KVR Audio

clang · Post by **clang** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:13 am

Hi all you people!
I need

for my audio midi setup.
I own a compaq AMD1.4 256RAM winxp laptop, so I have to go with usb or firewire. I want to be able to record guitar, voice, play keyboard and midi control my vst. Keep in mind: i'm still a beginner! In the last time I considered several options:
m-audio all-in-once ozone
usb audio-midi interface + master keyboard
novation all-in-once+ks-synth xstation
usb audio-midi interface + microKorg
What do you think is the best solution? All-in-one or separated? A small keyboard is enough or is better a 49 keys? Which's the best: m-audio or edirol?
I have to say the xstation and microKorg solutions thrill me for the ability to play a "real" thing and also for the situations when I have some melody in mind and I quickly want to play it (without turning on pc) just to remember the notes (:oops: yes, I can't recognise notes without playing!

). But the are plenty of vst out there and buy a real synth seems an expensive solution for a newbie! Anyway which of the two sounds best? I like retro-newwave-eighties sound and I know xiu xiu www.xiuxiu.org use a microKorg, but if the xstation has comparable sound I probably prefer this all-in-one.
Money? The options I've mentioned are all in my possibilities, but I wouldn't invest too much for an activity that is still an hobby!

Thank you for any response!

Cheers!

mystahr · Post by **mystahr** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:24 am

Considering the fact that your machine isnt that powerful and the memorie is only 256M I'd suggest for the option of a masterkeyboard that has a variety of sounds that you can build with it (saves CPU if you can get those sounds from a hardware tool)

Which and what though is very hard to suggest as there is such a big market out there and it takes time (and luck) to find the right tools.
Not sure on what to advice on fire-wire or audio-card tools, but a combination of keys and good audio from a card imo seems the thing to go for.

Check the secondhand market and read about the keys that are offered; through time you'll learn what suits you best. Vst wise there is a huge amount of freebies available and demo's to keep you busy for a long time yet. Try them all out and don't be affraid to ask questions or help on specific matters. You'll find a helpfull community here.

But most of all your first goal should be to enjoy making music. (and be prepared to become a junkie to it

)

VariKusBrainZ · Post by **VariKusBrainZ** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:35 am

How about the Novation X Station

http://www.novationmusic.com/nov_route/ ... front2.htm

a mighty fine looking controller, USB audio in/out + midi and its a f**king synth too

Dont know if you can use the audio in/out capabilaties while its in synth mode though

slowdude · Post by **slowdude** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:42 am

CreepJoint wrote:How about the Novation X Station

http://www.novationmusic.com/nov_route/ ... front2.htm

a mighty fine looking controller, USB audio in/out + midi and its a f**king synth too

Dont know if you can use the audio in/out capabilaties while its in synth mode though

Novation just got bought out by Focusrite... Last I heard, a few of Novation products are suffering some really bad crackling noise and a lot of users ahve been complaining for over several years to have that problem fixed but nothing was ever done... Now its part of Focusrite so hopefully things will start looking nice again...

clang · Post by **clang** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 9:07 am

I've already read some pages of the xstation manual! I think you can't record while playing the synth. Anyway I know it's an amazing gear. Just would like to know if anyone owns one and how it sounds. It's rather expensive and I have to be sure before buying.

clang · Post by **clang** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 2:23 pm

What about m-audio ozone? Anyone using it?
I definitely need some opinions!

advice me for a setup!