[Eug Wanker]

OK. I bought this M-Audio USB MIDISPORT 2x2 to be able to use my MIDI controller keyboard.



All I want to do is be able to play it as a piano. I don't need a sequencer or anything like that for the time being. I just want to use my TiBook as a piano sound module. As long as it sounds OK I'll be happy.

The store guy said I could use some freeware apps for this purpose. Any recommendations?

[Eug]

OK I've been playing around in the MIDI app in the OS X utilities folder. Am I right in thinking I need more than this to hear the sound? I can't find a freeware player on macupdate.

I can't test yet since I don't have the right MIDI cables. (The ones I got with my PC sound card have a game port on the end, for the sound card.)

[Mr. Blur]

yes, you need something with sound samples to trigger with the keyboard.

try downloading one of the demos from Bitheadz or maybe VSamp ...it'l get you started anyway while you sort out what is what.....

[Eug Wanker]

OK, I downloaded VSamp and am able to play the scale and play the guitar off of the computer keyboard.

However, I can't play anything off my MIDI keyboard. The USB light is on on the MIDISport, and the MIDI input light is on (flashing periodically, and flashing whenever I touch the MIDI keyboard).

However, none of the sounds play in VSamp. I have loaded the instrument in VSamp, and selected port A of the MIDISport.

[tr]

have you checked out settings in audio/MIDI setup (found in apps-->utilities)?

tr

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Mr. Blur:
yes, you need something with sound samples to trigger with the keyboard.

try downloading one of the demos from Bitheadz or maybe VSamp ...it'l get you started anyway while you sort out what is what.....

OK, I got it working with the Bitheadz Unity Demo, but unfortunately the only samples they include are some FM synth type ones. Plus for some reason I can't play any chords. Each note is discrete. (But then again, it's like that if I use the built in keyboard in the app too. No chords allowed.)

Vsamp still doesn't work however.

All I want is an app that will give me an unadulterated set of piano samples, so I can continue to learn how to play this damn keyboard.

Any other suggestions for software?

[Mr. Blur]

a couple of things to check:
- on your midi kybd is it set to transmit data and on what midi channel?
- is the midi data being being received by the computer and/or is the midi device being recognized? try running Midi Monitor to see what's coming/going.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Mr. Blur:
a couple of things to check:
- on your midi kybd is it set to transmit data and on what midi channel?
- is the midi data being being received by the computer and/or is the midi device being recognized? try running Midi Monitor to see what's coming/going.

Yep MIDI monitor works fine, and notes and chords are indeed registering.

And as I posted as you were composing your message Unity seems to (sort of) work. However, VSamp continues not to work. Not that it matters though since VSamp only has a single set of guitar samples.

P.S. One thing I noted is that Unity installed a device in the MIDI utility, but VSamp does not, if that makes any difference.

[Eug Wanker]

Scratch that. Now when I load VSamp, it launches part of Unity - the Unity Server, and I can play that guitar, complete with all the chords. Weird. The rest of Unity isn't even loaded AFAIK.

[slugslugslug]

Does your MIDIsport still work with panther? I have one that was recognized just fine by Jag, but now that I have a keyboard to use it with, it turns out Panther doesn't see it. I got what's supposed to be the latest driver from M-Audio, and the light on the MIDI box turns on when it's plugged in. But when I open Audio MIDI Setup and click the MIDI tab, the pane stays empty or i get a beachball and the app unexpectedly quits..

Any other M-Audio users seeing this?

thanks.
Y.

[spiky_dog]

i am running a midisport 2x2 with panther, and sibelius has no problems using it.

to the original poster: i have no good suggestions. i used Intuem for a while ($80) but it is the worst notation software i have ever used, hands down. sibelius is pricey, and if you don't want notation then it's complete overkill. but it works and is definitely all you should ever need if you decide to compose.

if you just want to play, why not buy a standalone non-midi keyboard? they're cheap.

[Eug]

Works fine under Panther.

And iLife '04 with GarageBand was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Awesome.

[Eug]

Doh! I should have ordered JamPack too. Maybe that's a good thing. I'll test out Garage Band first and see how much I like it.