in as an effect.

You'll either need a MIDI keyboard, MIDI guitar pickup, or a software audio->MIDI plugin. I can't name any right now as I haven't used one recently, head on down to the KVR Audio forums for some advice on that one. But you'll basically need to record your bass signal, have a VST effect plugin process that audio and convert it to MIDI, then route that MIDI over to Massive.

For soundcard options, I recommend Firewire over USB as it has better audio performance. I have a Mackie Onyx Satellite, it has Hi-Z inputs so you can plug your bass straight in, and balanced outputs for sending straight to a mixing desk.


Just get the demo version of Massive and tinker with it! Also check out the other Native Instruments plugins like Guitar Rig and Absynth.

[Dirk Diggler]

+1 to DannyBuoy.

[(b)Assman]

ok cool thanks.

Seems like all midi converters are like $500 dollars so I'll look for a software substitute.

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Massive is the same as any other VSTi synth - it needs MIDI input to trigger it.

You don't need MIDI to use VSTi plugins, but you do need a digital signal. Softsynths require MIDI controlers, though.

Many people digitally record with no MIDI at all.

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by bass349

Does this only happen when you're running off external power, or when you use the battery as well?

That's a good question; I've never tried it on battery, which is nearing the end of its useful life in any case.

This is assuming you mean hum, not digital noise.

What I mean is drive noise, touchpad noise, video noise...every type of noise a computer can generate.

I just got a new MIDI controller today and it runs off USB power. If the computer is running it throws so much noise out that it goes to the amp even if the controller is turned OFF.

If the computer is off and The controller getting 5VDC power through the USB ports on standby from the AC adapter, it's dead quiet, so that makes me think that it's the computer not the AC adapter.

[(b)Assman]

hrmmmmmmmm

[(b)Assman]

so with that being said...

anyone know any software midi converters?

[Spencer!]

I think Reaktor is what you want. I believe it can be triggered by WAV and AIFF samples.