Hi there,
I am a composition student and new vsl user. I am currently shooping for the best setup for maximizing the potential of my Special Edition software, in terms of audio interface, sequencer software and midi controllers. My laptop operates on Windows XP and I have a potential budget of 2000-2500 dollars US for my setup.
First, I am trying to get some consensus on the best midi controllers to purchase within a range
of 400.00 US to use with VSL. Are there any advantages to having a full 88 key controller
(such as the m-audio keystation pro 8[H] or will one of the smaller ones (25 keys)be
adequate to suit my needs for composing music that spans up to 5 octaves? Furthermore, if I want to record a part that spans more than the 2 octaves supplied by
the small midi controllers, will the possible execution of octave transpositon in mid
phrase be only a minor hindrance to performance, as I suspect it is, or will it turn out
to be something that requires alot more practice to perfect? I am not a keyboard virtuoso
at this point, and time management is always an important factor. I am leaning towards
the smaller controllers b/c of their portability. However, ease of execution of 88keys may outweigh the portabiltiy issues. I already have an 88 key keyboard (Yamaha dgx 620), which connects to my laptop via usb. However, it has no midi in or out ports, but connects to audio interface via standard 1/4" line input (which doubles as my headphone jack), and has no mod wheel, which I believe is required to be able to switch between articualtions on the vertical span of the stand alone in Special Edition. If you know of alternatives please let me know, so I will be able to make an informed decision
Any further advice will be appreciated.
Also in regard to sound, I believe that the M- audio Ozone 25 key midi controller has a usb interface built in. Again this appeals because of its portabiltiy, but I am a little concerned about using usb for my interface, as I have been told that firerwire is much better. Is speed the only issue here, or is firewire better for other reasons as well?
Obviously, a consumer grade sound card will not do the VSL samples justice, so I want to get an interface that will maximize its potential. RME or Apogee are not an option for me as the nearest dealers are over 1000 miles away,cost and local support being a deciding factor.
Also, I heard that Pro Tools is not the best choice of sequencer for VSL. Is there a particular reason why?
All advice on these issues is much appreciated!
Kevin Doucet
Composition Student
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS
Canada
I am a composition student and new vsl user. I am currently shooping for the best setup for maximizing the potential of my Special Edition software, in terms of audio interface, sequencer software and midi controllers. My laptop operates on Windows XP and I have a potential budget of 2000-2500 dollars US for my setup.
First, I am trying to get some consensus on the best midi controllers to purchase within a range
of 400.00 US to use with VSL. Are there any advantages to having a full 88 key controller
(such as the m-audio keystation pro 8[H] or will one of the smaller ones (25 keys)be
adequate to suit my needs for composing music that spans up to 5 octaves? Furthermore, if I want to record a part that spans more than the 2 octaves supplied by
the small midi controllers, will the possible execution of octave transpositon in mid
phrase be only a minor hindrance to performance, as I suspect it is, or will it turn out
to be something that requires alot more practice to perfect? I am not a keyboard virtuoso
at this point, and time management is always an important factor. I am leaning towards
the smaller controllers b/c of their portability. However, ease of execution of 88keys may outweigh the portabiltiy issues. I already have an 88 key keyboard (Yamaha dgx 620), which connects to my laptop via usb. However, it has no midi in or out ports, but connects to audio interface via standard 1/4" line input (which doubles as my headphone jack), and has no mod wheel, which I believe is required to be able to switch between articualtions on the vertical span of the stand alone in Special Edition. If you know of alternatives please let me know, so I will be able to make an informed decision
Any further advice will be appreciated.
Also in regard to sound, I believe that the M- audio Ozone 25 key midi controller has a usb interface built in. Again this appeals because of its portabiltiy, but I am a little concerned about using usb for my interface, as I have been told that firerwire is much better. Is speed the only issue here, or is firewire better for other reasons as well?
Obviously, a consumer grade sound card will not do the VSL samples justice, so I want to get an interface that will maximize its potential. RME or Apogee are not an option for me as the nearest dealers are over 1000 miles away,cost and local support being a deciding factor.
Also, I heard that Pro Tools is not the best choice of sequencer for VSL. Is there a particular reason why?
All advice on these issues is much appreciated!
Kevin Doucet
Composition Student
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS
Canada