Very Basic Question About Software Options

[webslave]

I have an Alesis QS8.1 hooked up to my 17" iMac (OS10.2) via a Midisport 2X2 USB interface. I have configured the connections in my Audio MIDI set up utility and am wondering what to do next in terms of software that will allow me to record sounds coming from the banks in my QS keyboard. I am really confused about what software I need to get for something as basic as multitrack recording. I own Cubase VST for OS9 but have never used it and would have to get the fairly expensive upgrade to the OSX version of it. Would that be the way to go? Can I use the sound banks in my Alesis?

Also, is there a way to have my keyboard utilize the Quicktime midi instruments in the meantime? I also own SoundStudio Pro and AudioHijack software and am wondering if they are adequate for recording the QT instruments if I get those working with my Alesis?

Daniel

[webslave]

Part 2: I see that I can upgrade to Cubase SL (from my nevers used VST) for OSX for $200.00, so wondering if that is the way to go.

Thanks

[Synthetic]

hey partner... didn't we cover part of this in another post? Even if you get the software... you still need an audio interface to record ANY audio from the Alesis unless you run its sound output into a mic jack (not very good quality) on your computer.

as far as using QT instruments.... they suck... sorry this is just an opinion but I think many here will back that up... the Cubase might work well for what you want to do but you still need to get interface to get "good quality sound" into the mac from the Alesis. You can use the Alesis to control QT instruments I think if setup properly in Cubase or whatever app you decide to use. AudioHiJack is not going to be really suitable for what you desire either. its meant for recording sound that is already digitzed on the mac from an app that doesn't let you record. The SoundStudio app is an ok editor but if you plan on making complete musical arangements... you should really consider a good audio sequencer like the Cubase you mentioned or Logic, Sonar or a few others out there.

[webslave]

Thanks for both responses! I thought that it was possible to use my QS8 as both a controller but also use its sound banks as the Midi instruments that would be in turn be controlled and recorded by whatever software I would be using for that purpose, like Cubase SL. I probably just don't know enough to know better! I just spent some time looking at USB Audio interfaces online from Edirol, Aardvark and M-Audio. Another labyrinth of choices, but I guess I could then use the analog rather than MIDI outputs from my keyboard to input into my Mac and recording software.

Any more suggestions from you or anyone else will be well appreciated.

Daniel

[Synthetic]

just an idea... if your not real familiar with midi... you should read my article "The World of Midi" on the home page here. Its may answer some of your questions and explain a few things for you. After you read that or... you have a grasp of midi and its functions... consider this.

My setup I use is Digi001 interface with both Logic and ProTools. I also have a AMT8 midi interface. With my Yamaha CS6x plugged into AMT8 sending midi and the analog audio outs going into my Digi001 to capture output of my Ymaha synth... I can use either Logic or ProTools to compose and reocrd parts for a song. With midi connected... I can record my notes I play from the Synth to Logic for instance. I can hear what synth is playing through monitors connected to Digi001 from the synth. Now, say I have one instrument recorded, I would set my synth on multi-timberal mode (16 different parts depending on synth) and create new midi tracks with a new patch for each track. I can record the data from synth into Logic song so each track contains patch data. So, I can change setup on synth entirely, open and run song again and all my settings and patches (voices) come back on synth as they should for each track in the Logic song. I can also use Logic to control my synth. I have what is called an environment that was created just for my synth to allow me to change parameters on my synth from within Logic. The parameter changes can be also be recorded in midi for each track and become like automation for your synth. Then I use my analog inputs to record the different patches etc. as single audio files that I mix back from within Logic after they are all recorded. This gives me more control over my mix using the software and plugs to sculpt the final stereo mix.

QT is designed with premade sounds and will not be able to use patches from your ALesis. This is like trying to trade patches from your Alesis with a KORG.... just won't work because they are built around 2 totally different systems. You can manage to use QT instruments as a sound source for midi coming from your keyboard but their used to be a horrible latency in OS9 and sound quality is only sub par... imgaine what the average midi songs from the web sound like in web pages and such... cheesey right? That is QT sounds for you. Your Alesis will sound much better

[webslave]

Thank you for the advice. I will read your article pronto!
Daniel

[webslave]

Thank you for the advice. I will read your article pronto!
Daniel