MIDI playback recommendations

[Timatron]

Hello to all, I am new to S1. I need a recommendation for a virtual synth/instrument for playing midi files. Something that has higher quality sounds than GM sounds. After 15 years I’m stepping back into the home recording world. I’ve been unsuccessful getting my old KORG n5 set up and running in S1. A work in progress. I have viewed some of the tutorials but no luck yet. So I thought that a good workaround might be the software route. I play the midi files for practicing drums and creating karaoke songs for family. Thank you for any/all help. Hopefully I’ve posted this where I should have.

Quantum 2626, Windows 11 Pc, Studio One6.

 

[Trucky]

Here's a link to a good video resource for setting up your keyboard...
How To Set Up Your MIDI Keyboards, External Instruments and MIDI Controllers in Studio One

I'm familiar with the Roland Sound Canvas (MC-80, VS8850, VS8820, etc.) gear I used for MIDI years ago but many of those resources have been discontinued and no longer available.

What have you been using for playing and recording MIDI files?

Can you provide some details on what gear you're currently using and how you use Studio One 6?

 

[Timatron]

Thanks for getting back to me about this. I have watched the video you suggested and believe I followed the instructions Lukas provided, but I get no midi in or out. The n5 is a late 90’s synth, discontinued with no current windows 11 driver available. I switched to S1 after purchasing my Quantum 2626. S1 6 was bundled with it. I have the n5 connected to the midi ports on the Quantum. I have not done much in S1 yet, until I get the midi playback issue resolved I’m at a standstill. I’m not a keyboardist but a vocalist and drummer, I’ve used midi files that were available free online for years to keep my chops up. I would use the n5 sound banks to improve the overall sound quality of those files to suit me. Using a Firestudio 2626 ,DigimaxFS with Cakewalk and the n5 to accomplish this.I would eventually like to compose/write songs for myself but I’m a long way from there.
Gear list, Quantum, DigimaxFS, various hardware mic pres, new Windows 11 PC. n5 keyboard.
I really don’t want to have to buy a new keyboard for midi playback. I just spent a large sum to build a drum room in a TUFF SHED so kinda strapped for a while. Software synth was a shot to provide me with a solution.
Thanks again Trucky I will take all the help I can get.

 

[Trucky]

It's a bummer when manufacturers of older gear refuse to provide the drivers to make them work with current operating systems.

Are you able to get the MIDI connections on the KORG N5 connected to MIDI on the Quantum 2626 and your computer working?

If not, here's a link to a Roland USB MIDI interface to get the KORG N5 connected to your computer...
Roland UM-ONE mk2 USB MIDI Interface

 

[Jemusic]

Boss also make a desktop module called 'Boss Dr Synth' DS 330. It receives Midi over the 5 pin connector and totally works great. It just has the standard 128 GM sounds and plays back mdi files perfectly. I have one and use it as it is fully functional. You will pick one up easily and cheaply. You can edit the sounds, layer them and add effects to make some very nice lush synth textures as well if you are keen.

Some synths too have GM setups within their memories as well as normal patches etc..

It would not be hard either to setup virtual setup using your own existing instruments to replicate what the GM module actually does. Its easy to get a list of the patches and recreate them using Kontakt instruments etc.. A drum map would be needed to take the drum info on channel 10 and route the notes to the right sounds. You will find a map of the GM drum sounds easily as well. It would be good to have a hardware GM module around though so you can hear the patches.

 

[Lukas]

I bought the Yamaha XG50... VSTi XG player when it was still available for purchase. That's usually the one I use for GM playback.

Most software focused on GM playback is from ~ 2005 and not supported anymore (like HyperSonic, NI Bandstand, Roland Sound Canvas).

The first version of HALion Sonic had a GM mode as well if I remember correctly. Not sure if recent versions still support GM playback including all the standard CC implementation (expression, modulation, volume, pan, filter etc.).

 

[Timatron]

Thanks Jemusic and Trucky for the info and recommendations. I will definitely check them out.
Trucky, I added the n5 as a new keyboard and instrument both in S1 and was able to see and select it as an option from the list but could not receive midi in or out. No n5 bank or patch selection available either. I can enter the n5 d

 

[Trucky]

Trucky, I added the n5 as a new keyboard and instrument both in S1 and was able to see and select it as an option from the list but could not receive midi in or out. No n5 bank or patch selection available either.

Post screenshots of your settings for these

 

[Timatron]

Sorry fellas I made a fat finger fumble and sent reply too soon, as I was trying to say, I am using the Quantum midi ports and can select the n5 in S1 but no communication between them and the n5 is showing. I can hear sounds from the n5 using its 1/4 inch outs into two Quantum inputs but only when I am manually pressing the keys. No audio from a S1 song with midi tracks during playback.
It’s been over 20 years since I’ve configured a studio setup and I don’t remember every process I did over the years too get the end result I had. New gear, DAW, computer OS, studio space. It’s a lot all at once but I did it before so I can again. It will just take me time.

I know we all have a back story on the how and why we entered this wonderfully complex beautiful exciting satisfying world of music and recording. This thread is probably not the place and time for my whole story. But a short version might be helpful to see where I’m at.

I learned basic midi editing with Cakewalk (before audio) to be able to lead worship with previously written Band in a Box files needing some note corrections. Improved my audio skills as Cakewalk grew into a DAW. Collected hundreds of midi files online to use just for me, not commercially. First audio interface; ECHO’s Layla ( eventually owned 3 for 24 tracks. Awesome for recording drums. Firestudio 2626 DigimaxFS next. Then my current setup. I recorded a few bands and my karaoke stuff. I’m adequate.at these processes but never dove deep into them beyond advanced beginner. I’m retired now and have time to explore and learn.

Hi Lukas I just spotted your comments , thanks for adding to my list of solutions to explore.

This community is an amazing resource and a Godsend to those like me who sometimes desperately need help.
Thank you all.

 

[Timatron]

Trucky , I will send some screenshots soon. Holiday family time this weekend.

 

[lokeyfly]

Hello to all, I am new to S1. I need a recommendation for a virtual synth/instrument for playing midi files. Something that has higher quality sounds than GM sounds.

Quantum 2626, Windows 11 Pc, Studio One6.

I agree with Lukas on the point that most software focused on GM playback is from ~ 2005 and not supported anymore.

If you're truly looking for greater realism in your performances, I highly advise you break away from any GM MIDI synth, samplers, and patches and start to break down music track by track. There are far better libraries or even dedicated hardware that you can tap into to achieve greater music realism. You never mention a genre, so it would be helpful if you elaborated on just what it is musically, that your seeking greater realism from. You can meet realism halfway by exploring some of Studio One's own bundled sounds. Far more from version 7, over version 6 where a lot of extras are thrown in. Then possibly explore some third party libraries from Fxpansion, Native Instruments, Vienna Symphonic Library, and others.

They go through great lengths of capturing real studio sounds, articulations, and general quality in order to provide realism to customers.