Does anyone use a pc to playback midi? I'm using an SD2 with Vanbasco for playback, but sometimes I need to edit quickly like mute, sounds, effects. Vanbasco does the mute but that's it.

I love the speed, ease of use, lyric display, anything else have those abilities?

Thanks

I use both Cakewalk and Ableton on my PC. I haven't used the Ableton much at all yet because I got the lower end version and doesn't really have a lot of useful features. Cakewalk is fairly easy to edit MIDI files.

Just my opinion.

Jeff

KaraWin Pro

I'll second the Powertrack recommendation. I've used it exclusively for midi manipulation of all sorts... very straight forward and easy to use.

Glenn

I have used my pc for midi for over ten years and have tried most software, including BIAB,Powertracks, and VanBasco. They all do the job, but Notation Musician or Composer has the most tools and best GUI for the money IMO. http://www.notation.com/Products.htm

I play midi tunes for singing and playing the actual score with muted parts.

I use Master Tracks Pro from GVox. I've used it for years (originally by Passport). However, since GVox bought it they introduced a bug in the external sync so I flip flop between the last Passport version and the current GVox version.

The thing I like about MTPro over Power Tracks is that it supports 16 different synths. So I can mix and match the sounds from my Sound Canvas, MT32, Studio Canvas, TX81z, VL70-m (2), i3, DS8, and samplers/sample players (3) choosing the best sounds of each for any particular instrument.

Here is how I make and use my backing tracks http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html

Notes

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Bob "Notes" Norton
Owner Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com
The Sophisticats http://www.s-cats.com

[This message has been edited by Notes_Norton (edited 08-13-2008).]

[This message has been edited by Notes_Norton (edited 08-13-2008).]

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I kept the first version of Cakewalk I ever owned version 3.1. I still find it useful for basic MIDI playback. The features you asked for are easy to get at. In later versions, as they get more complex, I find that the basic features are more diffcult to find and use.

I also highly recommend Band in a Box. It is something anyone interested in MIDI music needs.

.

Flatfoot is somewhat on target - older versions of Cakewalk are easier to use if you are wanting to simply play and adjust SMFs live.

I use Cakewalk Pro Audio 10 and muting tracks and adjusting volumes or changing patches is very simple. I also have Power Tracks Pro 10, but it is easier for me to load a file while another is playing and then quickly move to the next song on Cakewalk.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 08-19-2008).]

Have to agree with Cassp.. Even Cakewalk 6.0 was rock solid on MIDI and then add in the CAL tools (freely available) and you can do pretty much anything you like, MIDI wise.

Dennis