Karaoke Forums

You are free to ask. These are not questions that have been asked and answered 10E6 times, so the Forum Search won't work here.

I would suggest Firewire or USB if you can afford it. Less noisy then Line-in, but then again, with Line-In, you can use CEP to de-noise your tracks.

For me, a weighted keyboard controller with either mixer, price wise, the Behringer MX.(I have one as well in the studio, but don't tell that to anyone else)

I'm for the computer and software option. More versatile, and adding software and plug-in's is so much easier.

What soundcard do you have? If anything reasonable, you don't need a new soundcard as of yet. But trust me, once the bug bites, you'll look at spending more money. I use 3 $45 soundcards in the studio, and with de-noising and de-hissing, the sound is fantastic.

That's why we started this new thread

I am no drummer, so I cheat by using my DR-5, I don't see anything wrong with that. I record the other instruments live, and play along.

Smart a$$ , but that is only a small part of the answer. MIDI will open the whole world for you with music. But that can be discussed later. Baby steps first.

MIDI connected to a sampler,................hmmmm, now THAT's good stuff!

Sound proofing made a difference in my neighbourhood

No, and see, my point exactly. You are playing/practising with back trax, generated by a band/orchestra, Cakewalk...................whatever, MIDI is a interface, not a verb

Once again, MIDI is a interface, we need to get the principal down.

Sorry, I don't



Here's a typical example of what you can do with MIDI. I told you before, I enjoy playing music from The Shadows.
Now, not being able to get their music without the lead solo guitar track, I do the following.
Record the drums with the DR-5 (MIDI interface)
Record the bass with a weighted keyboard (MIDI interface)
Record the guitar (Analog interface)

Save in Cakewalk and then playback the Cakewalk file through either a MIDI processor (Roland SC88) or my wave sound module I have my own "band" backing me while I play the lead.

trouble is, not everyone here HAS permission to go to the "Singer's Forum" Allstar... so that link may be confusing to those members that will get a blocked message.

I just noticed Allstar and I overlapped. He's addressed my questions earlier...

(Scrolling back)


OK,  thanks

Can we at first keep things under 1K in terms of cost ?  Less in the beginning if possible ?




Which of course *WAS* a concern none-the-less  :)  Although I couldn't find these questions asked,  my concern was it's broad coverage expanding beyond the realm of "Karaoke".



Integrated AC-97

I also have a Dell Inspiron 1100 laptop (yet was planning on going with a desktop system for midi), additionally I have another P-3 downstairs that I pondered resurrecting as a means for ONLY MIDI computer interfacing and internet without other clutter... I have several options.....The retired system downstairs doesn't even have 10 gig HD however. My thought's were that I'd set up a computer over in my synth section of the analog studio...rather than have it right at my den desk and having to lug a synth over into the den...Of course buying a weighted controller might take care of all that concern anyway...Just keeping that in the den with the current desktop.  Both Dell's have USB-2.. Not sure if they are equipped for firewire, is that a different non-standard socket ? I did look at the Mackie and Behringer NON-powered mixers.  My thoughts were this,  the Behringer for home use is SO affordable, if it's at all passable, I'd assume not spend the additional dollars Mackie equipment costs... Next question of course,  I only have my TASCAM 434 mk2 analog mixer.... Rather than buying the Behringer, would I be better off to combine the Mixer with a digital recording studio..... IE Tascam digital recording studio ?  This would offer mixer, and recording setup, as well as interface (I think)..... Another question I had Allstar was Line-6 has the "toneport" USB recording and modeling interface that appears to accept other instruments, and XLR as well....

Anyway, these are my questions... I will shutup, and listen now !

Once again, Thanks Allstar.. I'm looking forward to starting a digital studio...Like I said, I haven't a clue.... Just questions   My concern of course being spending 500 for a preSonus type audio interface, when it appears I can get more features with something like a digital recording unit/mixer...for around that same price...which naturally would offer FX too...

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Thanks Matt, link removed. It was just a reference.

You are just no fun, are you?

OK, your current keyboards, do they have midi in/out?
Does the PC you want to use, have a joystick port?

The Dell Inspiron 1100 The Dell Inspiron is a great entry level laptop. Has more then enough power to be used as a MIDI recorder/player. Does it have a joystick port?

Don't worry to much now over USB/Firewire. Line-In is just fine, it will keep your costs down.

Dell Inspiron 1100 (Celeron proc... Which should answer your question regarding how little fun I am  )


S-Video TV out connector
two USB connectors (although not sure they are USB-2, I assume so)
Network connector
headphone out
Microphone in
PC card slot


That's all I notice

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Allstar,  in terms of features,  the den desktop has a splitter 4 JBL speakers, and I've hooked an Altec XA-3001 subwoofer to it... (little 19 watt plastic thing), my thoughts are the desktop has more features, and a larger area for this.... Not sure however.. Open to suggestions..Again Desktop is the Dimension 2340, and is P-4..
Immediately setup with more features and room to attach peripherals, unless I run a patch out, into my soundtech mixer and into the main PA, the sound isn't bad at all for a computer setup.  However the laptop is just on a tray in another room and is reserved for the really lazy times.... Such as now..... (and 90% of other times too)


How much onboard RAM should I have on the MB for this process ?  Also what sized HD should I have ?

My Korg X-3 has midi out midi in and midi thru, Currently I have two Ultimate Support A frame stands of synths I run into old Boss, and Tascam NP mixers, and than into the Soundtech 6 channel main mixer I have (for home)... No patchbay's, or even DI boxes....Which is another thing.... Who makes a decent DI box ?  I need one for bass and keys ?

My preference is weighted, or semi weighted piano type action... Touch sensitive isn't as comfortable for me, although I play organ type (non-hammer) action quite abit on the Hammond, and touch sensitive action on synths of course..... Any thought's about buying a keyboard controller ?   Which ones are decent ?  73 key's minimally, perhaps 64 keys...I was looking at the M-Audio weighted controller, and there are other makes of course... I have NO clue what's decent....Could I use JUST the software on the computer as the samples ?   Or must the controller have onboard FX, and features of it's own if not running into a synth module on a rack..

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Steven, you can call me Tony please.
Seems like you should keep the laptop for the lazy days. Use the Dimension 2340, but we'll have to get you a midi port. You'll need something like this: http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-UX16-MID ... 1242.music

RAM: at least 1GB, recording is very heavy on the RAM

Perfect, then you can use that as your MIDI keyboard. Is the Korg weighted, or semi weighted? If not, time to spend some money

Any keyboard to your liking will do. You are just using the keyboard to transmit MIDI data, no sounds. The sounds will come from your MIDI device, e.g. Roland SC88

Thanks Tony,

Korg is touch sensitive,  time to spend some money.. I do want a nice weighted or semi-weighted controller.... I don't mind spending a few hundred bucks for one....reason being, regardless of where I do or don't go with computer interfacing....a decent controller can always be used as a mainstay keyboard into rack-mounted synth modules.... So it's a worthwhile investment, and step into newer keyboard tech for me as well...

1 gig,   so I assume needing to upgrade the current 256 megs of RAM on the Dimemsion 2340 will be an additional firt step ?  I don't know what ram costs these days, I hope this older model system can expand to 1 gig.....almost two years old...yet does suffice in all other aspects.... (for current apps).. I think it will take 1 gig max



OK, the  nature of my question, was because in "The personal computer based music studio", it states;

"Just make sure your keyboard sounds good by itself" So I wasn't certain if that just pertained to the example given of the battered out of tune upright, or also referred to the controller having to have certain FX and features of it's own prior to going into the computer.. I understand what you are saying however.


( I need to run out for a few hours Tony,  I will be back shortly, and I do appreciate your assistance. I'll follow this thread the moment I return. Local CVS has these plastic sliders called "sliding robot's", last night I put 4 under the Leslie cab, and realized I need six pads to make the Hammond B-3 moveable to get behind it on occassion...Assuming I don't end up paralyzed putting these pads under the B-3, I'll be back in a few. That monster get's heavier each year)

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

steven be very careful of tony....i think he just likes to see others spend money, try this.....step 1....ask him if he can loan u some money....
step 2. after he says NOOOOOO, ask his wife, shes very nice....and sings great...she might be a softy....but don't tell tony....u might not know it but hes from another world...er, country...l....hope u get it all worked out my friend...wanting to hear u one day, maybe do a duet together....take care guys

Thanks Billy.... It'd be a blast to accompany you on keyboards....rather than Karaoke, I'd play the accompaniment.  We can do your favorite stuff,  like Muskrat Love, Olivia Newton John stuff, and Mary Poppin's songs, even some Tony Orlando oldies....


Nah seriously,  I'm thankful Tony lit some coals under me to get me going on this...I have no excuse for being this far behind regarding midi.... There's more to life than the analog days.... I need to get my A$$ in gear and start getting into interactive music..... Tony was correct, Change can be a good thing...and it's not like I'm 90 years old, and too old to catch onto whats current....

So I'm researching mixer's..  and want to make a good choice ASAP, as well as a good quality weighted action keyboard controller.... I'm looking around, getting idea's...also getting confused......  Yet this is new to me...and I want to know what's what... Also not sure if 256 RAM will be enough for this, even for starters


btw.... You've heard me talk Billy,  you know I'm from another country too.. How long did it take you to understand what I was saying ?

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

i'm sorry could u repete that, couldn't understand a word u said....i use a cheap mixer on here, but all i do is sing thru it....i will say i know veryyyyyy little about midi, buttt, a good sound card does make a different, atleast in my vocals anyway, god knows i need it...and no i don't think 256 k will nearly be enough, i use cep....cool edit pro, and it eats up the ram....
listen to tony, he knows what hes talking about, just keep ur hands on ur billfold.......hes worst then a woman...
i been reading his post on different threads and think, lord son u on ur period? ...he does have a certain charm, i guess.......take care guys...

Oh yeah, Especially if he was ever lucky enough to see a guitarist from his native country in concert, Jan Akkerman.... AMAZING musician... Focus used to be my favorite group back when I was young, energetic, and handsome like you guys.. What an amazing progressive rock guitarist .... Thijs VanLeer wasn't too shabby a musician either !  That must've been ONE friggin LOUD concert

Those that knew of Focus (at least in the 1970's) gained even more respect for Gibson guitars...What Jan did with a Les Paul Low imp, and L-6 was spectacular...Anyway, Too bad they never sounded like that when I got those guitar models home  :(  I need to check out the Shadows too...Not familiar with the name, I wonder if I ever heard anything from them..

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

The Shadows

Stevie, You must listen to their greatest single, Apache, an instrumental The lead solo was and still the best clean g'tar sound.
I listen to them in my youth.

_________________
I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

OK,  Now I feel like a total fool.. Are you talking about the "Drifters" and then----> late 50's Cliff Richards and the Shadow's group "The Shadow's" ?   The backing guitar "surf" type track Apache ?   That's one of the "Oldies" all time great's regarding guitar instrumental's.... I should've known when Allstar said he preferred Fender Strat's ...  Yeah,  Of course I know who the Shadow's are, I suppose when he mentioned european group I was thrown off abit too....Shadow's was American Surf sound brought to europe AGES ago as I recall.... I was thinking some newer young group that I'd never heard of.... I know who the original shadow's were..... Assuming that's the same "Shadows" Meehan the drummer just died...I remember "Apache" on the radio early early 1960's...... Hadn't a clue that was "The Shadow's" you meant...  That's classic guitar instrumentals... I wonder if they did Bonanza theme too...Not sure...Same style


I had no idea you guys were classy like that   (sorry, couldn't resist the backhanded compliment)

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

That's us, classy! and yes, those The Shadows

Oh Heck Tony,  That's classic fender, sort've like James Burton Telecaster famous type Fender classic... It's carved it's name in guitar history.  Was late 50's Shadow's Strat ?  Probably...Wonder if they also used the Telecaster.. That'd be classic 57 Stratocaster tone probably.. I have to listen again.. Haven't heard them since I was knee high to a gnat.  I was probably in my early teens last time I really listened to them...


Now if I find out those guy's are still around and gigging, I'll freak...In a good way...The music would be nearing 1/2 century old... That's amazing..

I'm curious, have to check out who did the "theme to Bonanza"..

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

2005: Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett are back on the road again after their electric 37 date 'farewell' 2004 UK tour. The twenty-five date tour will take in ten countries, kicking off in Denmark on April 13th and culminating at Birmingham's NIA on Saturday May 14th and Sunday May 15th with The Encore Concerts - back by popular demand!

To add to their success, Sir Cliff Richard and The Shadows scooped the award for the best of the 50s Decade in the very first UK Music Hall Of Fame.

The event took place at the Hackney Empire, London on Thursday 11th November and was the pinnacle of the Channel 4 Sunday night series that took an in-depth look at five musical decades - the 50's, 60's, 70's 80's and 90's..

How's that for some cool stuff!

Brian May - Testimonial

When I was a kid, there was no rock music as such. When Cliff Richard and 'The Shadows' made their first recordings, they brought the stirrings of the new American rock 'n' roll to England. Only a few months later, The Shadows records had created a completely new style and standard, which literally thousands of budding guitarists all over the country attempted to emulate.

For me, The Shadows were the heaviest, most metallic thing around. Hearing Man of Mystery, The Stranger, Apache, etc…I, in common with thousands of others, started to learn the single note lead style of Hank Marvin. None of us ever quite managed it. No one ever quite got that sound. It was special. I can remember trying to play whole lines on a new string! But that sound was elusive.

I remember taping and learning to play Foot Tapper before it was in the shops, and astonishing my friends who were still struggling with Dance On. I remember Ventures songs and Spotnicks tunes which were tests of speed, but The Shadows made the stuff that people wanted to hear. Class!

You sparked my curiousity Tony, so I was looking around, and found this site just now..

http://www.sir-cliff.com/cliffennium.html

I found a few parts pretty interesting.. The 1959 (I think) paragraph about ordering a red Strat, and also 1966 when he performed "Shooting Star".  Offhand, I'm not familiar with that song UNLESS of course it's the song that a decade later Bad Company covered, and didn't actually compose. Is Bad Co's "Shooting Star" a cover of this song ?  If-so, it would appear that the translation of the song's meaning so many "claim they understand" is incorrect.  The song was written prior to it being possible for some of the rumored meanings (at least that I'd heard) to be true. 1966 was around the heart of the British invasion (I think)

_________________
Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Billy, you (@$%&#!), I saw all that stuff you wrote
Nope
Still Nope!  :rotflmao:

In which way?
Hm hm, period, got that my man, I just turned 40, so that's what I blame it to.

Nice to see you around my friend!

Nope my friend, different songs.