# Suggestions for programs/app for my first MIDI keyboard? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [July 15, 2021, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556 "2021-07-15T12:54:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/1 "2021-07-15T12:54:11Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/2 "2021-07-15T13:47:18Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/3 "2021-07-15T15:35:18Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/4 "2021-07-15T16:40:51Z")
I use [SaviHost](https://www.kvraudio.com/product/savihost-by-hermann-seib) It’s just a VSTi host ! I’d also recommend [Sforzando by Plogue](https://www.plogue.com/products/sforzando.html) to play sound fonts, there are thousands of free ones available (Including Mellotrons !). ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2021, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/5 "2021-07-16T12:49:39Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2021, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/6 "2021-07-16T15:31:50Z")
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. Thanks for the suggestions! ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2021, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/7 "2021-07-17T20:43:11Z")
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](https://musical-artifacts.com/artifacts?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=mellotron)) ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2021, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/8 "2021-07-19T00:55:04Z")
[http://www.kunstderfuge.com/](http://www.kunstderfuge.com/) for classical MIDI files. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2021, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/9 "2021-07-19T01:16:11Z")
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. > **[Reason | Reason Studios](https://www.reasonstudios.com/en/reason)** > > Reason is a powerful collection of virtual instruments, effects and music production tools where musical ideas and amazing sounds comes to life. Available as a VST plugin or in Reason standalone. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/klTOo-wZ4Qc/maxresdefault.jpg "Snowboarder Bo Snoarder - One Niner") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klTOo-wZ4Qc) Fruity Loops is still around too, and is very easy to use to just make noises. > **[Homepage](https://www.image-line.com)** > > Est. reading time: 1 minute ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/10 "2021-07-25T18:41:15Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > SaviHost sounded intriguing, so I tried it our. Unfortunately, the Redtron SE plugin uses sf2 files and that is apparently a problem. I’ve found that Redtron SE mellotron VSTi will work with the VST2 / 32Bit version of [Savihost !](https://www.hermannseib.com/english/savihost.htm) ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-programs-app-for-my-first-midi-keyboard/946556/11 "2021-07-25T19:50:58Z")
Yes, Savihost does seem to work fine now. I think I had the wrong version.