I need Synthezizer help from an audiophile

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

Okey. Here's my issue. My friend has a band. They know their hardware somewhat but not much past mixers and amps. I know more that they do, but I'm not an audio guy. What the deal is, we need a synthesizer that has computer connectivity. I found one... I think. Its a Roland XV-5050 Synth Module. It has USB connectivity, but I have no idea if its what were looking for, or how to use it. Here's its description:

This space-saving single-space rack module offers 4 stereo tones per patch, expressive Matrix Control, and over 1,000 inspiring presets. Includes all XV-5080 patches, select Fantom patches, plus all new sounds. It also is expandable via high-quality SRX-Series Wave expansion boards. It features 3 independent effects processors, S/PDIF digital outputs, plus a new USB port for easy connection to PCs. 24-bit D/A converters, 24-bit reverb, chorus, and 90 multi-effects including COSM effects.

Features:

Affordable 64-voice synth module based on the acclaimed XV-5080 synth engine
Stereo 4-tone architecture and matrix control for ultra-expressive sounds
Includes all presets from XV-5080, select Fantom patches, and all-new sounds
Front-panel USB port simplifies MIDI connection with USB-equipped PCs
Super sound quality: 24-bit D/A converters and S/PDIF digital outputs
24-bit reverb, chorus and 90 multi-effects including COSM® effects
Expandable via 2 optional SRX-Series Wave expansion boards
Convenient single-space rackmount design


If this isnt what i need at least tell me what it is.

[OuTpaTienT]

Why does it need computer conectivity?

If it's to work with sequencers, anything MIDI, then I'm not sure how reliable a "midi-USB" connection will be. If it were me, I'd want to have either a standard midi connection or both...but definitely not just the USB connection.

[Brainchild]

I think it would work fine.Most of the new synths are using USB interface.

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

Ok, none of us truely undserstand MIDI. I'm still not sure exactly what this is. I went to Rolands site but still don't understand. This thing does have both USB and MIDI interfaces. Anyway, as far as I can tell this IS a synthesizer without the keyboard and they either want to be able to hook a keyboard to it, and have the effects come out into the computer for recording OR be able to have software on the computer to compose MIDI songs and sounds using the effects on this module. I guess they want one or the other or both.

Ultimately, this is the least confusing summary of what we are trying to do:

Compose MIDI songs and sound sequences from a rackmounted synthesizer (yes rackmounted is necessary because of their hardware setup) and get it into a computer for storage and playback.

And my question is: IS this module a sythesizer that can be used to compose MIDI songs and how?

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

Here's a Link to the module (not the manufacturer's site):

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...=key?q=700167B

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

BUMP

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

Ok I think i get it. You plug an MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device into the back and the output is the synthesized sounds?

[Brainchild]

I'm pretty sure even with that you'll need a controller.You can use just a controller,and a nice software to get some great effects.
SOme controllers on the page HERE
The midi soundbank is actually stored on your PC,and the midi notes just cxall on the sound from the sound bank.I think the one you posted just takes place of the PC.
Software is plentiful,and can make just about any sound you need.

info here

http://srd.yahoo.com/S=2766679/K=mid...articles12.htm

HTH.

[Imanage]

What kind of music is the band playing and what instruments are you playing or composing on?

There are a lot of synthesizers out there with and without keyboards and different types of controllers to input the musical notes (drumpads/lightbeam controllers). A rack mount version is usually a full synthesizer without the keyboard.

MIDI is the command language that the synthesizer understands as what note to play and which sound to output along with various other parameters to control the sound or synthesizer functions.

These MIDI commands can be output from a computer program or a controller like an external MIDI keyboard. The controller or computer is connected to the synthesizer by a MIDI cable or by a USB cable. Digital synthesizers are usually have some sort of software to help manage and create the sound banks. You need other software to generate rhythm loops or load MIDI files to play and output through the synthesizer. You are using the synthesizer as the sound source instead of your onboard sound card.

Not to get confusing, there is software to turn your computer into a synthesizer.

So, best bet is to go to a music store and check out the synthesizers because there is specific models with preloaded sound best suited for techno, some to emulate classic orchestral, some for vintage "fat" analog sounds, etc. etc.

But getting back to the question, hopefully someone can play keyboards or get an expensive guitar MIDI interface to compose your MIDI music. You still have the regular audio output from the synthesizer to mix in with your other instruments to record back into the computer or tape deck. The MIDI music file you create is only controlling the synthesizer to "play" the song.

Depending on how much you want to spend, the unit you are looking at is pretty advanced but might scare you with its controls.