koshi† 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2011 I'm a musician and keyboard is my main instrument. I use a Yamaha PSR-290, and I recently bought a Cakewalk UM-1G MIDI/USB Interface so I can connect my keyboard to my computer. Problem is, I have no idea what software to use. I need something that will give me a wider variety of sounds (a sound bank) and maybe something that will let me mess around with the waveforms and all that stuff; put some effects on the sound and whatnot. I'm also a cheapskate and would prefer that said program be free. I currently use the demo version of FL Studio 9. I tried downloading a few other programs; one called MidiSounds or something like that only worked on 32-bit Windows, Anvil Studio isn't very good, I couldn't find a download for XG On Stage that Norton deemed safe, and the only versions of Soundtank I could find were for Linux. (I have Windows 7, 64-bit version) I have also heard that Native Instruments has some freeware/shareware, but I have yet to check it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DizzyCats 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2011 There are quite a few good free sequencers and instruments on the intertubes. KVR is a good place to find things. http://www.kvraudio.com/ The best free host imo is Reaper http://www.reaper.fm/ which also has a 64-bit version. I use Reaper for collabs and whatnot. I never use soundbanks so I'm not sure what your best options are there. If you've got more money to spend, Propellerhead Reason is a decent option. And it comes with a very comprehensive preset collection. Native Instruments in general is pretty solid, too. I'm not sure what your experience level is with digital music but you need a host before you can run VSTs so don't pay money for a synthesizer if you don't have a workstation (such as Reaper). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flechmen 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2011 I'm guessing you saw this already http://www.synthzone.com/midiseq.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DizzyCats 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2011 Blast from the past right there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koshi† 0 Report post Posted January 25, 2011 I looked into some of Native Instruments' freeware stuff. Looks pretty solid, except that you need a midi controller to use them, and mine is packed up, so I won't be able to test it out until I get all moved in to my grandparents' house :/. Flech, I already had that page bookmarked Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
