KVR Audio

FindMeOutTheFront · Post by **FindMeOutTheFront** » Tue May 22, 2012 12:25 pm

Hi all!

Heres my situation. I'm currently about to record a demo at a friends home studio. He uses Mackie Tracktion 3. Up until this point, i have only personally used Sibelius to create my songs, which as you know, has less than great sounds available.

The songs are arranged with keyboard/synth parts, (of which i can't physically play), and don't have access to anyone who can play keys. However, i do have all the keys parts extracted from sibelius into MIDI files. SO - What i am asking is... Is there a way i can upload these midi files into a sampler/vst program that will give me good enough/more realistic sounds for a demo?? I've heard some examples of what Kontakt etc can do, and they are great.

Is this possible to insert a MIDI file of a keys part and come out with a great sounding audio clip/ better sounding midi file?? Possibly using sibelius, but if not, through Tracktion? If the answer is yes, please list some programs that you would recommend.

Thanks a lot,

Adam

chokehold · Post by **chokehold** » Tue May 22, 2012 12:33 pm

I personally don't know Tracktion, but it's a pretty straight forward sequencer/host loved by many here, so I guess it should be possible to just drag a MIDI file from a sound browser to a track and just load a VSTi plugin on that track.

Would work like that in Reaper, Studio One, etc.

Which VSTi plugin you're going to need is actually just up to your personal wishes, there are so many out there, without any further info on what it is you want them to do and what sort of sounds you need, I don't think anyone can recommend you one.

EDIT: Oh, and welcome @ KVR!

skipscada · Post by **skipscada** » Tue May 22, 2012 12:36 pm

Hello Adam,

You can simply paste your midi-files into your mates' Tracktion and run them through whichever instrument you like. As you've discovered, there are some great sounds available out there.

BTW, isn't Sibelius capable of loading instruments in the VST format? I would think so, at least if it's not an early version.

Other posters will surely point you towards other programs such as Cubase, Logic, Reaper etc. that can host instruments and run your midi through them (and a LOT more), but at this stage I think you should explore what's accessible to you right now and look for other solutions if you reach a cul-de-sac.

Good luck!

standalone · Post by **standalone** » Tue May 22, 2012 12:39 pm

As has being said, the process consists in loading the midi file in Tracktion (probably by simply dragging and dropping the midi file on it, that's how it's done in most soft sequencers), then a track will be created for each instrument. You must then load an instrument plugin (like Kontakt, for example) in each track. From its interface you select which sound you want for that track: drums, bass, guitar, etc.

You could try the free version of Kontakt that comes with some instruments to learn how it is done:

http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/ ... -5-player/

Here is the Tracktion forum:

http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=22

FindMeOutTheFront · Post by **FindMeOutTheFront** » Tue May 22, 2012 12:40 pm

Thanks for the reply,

Last time I tried to load a MIDI file into tracktion, it loaded ok, i saw the data on the screen, but it wouldn't play any sound. Tried checking the volume levels of the SW synth, nothing. But the midi played normally in another program.

As for the sounds i am looking for, the tunes would fit into a rock/pop category, so primarily looking for pads, some piano, synths, and maybe even guitar sounds, if they are decent enough. Keep in mind, i'm techno un-savvy, looking for something simple, easy to use, that sounds good.

Cheers

Mutant · Post by **Mutant** » Tue May 22, 2012 1:43 pm

First you have to understand that a MIDI file can't give out any sound on its own, because it is only data for hardware and software MIDI instruments to interpret.

You can think of it like a perforated paper roll for a pianola.

skipscada · Post by **skipscada** » Tue May 22, 2012 10:38 pm

FindMeOutTheFront wrote:Thanks for the reply,

Last time I tried to load a MIDI file into tracktion, it loaded ok, i saw the data on the screen, but it wouldn't play any sound.

In Tracktion, you need to insert what Tracktion calls a filter to the right of the track. When you insert a filter, it will give you a choice of the available filters, which hopefully includes some instruments. If there are no instruments, you can download free ones. The one mentioned by standalone would be a good place to start, and if you search this forum you will find lots of other suggestions. When you have downloaded and installed the instruments (probably in the VST format), you must ask Tracktion to scan for plugins (in the Setup tab). make sure Tracktions scans the folder where you put the VST. Tracktion should now list the instrument plugin in its filter list. You should be ready to go.

FindMeOutTheFront · Post by **FindMeOutTheFront** » Wed May 23, 2012 1:44 am

Thanks so much guys, really helpful. I'll get the free Kontakt 5 going and see how it all goes.

geroyannis · Post by **geroyannis** » Wed May 23, 2012 2:09 am

Free Kontakt 5? Where? I want it too!

Mutant · Post by **Mutant** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:43 am

I think he means the player version that times out after about 15 minutes and you have to reload it.

He can't mean some pirated version because i am sure he knows that he would get banned for talking about it here.

standalone · Post by **standalone** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:16 am

Or maybe the OP just read my post:

standalone wrote:You could try the free version of Kontakt that comes with some instruments to learn how it is done:

http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/ ... -5-player/

"Make sure you download the free KONTAKT FACTORY SELECTION, containing 50 premium instruments for KONTAKT 5 PLAYER. This collection takes in smaller-weight versions of some of the amazing instruments from KONTAKT's Band, Synth, Urban Beats, Vintage and World libraries."

Help!! Clueless songwriter!