Mark Nicholson

Help a simple man out with an associated question: when do I use Kontakt and when do I use Komplete Kontrol when using NI instruments?

I can totally see paying for such a plug-in. We pay for plenty of plug-ins already 😜

Well it clearly won't help anyone who doesn't use NI products but it will help anyone who does...which is a lot of people. I'm testing out Cubase specifically because of its NI integration.

Don't think I'm ready for Reaktor yet 😜 but just playing with the Monark front panel controls is giving me lots of think about.

Thanks guys. I have decided to focus on Monark. It has good documentation and lots of tutorials on YouTube. Plus it sounds great!

Hey guys, Santa gave me a Native Instruments M32 and Komplete 13 bundle for Christmas so I could learn about synths and electronic music. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choice and the power of what I now have. Komplete has 14 different synths! Where do I start? Any recommendations for which synth to start off with? The ideal starter synth would also have lots of YouTube or other training materials available. Thanks, - Mark

Is there any diagnostic software that can reveal the actual speed of the USB buses and which devices are setting the bus speed?

Thanks again. I'm using the Tascam Model 12, which does use Mackie Control methods, and the m32 keyboard from Native Instruments which AFAIK doesn't. I guess I'll just need to play around with it and see 🤪

Thanks, that's just the reply I was looking for!

Hi everyone, I an an 'improving noob' just learning Cakewalk and DAWs in general. I have a Tascam Model 12 mixer, and a Native Instruments M32 keyboard, both of which can act as DAW controllers. The M32 and Tascam control different things, except that both have transport controls. Will they keep to their own lanes or will I have to contend with them fighting? My question is, should I be aware of any interaction between the two controllers, any fighting for priority, or any other not-playing-nicely? Thanks, - Mark

Don't forget good old fashioned have as much memory as possible

That's a very good point Craig. I'm doing this voice work for my YouTube channel, and phones/tablets are the majority of the views.

PS I should say I'm using ASIO because it was the default. I know nothing! Open to your recommendations 🤪

Thanks again. So do you recommend that I use WASAPI/other ASIO drivers, or is there a benefit to sticking with the standard ASIO?

Thanks! So I can only use one a time? That seems a shame. Any workaround for it?

I think I fixed it. I had to remove the Yamaha Steinberg USB audio. Not altogether sure why, but it's now working!

Thanks again Mark

Hi Gang, I'm trying to set up my Model 12 to use as a DAW Controller, in this case with Cakewalk. I followed the advice in the DAW Controller manual, page 11: and the square (stop) button on the Model 12 is illuminated, which should show that remote control is enabled. Good job! Cakewalk sees it as a MIDI device: But, when I look at Audio devices, cakewalk sees the Model 12, but it is not enabled: and I cannot use any of the inputs as inputs for a track: If I create a MIDI track, then Cakewalk sees the Model 12: But it just won't see it as an audio device. I have the Mode switch for all my channels set to PC. Where am I going wrong? - Mark

Thank you Mark! I have a related question. I recorded some of my voice and used MAnalyzer to look at it. Averaging over ~3 seconds gives me a spectrum like so: Now, when I start equalizing, what is my goal? Do I want to see a flat spectrum? What would a good spectrum look like?

True dat. Money spent on equipment rarely has a correlation to the quality of the music produced. But it is fun, in and of itself.

Hey guys, fantastic replies, thank you. Let me give you some more on me. I have a Tascam Model 12, which has fine preamps, EQ etc. It can be used as a DAW controller with Cakewalk, but I'm not up to that level yet. I record myself on the Model 12, and simply transfer files. I used to do it cheap and cheerful with a Zoom H4n, but the Tascam and Cakewalk has opened my eyes to what is available. I'm definitely not a professional studio, and am aiming for the standard of 'competent amateur'. I'm looking specifically for advice on the microphone/pop filter side (I have done a lot on the room front already, probably as much as I can do), and also for what to do once the WAV file hits Cakewalk. I'm aware of, but have not yet used, the VX-64 Vocal Strip plug in, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sheer scope of what's available, and am looking for help in just cutting down the available options to the ones that I really need for voice production. Thanks again, Mark

Hi, I am a total noob here, and the first project I want to try out is to take a single channel of spoken voice and give it that NPR, broadcast voice. Can you give some pointers where to look for guidance on this? I'm sure there must be tons opf material on this, but my mind is still blown by the sheer scope of Cakewalk. - Mark