Using Computer Keyboard as MIDI Keyboard in a Host?

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Hello,
Is this possible? Can it be done in Logic 5 or other major hosts?

I find that using computer keyboard for midi is very fast and easy, especially if you are a good typer. The beats and rhythmes just come out so easily on a computer keyboard.

TIA for any suggestions.

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If your VST host can receive the MIDI from VST plugins try mkey and trollo.

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FL Studio and other hosts support this but there's no velocity sensitivity with a computer keyboard.
gorDeLpus - the creator of MoM -- the Morph-o-Matic

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True, but with mkey (link above) softer and louder notes can be input with CTRL and ALT modifiers.

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cold c wrote:If your VST host can receive the MIDI from VST plugins try mkey and trollo.
does any of those work in Tracktion ?

(tried mkey in logic, but it didn't work)

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mkey requires a bit of a workaround in Tracktion. I can dig it up somewhere if you like. In the meantime, I run MIDI OX when I want to use QWERTY for MIDI. You have to make sure you give MIDI OX focus when you want to play, though.

Greg
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Yes mkey works in tracktion, the instructions on the site say that mkey has to be placed before the synth, and that capslock has to be pressed, I'm not sure if all keys work, there are some instructions on recording with mkey for tracktion.

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Ignore anything I said. Looking at that link, I realize that the last time I used mKey was ages ago, and therefore not applicable anymore. Also, I was using virtual MIDI ports, which also might have necessitated a workaround. I seem to remember needing MIDI Yoke, Thalamus, and Mkey in some sort of combination to get it working. ;)

Greg
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Hmm, I think I will stick with my real MIDI Keyboard for now. It seems that there are too many drawbacks when using these virtual keyboards. I think all major hosts should include this feature. I just found out that Logic 7 has it. A fully implemented virutal keyboard inside of a host can't be compare to all these third party apps.

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:?

Heh... well...

I guess I agree, but if you have a MIDI keyboard in the first place, I dunno why you were looking for a QWERTY solution. ;)
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superddman wrote:I just found out that Logic 7 has it. A fully implemented virutal keyboard inside of a host can't be compare to all these third party apps.
Does it have polyphonic aftertouch?

Also remember tracktion and mkey are both free.

...
Lunch Money wrote:Also, I was using virtual MIDI ports, which also might have necessitated a workaround
I think that virtual ports are still necessary to record the MIDI from the plugin in tracktion as you said, but I am not a tracktician so there could be another way. It is possible to route it directly to a track for recording (without virtual MIDI ports) in SX or eXT though.

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Does it have polyphonic aftertouch?
Not sure, I dont have logic 7 but would sure love to get it. FL is another good example of a nice virtual midi implementation. Works very well.

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cold c wrote:Yes mkey works in tracktion, the instructions on the site say that mkey has to be placed before the synth, and that capslock has to be pressed, I'm not sure if all keys work, there are some instructions on recording with mkey for tracktion.
Thanks for the info / link
(and to the others who answered)

It might allow me to listen to sounds with my laptop
when I have no midi controller at hand.

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superddman wrote:
Does it have polyphonic aftertouch?
Not sure
Sorry that bit was an attempt at a "joke", please ignore it. :D

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you don't need all that BS, just get one of these!

:D

.g

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