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I have a Korg nanoKEY2 USB keyboard. It's just a toy IMO.
I know a bit about pro gear, but I'm looking for something much less.
I'd like to be able to noodle around plugged into a laptop. Nothing great needed, I don't need DAW software, I just want to be able to play ideas for my own use when I'm not in my studio.
The Korg I suspect puts out data on all 16 channels, so I'd like the synth to be able to switch channels at my control.
Actually, the built-in Microsoft softsynth would be enough if I knew how to play it and change channels using this toy keyboard.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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You might take a look at Numa Player. Keys and pads only. Kontakt Player, Sforzando and Aria Player should all work, but may be a bit fiddly/quirky. Edit: I didn't read the title properly "with GM sounds". My usual is FluidSynth, but installing it on Windows is a bit fiddly. I've been meaning to try this: https://www.goldmidisf2.com/prodotto/midisoundsynth-multiplayer-free/ which has been recommended.
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 12/10/24 03:50 AM.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Thanks, I'll check them out.
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Notes, don't you have a Kawai GMega? That has GM sounds.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I think there's a disconnect. GM sounds have been part of the macOS since System 6 and Windows since the beginning.
There are tons of apps for both that can access these sounds. What to use depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
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OP -
"Actually, the built-in Microsoft softsynth would be enough if I knew how to play it and change channels using this toy keyboard."
I think he wants more control than OS GM synths offer. At least that's how I read it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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OP -
"Actually, the built-in Microsoft softsynth would be enough if I knew how to play it and change channels using this toy keyboard."
I think he wants more control than OS GM synths offer. At least that's how I read it. I'm reading the opposite. GM is built into the OS. There are many apps that access the sounds but none generate them—no point since they are built in. What to use depends on what he is looking to do. I tried to download the manual for his "toy keyboard" from Korg but it timed out. Korg nanoKEY2 Owner's Manual
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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How would you use the OS GM synth and control it via keyboard controls?
Seriously asking, because I think it would need something in between.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Journeyman
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I have been using the free Coolsoft VirtualMIDISynth for many years. It still gets regular updates. There are links to many SoundFonts, most free. I use the Arachno SoundFont. Very good sounds and not nearly as much of a RAM hog as some of the others. Coolsoft VirtualMIDISynth ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/e1KodX6.jpg)
Last edited by TheMaartian; 12/10/24 10:46 PM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Bitwig Studio 6; Studio Pro 8; Reaper v7; Melodyne Studio 5; Tonalic Studio 1
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
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Thanks for all the kind responses and advice.
The Windows synth will be fine. It's for noodling around when I'm not home for ideas more than anything else, so the tone is not so important.
Getting to aceess them, and control which channel I'm using from my nano'toy' would be fine.
Lots of holiday parties from now until Christmas, so the research time is limited. Perhaps I should have waited a bit, but now that I've started, I'll continue in the cracks between the gigs.
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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