DIY pedal synth??

[M0ses]

This doesn't really fit anywhere, so here it is in Misc.

I'm thinking about possibilities for a DIY pedal synth, like the Moog Taurus.

The plan would be to hook up a set of organ pedals to somehow interface with my laptop, probably with Basyn's [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

From what I've read about MIDI, though, it clearly says MIDI doesn't make any noise: it just records the triggers, and then tells a device to play. But obviously these pedals wouldn't have any sound generating capabilities. So is there some kind of software synth setup that could generate the sound from the MIDI, and then send it from the computer to an amp, or into a PA, all in real time??

I'm really not sure where to start with this, since I don't know much about MIDI or software, but I was hoping someone had done this before or at least could offer some ideas, show me where to start.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

http://www.basyn.com/BASYN-MIDI-Kit.pdf

http://www.basyn.com/


Might be a start. There was a seller on eBay called howardcano, who I bought a kit from, and looks like he sold out to Basyn:

Invalid Link Removed

 

[M0ses]

Thanks. I understand how to hook up MIDI so that info is going into the computer. What I'm really not sure about is how to get the computer to make the noise. I'm looking at virtual synths, and I really can't tell if these things are capable of being "played" in real time by a physical keyboard hooked up with MIDI, or if they're only good for using with a sequencer. I'm also unsure as to what hardware I'd need to bridge the gap between computer and amp.

Is [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] what I'm looking for?
Or some kind of VST plugin instrument?

Also, I'm not opposed to a normal pedal synth, but I figured a computer setup would be a lot more versatile, and probably a lot cheaper. I can get the pedals for free, but all in all my budget is probably around $200.

 

[M0ses]

So I've been doing lots of reading. Would it be a better idea for me to get a rackmount MIDI synth module? If I understand it correctly, these actually do generate sound from the MIDI data my pedals would be sending to them, and usually have 1/4 outputs, without the explicit need for a computer. How much hardware/software would it take to then connect one to my laptop for easier preset editing?

 

[Mark Gollihur]

If your needs are for live performance, a rackmount synth would be more road-worthy and easier to deal with. If you can find a used Alesis NanoBass module, it's small and light and could be built into your custom project (this is what I eventually intend to do, exactly). The NanoBass is full of mostly bass sounds (hence the name) and is a simple MIDI module in a 1/2 rack format.

Soft synths will be of a higher quality, if they're good ones, but you'll need to lug around a laptop for live use.

If you're doing stuff at home, a simple midi interface hooked into your computer will do the trick - the MIDI signals will trigger the notes on the softsynth, and sounds will come out your computer speakers (or specialized audio interface, if you have one).

 

[M0ses]

So, regarding softsynths.....
If I used a MIDI-USB converter, and wanted to use VSTs as my softsynth, would I then be using my lappy's normal headphone out? Would the signal be at a level that could drive a power amp?

I want to use it live, but I don't mind the computer. It seems real-deal synths with knobs and everything just don't go for under $200, which is what I want to spend, while there are all kinds of free VSTs out there.

 

[M0ses]

Nothing from the peanut gallery? I'm just looking for someone to explain to me, or point me somewhere that will explain to me, MIDI and VSTi in more than the super-general way I can find through Google.

 

[M0ses]

Just in case anyone is interested, or someone will be in the future...

I came across this by chance, and I think it's a much better choice. Much more versatile, with connectors for 12 controls other than the pedals, and it's even a bit cheaper.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[taphappy]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433101

That thread's been going on for a while, some spicy little giblets in there.

But, anyways. VSTis (plugin softsynths) run within recording software. This is what Cantabile seems to bypass - it just loads the VSTis that you have, and allows you to run them without running SONAR or a similar program.

Most who trigger MIDI to computer live simply use Reason, or plugins that can run as stand-alone software, such as Absynth. On the cheap for VSTis, there are tons of free solutions, just gotta hunt. Not sure about stand-alones. While Softsynths are cool, and powerful, I like physical knobs. And I like the word knob. Knob.

As far as MIDI goes for playing, it's really basic. Controllers are generally not that bright, they only send MIDI data, no sound, simply information. Keeping it super basic, let's say:

Pedal synth: Note C1 struck at 127 (max) velocity -> MIDI OUT
Computer: -> MIDI IN - Softsynth plays Note C1 at 127 velocity.

The computer does all the processing, handles all the audio output. If you have nothing running, nothing will happen. If you have a softsynth loaded up on a honking patch, it'll honk a C1. Now, you can try it with your headphone out - but, Lappy's gonna be pretty durn noisy with annoying little interferences from HD crackalacka and the such, unless you have some sort of outboard sound card. Since we're on the budget, something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J0IIEQ

There are way better cards out there, but I doubt they're as cheap. Haven't done research on USB/FW card prices, so hunt around a bit.