Guitar/keyboard Interfacing Newbie, help/suggestions Options

Hey people,

I play guitar and piano and would like to record myself on my home computer.

I've got a Casio (CTK-631) 61-note keyboard, which has MIDI in and out and a dual G4 (450mhz) that I run under classic most of the time. What software/hardware would you suggest I use to make the two work together?

Also, if there is a way to plug in my pedals/footboards/amps/guitar into the computer to record, also. I would love to know how and I realize that I'm talking two separate issues here, digital with the keyboard and analog with the guitar... but I'm new to this stuff, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Synthetic]

Well, being a ProTools fan myself, I would suggest looking into getting either a Digi001 or Mbox use for recording. There are many different scenarios though for recording both of the instruments that you mentioned.

a. You can record direct from your guitar or fx pedals into ProTools using analog 1/4" inputs and same for the casio. You can record the output of the casio directly into ProTools this way as well.

b. You can record your amps output using a nice microphone and preamp into ProTools.

c. You could record both ways simultaneously for thicker sound using the right patch cords.

When you say digitally recording the Casio... I am assuming you mean midi right? Unless your Casio has digital outputs such as optical connections or SPDIF outputs... then analog and midi is the only way you can record it. ProTools will record your midi and allow you to edit it to your liking and then you can record the edited audio output of the Casio.

Some will immediately jump in and clain ProTools no good for midi but unless your work primarily revolves around lots of midi editing and creation of scores... ProTools will work fine for most midi projects. However, if a midi score is something you think you will need and want more midi features... then look into Logic Audio for software. Logic will work with the Mbox and Digi001 as well. Hope that is of some help

Thank you very much for your comments. They help out a lot.

One thing though, does anyone know of a good MIDI to USB connector? Is there maybe a place online to get them dirt cheap? I haven't found any in stores in my area.

[Synthetic]

well... if you like really good service and customer support... try Sweetwater they are about 10% higher on some things but they have the best support (24 hours and they will take care of any shipping costs if return is needed whether you just didn't like or it fails) but if that isn't important then try Musician's Friend ... they have good prices and good selection.

Do a search for Midiman at these sites or search "usb midi" for the device... there are many different ones and depending on how many midi devices you want to hook up depends on what to get... more ports=more devices connected at once. If only looking to connect the Casio... then a simple 1 port in and 1 out will work and may get it for $60 or less.

Again, thanks for your help. It's nice to think people are out there that don't have to give good advice, but do.

Ok, so I've got this cheap little 1 in 1 out USB/MIDI connector in mind. I'm not willing to pay the big bucks yet, as I'm not doing any kind of serious recording. It's all for the love of writing music. Anyway, before I purchase this thing, I just want to make sure that I can run this junk in OS9 or higher. All the requirements for the programs are 8x.

A little insight?

[Synthetic]

no prob... i am just a musician myself and hope when I need advice that others will share just the same plus I like talking about and figuring out the technology behind music almost as much as actually using it to create.

most any of the USB devices will work on OS9 but... if you want it to work in OSX then that is another question... last i heard, Midiman was working on getting drivers for its products for OSX and I think many others are too. So as long as it states it is compatible with OS8.x-OS9.x then you are good to go... if you are looking at Sweetwater.com, don't hesitate to call them up and ask questions... they are very helpful and can answer almost any qustion or find someone for you who can answer your question.