SynthManDan

Thanks for the reply!  Maybe I’ll hold off to see what happens with the software development.  

Interesting..., there are price drops starting for their products now.  You can get GPO-5 at PluginBotique for $95 and just a few bucks more at Sweetwater.

SMD

Anyone using Garritan products with Cakewalk?  I’m really interested in the Garritan Personal Orchestra, but unless I’m not seeing it.., does Garritan not offer trial versions for potential customers?

SMD

I’m using VST’s.  I don’t have any of my hardware synths set up to midi record in Cakewalk.  I initially thought it just might be a conflict with Xpand!2 and Cakewalk, but I get the problem with other VST’s too.  

SMD

Is anyone else having constant midi note hang ups?  My buffers are at 750, and latency is 19.  My computer is pretty capable (i5, 8 gigs RAM, SSD).

It really gets in the way when mixing because I constantly have to go through the process of stopping the hung notes, which in many cases also requires to me set the affected tracks playing status to active and depressing the sustain pedal too.

Any suggestions?

SMD

It’s very strange.  My primary controller is an M-Audio Hammer-88.  No issues at all.  The interesting thing is I can press C2 on my Hammer-88, the virtual key in the screen within my DAW shows C2 is being pressed, and it triggers Xpand.

I can then tap a pad on my Akai, which is assigned to C2, it too shows midi data being received, and C2 on the virtual keyboard shows its being triggered, but it will not trigger Xpand.  

I’ll have a go at it tomorrow, and double check the midi output chan.

SMD

I know about the mapping.  I can scroll through all the mapping assignments on any pad, and still doesn’t trigger Xpand!2.  At least it’s consistent though because I can’t get it to work in my other DAW either.  I can trigger other drum VST’s using it, but not with Xpand.

SMD

It does send midi notes, and I’ve already adjusted the settings to work with SI Drums.  Maybe Xpand!2 doesn’t have this ability.  

Thx

SMD

Trying to get my Akai MPX8 to trigger Xpand!2’s drum kits.  It works in all my other VST’s (including the SI Drums).

Anyone using Xpand!2 in Cakewalk with a pad controller?

SMD

So, thought what the heck, download the demo.  Waste of time, entire factory sound content file is encrypted, and won’t install.  No issues with the sample player, but it’s no good if the factory sound data is encrypted.  

I’m thinking it’s an issue with the download link at PluginBotique.  Went to AIR’s site, and don’t even see “Trial” as an option.  Looks like it’s just “buy” or “upgrade”.

SMD

6 hours ago, SomeGuy said:

AIR Instruments and Sampler are good for beginners and upstarts.  If someone is just starting out, and is on a strict budget (and CbB will appeal heavily to them, given the price point), then AIR's stuff is a really good starting point that they should consider - especially since it's often on sale for rock bottom prices at Plug-In Boutique.

Structure 2 is better than something like Independence Pro.  It has better sounds, less useless esoteric stuff in its libraries.  It's a fairly complete "starter library" for beginners, especially those into orchestral compositions.  I recommend it for those people.

Professionals making money with this stuff are [obviously] going to want the higher quality libraries, but the small fish have to start somewhere.  Nother free is as good as this, and you won't find anything as good as Structure 2 for $30 (the current price at Plug-In Boutique, at least as of last night).

Mini Grand and Strike are also pretty good, as is DB-33.

Their Creative FX Complete Plus is also a good starter set of plug-ins that work well and are easy to use.

A lot of AIR's stuff is bundled with M-Audio Interfaces, as well.  So if you're just starting out and looking at interfaces, factor that in before purchasing their stuff.  You might end up with redundant licenses, otherwise.

You’re right about M-Audio.  My M-Audio Hammer 88 came with quite a few.  I got AIR Mini Grand, Velvet, and DB-33.  It also came with SONiVOX Eighty Eight Ensemble, and a complimentary copy of Addictive Keys.  One of the best $399 I’ve ever spent!  

Thx for the reply!  I actually have Mini Grand, Velvet, DB-33, Hybrid2, and Xpand!2.  Strike2 is on my list.  

I had a feeling many sounds with Structure2 would be similar to Xpand!2.  

SMD

Anyone using AIR Structure 2 ..?  I’m curious as to whether it’s worth the money if you already have Xpand!2. I would assume many presets are shared.  I don’t want to download the demo if most of the sounds are identical.  It’s currently on sale at PluginBotique for $29.

SMD

Yes, I’ve done this.

SMD

I might have identified the bug some of us are having with the TTS-1.  It appears to be a controller input issue.  I’ve noticed that I don’t encounter the bug if I don’t use the sustain pedal, pitch bend, and mod wheel.  It’s not an issue with my controller or pedal because I can hook up a different controller with pedal and it’s the same problem.

The bug is random missing notes while playing, and a strange muted effect on some notes.  The program often requires the midi hung note reset as well.  One member had mentioned he noticed the problem after an update to the DAW.

SMD

Thx everyone.., I find doing compositions like this are a great way to learn a DAW.  Laying the tracks was the easy part, took only a few minutes.  95% of the time spent on this was used to get familiar with the piano roll, effects, and other editing options.  I did learn my Behringer monitors suck after listening to the comp through other sources after the final mix LOL.  They completely hid the muddy part of the EP track.

SMD

Thanks!

7 minutes ago, Jesse Screed said:

this is very nice

If you want to have me add some vocals to this

just let me know

though it might be your first cakewalk production

something tells me this is not your first rodeo

am i right?

Thanks!  This is a rough mix I put together as a practice piece for learning Cakewalks UI.  I’m still going to tinker with it as it’s still pretty rough around the edges.

Nope, not my first rodeo.  Been playing for almost 40 years now.

My fist project with Cakewalk.  It's nothing special, just threw some tracks together.  This is more of a practice piece for me to familiarize myself with Cakewalks UI.  I used several included VST's.  The drum track was a preset loop that I made some edits too, and added a quick intro.  Other VST's used were Xpand!2, SI EPiano, SoniVox Classic Bass.  I initially wanted to do a project using only what comes with Cakewalk, but theTTS-1 doesn't work properly for me (even after the program reinstall), so I used Xpand!2 in place of it.  I hope the mix came out ok.  I used Behringer Desktop Monitor Speakers.   Be gentle..., it's a first mix.., really rough.  I need to EQ the Electric Piano.  The SI EPiano is nice, but it can get a little muddy on the bottom end.

Thx!

I created a “fade out” at the end of a project using automation.  If automation is used does this lock mixer parameters?  The automation is just the last few measures, and if I adjust mixer settings at anytime during the project the fader snaps back the moment I release it.  

Right now, I’ve just been opening up the VST assigned to the track and adjusting its master volume.

Thanks

SMD

Now this is interesting!  My Yamaha MOXF-6 just stopped being recognized too.  I used it before with no issues, and now Cakewalk doesn’t seem to recognize it.  My driver is up to date too.  

Even after my recent reinstall with Cakewalk it won’t work.  Fortunately it’s not my main controller.

SMD

I did the reinstall, and I’ve been digging into the program to see if I can get it to bug out on me, and it’s running very stable now. I feel that I should explain why I wanted to try the reinstall before bothering Noel.

The power company in my city has been doing some major tree cutting to clear the lines.  Unfortunately we’ve been dealing with power surges, and even disruptions in our internet due to their maintenance.  I actually had several downloaded programs go wonky because the internet and power were interrupted during the downloads.  

I don’t always stand by my computer for big downloads.  I did step outside for a bit when Cakewalk was downloading.  If there were interruptions in the power and net service I wasn’t in the house to see it.  So, I thought a reinstall might be in order since I had other downloads with issues during those interruptions.

Sorry if people thought I was knocking the program, I just wanted to wait until I had time to try the reinstall.  Unfortunately life kept me a little busy lately (wife and four kids.....)

Almost forgot..., the first time I did the download when we were having power issues, I did it via WiFi.  The reinstall was a direct connection of my computer to the router, with no power or net interruptions.

SMD

If it’s not plug n play you’ll need the dedicated midi driver.  It’ll be on Yamaha site.

SMD

I noticed Noel’s reply.  That’s why I want to do a reinstall first to see what happens.  I don’t want to waste his time if a reinstall will fix some issues.

SMD

I think I’m just going to reinstall it to see what happens.  

SMD