Midi folks?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Anyone here have midi and home studio knowledge? I currently have a mac G4 with OSX, Roland JV1080 and EMU proteus. I will be investing in new software, most likely Performer 5. I like Performer for the price and ease of use. Definitely need its features of DAW, and sequencing both real and step-time via notation or event list. Question is- I may want to expand later to add these features (either as plugins, or separate hardware): 

1. extra audio processing plugins for both sound alteration and enhancing

2. the ability to sequence audio samples as an instrument (does DP5 already have this? or, is there a plugin that would save me the price of a hardware sampler?)

3. A soft-synth plugin that DP5 can sequence

From what I see DP5 does not support a vast range of plugins, I wondered if another software would have more flexibility. (in other words, if the DP5 and all above extras cost $1000 is there a $800 software that has all the extras built in?)

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
BardsGarden Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: November 12 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 53	Topic: Midi folks? Posted: November 19 2006 at 01:28
	Anyone here have midi and home studio knowledge? I currently have a mac G4 with OSX, Roland JV1080 and EMU proteus. I will be investing in new software, most likely Performer 5. I like Performer for the price and ease of use. Definitely need its features of DAW, and sequencing both real and step-time via notation or event list. Question is- I may want to expand later to add these features (either as plugins, or separate hardware): 1. extra audio processing plugins for both sound alteration and enhancing 2. the ability to sequence audio samples as an instrument (does DP5 already have this? or, is there a plugin that would save me the price of a hardware sampler?) 3. A soft-synth plugin that DP5 can sequence From what I see DP5 does not support a vast range of plugins, I wondered if another software would have more flexibility. (in other words, if the DP5 and all above extras cost $1000 is there a $800 software that has all the extras built in?)

Trademark Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: November 21 2006 Location: oHIo Status: Offline Points: 1009	Posted: December 05 2006 at 09:44
	I teach an audio software course at the local U and I use DP 5 extensively Bard. I've never found a plug-in that it did not support (all audio units, VST, MAST, etc.). I have the full Pluggo pakage ($399) for 150 plug ins of any and all types), plus a whole slew of vintage synthesizer plug ins (mini moog, mellotron, prohet, CS80, etc., etc.) DP5 has a built-in sampler as part of the package. With that you can use audio samples and trigger them via midi. The samples can be manipulated in a variety of ways from a straight "play" to various looping techniques that allow you to create "new" instruments from them. This is new in DP5 though, the older versions did not have this feature. It also now has some pretty cool software synths included and a whole CDR of loops and sounds to play around with. DP4.5 & 4.6 do not have these features so don't be tempted by the cheap ebay copies of the old versions. They'll cost you more in the long run from buying all the extras. I've had a lot of fun with the samples that are included with the Gentle Giant Scraping the Barrell box set. You will want to get at the very least a full gig of RAM for your G4. I had 2 Gigs in mine and still occasionally ran out of processor when I had lots of tracks and lots of plug-ins going. You can mimize this by recording your tracks as digital audio once you get the effects the way you want them. Audio tracks are use less "brain" than midi, but plug-ins are the worst processor hogs. My next purchase will definitely be more RAM for my new Intel Mac, I'm heading for 4 Gigs with this new box. With DP5 you should have no trouble with anything you mention other than finding the time to learn it all. Let me know if you have any other questions. Edited by Trademark - December 05 2006 at 09:52

BardsGarden Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: November 12 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 53	Posted: December 16 2006 at 22:00
	Thanks for all that info! DP5 sounds like the way to go, I haven't seen it since the OS9 days. Looks like they just patched it for the intel processor, hopefully that will serve it well- though software isn't always efficient until they recode it. Unfortunately for me I have to keep the old dinosaur G4 running until it dies, so that's not an issue. I will be maxing out the ram, I will have to curb the plugin usage if needed. Also I looked at Live, quite an awesome program and a different approach, but DP5 seems better designed for traditional composing. It's good to know there are seasoned users out there, thanks again!

Revan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: August 02 2005 Status: Offline Points: 540	Posted: December 20 2006 at 18:22
	haven't you tried arturia moog (modular)? Edited by Revan - December 20 2006 at 18:22