So I just picked up a JP8080 and want to get some fat sounds out of it Problem is I don't hear jack lol. I have no idea how the hell to set this thing up to interact with cubase and my controller keyboard. The manual doesn't say anything and i've tried searching around with minimal sucess.

My setup is like this:
Controller keyboard (usb)
Midisport 2x2
Jp8080
Cubase SX

Midi in on JP8080 --> OUT-A on Midisport
Keyboard is usb, so it doesn't use midi cables

In cubase I found the jp8080 patch and installed it via Devices -> Midi Device Manager. So now I can select the jp8080 for the output in any midi track in cubase, except when I do no sound comes out. Am I missing something really obvious?

Seems you only addressed the midi part (the control part). Midi doesn't carry any audio signal. You still need to connect your audio out of the JP8080 to your soundcard.

The midi track in cubase will allow you to send data to the JP to control it (play notes, change parameters like filters etc). To hear the JP, you'll need to create audio tracks also. That audio track will monitor/record from the soundcard input you connected the JP to.

ah ha! Thanks for the info How does one use the audio track? I've been using soft synths and havn't had to make any other tracks or anything special, I guess this is specific to useing an external midi instrument?

Thanks for the info, time to head back to the music store and pickup some more cables.

quote:

Originally posted by rahvin ah ha! Thanks for the info How does one use the audio track? I've been using soft synths and havn't had to make any other tracks or anything special, I guess this is specific to useing an external midi instrument? Thanks for the info, time to head back to the music store and pickup some more cables.

Well, grasshopper, before you leap into buying cables here are somethings to consider...

Your usual "Sound Blaster" probably won't work simply coz it is not designed to handle that kind of throughput. You would need to buy a HD recording interface. This was a big mystery to me as well.. I went through a long painstaking process of learning the following:

1. Invest in a decent ASIO 2 compliant HD recording interface
Depending on your budget and needs you may be able to get away with something simple like 2 audio inputs but keep in mind that sound cards are not a wise investment if you plan to add gear down the road.

I experimented with a number of interfaces and came to the following conclusion:

a) started with Motu 828 - Mac-oriented. If you use PC, stay away
b) Echo Layla good compatibility with Cubase but lacks some features
c) Presonus Firestation - or AKA "Presonus Problemstation" or "Headachestation" - excellent concept, great features, terrible drivers and complex setup. Requires understanding of configuring mLAN and pain in the ass... Was on tech support with them for days on end, couldn't get it to work and gave up. Returned it.

I settled for RME hammerfall Audiolink. It is expensive and unlike Firestation does not have external trim controls, so I had to buy an external rack mixer (Rolls) plus requires PCI or PCMCIA card. RME alone with a card will cost you about $1000 (new). However, it is 100% compatible with Cubase and a breeze to set up. It is very similar to firestation in terms of features but lacks mic inputs. If you don't care about recording your vocals, then it's the best choice. Keep in mind that RME makes an interface for Steinberg, it's actually called Steinberg Nuendo Audiolink Multiface (same as RME Multiface, just branded as Steinberg) it costs the same, same unit.

Here's your shopping list:

1. HD recording interface & card (if you go with RME)
2. Patch Pannel (Recommended: Nutrik)
3. TSR (ballanced) cables
4. Mixer (if you're hands-on type)
5. Monitors (speakers) - recommend Mackie HR 624 or 824 (more money)... I also hear great things about Blue Sky monitors (www.abluesky.com) and of course, if you have an amp go for the classic - Yamaha NS10s (be careful when buying - ask questions and get a comfy feeling)
6. Decent power conditioner like Fuhrman or Odyssey (cool neon light)

Music is an expensive hobby if you want the best sound... so start small... Armin made his first "hit" with nothing more than some simple mixer, tape deck, and sampler. Don't get a GAS... (Gear Aquisition Syndrome).

Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment. BTW, JP8080 is one of my favorite synths. It ranks up there with Access Virus. Actually, if you get another synth, try running audio outs from one into audio ins on another - you will have endless possibilities.

G' luck m8t

___________________
Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

quote:

Originally posted by rahvin ah ha! Thanks for the info How does one use the audio track? I've been using soft synths and havn't had to make any other tracks or anything special, I guess this is specific to useing an external midi instrument? Thanks for the info, time to head back to the music store and pickup some more cables.

Yup, that's because softsynths are completely handled internally. But if you look good most sequencers won't create an audio track (well I know Cubase Sx doesn't) but if you go to the mixer page, you'll see you have two faders : one for controlling midi data (basically velocity) and one for the audio data.
With external gear you need the physical audio track, yes.

As for Cynep, that's all very good and professional equipment you state, but for most people trying to make music for fun it's a little bit overkill (and very expensive, some people must save money for years before being able to buy even one of those things). Like you said, it's an expensive hobby so start small. What you propose is anything but small (I know lots of producers who made records with not even half of the gear you say).

You should really get what you need. It's fine getting expensive stuff with lots of features, but don't overdo it though. It's perfectly normal to think about compatibility in the future (for example buying an audio interface with lots of outputs so you don't need to change it later when you get more equipment) but mainly look at your needs (and how much you are willing to spend on it) and decide according to that.

One thing I fully agree on is the latency stuff. You'll definately need an interface that can handle low latencies (usually with ASIO2 drivers) especially if you are going to play on the fly. Rahvin didn't really specify his sound interface, he might have a good one already... It's even perfectly possible to connect the JP to an old soundblaster, but I agree you won't get the best out of it either.

Lol, no soundblaster for me I picked up a used Delta 66 about a month ago, very good investment i might add.