Midi triggering live

roundthebend

I've got zero experience with using midi in any setting. My covers band have some songs that would benefit from additional noises and I'm wondering if a midi controller would fill the gap. Something like an Akai MPK Mini hooked up to my MacBook.

What software do I need? Are there any free or low cost options, or does the Akai come with something usable if bought new?
I want a Jew's Harp, some synth sounds, samples, cowbell, strings. Can I download free or bought packs which will work with the software?

Finally, we sometimes use my Roland Go 88 which advertised that it does midi. Any thoughts on using that as the controller? It's a bit bulky but already paid for.

TIA

Bod

Do you have anything on your MacBook that you use already?  Logic?

roundthebend

Bod said:

Do you have anything on your MacBook that you use already?  Logic?

GarageBand

Danny1969

A dedicated device for playing samples is a better bet. A Roland SPD/X or similar device allows you to load or record a sample into the device, assign it to a pad then just hit that pad then you want that sound. I generally have it by my pedal board when I use one and just hit the pads with my feet. If you can trust you drummer then thats another option

roundthebend

The drummer does have a thing, but on these songs there's quite a timing challenge and "number of limbs" challenge.

digitalkettle

roundthebend said:

The drummer does have a thing, but on these songs there's quite a timing challenge and "number of limbs" challenge.

If it's not a real time 'hitting stuff' thing, then you'll need to be on a click-track working to a fixed arrangement.

bloodandtears

digitalkettle said:

roundthebend said:

The drummer does have a thing, but on these songs there's quite a timing challenge and "number of limbs" challenge.

If it's not a real time 'hitting stuff' thing, then you'll need to be on a click-track working to a fixed arrangement.

yep...  we do a mix of the two depending on the songs.. some are full click track.. some are partial.. some are just for added mid song fx..

roundthebend

digitalkettle said:

roundthebend said:

The drummer does have a thing, but on these songs there's quite a timing challenge and "number of limbs" challenge.

If it's not a real time 'hitting stuff' thing, then you'll need to be on a click-track working to a fixed arrangement.

It'll be best done as real time "hitting stuff". I'm just saying that the drummer is already busy drumming.

octatonic

I used this for triggering things from Ableton Live.

https://loopcommunity.com/looptimus

I actually have a couple for sale.

roundthebend

Those are too pricey for me @octatonic ;

I like the idea of a sample pad, but not seeing anything in a sensible budget.

The Akai MPK Mini would fit in my home studio as well as in small pub gigs. I've got a MacBook to plug it into.

I don't really understand how they work though. How easy would it be to switch from strings on the keys to an organ or synth? Presumably you just use some software you assign which midi signal does what.

digitalkettle

The MPK is a lightweight controller which pings MIDI messages into your DAW (or software instrument) running on your laptop via USB.

 If I understand your needs correctly, you want to trigger some samples (as opposed to actually playing keys). The MPK‘s pads would be ideal for this…if it was feeding into, say, Studio One, I would use its ‘drum machine’ instrument and load-up my samples to a bank of virtual pads.

roundthebend

Cheers @digitalkettle ;
Next question is which software options can I consider for my needs - live playing? I think GarageBand will be fine for recording at home.

Are there free options that are worth considering?

Where might I get samples from?

digitalkettle

No answers?

I was thinking that there must be a more lightweight software approach for this and these are the first few hits for a Google on "standalone sample triggering vst":

• https://vi-control.net/community/threads/vst-recommendation-please.123299/
• https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1254295-what-do-you-use-simple-easy-software-sample-player-triggered-midi-cc-pgm.html
• https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/884129-triggering-samples-live-without-laptop-involved-hardware-suggestions-needed.html

I don't have any live experience of this...so I'd have thought others would be better positioned to advise.

If they were specific samples, I'd be tempted to try and put it together myself...otherwise, there must be many 'paid for' sample packs out there.

digitalkettle

Fyi: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/261982/live-one-shot-hardware-sample-player

brucegill

@grappagreen some stuff on this thread might help

grappagreen

brucegill said:

@grappagreen some stuff on this thread might help

Thanks! Hadn't spotted this..