A newbie who want's ro learn!

[Piskeey]

Hello!

I just recently bought the "Alesis M1Active 520 USB" -monitors. M1Active 520 USB Nearfield Studio Monitors with USB Audio I/O.

Then I bought these 1/4" cables http://static.scan.co.uk/images/products/1454966-a.jpg - so I would be able to record my Yamaha Clavinova CLP-370 CLP-370 - Clavinova CLP - Yamaha - UK and Ireland

I have a MacBookPro 15" with garageband, and I thought i would just try and record through that, but the sound is really bad, and I am not quite sure if I should by another software, or maybe I need some other equipment for recording-set-up.

So I would really like some help from people with expertise! Some advice, links or tutorials! (:

[garww]

Start with just the keyboard into the computer over USB and also over the audio jacks. Try to narrow things down - like is the recording bad, or, is the playback bad ?

[Piskeey]

I have tried a MIDI-cable once before, but i only allows me to use the piano-sounds from garageband and not the actual sound from my piano. That is why i bought the monitors, because I wanted a good sound-system and something to record with, and I can't afford a sound-card.

What I think the problem is, is that I maybe need a mixer of some sort for editting the sound of the piano.

This might sund dumb, but why is that when I play back my recording, it just sounds lame? :P (It is not because of speakers, cause I know that the ones I have, are really good!)

[garww]

If you record MIDI, It's just recording the keypress - not any sound. MIDI playback can be back to the Yamaha acting as a MIDI Sound Module. Or, it can be sent to some computer thing that emulates a MIDI Sound Module via software.

To record the Yamaha sound, you have to use the AUDIO outputs - either the L(usually MONO)/R Stereo jacks or the USB.

To avoid some confusion on what it doing what in GB, try to keep the connections simple and test each one on it's own. If you just hook everything up you often run into trouble.

I would try just USB from the keyboard to the computer. Once you get the AUDIO recording and playback working, add the speakers as a playback device and disable it's recording capability. If that works, then enable the recording capability and use it instead of the USB direct (remove this cable), etc.

Many people wire it up so they record the AUDIO as well and the MIDI - so you will have to get comfortable with selecting routing inside GB

[brandondrury]

I have a MacBookPro 15" with garageband, and I thought i would just try and record through that, but the sound is really bad, and I am not quite sure if I should by another software, or maybe I need some other equipment for recording-set-up.

Garageband doesn't have "a sound" per say. From a sonic standpoint all software is the same. I'd immediately rule that out as a factor.

The recorded sound of your digital piano should be identical to what you are used to hearing assuming you aren't used to hearing it through something crazy.

Does your Macbook have 1/4" inputs? I'm assuming you are using an adapter. That could be the source of your troubles.

Definitely check out Killer Home Recording: Setting Up

[Piskeey]

Garageband doesn't have "a sound" per say. From a sonic standpoint all software is the same. I'd immediately rule that out as a factor.

The recorded sound of your digital piano should be identical to what you are used to hearing assuming you aren't used to hearing it through something crazy.

Does your Macbook have 1/4" inputs? I'm assuming you are using an adapter. That could be the source of your troubles.

Definitely check out Killer Home Recording: Setting Up

Alright, i will go through your book, and see if that helps... I will get back to this thread in a couple of days then, and tell you guys if things are up and running!

- btw I didn't expect answers that fast, and especially not from admin himself! Cool website bro I will get back shortly!