Sequencing newbie, please help

[Lockheart]

Hi guys:

I'm new into the world of sequencing using PC's software

I have Cubase 2.2, it works well and i like it.. but first of all i have a few questions running thru my head...

1.- What's the best way to record using JUST a Keyboard/Synth (i use a Roland XP-10, very good pianos)

What do i do, i just plug the Keyboard to my PC Soundcard (SB Live) using a regular "guitar" (lol im a newbie) cable ...

I know that it is not the best way to do it, but, what other ways to do this do exist? i know NOTHING about sound/hardware...

Also, when i record (just little things) in Cubase, i can hear JUST the Left Channel, to fix this i import the MP3 into another program called "Audacity" and i copy-paste the Mp3 into a new audio track...


2.- Whats the difference between Mono and Stereo? And whats the best way to record ?

3.- I have 2 inputs in my keyboard: L(Mono) and R ... where do i need to plug the cable ? lol i feel kinda ashamed to ask this questions..but well, whatever..

4.- Are there other programs like Cubase?

Thanks in advance !

[Grey Loki]

Don't be afraid to ask questions like these - it's better to seem a fool for five minutes than to BE a fool for the rest of your life.

Anyways - to work, withall.

1) Yeah, basically you just need to take the Line Output from your keyboard, and plug it into the input on your PC (making sure to select the 'line input' in Windows' volume control software), then go from there. The reason you're only getting the left channel is probably because you're only taking output from the left output of your keyboard - get a Y shaped lead - two mono jacks at one end, and one stereo jack at the other. That'll fix ya :)

2) Stereo is a method of recording sound whereby it's divided into two channels - left and right. For keyboards, it's best to record in stereo where you can, but sometimes it's not possible.

3) If you just have a normal guitar lead, use the L (mono) jack, until you get a better lead :)

4) There are MANY different recording suites out there. Most people tend to switch between the 'big three' - Logic, Cubase and ProTools. ProTools is the best audio application, Logic has good Audio/MIDI implementation (I recommend it). Cubase is just....eew. :P

I hope this helps - don't hesitate to ask again if you need something explained in more detail.

[Lockheart]

Thanks man! You really helped me

Now i'll get my hands on a Y lead...


About the Logic/Protools/Cubase

I knew Logic and Protools, but i was looking for other programs.. others more "easy" and "accesible", i'm talking about Cakewalk and Adobe Audition, i have tried them but... meh, i dont know..

Any other software that can do it instead of Cubase (i dont want BIG programs like protools, i just record as a hobby..)

Thanks again =)

[jeebustrain]

I've Primarily used Cakewalk/Sonar since about 1997 and am able to do pretty much anything I could ever want audio/midi-wise that you can do in any of the apps you mentioned. Maybe I'm just used to it, but even though I can use Protools and Logic almost anytime I want (my guitarist is an engineer @ a large local studio), I find myself preferring Sonar to all of it.