Hello all,

I just bought the latest version of PT and please help me on how to incorporate virtual piano so I can start recording. Please walk me through each step as I am a complete beginner. Thanks Dai Phan

The controller is Kawai VCP-1 and the virtual piano is Synthology Ivory. The interface is Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 interface. The PT is the latest 2022 version. Thanks all. Dai

Connect Kawai to computer using USB connection. The 212 does not facilitate MIDI as far as I know.

Assuming the Synthology Ivory is a VST instrument that PT can use, you have to go to a MIDI channel.
Open the DX/VST area using the downward area on the left side of the track.

Once in that window, select the first of the set of four slots for FX (this will accommodate a VSTi and the rest will accommodate VST FX (reverb etc)

If your Synthology Ivory does not appear in the list you'll have to use the Add VST button to browse to the location of the DLL file and add it to the list.

At this point you should be able to record MIDI and then Play it back using the Synthology Ivory, but not at the same time.

To do this, go to Options - Preferences - AUDIO and enable the Input Monitoring option.
This allows playing through a VSTi in real time.

Now go back to the MIDI track and Open the FX area again.
Now in the very top drop down scroll way down and select Input Monitor Insert.
Then you should be able to hear the keyboard play the VSTi.
If you enable the IM record option in Auido-Prefs you can also record it.

Hope I didn't forget any steps.

Summary
make sure the VSTi is available in PT
make sure you can send MIDI to PT from the keyboard
enable Input Monitoring (and recording if desired)
Then you can start to use them via the Track Insert

Thank you so very much Rharv! I used PT with Ivory before and did a few recordings. But that was 8 years ago and I completely forgot everything. I will do what you suggest and will let you know the result. My 2i2 is about 9 years old. Should I upgrade and if so, what is the best one to get? Thank you so much! Dai

daiphan.

i suggest you watch julian krause vids on you tube.

he does very thorough interface evaluations.

in the realband forum is a list of asio usb interfaces
that pg users have found work with pg software.

whatever you decide i would suggest you rent before
buying to ensure the device works with your rig.

also chek out this sweetwater article.

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/best-usb-audio-interfaces/

best

om

Thank you very much. I record as a hobbyist not professional of any kind. I see the 2i2 is on the list. Since it is 9 years old, should I upgrade? Thanks Dai

Dai.

i dont use focusrite so i cant comment objectively.

and it depends how many mic preamps you want NOW.
and how low latency and other factors like your budget ?
so post back your needs/budget NOW.

before you do anything peruse the krause vids on you tube here...(interface tech is ever changeing.)

https://www.youtube.com/c/JulianKrause/videos

fwiw powertraks was my first multitrak daw way back when i got out of the expense of big studio 2 inch gear.
i never looked back. did oodles of songs with it.

best

om

I would like zero latency. This is only for solo piano and cost is not a factor. I do this for fun and to be posted on Face Book. Dai

Dai.

to save me lots of typing heres what i suggest..

1..go thru the yt krause vids carefully.
2..maybe rent a hi end interface eg RME great rep, a mid level one (eg ssl2+ or audient),
and a low end interface eg behringer euphoria. or umc under 100 buks. you might be surprised like lots of people how good even the el cheapo ones are..cos tech has advanced and competition is fierce.

this way you can do objective sound quality n' latency tests viz your current interface.

NOTE.
due to laws of physics there is always "some latency".
also depends on buffer setting.
if you dont know bout 'round trip latency'...read up and try this tool on any device >>

https://oblique-audio.com/rtl-utility.php


i use reaper (reaper.fm) for a basic latency measurement (its displayed on top right of the daw main screen.)
also read up the specs re latency on your shortlist of devices. as well as direct monitoring features.

latency/other problems can also depend on if one is useing a pc 'clunker' or a very optimised pc for daw work.

there are guides on pg here and the net re optimising a pc
for music production.

hth/best

om

IMHO, There is nothing wrong with the 2i2 for OPs needs; his controller uses MIDI so he can connect to the PC that way for his modest needs.

Hope I gave him enough clues on how to accomplish the task.
If not I suspect he'll be back, if so, maybe not.

definitely if only doing midi mate.

i detailed things cos in the past ive seen people only do midi , then often want more than midi later.and his interface is getting a tad loong in the tooth i understood.

best

om

Hello all,

Thank you so very much for your help. I was able to get the Ivory on the virtual instrument but when play a sample song, or from the keyboard I do not hear the sound. I see the blue dots meaning PT is getting the data but no sound. Dai

I did exacty like you direct but no sound from Ivory. I see signals sent from VCP-1. Dai

Good news! I was able to get PT to play the demo song via Ivory as well as recording and play back. I load the Ivory.dll file by going into the Program File. I select ASIO and did not select Input Monitoring as that setting gives a strong hissing back ground noise. I did not select input monitoring in the FX menu and keep at Ivory VST in the track section. Because at this time I just record only the piano but as my skills expand I am sure I will have to do what you advise. Dai

Glad you are making progress!

I am going to upgrade the 2i2 as mine is almost 10 years old. Dai