Tracktion - Need MIDI Keyboard Help Please

[damus]

Just realized there is a specific forum for Tracktion users...

Hi.

I've downloaded the demo of Tracktion and testing it to see if I want to purchase it. I have connected an M-Audio Keystation Keyboard, and it shows up in Tracktion settings as the MIDI Device Input, and as the Output Device as well.

The Device somtimes shows up on the left of the edit screen where it should, and sometimes it doesn't. When it does, and is connected to a track, the level meter filter on the track registers when a key on the keyboard is pressed. However, no sound is played (or at least none is heard.).

Can anyone assist me here? Is there some plug-in I need to install to get sound from the keyboard?

Thanks.

[spacefox]

The device should show up on the left when you have the keyboard powered on before running Tracktion, so Tracktion will ID it.

As I understand from your post you have no plugin present on the track in question. I also assume you are a newbie to computer music. If one of my assumptions in incorrect, I apologize.

Your keyboard sends MIDI, which is only a set of instructions regarding what to play. You need a instrument (say, a synth) on the same track so it can receive MIDI and output sound. On thhis very site (left sidebar, under instruments, effects hosts etc.) you can search for free VST instruments. Hope it helps.

[damus]

thanks Sapcefox for your reply.

I checked out the Instruments VST pages...do you mean I have to get a VST for each instrument (or set of instruments) I want to use?

Yes, I am a newbie at this, but want to learn. I've played with EasyBest and GarageBand (yes I'm on Mac OSX) and have no problem with hearing my keyboard in these programs. They might be using QuickTime Musical Instruments for playback. Any chance Tracktion can be set up with the QuickTime Instruments?

Thanks again. (Doing some reading on Computer Music for Newbies. Thx)

[spacefox]

Yes, you have to use some sort of an instrument to make sound with your MIDI keyboard. The keyboard only instructs the instruments which notes to play etc. (MIDI acts kind of how a musical score is used to instruct the player).
Tracktion uses only VST instruments. As far as quicktime instruments are used, I'm on PC and no nothing about them. If you give some details about what music your'e trying to make, what is your background etc. people (including myself) will be able to provide some good (and free) starting points.

[Mr. Tingle]

You could start off using the MDA plugs from the filter button (JX10 DX10). Filters with a small keyboard next to them are synths (usually) and are triggered with MIDI (from your keyboard or MIDI data on a track). Just drop one on the track you plugged your midi keyboard to.