What comes before an absolute beginner?

[Dontsendimdaahn]

I have been a fan of the sound of keyboards for a long time. My music taste allows me to appreciate anything from Moog to Fender Rhodes. I want a go myself. Just for fun. I have tried to find out more about MIDI and VST and how to get a computer to be the engine of the sounds I am after but there are no real beginner guides. All seem to be in a different language.

So my question is this; What do I need to add to a laptop to sequence sounds and/or play a midi keyboard and have a range of cool sounds to play with.

I really hope someone can help. My question seems so basic I really shouldn't be stuck, but I am.

 

[happyrat1]

I'd say to start out you need a decent controller.

http://www.akaipro.com/mpk49

I don't recommend the M-Audio Oxygen 49 since I own one and find the keys very mushy and unresponsive and utterly useless with velocity switched on.

Then you can pick up whatever DAW/VST software your heart desires.

I'd recommend Cakewalk's Music Creator 6 which is a full featured DAW with some good VST plugins included for under $50.

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/MusicCreator/

You could also Google for freeware VSTs and DAWs as well but the stuff I listed should get you started with minimum muss and fuss.

If you need beginners' instructions on setting up, Cakewalk offers some tutorial videos to help get you started.

http://www.cakewalk.com/CakeTV/Music-Creator.aspx

 

[Dontsendimdaahn]

Thanks very much for that. I've seen that keyboard on ebay at a good price. I'll take a look at Cakewalk too.

Thanks for your help.

 

[happyrat1]

You're very welcome. Don't hesitate to ask questions. That's how we all learn.

Gary

 

[Becky]

Hello and welcome to the forums!