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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 0:37:59
John, you mentioned you'd point any one in the right direction about good sound quality midis.
Two questions - what sort of songs are available as midis? There's lots of music I like but not necessarily in midi format, though some of the game music I like is.
And is there any inexpensive way to create my own music in midi format? And can I use any song? Or even my own composition?
I love to have music playing while I use the computer but I can't concentrate if there's singing - it has to be wordless.
Posted by bluedog on March 1, 2003, at 0:59:13
In reply to JohnV - about midi files..., posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 0:37:59
> John, you mentioned you'd point any one in the right direction about good sound quality midis.
>
> Two questions - what sort of songs are available as midis? There's lots of music I like but not necessarily in midi format, though some of the game music I like is.
>
> And is there any inexpensive way to create my own music in midi format? And can I use any song? Or even my own composition?
>
> I love to have music playing while I use the computer but I can't concentrate if there's singing - it has to be wordless.Hi Iso
My brother being a musician AND a computer wizz is an absolute expert at creating music via MIDI synths. As his instrument of choice is the guitar he actually has a guitar where he has built the MIDI synth into the body of the guitar. The principals however are EXACTLY the same as for a a keyboard driven MIDI Synth.
If you have any specific questions just email me and I'll refer the questions to my bro' to see what advice he can come up with. By the way my brother's CD with the band he was with (did you get that email by the way?) actually makes quite a bit of use of his guitar MIDI synth and he produced and mastered the entire album himself on his home computer.
Seeya Iso
bluedog
Posted by JohnV on March 1, 2003, at 3:53:07
In reply to JohnV - about midi files..., posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 0:37:59
> John, you mentioned you'd point any one in the right direction about good sound quality midis.
>
> Two questions - what sort of songs are available as midis? There's lots of music I like but not necessarily in midi format, though some of the game music I like is.
>
> And is there any inexpensive way to create my own music in midi format? And can I use any song? Or even my own composition?
>
> I love to have music playing while I use the computer but I can't concentrate if there's singing - it has to be wordless.
Well, creating music via midi and playing other pre-made midis are two quite seperate animals. Being able to play pre-made midis with decent sound quality on your computer is the inexpensive way to go. If you can play piano/keyboards, that may be a start in being able to create your own midis. (Brag mode "on":-)...I've programed using midi and digital synths for the past 15 years, and have worked for everyone from Geddy Lee of Rush, programing modules for "Saved By Technology"(Music tech company) for synths used on the Mike Bullard show, and some other artists from Canadian rock band Moist and even K.D. Lang arranger Ben Mink. /off (Sorry..didn't mean to gush or, uh, brag..heheh.)OK..now what you really want to know. :-) There are places you can get pre-made midis for many songs and artists on the internet. One is http://www.midifarm.com I believe. All types of music, from classical to pop, rock, country, gaming music, heck anything.
For starters, your computer likely comes with a soundcard. This makes a fairly big difference in midi-rendering (midi is actually a computer language, and it is read by your soundcard's built-in synth.) Mostly all of your generic soundcards come with some type of "wavetable synth".
What I would recommend for starters, though, is a software synth you can download from the internet, along with the many, many freeware midi-playing programs available.
What I need to know is what type/speed is your computer? (i.e. Pentium 3+, or 4, or a Mac G4, etc.); do you know how big your hard drive is?; and what platform are you running? (i.e. Windows 98/ME/XP, etc.
Then I can suggest some easy downloads (freeware) and instructions for playing a decent sounding midi. Are there any songs/artists that you would like to hear? I can record a small MP3 version using my midi/digital system to give you an idea how good it can sound.
If you really want to go all-out in creating your own midi songs, mention so and I will do my best to suggest what you can do and need.
Let's go from there! Thanks. John.
Posted by bluedog on March 1, 2003, at 9:26:39
In reply to Re: JohnV - about midi files... » IsoM, posted by JohnV on March 1, 2003, at 3:53:07
>
> Well, creating music via midi and playing other pre-made midis are two quite seperate animals. Being able to play pre-made midis with decent sound quality on your computer is the inexpensive way to go. If you can play piano/keyboards, that may be a start in being able to create your own midis. (Brag mode "on":-)...I've programed using midi and digital synths for the past 15 years, and have worked for everyone from Geddy Lee of Rush, programing modules for "Saved By Technology"(Music tech company) for synths used on the Mike Bullard show, and some other artists from Canadian rock band Moist and even K.D. Lang arranger Ben Mink. /off (Sorry..didn't mean to gush or, uh, brag..heheh.)
>
> OK..now what you really want to know. :-) There are places you can get pre-made midis for many songs and artists on the internet. One is http://www.midifarm.com I believe. All types of music, from classical to pop, rock, country, gaming music, heck anything.
>
> For starters, your computer likely comes with a soundcard. This makes a fairly big difference in midi-rendering (midi is actually a computer language, and it is read by your soundcard's built-in synth.) Mostly all of your generic soundcards come with some type of "wavetable synth".
>
> What I would recommend for starters, though, is a software synth you can download from the internet, along with the many, many freeware midi-playing programs available.
>
> What I need to know is what type/speed is your computer? (i.e. Pentium 3+, or 4, or a Mac G4, etc.); do you know how big your hard drive is?; and what platform are you running? (i.e. Windows 98/ME/XP, etc.
>
> Then I can suggest some easy downloads (freeware) and instructions for playing a decent sounding midi. Are there any songs/artists that you would like to hear? I can record a small MP3 version using my midi/digital system to give you an idea how good it can sound.
>
> If you really want to go all-out in creating your own midi songs, mention so and I will do my best to suggest what you can do and need.
>
> Let's go from there! Thanks. John.Hi John
I hope you don't mind me asking you a heap of questions? Just tell me to get lost if you don't feel like answering any of my questions!
Are you a sound engineer and programmer. Do you do the above as a full time living?
Do you love what you do? It sounds a hell of a lot better than working in an office shuffling paperwork for a living.
My brother is an electronic technician by training but has been driving the whole family crazy (other than myself who has already been officially diagnosed as crazy by a psychiatrist) with his constant talk of wanting to change directions into sound engineering, editing, mastering etc. He already has a great little studio set up with most of the necessary equipment.
Can you explain exactly what your job involves? I live in Australia (as does my brother) and I'd be very interested to know what sort of training and background you have that led you into your current field so that I can pass this information onto my brother. Do you know of any places in Australia that can provide the necessary FORMAL training as my brother already has the necessary informal skills that provide a solid foundation and starting point for his desired change of career.
I want to give him a good kick up the behind to stop talking about the change and to make some positive moves to actually make it happen.
Thank you for your patience.
warm regards
bluedog
Posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 13:30:22
In reply to Re: JohnV - about midi files... » IsoM, posted by JohnV on March 1, 2003, at 3:53:07
Here's our computer specs:
Intel Pentium 4 @ 1.4 GHz
768 MB RD800 RAM
C: - 20 GB ATA100 @ 5400 rpm
D: - 60 GB ATA100 @ 7200 rpm
E: - 16x DVD-ROM
F: - 36x/16x/8x CDRW
10/100 BaseT Ethernet (network card)
64MB NVidia GeForce MX440 4x AGP (video card)
SoundBlaster 5.1 Live Digital (sound card)
Windows 2000, Pro versionMy son's a programmer so he can play around with it easily enough but he doesn't know any good programs to d/l. Any free shareware you can point us to would be greatly appreciated. We do have an old keyboard (no midi capabilities). Maybe we can buy one in the near future. I'm not overly musicly talented (do have a great singing voice so I'm told by many) but when I was much younger & first read Lord of the Rings, I composed music for Frodo's bath song. Even after all these years, I still sing it. Some friends told me I should send it to the movie folks but it's my own simple one. Still, I'd love to put it, & others I composed, into midi format.
I'm going to check out the link you gave me & will await further info from you.
Posted by JohnV on March 2, 2003, at 19:25:22
In reply to Re:JohnV-Can I please ask you some questions?? » JohnV, posted by bluedog on March 1, 2003, at 9:26:39
> Hi John
>
> I hope you don't mind me asking you a heap of questions? Just tell me to get lost if you don't feel like answering any of my questions!
>
> Are you a sound engineer and programmer. Do you do the above as a full time living?
>Hey, no problem! I'll try to answer as best as possible. You asked for
it..:-)Well, yep I am actually a musical instrument technician, and my main area of
'expertise' is with synthesizer and digital interface technology systems, in
particular. (Which is what midi pretty much started from.) This includes so
much, from digital drum technology to guitar sound shaping and effects. So,
it's not like I just work with what would be considered "keyboards".> Do you love what you do? It sounds a hell of a lot better than working in an office shuffling paperwork for a living.
>
> My brother is an electronic technician by training but has been driving the whole family crazy (other than myself who has already been officially diagnosed as crazy by a psychiatrist) with his constant talk of wanting to change directions into sound engineering, editing, mastering etc. He already has a great little studio set up with most of the necessary equipment.
>Well, this is difficult to answer, and in a basic sense, yes I love the creativity of what I do. But, sadly reality often doesn't mix a lot with "art". As far as my work goes, though, it is "all" exclusive contract work. I got
into the business because my entire family has been in the musical retail
business for over 40 years.(My folks started it all and have owned a large
music and instrument store here in town.) I took odd courses in sound
technology and engineering, but have no complete formal education in the
field. I guess I was, uh, born into it, and with the "who you know" thing
and experience, it became more of an appreticeship. Some of the good money I
have made was in a 'lump sum', and I have lacked a steady income in this
business. So, I am working half-time on a University degree which is
completely unrelated, because the music business is just too unpredictable.
I will continue as a "hobby", and pick up the odd job if the money is good,
but it's better to do it with a "hobby" mentality because then it is truly a
labour of love. These private schools that offer musical engineering
programs, technician programs, in honesty, cost way too much and guarantee
WAY too little. It is really "who" you know, and many, many lucky breaks.I don't mean to sound discouraging, though, and am sorry if I am a bit
cynical. The music business in general is just absolute "hell" these days,
and is also at it's lowest point in a long time not just artistically, but
record companies package and sell images, not artists.> Can you explain exactly what your job involves? I live in Australia (as does my brother) and I'd be very interested to know what sort of training and background you have that led you into your current field so that I can pass this information onto my brother. Do you know of any places in Australia that can provide the necessary FORMAL training as my brother already has the necessary informal skills that provide a solid foundation and starting point for his desired change of career.
>Ok. One is studio work, which is uaually not working with great musicians or
such, but in multimedia houses, doing commercial work for advertising
(majority of work), many cheesy t.v. shows that run once and are never to be
seen again, and the odd movie. (I never worked on any large or popular
movies, but have some friends who worked on "Death to Smoochy", which was
filmed in Toronto.) I also don't even do almost none of the composing of
course, but deliver the particular sounds ("patches" they are called) shaped
by, crunched, (which is programing) and rendered into soundbanks that are usually fit into the
sampler of a synth, and then those sounds can be played on the synth or any sampler trigger. To
develop a particular patch, though, can take weeks for one particular sound. It's like looking for a sound that you only have in your head.
There are so many ways to manipulate what often starts out as "noise".Second, when you go to see a large rock or pop concert, there is usually a
ton of technology that goes on behind and underneath (litterally!) the
stage. This is what involves computers that are the engine behind sound
samplers, added vocal sounds, many string and horn sounds, and
heck..thousands of sounds and effects most of the audience doesn't pick up
on but make an artist sound just like they do on their albums. Like in some
large IT rooms, there are stacks of hard drives and computer workstations.
Here is a page of pics with what powers (behind the scenes) your usual
rock/pop concert, besides the instruments you see an artist play.
http://www.savedbytechnology.com/main/picgallery.htm> I want to give him a good kick up the behind to stop talking about the change and to make some positive moves to actually make it happen.
>
> Thank you for your patience.
>
> warm regards
> bluedogWell, hey thanks..really. If he can do as much as possible in "hobby" fashion, that kinda takes the pressure off when you can't make a living at it. I'd tell him to get in touch with local music instrument stores, and find out if there are any local bands he can even start just by giving his time to. Once he gets his name out there, that is what counts. Even doing a small club show with 30 people is quite the complex routine. I have learn't P.A. and sound engineering for live situations as well as studio work, so it's best to know both. There is plenty to read on the web, in bookstores, and from music stores, on music technology (all aspects), and if he starts off by offering his services for free, he will get to learn a lot, quick. He does have one major advantage right now, and that is using computers in music. Entire albums are often recorded direct to hard disk these days, and I would suggest he take his time to learn the entire Pro Tools suite of technology. (I think there are about 600 pieces that make up the Le version used in a studio environment. I fell in love with computers and music when it all first came out, so anybody can learn the applications and such. Instead of using a fader or knob, you use a mouse.)
That is as much as I can offer (sorry for rambling:-) now, but it is tough to explain much of this in an email/letter format. Any "specific" questions I can help with, please let me know. Best to you..and to your brother! John.
Posted by JohnV on March 2, 2003, at 19:31:25
In reply to about midi files - my comp » JohnV, posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 13:30:22
Well, you have the Soundblaster capability to use Soundfonts easily (Soundfonts are large files made of banks of "samples" tuned to fit midi code that renders them when you play a midi file.) You have good power, so you should be able to get some nice sounds. So...why don't we start with...did you get a midi file? Did you play it? What did it sound like? I know of a website or two you could download quality Soundfonts, and if you don't know how to use them, I'll explain how to load it into your computer. Let me know, OK? Thanks. John
Posted by bluedog on March 3, 2003, at 0:30:30
In reply to Re:JohnV-Can I please ask you some questions?? » bluedog, posted by JohnV on March 2, 2003, at 19:25:22
Thankyou very much for your patience in answerimg my questions.
I have already forwarded the info you gave to my brother and I will let you know if he has any specific questions.
Also if both you and my brother are comfortable with the idea would you have any objections to "talking" directly to my brother rather than using me as intermediary. I know for a fact that a lot of the Tech stuff you will be talking about will go WAY over my head.
Thanks again John
warm regards
bluedog
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