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1. Would it be worth my while installing Roland VSC3? Would I get better sounds? Really don't want to get too hi-tech here, this really only needs to be one step up from a metronome click!




The VSC Dxi sounds a lot better to most ears. BUT -- It only works on 32 bit systems, so be sure to check your system before attempting to install, no go if you have a 64 bit system running, unfortunately.

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2. How do I get to choose the instruments? Messing with 'Channel' doesn't have any effect apart from the bass somtimes going to a piano voice.




You shouldn't be messing with Channels, that should be reset to the Defaults. If necessary, do a Return to Factory Settings under the Options menu.

You can change instrument patches by first selecting the trackname radio button, then use the little Patch Name Dropdown window on the upper left to select from the GM list.

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3. If I open the drum track I see drum sounds assigned to keyboard keys. Where do I get a 'map' which tells me which keys are which sounds?




Use the MIDI Drum Window for that. There is a toolbar icon or you can hit ctrl-shift-D to see it. Bring it up while a song is playing MIDI drums and watch it work. There are insternal settings such that you can have it show the MIDI note numbers for the Percussion bank or instead show QWERTY keynames that allow you to play along using the computer keyboard. It also serves as that Key for you.


--Mac