Does anyone else not use DAWs?

Hey guys, I'm new here. I was wondering if anyone else doesn't know where to start when it comes to programs like Pro Tools/Logic etc, but still makes compositions? I personally just record from my keyboard, onto my keyboard; then I plug a cable from the keyboard into the soundcard and record what I previously recorded (if you can follow all that) onto Sonar Home Studio. I'd like to get started with DAWs and such but I don't have the money right now and if I were to do that, I'd want to be able to connect my keyboard directly into the program instead of clicking little dots for the notes, and I don't know how to do that either.

So anyways, I was wondering how many other people just use keyboards and record into a home recording program instead of using a DAW?

You have Sonar Home Studio? What version? Sonar is a DAW - you already have everything you need, you just need to figure out how to use it. Get yourself a MIDI to USB cable ($50 local guitar store or electronics) and acquaint yourself with sending MIDI values from your keyboard to your computer.

You have Sonar Home Studio? What version? Sonar is a DAW - you already have everything you need, you just need to figure out how to use it. Get yourself a MIDI to USB cable ($50 local guitar store or electronics) and acquaint yourself with sending MIDI values from your keyboard to your computer.

version 7.

i'll see what i can work out with it. shows how much i know, hahah

Get yourself a MIDI to USB cable ($50 local guitar store or electronics) and acquaint yourself with sending MIDI values from your keyboard to your computer.

$50?!?

I bought mine new for what, $10? If you paid $50 for a cable like that you totally got owned.

Well, I personally am cheap, so I use LMMS for my DAW, and free samples from here: http://freesf2.com ...

Really? I can't find any under forty dollars. I'm certain you're thinking of standard MIDI cables - I'm talking about cables you can plug into your USB port. Three examples from quick googling:

http://www.music123.com/M-Audio-USB-Uno-1X1-MIDI-Interface-701379-i1154079.Music123

http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-UX16-USB-MIDI-Interface-332007-i1128827.Music123

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/USBtoMIDI/

http://www.amazon.de/LOGILINK-USB-MIDI-Adapter-Kabel/dp/B000XRI3CC

I got this one!

Under 10€!

http://www.amazon.de/LOGILINK-USB-MIDI-Adapter-Kabel/dp/B000XRI3CC

I got this one!

Under 10€!

That's the one I got! Cheap and works perfectly. I just had a quick search on amazon US for you american folk... $2.75! http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Converter-Music-Keyboard-Window/dp/B0017H4EBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279706555&sr=8-1

Yes, this is what you need, and using MIDI is really very simple once it's set up. (If you have a mac, setup doesn't usually require any work other than plugging in).

Logic is brilliant, but it is highly advanced professional software which, based on what you say you do, doesn't sound like what you require. I'm sure that Sonar is more than adequate for your needs. For notation though, I find Sibelius is the best programme. (You can still play into Sibelius from your keyboard, not only move around the note-heads). If you want to do more complex recordings with many more (and more realistic sounding) digital instruments, a more advanced DAW may be the way to go.

Good luck!

$50?!?

I bought mine new for what, $10? If you paid $50 for a cable like that you totally got owned.

I got one for 30$, stopped working right after the warranty... :|

Then I bougt a used axiom 25 key midi controller with aftertouch, works much better, AND I can connect my other 88 key keyboard to it, and have them both run into the computer via USB on the back of the axiom...

The point is, you get what you pay for, if you don't want anything to break down, go for the ones that are stand-alone, without any cables built in or anything, like this:

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/M-Audio-Midisport-2x2-Anniversary-Edition-USB-MIDI-Interface?sku=500535

or get a USB keyboard.

Wow, please do not get the one jackblume is suggesting, the wires attached to that thing look like they came off a set of earbuds, and we all know those don't last long!

James, my usb to midi cable was like 10 dollars. You got majorly screwed if you payed 50 for one. Haha. :P

Anyways. Welcome, John! If you're looking for a solid DAW, I would suggest downloading Reaper. It's free to download, and is fantastic. You never have to pay for it, but everytime you open it, you get a message suggesting that you purchase it, and it stays open for about 5 seconds before you can proceed into the program. It never loses any functionality or features if you don't pay for it, so in essence, the only reason to pay for it is to get rid of that message, which really isn't that bad. I definitely think it's worth checking out, and getting to know if before you make a big purchase on any big-name DAW's like Logic or Cubase. Also, you mentioned Pro Tools. I am a Pro Tools user, and I would like to let you know that it's awful when it comes to midi. I have version 7.4 LE, and I hear Pro Tools 8 is much better, but still, I don't recommend it. I would recommend something like Logic or Cubase if you don't mind a fairly steep learning curve. Reaper comes with a fantastic 400+ page manual, and that'll be just fine to get you started. Plus, you can always ask any of us on the forum for help. Good luck! ;)

It's just a cable, if it's cheap you just have to take more care of it! But also if it breaks you just buy a new one cheaply, hahaha.

@keys&guitar: that cable is the exact same one SSC suggested.

@Alex: what brand was yours?

@SSC: take a look at this review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3QP3G3LIN9X9C/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3QP3G3LIN9X9C

I'd like to see a short rebuttal from your experience.

@johnmaranelli: I use Reaper myself. I haven't fathomed even half its capabilities and already it seems to do just about everything I could ask for. I would put in a second recommendation for trying it out in addition to Sonar.

Uh. I've used the same cable on about, what, 10 different keyboards? Yamaha, Roland, etc, and it's all worked perfectly? I'm using it right now on a Yamaha clavinova and it works just fine. It has worked on win 7, ubuntu and XP no problem too, without any drivers or anything it just simply works.

The guy is complaining because he's needing support for an archaic thing that isn't even made anymore. He has, er, special needs.

For everyone else who has a keyboard bought this decade, it shouldn't be a problem at all. Hell look at the percentage of 5 star reviews of the thing compared to everyone else, I'd say it's quite adequate considering how much it costs.

It's just a cable, if it's cheap you just have to take more care of it! But also if it breaks you just buy a new one cheaply, hahaha.

True, but you still risk it breaking down at bad times, like in the middle of a gig.

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll be ordering one. I'll stop commandeering this thread now. :happy:

James, I honestly don't know, and don't have any motivation to check. :whistle:

I honestly can't imagine one being 50 dollars though. Whoever charged you that much was screwing you over.

True, but you still risk it breaking down at bad times, like in the middle of a gig.

Take care of it, and have back ups. Just like any other cable.

I have that $3 one and it works fine. It does exactly what its supposed to do. I use a Mac, a Korg, and a Casio (neither of which are specifically MIDI controllers, one is a synth, the other a digital piano).

Most of you have probably been severely overpaying for adapters and cables.

Take care of it, and have back ups. Just like any other cable.

I have that $3 one and it works fine. It does exactly what its supposed to do. I use a Mac, a Korg, and a Casio (neither of which are specifically MIDI controllers, one is a synth, the other a digital piano).

Most of you have probably been severely overpaying for adapters and cables.

I never touched the thing, (20$ interface) and it still died in three months, I just un-plugged it occasinaly when I took my Yamaha P-85 out for a gig.

Maybe the one I got just sucked.

The point is, I'm happy with my interface now. =D

I never touched the thing, (20$ interface) and it still died in three months, I just un-plugged it occasinaly when I took my Yamaha P-85 out for a gig.

Maybe the one I got just sucked.

The point is, I'm happy with my interface now. =D

Yeah, but that M-Audio Midisport 2x2 you posted does pretty much the exact same thing as 2 of those cables would. For a lot more money. Plus, I assume it doesn't come with MIDI cables.