about the keyboard, i think it's a good thing, yeah.
You'd also have to spend with the MIDI cable and all. The best thing you could get is a USB controller, they usually have lots of assignable controlos, so you have more options to play with in real time.
But if you're interested in doing some ambience and little melodies, an old ass CASIO would suit you fine

about the free central VST spot, i'm not really sure, but i can try to find some after i come home from college

[Blazingmonga]

about the keyboard, i think it's a good thing, yeah.
You'd also have to spend with the MIDI cable and all. The best thing you could get is a USB controller, they usually have lots of assignable controlos, so you have more options to play with in real time.
But if you're interested in doing some ambience and little melodies, an old ass CASIO would suit you fine

about the free central VST spot, i'm not really sure, but i can try to find some after i come home from college

I actually have midi in and out ports on the front of my machine! But they are 'mini midi' which means I have to use an adaptor to connect to normal midi ports. Of course, the adaptor is only sold by the company who made my soundcard (Creative) and seem to be out of stock of it. Grrr!

Can I get a simple USB -> Midi cable? I see a lot of midi cables that connect to the game/joystick port...but I dont even have one of those.

Also, I have seen some mega old keyboards that only have a midi out on them, but not a midi in. Would these be suitable for controlling VST synths?

And any fun VST's you can find would be great.

Also, I have seen some mega old keyboards that only have a midi out on them, but not a midi in. Would these be suitable for controlling VST synths?

Yes. MIDI In is used when you send stuff to the keyboard, like when playing MIDI files using the keyboard's own sounds through the keyboard's speakers (if the keyboard has no speakers, MIDI In is of little use )

[Blazingmonga]

Also, I have seen some mega old keyboards that only have a midi out on them, but not a midi in. Would these be suitable for controlling VST synths?

Yes. MIDI In is used when you send stuff to the keyboard, like when playing MIDI files using the keyboard's own sounds through the keyboard's speakers (if the keyboard has no speakers, MIDI In is of little use )

Ok, so if I am only using the keyboard to control the PC, then I dont need to worry. Awesome! That will save me some pennies.

Rick Wakeman, look out! Blazingmonga will soon be the king of cheese.

[Blazingmonga]

Am I just being crazy, or is the latest version shareware only, not freeware? Me no likey the sharewarey.

Also, found a few neat VSTs here:

http://www.tweakbench.com/

Hey Blaze:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Keystation49e/

Does that help?

Am I just being crazy, or is the latest version shareware only, not freeware? Me no likey the sharewarey.

Also, found a few neat VSTs here:

http://www.tweakbench.com/

Yes, starting from 1.0 on it was turned into shareware. Version 0.999 is the last free version.

Hehe, this Reaper program really does rule!
It records both midi and audio, which is cool.
And it supports some plugins that other hosts don't.

I have Atmosphere now but none of my hosts could host it.

so there
now you all have the tools

*STPCH*
go make us music!

Whoa, a program named after me! Must be cool.

I will!
But first there are some problems to solve.. it's kinda complicated.


EDIT:
Ok previous problems solved.
But now.. when I render my music from midi to wav files in Reaper, they end up being nothing more than annoying fuzz that reminds me of pink noise.
So I play something with my midi keyboard, record it and render it.
What went wrong?

[Blazingmonga]

Hey Blaze:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Keystation49e/

Does that help?

Yeah, I have seen a few of these on eBay...they look pretty cool! I think that seen as I only intend on making stupid noises it would be more economical for me to get an old crappy midi keyboard. Still, if you want to give me one of these, that would be great!

Hey Blaze:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Keystation49e/

Does that help?

Yeah, I have seen a few of these on eBay...they look pretty cool! I think that seen as I only intend on making stupid noises it would be more economical for me to get an old crappy midi keyboard. Still, if you want to give me one of these, that would be great!

Well, I figured for a hundred bucks and only 49 keys, it would work for your situation, not to mention that it can be connected to your computer via USB, which is one of the things you were looking for, if I remember correctly. I've used the M-Audio keyboards and they work superbly. Also, Sweetwater has about the best customer service I've heard of among all the music instrument supply companies.

[Blazingmonga]

USB connectivitiy isnt essential as I have midi in and out ports on the front of my PC. I was hoping to save some money by getting an older keyboard with a midi out. I nearly got one from a charity shop the other day actually!

About the plugins, I happened to Stumble Upon this: http://www.gersic.com/plugins