hauschild,

First off, I'm happy to be able to share what I have been able to learn, and much of it is because of the internet. To put it another way, I've been playing for well over 35 years, but in the last 5 or so I've learned far more about keys and synths than I did the previous 30.

If you are going the software route, you'll need midi cables and something on the computer end that that will accept midi. If you have a soundblaster card with a joystick port, you simply need a cable with 2 midi plugs on one end and a qameport plug on the other. If not, you need a midi interface or a soundcard with midi ports.

Something like M Audio's Audiophile, which is a 24 bit 96 khz card can be had for around 100 USd or so.

You need host software. Cubase, Sonar, etc. If for now you don't want to invest that kind of money, there are a number of decent freeware host apps available. You can find some at http://www.kvraudio.com You could also use a standalone VST rack, such as Xlutop Chainer. There are also a few decent freeware standalone vst racks, such as TobyBear's Mini Host and VstHost

While your there, check out the freeware synths and modules too. There are over 400, and while many aren't top of the line, there are quite a few that are. Some are actually quite good... Crystal, Synth 1, Polyiblit, Superwave P8, And the "killer" series, to name a few.


There are also some good freeware effects. I recommend the kjaerhus series. These are a good way to "get your feet wet" and allow you to see how you like working with software. Also, you might be surprised at how a few effects can bring some of the freeware synths to life.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 03-30-2005).]