Help trying to setup MIDI keyboard for recording

[mjquilly]

I just bought a midi cable to be able to create some midi files on my computer. It's the kind w/ the midi in/out that go to my keyboard and it connects to my computer via the joystick port. The only problem is, now I have no Idea what else to do. I downloaded a trial version of Cakewalk along with some others, but they give an error like "No Midi device is present" or something like that. What else do I have to do? I'm totaly clueless about this if you couldn't tell already.

 

[frap]

Well, I know VERY litle about midi. The only things I can tell you is that to make sure the cable is plugged into the 'midi out' of the keyboard and that the keyboard is set up to send midi commands 'out' or 'both' rather than internal. HTH at least a little bit.

 

[DaddyG]

I set up a keyboard system about 5 years ago, so memory is kinda vague. Make sure that the gameport is enabled and has the correct drivers installed. You also have to select midi out option on the keyboard. The you normally have to set up a midi map to make sure that your keyboard instuments conform, I remember that some did not.

 

[Rigoletto]

you need to go to a real muso's forum. Future publishing publish Computer Music, might search them...

 

[mjquilly]

OK, here might be the problem:

When I am in the MIDI setting in Control Panel, the "Add New Instrument" button is disabled. Anyone know why? Cakewalk is telling me that I have no input MIDI devices, so I assume I need to add this keyboard.

 

[iamthebear]

What kind of soundcard?

 

[mjquilly]

It's VIA built-in the motherboard. I am using the Joystick port, which I know is functional.

 

[bluemax]

And now we can sing the MIDI-buff theme song! "Heeeere I come to save the Daaaaaaayyy!"

Hi fellas! What seems to be the trouble? Out of powdered toast? Ah yes... *scrape scrape*

Now, MIDI stuff...
First thing first, connect these cables PROPERLY- they are usually labelled, so joystick part in normal spot, MIDI IN and MIDI OUT. These should be labelled plainly - be grateful you're not dealing with pure MIDI-only cables where you have to cross from in-to-out... Moving on;

DRIVER: Music be the MPU-401 (or similar MIDI device... It doesn't look like Cakewalk is seeing ANY MIDI drivers installed at all. I presume your keyboard is General MIDI compatible?
You're not worried about drivers for the keyboard, since it's CONTROLLED by the MIDI output of your motherboard - that's what you need.
For example, I have the following MIDI output options on my system:
Roland MPU-401
Santa Cruz (internal synth)
Santa Cruz External MIDI
Roland Serial MIDI Out A
Roland Serial MIDI Out B

See anything in the list at ALL for MIDI output?

 

[mjquilly]

The only thing listed is VIA FM Synthesis.

 

[bluemax]

You'll have to check for VIA MIDI drivers then... your motherboard come with a driver disk? Check there first. As a last resort, you could try "Roland MPU-401" under "Microsoft drivers" on the Win98 disc, although I don't think your VIA sound is 100% compatible, and you need to know the proper address & IRQ...

 

[Adrian Tung]

Some joystick ports do not have MIDI support. You'd have to check with VIA to see if your port supports MIDI or not.

BTW If you're seriously getting into MIDI, why don't you upgrade your card to something better like an SB Live Platinum? It comes with the LiveDrive front panel for hooking up MIDI devices. If you can't afford the Platinum, even the SB Live Value would be so much better than built-in audio. Just my opinion....


atwl

 

[bluemax]

Not to mention General MIDI compatibility, soundfonts, and other neat stuff. You have yet to mention what kind of keyboard you have, and they can vary in quality even more than sound cards! If you've got some low-end 10-year-old Yamaha POS with FM sounds, you're better off using it as a MIDI controller ONLY (sending note data) and playing the SOUNDS through a good sound card like the Live, etc.
If you ever get a sound card with a wavetable header, I have a Roland Sound Canvas daughterboard for only $40... simply put it's one of the best General MIDI sound sources out there, bar none.