Best software for hardware studio?

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Posted by RicheyJames on Aug-22-2006 16:23:

Best software for hardware studio?

Hi!

That title may seem strange, but you should easily understand what I'm asking.

Basically, I've collected a few hardware synths over the last 5 years or so, and I love them and don't want to sell them. However, I've so far been making tracks on the Korg Triton's onboard sequencer (!!) and having other synths such as the Roland JP-8000 hooked up to it via MIDI.

However, I'm looking for a software sequencer that is very compatible and friendly with hardware synths. What I assumed I would be able to do would be to set up different patches on multiple MIDI tracks of my hardware synths, and be able to control and sequence for these tracks with the software. I would also be able to add software-synth parts as well, and then use them all together in a final mix - basically it would be a combination of hardware and software, working together. Is this possible with software?

I've tried Cubase SX and found it to have some support for Audio tracks, but this still meant I had to sequence on my hardware synths and then lay the audio on top of an otherwise software composition which is not quite what I'm after.

Sorry if this seems like a very novice thing to ask, but I'm completely new to computer software. I do, however, still have quite a wide knowledge of producing and MIDI connectivity etc. so be as technical as you need to be in your reply.

Any advice on which software would be most suitable for me would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

Posted by MrJiveBoJingles on Aug-22-2006 16:26:

My friend uses a Nord Lead 3 with Logic and it seems to work pretty well.

Also, I know Steve Helstrip (Thrillseekers) uses a Virus and JP-8000 with Cubase and he seems to have no problem making tracks. If you ask him about it on his forum, he might respond (he posts there every few days):

Thrillseekers Board

Posted by thecYrus on Aug-22-2006 16:38:

in cubase sx 3.1 you can insert hardware synths like any other vst instrument. (you won't see any real difference in the sequencer and the workflow)

have a look here: http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha...tion/index.html

i use this with all my hardware synths and it works great.

Posted by RicheyJames on Aug-22-2006 16:39:

That's wicked, cheers guys!

Posted by DeZmA on Aug-22-2006 16:41:

I don't really understand the question for cubase I think. You did use a midi channel in cubase did you? You have to control it with the midi channel in cubase, then you have everything your triton had and much more (like piano roll and midi inserts). You can also use the external instrument connections and an audio loop with your soundcard and synth to use it as a semi-vst. That way you can add vst effects and stuff to your synth's audio signal. As if that wasn't enough you can make custom device maps for your synth. These can control your synth like a software synth. Imo cubase is great with external hardware.
You can't go wrong with it, just go and buy it, the manual will get you creating projects in no time.

Posted by DeZmA on Aug-22-2006 16:42:

Okay cyrus is a faster typer than I am

Posted by RicheyJames on Aug-22-2006 16:44:

No DeZmA, I think I probably had it set up wrong!
I was just using an audio track from my synth rather than actually adding it as an external instrument as explained on that site.

Posted by DeZmA on Aug-22-2006 18:15:

You probably had, first of all you should try to control it with midi. That way you can do a proper sequence in cubase. To achieve this you will need a midi i/o, to be found at your soundcard or you might need a dedicated midi device (= a midi patchbay). Now you just add a midi track and you choose the right midi output. That way you can control the synth the way you were used to, but with a lot more possibilities.

Once you get the hang of this you can try using it as a virtual vst (which is actually a real synth hehe). That way you'll be able to bounce it to audio a lot quicker than setting up the audio tracks every time.
This step is really up to your preference, I don't know how you recorded your synths with the triton? Did you record the parts individually or did you record the master?

Finally you can try and make a midi map for it to make the automation easier.

Good luck, if there is something not clear just ask.