MIDI Controller Question

[David Vignola]

Hi Everyone. I am fairly new to EZ Drummer and thus far I really like it! Super easy to use and the included grooves are great. I have been looking into purchasing a MIDI Controller keyboard to use for adding string sections to my songs and also create some drum fills or patterns that I have in my head and where the induced grooves are not what I need. I am using Pro Tools 10 on a mac pro running with Snow Lep.

My question is, can I use a MIDI keyboard to trigger and record the EZ drummer sounds in Pro Tools 10? Meaning I can say, record my own drum fill, then save it as a MIDI file for future use in a new song? Or maybe just record the fill and use it in my current project? Not sure if this is possible and I don’t want to purchase a controller and then find out I cant do what I am try to accomplish. I was looking at a simple entry level controller under the $200 price range. I don’t need anything that expensive as I am not a “beat” producer. I record mostly rock music and I just want to be able to add a custom fill or pattern when needed.

I know I can use the pencil tool and draw in the custom fill in PT but it would be easier to just tap it out on a keyboard.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Topic

[Nathan]

Yes!

>

SD2.3, NYII, C&V, MC, MF, ED, Latin Perc, Twisted, Pop, N1H, Electronic, Classic, Funkmasters, Rock Solid, Blues, Indie-Folk.

[Bane*]

Indeed, most sequencers not only let you record, but also note input, so that you’re not rushed. All you do is set your cursor where you want the note, choose your value (normally 1/16 for drums), and press the key on the controller. You can also choose to retain your note-on/note-off velocity as well.

[David Vignola]

ok, great news and good to know. So I think I will purchase a small controller this week.v Thank you

[David Vignola]

Another quick question. How would I set up the akai with ezdrummer. Is it just plug the akai in and it will trigger ezdrummer or is there some sort of setup I need to go through. Thanks in advance.

[Nathan]

If the Akai will output General MIDI from power-up, then it should be good to go (somebody please correct me if I’m wrong here please), if not, you will have to configure it to output the MIDI notes of the EZD instruments of our choice for each pad.

Not familiar with the Akai, but check it can be pad-to-output-note configured before you buy it. My understanding is that EZD, unlike Superior Drummer, cannot be mapped to different input MIDI notes.

>

SD2.3, NYII, C&V, MC, MF, ED, Latin Perc, Twisted, Pop, N1H, Electronic, Classic, Funkmasters, Rock Solid, Blues, Indie-Folk.

[Juicy]

All midi keyboards are spitting out midi notes in the order of the keyboard. All are the same in that regard
So NO setup should be needed as you find your Kick,Snare,Hats,Toms and Crashes laid out easily going up the Keyboard.
GM is generic mapping and will follow this up the keyboard format no matter what.
It is EZ that is mapped in GM Extended format which corresponds to these notes and more importantly a format that lets many Midi files be read or played.

[Author]

Replies