Good Midi sound

[Tears June]

Good Midi sound

My local instrument shop tool me if I want the midi sound like the original CD. The only thing I need is a Module but not a keyboard. Isn't it?
Which brand and model is good for the module (not too expensive)?

PS: I use midi file to do play-along with my sax.


:cry:

[saxmanglen]

I believe what you're looking for is a MIDI sound generator. I use a Korg X5dr Midi tone generator. I run this off my computer and through either my hi-fi stereo system or my prtable PA system. Band in the box comes alive with one of these.

I purchased my unit on eBay about 2 years ago. I think I paid around $200USD.

[Peterk]

You can also look for a Roland Sound Canvas. SC-33's go on e-bay for ~80$US and they're excellent, at least for any non-wind instrument sounds.

Most good soundcards are also General Midi compatible.

[Tears June]

1) is that mean if I get a Korg X5dr Midi tone generator or Roland CANVAS SC-33, the sound card in my computer is no meaning for me anymore? Even for watching DVD, listen to CD music, MP-3, computer game ....etc. It can totally replace a sound card ?

2) How does these Generator sounds compare with a Sound Blaster sound card for midi file playback? is it sounds really like the original CD instrument? Any Link I can listen to the sound clip?

:cry:

[singlereed]

A more economical solution is to get a sound card or daughterboard with a proper synthesiser engine. The Yamaha XG engine in the Hoontech Digital XG Gold is one good example. The Yamaha SW 1000 XG is a higher budget but really high performance solution. Exactly what to go for does depend on your pc and what kind of slots you have on the motherboard or sound card, best ask your local p.c. hardware stockist.

[Peterk]

1) is that mean if I get a Korg X5dr Midi tone generator or Roland CANVAS SC-33, the sound card in my computer is no meaning for me anymore? Even for watching DVD, listen to CD music, MP-3, computer game ....etc. It can totally replace a sound card ?

For MIDI, yes it will replace your sound card.

For CD, DVD, no because that is not MIDI sound. You still need a sound card to do digital-analog conversion - but even the cheap ones do a very good job at that.

SO the big answer is you will still need a sound card even if you buy a MIDI generator, but you can keep the sound card you have now for all the other things.

[madgrocer]

Okay.. so to add to this discussion.. what do you buy to use with a laptop?? so that you not running midi through your sound card?

Thanks,
Dean

[saxmanglen]

madgrocer,

I take my Korge x5dr and run it off my serial port on my laptop into the "to host" port on the synthesizer. I can then hook it into a PA system or my home stereo.


Glen

[madgrocer]

Glen,
That sounds easy enough..
Thanks for the info..

Dean

[saxmanglen]

madgrocer,

You do have to get the proper driver to get the laptop to communicate to the synth. If I recall I was able to get it online at the Korg site. I use it with band in the box and I just send the general midi info through that program and it's a breeze.


Glen

[madgrocer]

Saxmanglen,
Thanks for the update.. I use BIAB and Noteworthy.. and use the laptop a lot for small performance situations..which I run through my port PA.. but the midi sounds are weak at best. Sounds like a great way to improve this sound.
Thanks
Dean

[saxmanglen]

madgrocer,

Keep an eye on eBay. I saw a Korg x5dr unit with a buy it now price of $99. It didn't have an instruction manuel but you can download one of those off the Korg site. When I first ran BIAB through the synth I was surprised how well midi could sound. Hope you find what you need.

Regards, Glen

[Peterk]

As long as you don't expect too much from string and wind instrument sounds you'll be fine. The Roland Canvas' pretty much all have great piano, bass, organ and drum sounds which is what I jam with 99.9% of the time.