Korg Forums

Hello,

I recently ordered midi to usb cable so that I can connect my microkorg to my laptop.
What do I do after that in order to record what I play on microkorg?
Do I need to buy some software to do that?

trip wrote:Hello,

I recently ordered midi to usb cable so that I can connect my microkorg to my laptop.
What do I do after that in order to record what I play on microkorg?
Do I need to buy some software to do that?

Yes, you will need software to record. If you have a mac, you already have Garageband. If you have a PC, I'd suggest buying Cakewalk Music Creator 5 as a beginner. You could also use the free Audacity, but it is very limited.

Also, you don't have the right equipment to record yet. Please read this, replacing R3/Radias with MicroKorg:
http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=50987

Thank you for the link! That's an amazing summary for such dense info.
So midi to usb i got would be only for soft synths..
I guess I need a Fast-track Pro now.

Well, you don't necesarily need the FastTrack pro specifically, and you'll probably be able to find something cheaper.

A good start would be to look on music retailer's websites under 'Audio Interface', often a sub-category of computer related equipment.

Even if you're not in the UK or europe, here's a page with a good list of the kind of things you should be looking for:
http://www.dv247.com/search/3152/0/Prod ... nding/-/1/

Obviously, don't get a FireWire (IEE1394) audio interface if your computer doesn't have a FireWire port, its less common than USB, but a lot of interfaces use it because they can fit more simultaneous inputs/outputs/streams down it.

X-Trade,

I guess I'm looking for an audio interface that can record the following.
Guitar
Vocal
MicroKorg

So should I get one with 1/4 plug on the one end and usb on the other?
Can you recommend me a product that would be suitable for my use?

If you're going to record MicroKorg, then you want at least two inputs for stereo recording.

And i'm assuming you don't need or want to connect all of these at the same time?

I've never seen it before but this one looks quite good:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/ ... ace--36113

Has XLR with preamp for microphones, as well as a stereo pair of jack inputs for connecting your MicroKorg.

This one also looks okay:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/ ... ace--35905

Obviously you should find a dealer in your own country to purchase from.

You've already stated what you want though. If you'd like to record guitar, keyboards, and microphone, then you need two line level jack inputs, switchable or with separate microphone (possibly XLR) and possibly Hi-Z jack connection for guitar. All I did was look through the page I linked previously and read the specs of some of the ones that looked like the right thing.

X-Trade wrote:If you're going to record MicroKorg, then you want at least two inputs for stereo recording.

And i'm assuming you don't need or want to connect all of these at the same time?

I've never seen it before but this one looks quite good:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/ ... ace--36113

Has XLR with preamp for microphones, as well as a stereo pair of jack inputs for connecting your MicroKorg.

i have the Alpha, but i could never get a high dB input level, no idea why, and it didnt have MIDI, so i got an Edirol UA-20, it has MIDI too, works a treat.

Dont forget to check and see if it has phantom power (+48v) incase you need to record with a Condensor Mic and the mic doesnt take a 9v battery

If you can use firewire check out ScratchAmp Open from Stanton (Musicians Friend). For $100 you get all the hook-ups you'd need including two inputs with phono pre-amps. A KILLER DEAL and high quality unit
bobbyd

mercenarywrench wrote:If you can use firewire check out ScratchAmp Open from Stanton (Musicians Friend). For $100 you get all the hook-ups you'd need including two inputs with phono pre-amps. A KILLER DEAL and high quality unit
bobbyd

But that is very much a DJ product designed for decks. The phono pre-amps will overdrive and distort a line-level signal from synths and pro audio gear such as the microKorg.



Personally I used to use one of these:
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA202.aspx
Behringer UCA-202. Nothing exciting about it. It came with my mixer and it does the job. you'll need adaptor cables though for jacks. They're not difficult to find.

Not to be confused with their new U-PHONO which has phono preamps which will again overdrive and distort your signal.

x-trade - just to be clear, the scratchamp's phono inputs are selectable to line inputs also, so there is no problem recording any instrument using this audio interface.
bobbyd

If you plan to use a condenser mic, it helps to get an I/O box that supports phantom power. 1/4" inputs are also more common for gear used by musicians, while RCAs are more for DJs. There are some exceptions, of course, but it's something to consider based on how you intend to use it.