Synth-DIY Yahoo! Groups Archives

Thread

Computer setup

2003-09-28 by rich171167

I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could take 
the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to 
my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also 
play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not obtain 
a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the 
back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound 
card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve 
these simple goals to get me going.

Re: Computer setup

2003-09-28 by liberatusvirus

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rich171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could 
take 
> the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to 
> my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also 
> play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not 
obtain 
> a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the 
> back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound 
> card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve 
> these simple goals to get me going.

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection rather 
than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI 
capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be 
forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host, connection 
would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio software 
(a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into the 
DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using 
software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI will also 
allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your own or 
those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio 
capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress 
through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not 
MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this strategy 
will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for such an 
arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc., 
you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate 
amplification, you will be much better served listening to yourself 
through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux input 
on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be 
interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.

Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional flat 
device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be 
accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your speakers 
was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this technique is 
usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look at the 
back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If 
that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same plane, 
then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a driver--
already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI device 
like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI adaptor for 
that joystick port, which consists of a complementary connection for 
the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors at the 
other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress. 

If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came 
with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound," which 
means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or 
Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in 
the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for 
similar evidence of a card. 

If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or Soundblaster, 
series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not 
necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but they'll get 
you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that you'll ever 
need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software 
included--in any computer or office supply store; you should also get 
the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB Live 
are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to 
download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't get any 
instructions/documentation.

Let's start there. You can return with any further questions. 
Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other 
members are much more conversant about the hardware and software 
issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough information 
to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better. 

Welcome to the group,
Ed

Re: Computer setup

2003-09-28 by moosetication

--- rich171167 wrote:
> I am trying to connect to my PC so that I can play
> thr drums through the PC speakers and also play songs
> through the DTxpress 2 and headphones.

If you simply want to amplify the audio from your DTXpress through 
your PC soundcard and hear it through the speakers, you should be 
able to use the "line in" input on your soundcard, and use 
the "mixer" application on the PC (right click on the speaker icon 
in the system tray, and choose "open volume control").

Likewise, if you want to take music from the PC (say, MP3 files) and 
play along to them through the headphones on the DTXpress, you can 
simply take the headphone output from the soundcard and plug it into 
the AUX IN on the DTXpress.

On MIDI, Ed has given you a comprehensive answer. Let us know if you 
have more questions.

Stewart

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-09-29 by Rich and Sa

Thanks so much for your reply. I do have a SB live! card and the correct cable and I think the first step is to get sequencer software. I shall report back

Rich

Show quoted textHide quoted text

----- Original Message -----

From: liberatusvirus

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:44 PM

Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rich171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could
take
> the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to
> my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also
> play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not
obtain
> a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the
> back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound
> card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve
> these simple goals to get me going.

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection rather
than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI
capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be
forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host, connection
would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio software
(a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into the
DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using
software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI will also
allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your own or
those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio
capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress
through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not
MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this strategy
will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for such an
arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc.,
you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate
amplification, you will be much better served listening to yourself
through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux input
on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be
interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.

Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional flat
device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be
accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your speakers
was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this technique is
usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look at the
back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If
that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same plane,
then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a driver--
already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI device
like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI adaptor for
that joystick port, which consists of a complementary connection for
the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors at the
other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress.

If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came
with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound," which
means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or
Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in
the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for
similar evidence of a card.

If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or Soundblaster,
series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not
necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but they'll get
you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that you'll ever
need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software
included--in any computer or office supply store; you should also get
the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB Live
are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to
download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't get any
instructions/documentation.

Let's start there. You can return with any further questions.
Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other
members are much more conversant about the hardware and software
issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough information
to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better.

Welcome to the group,
Ed

Community email addresses:
Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com

Shortcut URL to this page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress

Alternate DTXpress site:
http://www.dtxpressions.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Re: Computer setup

2003-09-29 by moosetication

--- Rich wrote:
> I do have a SB live! card and the correct cable
> and I think the first step is to get sequencer
> software.

If your SBLive! was an OEM that came with your PC, you may well have 
got a cut-down sequencer package with it and not realised. Check the 
bundle of CDs that came with it for something like Steinberg 
Cubasis. They do deals with the software vendors, who throw 
in "light" versions of packages as teasers to buy the full package.

Stewart

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-10-02 by Rich and Sa

I actually downloaded 'quartz audiomaster freeware' which is quite impressive but I havn't had the chance to experiment much yet. I am sure I will have more Qs though!

Rich

Show quoted textHide quoted text

----- Original Message -----

From: moosetication

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 10:22 PM

Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

--- Rich wrote:
> I do have a SB live! card and the correct cable
> and I think the first step is to get sequencer
> software.

If your SBLive! was an OEM that came with your PC, you may well have
got a cut-down sequencer package with it and not realised. Check the
bundle of CDs that came with it for something like Steinberg
Cubasis. They do deals with the software vendors, who throw
in "light" versions of packages as teasers to buy the full package.

Stewart

Community email addresses:
Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com

Shortcut URL to this page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress

Alternate DTXpress site:
http://www.dtxpressions.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-10-29 by rph171167

I seem to be missing something. I am using midi in\out going to SB Live! games (yellow) port. All I want to do is play the DTXpress through the soundcard/speakers. My MIDI volume is not mute. I have used the dtxpressions guide and have successfully transmitted patch data from the dtxpress using SysEx which implies that things are properly connected. I am managing to play midi files using quartz audiomaster freeware but I am using a speaker-out to DTX line-in method which I hoped I could bypass using the midi cable. I have been unable to determine if a DTX II driver is necessary...and it certainly doesn't seem to be available. The manual is unhelpful as is the Yamaha website. I tried upgrading the SB Live driver from Creative but it wasn't successful (Creative Audio HQ wouldn't start) so I rolled back to the previous version. Computer is new and otherwise fine. I can't help feeling that I must be missing something basic.

Please help

Rich

Show quoted textHide quoted text

----- Original Message -----

From: Rich and Sa

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 9:09 PM

Subject: Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Thanks so much for your reply. I do have a SB live! card and the correct cable and I think the first step is to get sequencer software. I shall report back

Rich

----- Original Message -----

From: liberatusvirus

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:44 PM

Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rich171167" <;rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could
take
> the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to
> my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also
> play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not
obtain
> a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the
> back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound
> card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve
> these simple goals to get me going.

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection rather
than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI
capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be
forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host, connection
would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio software
(a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into the
DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using
software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI will also
allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your own or
those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio
capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress
through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not
MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this strategy
will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for such an
arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc.,
you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate
amplification, you will be much better served listening to yourself
through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux input
on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be
interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.

Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional flat
device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be
accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your speakers
was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this technique is
usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look at the
back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If
that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same plane,
then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a driver--
already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI device
like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI adaptor for
that joystick port, which consists of a complementary connection for
the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors at the
other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress.

If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came
with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound," which
means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or
Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in
the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for
similar evidence of a card.

If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or Soundblaster,
series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not
necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but they'll get
you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that you'll ever
need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software
included--in any computer or office supply store; you should also get
the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB Live
are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to
download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't get any
instructions/documentation.

Let's start there. You can return with any further questions.
Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other
members are much more conversant about the hardware and software
issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough information
to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better.

Welcome to the group,
Ed

Community email addresses:
Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com

Shortcut URL to this page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress

Alternate DTXpress site:
http://www.dtxpressions.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Community email addresses:
Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com

Shortcut URL to this page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress

Alternate DTXpress site:
http://www.dtxpressions.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-10-30 by distortion@rogers.com

Hi Rich..

You may not realize that to hear the actual sound of the DTX, you do 
need to have the audio out jacks hooked up to something.. like the line 
in on the SB card...  MIDI does not transmit audio signals, it's just 
for controller and data transmission/reception.

Gordon C.



rph171167 wrote:

Show quoted textHide quoted text

> I seem to be missing something. I am using midi in\out going to SB 
> Live! games (yellow) port. All I want to do is play the DTXpress 
> through the soundcard/speakers. My MIDI volume is not mute. I have 
> used the dtxpressions guide and have successfully transmitted patch 
> data from the dtxpress using SysEx which implies that things are 
> properly connected. I am managing to play midi files using quartz 
> audiomaster freeware but I am using a speaker-out to DTX line-in 
> method which I hoped I could bypass using the midi cable. I have been 
> unable to determine if a DTX II driver is necessary...and it certainly 
> doesn't seem to be available. The manual is unhelpful as is the Yamaha 
> website. I tried upgrading the SB Live driver from Creative but it 
> wasn't successful (Creative Audio HQ wouldn't start) so I rolled back 
> to the previous version. Computer is new and otherwise fine. I can't 
> help feeling that I must be missing something basic. 
> Please help
>  
> Rich
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     From: Rich and Sa <mailto:rph171167@...>
>     To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com <mailto:DTXpress@yahoogroups.com>
>     Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 9:09 PM
>     Subject: Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup
>
>     Thanks so much for your reply. I do have a SB live! card and the
>     correct cable and I think the first step is to get sequencer
>     software. I shall report back
>     Rich
>
>         ----- Original Message -----
>         From: liberatusvirus <mailto:liberatusvirus@...>
>         To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com <mailto:DTXpress@yahoogroups.com>
>         Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:44 PM
>         Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup
>
>         --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
>         <mailto:DTXpress@yahoogroups.com>, "rich171167" <rph171167@n
>         <mailto:rph171167@n>...> wrote:
>         > I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could
>         take
>         > the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to
>         connect to
>         > my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers
>         and also
>         > play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not
>         obtain
>         > a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out
>         at the
>         > back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either
>         sound
>         > card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to
>         achieve
>         > these simple goals to get me going.
>
>         Hi Rich,
>
>         Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection
>         rather
>         than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI
>         capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be
>         forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host,
>         connection
>         would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio
>         software
>         (a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into
>         the
>         DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using
>         software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI
>         will also
>         allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your
>         own or
>         those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio
>         capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress
>         through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not
>         MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this
>         strategy
>         will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for
>         such an
>         arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc.,
>         you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate
>         amplification, you will be much better served listening to
>         yourself
>         through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux
>         input
>         on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be
>         interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.
>
>         Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional
>         flat
>         device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be
>         accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your
>         speakers
>         was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this
>         technique is
>         usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look
>         at the
>         back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If
>         that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same
>         plane,
>         then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a
>         driver--
>         already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI
>         device
>         like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI
>         adaptor for
>         that joystick port, which consists of a complementary
>         connection for
>         the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors
>         at the
>         other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress.
>
>         If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came
>         with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound,"
>         which
>         means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or
>         Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in
>         the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for
>         similar evidence of a card.
>
>         If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or
>         Soundblaster,
>         series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not
>         necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but
>         they'll get
>         you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that
>         you'll ever
>         need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software
>         included--in any computer or office supply store; you should
>         also get
>         the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB
>         Live
>         are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to
>         download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't
>         get any
>         instructions/documentation.
>
>         Let's start there. You can return with any further questions.
>         Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other
>         members are much more conversant about the hardware and software
>         issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough
>         information
>         to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better.
>
>         Welcome to the group,
>         Ed
>
>
>
>         Community email addresses:
>           Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
>           Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>           Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>           List owner:   DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
>         Shortcut URL to this page:
>           http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress
>
>         Alternate DTXpress site:
>           http://www.dtxpressions.com
>
>         Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>         Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>
>
>     Community email addresses:
>       Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
>       Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>       Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>       List owner:   DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
>     Shortcut URL to this page:
>       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress
>
>     Alternate DTXpress site:
>       http://www.dtxpressions.com
>
>     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>     Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
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>
>
>
> Community email addresses:
>   Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
>   Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>   Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>   List owner:   DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
>   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress
>
> Alternate DTXpress site:
>   http://www.dtxpressions.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service 
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.

Re: Computer setup

2003-10-30 by liberatusvirus

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rph171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I seem to be missing something. I am using midi in\out going to SB 
Live! games (yellow) port. All I want to do is play the DTXpress 
through the soundcard/speakers. My MIDI volume is not mute. I have 
used the dtxpressions guide and have successfully transmitted patch 
data from the dtxpress using SysEx which implies that things are 
properly connected. I am managing to play midi files using quartz 
audiomaster freeware but I am using a speaker-out to DTX line-in 
method which I hoped I could bypass using the midi cable. 

Rich,

Gordon hit the nail on the head. A MIDI connection from the DTXpress 
to your sound card will not make any noise through your computer 
speakers. If you were sending out MIDI commands to access the GM 
sounds on your sound card or to lay down MIDI tracks in a sequencer, 
however, that would be the right connection. All you need to do to 
hear the DTXPress is to take the audio (not MIDI) feed from the back 
of the DTXpress and run it to the audio (not MIDI) input on your 
sound card. You may need a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor at the computer end 
for your interconnect, whether you use a stereo splitter or simply go 
mono. Be forewarned that you will not hear the DTXpress at anything 
like its best. It needs a lot more power, frequency response, and 
dynamic range than computer speakers and amplification can generate.

Ed

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-10-30 by rph171167

Thanks for your response

----- Original Message -----

From: liberatusvirus

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 4:32 AM

Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rph171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I seem to be missing something. I am using midi in\out going to SB
Live! games (yellow) port. All I want to do is play the DTXpress
through the soundcard/speakers. My MIDI volume is not mute. I have
used the dtxpressions guide and have successfully transmitted patch
data from the dtxpress using SysEx which implies that things are
properly connected. I am managing to play midi files using quartz
audiomaster freeware but I am using a speaker-out to DTX line-in
method which I hoped I could bypass using the midi cable.

Rich,

Gordon hit the nail on the head. A MIDI connection from the DTXpress
to your sound card will not make any noise through your computer
speakers. If you were sending out MIDI commands to access the GM
sounds on your sound card or to lay down MIDI tracks in a sequencer,
however, that would be the right connection. All you need to do to
hear the DTXPress is to take the audio (not MIDI) feed from the back
of the DTXpress and run it to the audio (not MIDI) input on your
sound card. You may need a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor at the computer end
for your interconnect, whether you use a stereo splitter or simply go
mono. Be forewarned that you will not hear the DTXpress at anything
like its best. It needs a lot more power, frequency response, and
dynamic range than computer speakers and amplification can generate.

Ed

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Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

2003-10-30 by rph171167

Thanks for your response Gordon

Rich

----- Original Message -----

From: distortion@...

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 12:06 AM

Subject: Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Hi Rich..

You may not realize that to hear the actual sound of the DTX, you do need to have the audio out jacks hooked up to something.. like the line in on the SB card... MIDI does not transmit audio signals, it's just for controller and data transmission/reception.

Gordon C.

rph171167 wrote:

I seem to be missing something. I am using midi in\out going to SB Live! games (yellow) port. All I want to do is play the DTXpress through the soundcard/speakers. My MIDI volume is not mute. I have used the dtxpressions guide and have successfully transmitted patch data from the dtxpress using SysEx which implies that things are properly connected. I am managing to play midi files using quartz audiomaster freeware but I am using a speaker-out to DTX line-in method which I hoped I could bypass using the midi cable. I have been unable to determine if a DTX II driver is necessary...and it certainly doesn't seem to be available. The manual is unhelpful as is the Yamaha website. I tried upgrading the SB Live driver from Creative but it wasn't successful (Creative Audio HQ wouldn't start) so I rolled back to the previous version. Computer is new and otherwise fine. I can't help feeling that I must be missing something basic.

Please help

Rich

----- Original Message -----

From: Rich and Sa

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 9:09 PM

Subject: Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Thanks so much for your reply. I do have a SB live! card and the correct cable and I think the first step is to get sequencer software. I shall report back

Rich

----- Original Message -----

From: liberatusvirus

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:44 PM

Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rich171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could
take
> the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to
> my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also
> play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not
obtain
> a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the
> back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound
> card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve
> these simple goals to get me going.

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection rather
than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI
capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be
forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host, connection
would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio software
(a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into the
DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using
software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI will also
allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your own or
those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio
capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress
through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not
MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this strategy
will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for such an
arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc.,
you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate
amplification, you will be much better served listening to yourself
through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux input
on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be
interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.

Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional flat
device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be
accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your speakers
was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this technique is
usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look at the
back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If
that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same plane,
then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a driver--
already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI device
like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI adaptor for
that joystick port, which consists of a complementary connection for
the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors at the
other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress.

If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came
with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound," which
means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or
Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in
the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for
similar evidence of a card.

If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or Soundblaster,
series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not
necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but they'll get
you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that you'll ever
need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software
included--in any computer or office supply store; you should also get
the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB Live
are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to
download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't get any
instructions/documentation.

Let's start there. You can return with any further questions.
Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other
members are much more conversant about the hardware and software
issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough information
to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better.

Welcome to the group,
Ed

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Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Computer setup

Computer setup

Re: Computer setup

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Re: Computer setup

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

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Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

Re: [DTXpress] Re: Computer setup

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