I just bought a MIDI keyboard. Nothing fancy…just a used M-Audio KeystationMini32. I know it works, as I downloaded Piano 10 to check it out.
I bought it because I thought it would be helpful to noodle around on and also to figure out some sequences for my bass guitars. (BTW, I am a lousy amateur guitarist.) I’m not interested in multitracking, studio recording, composition, etc., but I WOULD like to be able to use some classic sounds and samples. For example, I would like to be able to use some free Mellotron sounds and plug-ins.
Unfortunately, it looks like there is a steep learning curve for digital audio workstations. I’ve downloaded the free LMMS, but I can’t even figure out how it handles plug-ins. The instructions make me feel like I’ve gone down the rabbit hole. I’ve also downloaded the free Redtron SE mellotron pack as a plug-in, but haven’t the faintest idea what to do with it.
Does anyone have any suggestions for programs/apps for my Win10 PC that will be simple enough for me to just play and yet advanced enough that I can use VSTs or other sound packs that are available? Right now, I’m at a total stop.
BTW, the M-Audio MIDI keyboard includes a light version of Avid’s Pro Tools, which I’ve downloaded. I find it totally overwhelming so far. There’s no “select a sound and play” button that I can find…and that’s the type of thing I’m geared to.
If you download the free demo version of “Bitwig”, I believe it won’t let you save multi-track projects and so forth but you can simply select a plug-in (samples or a synthesizer in your case) and just play.
Some plugins can also be used without a workstation environment, which may or may not be easier; which Mellotron emulator are you using?
I have downloaded a copy of Redtron SE, which I have since been able to successfully open and use with LMMS. The sound is great, but the app is WAAAAY more than I need.
I had never heard of Bitwig and I will check it out right away.
I use SaviHost
It’s just a VSTi host !
I’d also recommend Sforzando by Plogue to play sound fonts, there are thousands
of free ones available (Including Mellotrons !).
FYI the details of basic Bitwig procedure—I just tested it— is to start the app, then click on “New Project”, then it will open a window with “Inst 1” already selected but you need to choose an instrument before you can hear anything— none is automatically selected for you.
On the right there is a column headed “Browser – Devices” with a few icons under it. Now, just for example, I clicked on “Presets”, randomly double-clicked on “Dirty Guitar”, and then I can hear notes I play. I would have to download and test “Redtron SE” but it should show up in the default right column under System VST Plug-Ins and then you just double-click on it.
SaviHost sounded intriguing, so I tried it our. Unfortunately, the Redtron SE plugin uses sf2 files and that is apparently a problem.
OTOH, I think that I have come to grips with LMMS and it is working OK for me. It’s just like using a hammer to kill a single ant.
I’m just diddling around now with the keyboard, trying some riffs from older songs to get as close as I can to an actual mellotron, Farfisa Combo, or Vox Continental.
I don’t suppose it’s the sf2 files as sforzando uses them…
If you just want to use soundfonts, sforzando has a standalone version. (and you
can get the mellotron sf2 files here)
I used to spend hours fiddling with Reason; even wrote a few tunes with it back in the day. It isn’t like a regular DAW; it’s more a virtual rack of equipment and you use virtual ¼" cables to connect stuff, then can play it with your keyboard.
Fruity Loops is still around too, and is very easy to use to just make noises.
