MOTUnation.com

Okay, I've searched the manual front to back, and I simply cannot find this. Most other musicians I can find AIM screennames for use Cakewalk (what junk!) or Garageband (good stuff...), etc. I come to you guys in hopes of finally being able to make an mp3 after about 5 months of troubleshooting one thing after the other. I've learned a lot so far.

I make music in OS 9, everything else in OS X, so that means I have DP3...

I also use the MIDI interface to record, I use a Korg N264 Workstation, a great keyboard with lush samples. I can use my sequencer (DP3) as a notation thing, so that it tracks all of my notes and velocities and pedal marks, etc. My keyboard decided what patch/sample is to be played. So my keyboard plays the sequencer's info out of my amp (connected to the keyboard).

So how are others supposed to hear my stuff without my sequencer and keyboard? I have learned that I need to use an audio recorder (or someone else said an mp3 encoder, but i'm uneducated with that, so let's go on with the audio recorder). I should have the sound come out of my computer speakers, and the audio recorder records what is being played in my computer speakers and makes a WAV out of it. Then I make the WAV an mp3, of course.

So how do I make the sound come out of my computer speakers instead of my keyboard's amp? I have an audio cable plugged into the microphone outlet, but I don't know what to do with it. THat's just what someone told me to do. And if I DO get that to work, how do I get an audio recorder for OS 9 mac? Then after THAT, how do I make the audio recorder work in DP3??

It seems like there's just one obstacle after the other for me...If you guys could clear a couple more, I'd be closer to my goal...thanks, and PLEASE respond!

If I understand you correctly (and I'm not sure I do), you need to output your keyboard sounds into your computer via an audio interface -- which it appears you don't have and will need to purchase. Once in the computer (you can use DP3 and the audio interface to record into the machine), you can convert your sounds to mp3.

If your understanding of this process is as rudimentary as I take it to be, I highly recommend you visit your local music store and have a specialist walk you through everything. I don't mean to be rude or dismissive. I just don't think you'll get the primer information you'll need via a website bulletin board.

Good luck.

<small>[ April 17, 2005, 11:40 AM: Message edited by: chrispick ]</small>

Chris is exactly correct.

Also take a look in the manual, I beleive there is a diagram of how it is supposed to be set up. You need to record the audio into DP.

Dinero, I agree with these guys.
Call a few music stores around your area, and tell them that you need to speak to someone that uses Digital Performer. Also explain that you need to buy a Firewire audio interface. Make sure someone can sit down with you and explain the basics of what you want to do.

Where are you located?

dpDan

I'll do this, thanks guys. I'm 13 and I live in TN.

I just hope someone in my area actually uses DP But I'll be sure to get an audio interface! I didn't think it'd be too difficult to make the sound of my keyboard come out of my computer, though...

How much will I be spending here?

Just to clarify a couple of things for you- You don't need an audio recorder. DP is the audio recorder. You just need the interface so that you can get the output of the synth into the computer, as well as anything else you may want to record. The patch cables from the output of the synth would go to the input of the interface at which point you'd be able to record directly into DP. I haven't shopped lately but interfaces range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The low end will probably work just fine for you.

You may want to get a summer job and try to upgrade everything to OSX. It's going to be hard to continue in OS9 if you do not already have everything you need. Plus, it's kind of sad to buy stuff for OS9 when you really need to be moving forward.

On the other hand, you may be able to find stuff on eBay. Or, maybe the audio interfaces will work with just the right download of software from MOTU. (or whatever brand you end up getting) I'm thinking you might be able to find a 2408mkII for fairly cheap. (maybe $300-$400 with the PCI 424 card... maybe) Keep in mind that if you ever plan to use it with OSX, a MOTU PCI audio interface must have the PCI 424 card, not the 324 card.

Or a Firewire interface might be better, but beware of used 828 boxes. Some of them had major problems, and MOTU might not honor a 2nd owner's warranty (which would probably be out of date, anyway). I don't remember if the 896 boxes were affected.

Stay in touch with us. We'll do our best to guide you when you need it. Believe me, we've all been where you are with not enough equipment and not enough money, etc.

Just TRY to stay mainstream when you are able to. Even though it costs more intitially, in the long run it saves you money because you don't have to buy twice. Maybe mom and dad would understand that and help a little.

Good luck, and stay in touch.

Shooshie

<small>[ April 17, 2005, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: Shooshie ]</small>

Originally posted by Dinero:
I'll do this, thanks guys. I'm 13 and I live in TN.

I just hope someone in my area actually uses DP But I'll be sure to get an audio interface! I didn't think it'd be too difficult to make the sound of my keyboard come out of my computer, though...

How much will I be spending here?

Low-end Firewire audio interfaces run around the $200 range.

PS: If you can upgrade to DP 4.52, and get an audio interface, you can encode MP3 within Digital Performer using the LAME codec. Again, we'll be able to help you get there if you can get the stuff. I realize this is not cheap. But it's pretty cool once you get there.

If what I'm saying is out of the question, then I'm sure there are low cost options that will get the job done with what you already have. For that matter, there are mp3 encoders for OS9; the trick is going to be finding them. OS9 is gradually becoming a ghost on the internet.

Shooshie

Gotta love you guyz!

Cheers,

MOTU 2408 on eBay

Look for the ones with the 424 card. They're around $700. Those with the 324 card, which works fine with OS9, are closer to $300. This is ok for where you are now. It's just not a "thinking ahead" move. I realize that may be all you can do for now. Just giving you both sides of the story.

Geez... I just thought... you may not have a computer with PCI slots, in which case you have to go with the 828. Just search MOTU 828 (or 896) on eBay.

Shooshie

<small>[ April 17, 2005, 12:00 PM: Message edited by: Shooshie ]</small>

What type of system are you running OS9 on?

Where in TN do you live, close to Knoxville by any chance?

From what I've read, you could (this is the super ghetto method and not recommended)use the line input(built in)to your Mac. Keep the volume down on your keyboard and SLOWLY bring it up to a useable level. Use DP audio monitor to check for clipping. All you will need is a mono 1\4 to stereo 3.5 mm cable. (Looks like a y cable but called an insert cable) Explain what you are doing to a person at the store and they should help. This is really poor quality but will work for just messin around.

Research is the key here. Knowledge is power!!!

When you go to the store check out some books and magazines for reference (I recommend "Modern Recording Techniques" or something similar. Look thru a few and get the one or two that make the most sense to you.

I do recommend a small mixer to start with and then a decent audio interface.

Last but not least welcome to the world of digital audio, have fun and rember to eat and sleep.