sequencer

Okay, new "device" in the mix - the MIDI SEQUENCER...:)

A midi sequencer is a computer program that sits in between your keyboard
controller and your sound module.

It is your friend.  It will help you.  Learn it's ways.
(Start with PianoCheater
 it's free and it's mine :)

It records all the midi events coming in,
   Plays em with "backing tracks" of prerecorded midi events.
   Shows em on the screen in a fancy note/control display.
   Saves and loads the events to a midi file.

You want to make sure all the important midi controls get INTO your pc.
And if you have any good midi sound modules, that your pc can send midi to em.

Sitting in the middle there, a sequencer can listen to the midi coming from the
keyboard controller and record it into a "track".

A track is similar to a midi channel, but there's no "16 max" limit on tracks.
You tell a track to listen to a midi channel (or set of em) and record all
the notes and controls it hears.

These are played out together (sequenced) with other already recorded tracks.
   You can...
    - display the tracks' notes on screen,
    - save em in a .mid file,
      (if you need a .WAV or .MP3, point your audio recording app (audacity?) at
       the lineout of your sound module.  Perhaps "what you hear" on your pc?)
    - load em from a file,
    - edit em on screen,
    - add auto accompaniment,
    - juggle which track has which sound,
    - juggle which tracks go to which sound module channels,
    - etc, etc...

The midi sequencer is what gives the keyboard player the capabilities of a
WHOLE ORCHESTRA (well, almost, you know...)


If you need a WAY fancier sequencer than PianoCheater, hit google.
   Just don't ask me for help ;)

If you need one that's just a LITTLE fancier,
   tell me what you need and you just might get it.  (for free with credit)


    Next up,
    check out PianoCheater !!