The Steel Guitar Forum

I would like to use the DR5 as a writing
tool and backing band. There is an editing
program that makes programing the DR5
easier thru MIDI connection to a computer.
Does this mean I need a MIDI card installed
or an external USB interface? Is anyone
on the Forum doing this type of thing, that
can help with some advice? Can anyone list
all of the hardware/software needed to make
this happen. I'm a computer newbie.

If the DR5 has a "MIDI" interface then you will need a MIDI interface on your PC. Many older PC's have MIDI/joystick port on the sound card and if your's has that then all you will need is the correct MIDI cable (one that has the 15 pin connector on one end and two MIDI "DIN" connectors on the other end.

If your PC is one of the newer ones that does not come with a MIDI/Joystick port then you can buy a USB/MIDI adapater. Most major music stores and on-line stores such as musicians friend sell a "Midiman" single port USB/MIDI adapter for about $40 and that or a similar product is what you will need if you only have a USB port on your PC.

As far as an control program for the unit, I have no info on that.

Joeseph,

I used the DR-5 for quite awhile before I switched to a Korg O5. I "built" all of my songs by using the DR-5 keyboard/patches direct to either a Roland MC-50 or my computer/CakeWalk. Direct MIDI connections between the DR-5 and Roland and I used the MIDIMan USB between the DR-5 and computer...pretty easy.

I did experiment with the DR-5 edit software but realized pretty quick that external storage/sequencing was needed for a full night's worth of music...the edit program wasn't that useful to me.

The only issues with stadard midi files and the DR-5 is that it doesn't stick to the general midi format. Your bass lines from the DR-5 will need to be lowered and octave for other GM sound modules and vice versa...not a big deal. The drums supposedly vary from GM also, but not enough to be a real issue.

Tom Jordan

Joseph, I'll give you another option. I use a computer to record analog tracks only. This is sort of old-fashioned, but this is how I would do it.

Get a small, good quality mixing board. You can get one for around $60.
Get an inexpensive multi-track recording program, like Power Tracks, another $60.
Connect the stereo output of the mixer to the sound card line input or motherboard sound input if that's what you have.
Connect the analog output of the DR5 to a channel on the mixer, adjust the tone.
Adjust levels using software program VU meter.
Record your drums in real time on track 1. I find it easier to add personality to the drum arrangement this way, since you can arrange the song ahead of time, then record it.
Play it back while recording your bass on track 2.
Play it back while recording rhythm guitar on track 3.
Save the file as a wave. You can later make a CD or convert to mp3s.
Now you can play PSG along with your recorded trio.

There you have it. No need to use the computer as a MIDI sequencer.

I actually use an external sequencer for all of my MIDI messages. I mix 4 MIDI instruments together for one track, to save time. then record in analog: electric bass, acoustic rhythm, piano, lead guitar, etc., then make a wave file.

I never did like MIDI sequencer programs like Cakewalk, CuBase, etc., You can get drained of a lot of time an energy editing MIDI using a computer, unless you have a year or more experience, then it still challenges your patience. That's why I do it this way.

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Mike Barone
Sho-Bud Pro-1 5&4 with RHL | Nashville 112
Assorted Guitars & Keyboards

(edited to correct spelling)<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Michael Barone on 15 October 2005 at 04:31 PM.]</p></FONT>