Using the computer keyboard as a writing tool?

[Jesse Gorter]

Hi,

I am thinking of using Tracktion as a host. But most important for me is the ability to write music on two ways;

1. A sequencer like in reason (the piano roll I believe it is called?)
2. The ability to play your vsti's with your computer keyboard (I do not have a midi-keyboard). Especially the last feature would be sweet since I used it so often in ableton live demo's and before in the Fasttracker days of my music writing.

My question is; is it possible to play it with the keyboard? If yes, how?

Neko.

[AD80]

This plug-in will let you play your VST's with your computer keyboard.

http://www.adbe.org/freebies/plugins/mkey.html

[Graeme]

Although it's possible to use your computer keyboard to 'play', it's really not ergonomically ideal. These days, you can buy midi keyboards for very little money and I'd really recommend you go that route.

[Jesse Gorter]

Thank you, that could be very helpfull, now to try it out

[khvt]

Is there a Mac version or equivalent of plugin? Thanks.

[AD80]

Check this out too guys.
http://www.prodikeys.com/products/prodikeys_DM/?type=13

[valley]

that's a freakin' great idea!

I think I want one.

[ci1874]

I have the black Prodikeys board. It's handy, space saving, and a little better made than I suspected it would be (they look pretty cheap and I hate Creative Labs), but the resolution of the velocity sensitivity is pretty poor. Add that to the small key size and it's not at all ideal for very sensitive playing - though you might not need to do that at all, and I'm very bitchy about ergonomics. See if you can try one out first.

The pictures on the box are hilarious if I remember correctly... it's this dude getting all the chicks with his hottt cyber axe...

[ornitholestes]

Is there a Mac version or equivalent of plugin? Thanks.

Here's two. Scroll down for v.m.k. in the second link:
http://www.manyetas.com/creed/midikeys_beta.html
http://web.telia.com/~u86705274/pages/code-apps.html

They're both good in their own way depending how you like to play. I have an M-Audio O2 but I still keep these guys on my laptop when I don't bring the keyboard along.

Mike

[webmob]

>Is there a Mac version or equivalent of plugin? Thanks.

try midikeys www.manyetas.com
and µ MIDI Controller www.musicunfolding.com

[webmob]

ups
www.manyetas.com/creed/midikeys_beta.html

[titanium]

Prodikeys
pros: space-saving integration
cons: cheezy quality, tiny keys, NO TWIDDLY KNOBS!!!

alternatives: (1) standard qwerty keyboard plus...
M-Audio Ozonic, Ozone, Oxygen 8, or O2
Edirol PCR-M1, PCR-1
Novation Remote 25 or X Station 25

One thing I dislike about small keyboards....none of them have those giant 44 Oz drink holders like the PC does. I mean, you're there working up a sweat on the next worldwide hit, you shouldn't have to reach way over (or under) there to the PC box to get a hold of your 7-11 Big Gulp! They oughta put 'em right on the keyboards I say.

[braj]

I have a Prodikeys DM, it's great for what it is. You'll always have a keyboard right in front of you when you're working on an edit. If you aren't a keyboard player anyway (someone wanting to enter midi via the keyboard probably isn't) it's probably ideal.

I wish it was Mac compatible though.

[pethu]

I have a Prodikeys DM, it's great for what it is. You'll always have a keyboard right in front of you when you're working on an edit. If you aren't a keyboard player anyway (someone wanting to enter midi via the keyboard probably isn't) it's probably ideal.

I wish it was Mac compatible though.

I mainly use the Prodikeys for auditioning sounds when tweaking synths and effects.

My biggest niggle apart from the 6- or 7-step velocity sensitivity is the absence of a mod wheel - what looks like a modwheel in the pictures is actually a volume control wheel. (That, and that the marketing is firmly aimed at the Japanese Karaoke enthusiasts... )

If you can't have your computer setup right in front of your main controller, it's a great help with the ergonomics of your studio, though!

[braj]

YEp, we just bought a new house 6 months ago and my studio space was essentially a broom closet. I sold my 5 octave kbd and got a prodikeys, it really kept me san. I've only now overthrown the wife and commandeered her office as my new studio (since she stopped working from home on a regular basis).