Is it possible to trigger a synth module without a computer?

[shinysign]

Hello, I am fairly new to MIDI, I was wondering if it is possible to trigger a synth module directly through a MIDI keyboard, without running it through a computer?

The reason I am asking is, my computer for whatever reason has a MIDI delay that is very long, like 3-4 seconds, so long that playing soft synths through my MIDI keyboard is unplayable, as the delay time is too long. So I was wondering if I could hook up a MIDI synth module and play the notes through my keyboard directly, and also, use it for live performances without needing to bring a computer along. If this is possible, how would I do this? Just run the MIDI in and out from the synth module to the keyboard and then put audio out on a synth module? I could buy one and see for myself but that would be one expensive MIDI test

Thanks,
Sean

[synthesizerist]

Out of curiosity I had to see how far down in a google search the answer was when typing "using midi to control synth modules." Number 3...

http://midistudio.com/Help/Midi_InOut.htm

[shinysign]

Yes, I see, thanks, I had been looking on Google for a while before I posted on here, though none of the pages had direct answers and I wanted to see from someone who had done it themselves.

But it does seem to be possible, I do have a new question from this, does this mean that I can bypass MIDI on my computer entirely and go MIDI Keyboard to Sound Module audio out to computer? Thinking about it it seems like this would work just fine, but again I do not want to buy a $700 dollar synth module that is unusable. If anyone has tried this please let me know.

[D-Collector]

If anyone has tried this please let me know.

I think there has been a few semi-known musicians that has managed to pull it off through the history of modern electronic music...


Seriously think you should read up on this a bit, there are plenty of sources on the net. I just googled "midi basics":

http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/st ... asics.html
http://www.midiworld.com/basics.htm
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_ar ... sics1.html

[nathanscribe]

Apart from the fact that yes, you can do exactly that, you should be wondering why your computer has an apparent lag of several seconds... not the sign of an efficiently set up machine...

[shinysign]

Well that is good, I will try it then.

As for the MIDI delay on my computer, it's been like that since I've bought it, an unplayable 3-4 second delay. If anyone has any advice as to how to shorten that delay, let me know, but I have tried a number of things in the past and I think the computer is just older and does not support MIDI well. I have tried enough synths with it to know that is not the keyboard or MIDI controller, but something with the computer MIDI inteface itself. I get around it by using all audio like I am trying to with the synth module.

[D-Collector]

Try to adjust the latency in your softsynth(s). It is usually found in the programs preferences or options.

[Stab Frenzy]

Actually it sounds like you're using the built in soundcard which isn't designed for low-latency performance. Try installing http://www.asio4all.com/ to see if it helps things.

[OriginalJambo]

Yeah, ASIO4ALL should do the trick. If you are on a PC stay away from WDM devices, ASIO is the only real way to go for acceptable latency.

[crystalmsc]

Anyway, if it has delay in controlling a soft synth, didn't mean that the computer can't be used to control a module without delay. Since sending midi out take way smaller processing than running a soft synth. Actually, a hardware synth could be the solution in this case.

[pflosi]

midi out delays can also be adjusted in the DAW.

but with asio4all ur problem should be solved.

[shinysign]

Thanks, perhaps that will fix it, I will try it out. I will have to get my MIDI chords out from a box, as I haven't used them in a while, once I do that, I will see if it works.

Merry Christmas Eve, vintage synth people