Microkorg, and what else?...

[rkimberly]

I'm looking at a microkorg as first keyboard (to serve as a synth and controller).

What else will I be spending money on:

to connect to an Apple laptop running OS X (10.7)
to find software to create midi tracks, and control the keyboard
for all cables and/or midi interface?

I've found a used Microkorg for $250, but I don't know the related cost of making this keyboard part of a starter home "studio". I'm not looking to go pro, just looking for a creative outlet that I can afford. I'm worried about getting nickled and dimed with unexpected purchases that will bust my budget.

My software choice would be Ableton (because of various forum entries), but $500 is a lot of dough. So I'd have to stick to Garageband and all it's limitations for the time being.

Another concern is the microkorg user manual states, "Some USB-MIDI interface devices may not be able to transmit/receive the
microKORG's MIDI exclusive messages." So, I don't know what interface I can buy and still be fully functional.

So, that's a simple topic, right?

[seraph]

[Gothboy]

Holy Crikey......is Apple there already!

[Gothboy]

Learn as much about the Microkorg and desktop studio stuff as you can before you buy anything. You might want to consider getting a midi controller keyboard that uses USB midi, a Midisport 4x4 midi interface for the Korg, and if your computer is fast enough, soon you'll be using all those free softsynths you can find all over the 'net! I highly reccomend M-Audio controllers and interfaces!

[Antimon]

If I remember correctly, the microKorg uses a simliar mini-keyboard as the microKontrol, is that correct? I have a microKontrol connected to a MacBook Pro, and I'm not very satisfied with the small keys on the Korg - I suggest that you try out playing on the microKorg in a store before buying.

Also, there are issues with MIDI communication from my microKontrol - if I connect it at the same time as another controller (BCR2000), the microKontrol loses the connection to the MacBook. My interface is a M-Audio Audio/Midi interface break-out box.

Personally, I'm a bit sceptical to the small Korg thingies when it comes to interfacing with by MacBook Pro DAW.

/Stefan

[Clack]

I own a microkorg, I have only seen a microkontrol in a shop and i dont think it is much different in the keyboard area - both have 3 octaves c to c . I use it with a PC so I cant say much there - (it works pretty well with my audiophile 2496)

personally i think for your one/two fingered synthesizer work its fine , it really depends what you want to do, if you want to do proper piano work I wouldnt go for it!

what about a microphone maybe?

[rkimberly]

Hey all,

First, thanks for the replies, and the welcome, Seraph. I'm running OS X 10.4.9 not 10.7 as I mistakenly posted. As a new electronics buyer I appreciate the info and education.

Microkorg vs. microkontroller: So far I've been siding with the microkorg because of it synth capabilities, appegiator and ability to function as a controller. As far as I know, the microcontroller is a sophisticated controller without sound ability. I read that Garageband is limited in how much input it can take from any controler i.e. doesn't allow parameter control with controler knobs. So until I buy a more sophisticated program, a controller-only may not make me happy

Antimon/Stefan, thanks for your comments on size. The small size works in my favor as my place is small and I'm not much of a player. The lack of octave range may bother me in the future, but this would be a starter keyboard. So, like Mr. Clack mentioned it should be fine for a non-virtuoso like me. I'll probably wait on buying an addition larger keyboard/controller due to cost and space restrictions.

Gothboy mentions free softsynths, which is something I've researched but not totally clear on. This is what I think it is:

Softsynth = a sound and parameter generator that resides on a computer, and can be controlled by a mid-keyboard and/or appropriate software like Ableton or Reason.

Sound right? I'll start googling but where are these free soft synths that you like found?

Midi Interfaces: Since it looks like the microkorg doesn't have a midi-usb port, I gotta buy an interface. I'll be researching the Midisport and M-Audio recommendations. Are these solely for data exchange between keyboard and computer, or is there an audio component as well? How many cables will I have to purchase for complete computer/keyboard midi dialog?

Finally, anyone with a microkorg got audio somewhere, I'd be interested in hearing what you've done with it. These are a few of the bands I'm listening to/thinking of when looking at keyboards and sounds.

* * * * * * * *

Whitey - http://www.myspace.com/hellowhitey

One-man band, efficient and clean sound with live instruments and a little keyboard for flavor. I especially like, "Wrap It Up" and "Never Enough" on his myspace player.

Justice - http://www.myspace.com/etjusticepourtous

French DJ team, huge sound, crunchy, heavily effected, a little glitchy. I like everything on their myspace player.

Soulwax - http://www.myspace.com/soulwax

Dj's and mashup artists. Most recently remixed their own album and created a great long-playing mix called "Nite Versions". Love their ability to throw in a lot of changes and sounds in one song. "Krack" and "E-Talking" are big favorites.

[elektro80]

Did you mention which mac you have there?

Idea:
If you can still get the KLC 1.x complete with the USB controller, all sound generation would happen in the computer and then you wouldn´t need any interfaces of any. It is cheap but insanely cool.

This one matched with say Logic Express gives you more serious fun out of the box than a microkorg, a midi interface/audio interface and possibly some other stuff.

The KLC is realy good and new additions won´t make it obsolete.




In theory the KLC with the USB thingie is EOL, but AFAIK some are still to be found in factory new condition. Korg recently updated the KLC 1.x software to UB.

[elektro80]

http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=Legacy

[Clack]

erm allot of free synths are vst's (or other plugin) that requite a host like cubase, alberton etc etc heres a few - I heard there is a way of using vst in garageband on mac but ive never looked into it

http://www.greenoak.com/crystal/

complex synth - quite hard to program!!

http://www.keytosound.com/?desired_section=remedy

Nice subtractive synth

http://www.ymck.net/english/download/index.html

funny 8-bit computer game one

http://www.linplug.com/Download/download.htm

Free alpha - look down the page

theres loads more but i just got theese of the top of my head.


---

Um the sounds the microkorg make are OK, a little thin and digitaly sometimes - but pretty fun

I primarily use the microkorg as its the only commercial hardware synthesizer i could really afford. I make quite sloppy out of tune music ( bad in other words ) so its not a great example I made all the patches though heres my myspace

http://myspace.com/mrclack

microkorg is the notes over the drone in the first song
then in the second its all the synth sounds layered
thrid i used it for the noise and the echoey synth
fourth doesnt have any microkorg its all qy70

[Gothboy]

For Free softsynths go here:

http://www.dontcrack.com/freeware/software.php/id/7030/audio/Virtual-Instruments/plugins/RTAS/platform/mac/

....but just remember you'll have to figure out which host sequencer/audio program you'll be using so you can differentiate choosing RTAS or VST or AUs. Don't worry, a year from now all of this will make perfect sense. I can use both VST and RTAS because I have the VST-RTAS adapter from Fxspansion, and I use them with Pro Tools. Also pay attention to how much CPU speed is required for some of these.

[rkimberly]

Hi all,

Thanks for the softsynth info. It's actually helped me put off a synth purchase for the time being. Which is good for the budget.

I had not known about the ability to add components to Garageband. The Remedy AU and its appegiator has been really great. A bit of a learning curve, but a good introduction to all the parameters that are available.

Thanks again to Gothboy and Mr. Clack for their input.

[v-un-v]

What about Zebra?

http://www.u-he.com/zebra/forums.html?item=index

[Gothboy]

Zebra's nice but not exactly cheap. For me anyway.