R3 recording in Logic (but records tempo)

Ilovemusique · Post by **Ilovemusique** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:13 pm

I have finally got my Korg R3 recording midi in Logic Pro 7 and it’s playing the sound back on playback! Yey! I did this by reading my manuals and with a lot of patience!

NOW I am having a problem with the tempo. When I’m recording my R3 in Logic with Logic’s tempo ON it seems to record the tempo. Not as a click but as notes from the R3. When I go in to the midi I have recorded there is the tempo recorded on (C sharp 1 on the piano roll).

I have an M3 and I had the same problem with this. I found away around this by muting channel 10 of the M3). But with the R3 I’m not sure how I can get around this problem.

Can anyone help?! I might pull my hair out…

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:50 pm

Logic is probably set to output a MIDI metronome? you should find that in the settings somewhere.

This is not normal behaviour for a normal setup, but I do know Logic has that option.

Morshu · Post by **Morshu** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:42 am

could I ask a question? What is the best way to record audio from the R3? A high quality microphone, Alesis USB to dual quarter inch stereo cable, an external soundcard and two NORMAL quarter inch cables, or pluging directly into the line in from the phones output?

zalo · Post by **zalo** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:27 am

External soundcard with great AD conversion.

Re-Member · Post by **Re-Member** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:55 am

Morshu wrote:could I ask a question? What is the best way to record audio from the R3? A high quality microphone, Alesis USB to dual quarter inch stereo cable, an external soundcard and two NORMAL quarter inch cables, or pluging directly into the line in from the phones output?

USB audio is essentially CD quality (44.1 kHz), but DO NOT get a USB adaptor with built-in cords hanging out of it, go for a regular USB audio interface that you can plug into. The problem with adapters that have built-in cords is that the moment one of the cords wears out, you have to replace the entire unit. Look into something like a Tascam US-100. You won't need to tear apart your PC to install it, plus any audio wires you choose use with it, you can easily replace. All you'll need is a RCA to 1/4 stereo wire to record with it, which are super cheap.

zalo · Post by **zalo** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:21 am

I haven't heard a lot of good things about the tascam. If you only want a couple analog inputs, I would go with the RME Babyface.

Re-Member · Post by **Re-Member** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:00 am

zalo wrote:I haven't heard a lot of good things about the tascam. If you only want a couple analog inputs, I would go with the RME Babyface.

A/D conversion is great if you're aiming to mic an orchestra or something of that nature, but for recording a digital synth, it's total overkill. You could get like a stand-alone 6 track digital recorder for a fraction of that price.

zalo · Post by **zalo** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:15 am

But what happens when after you are done recording your R3? Maybe you want to record vocals. Maybe you get an analog synth. There is no point in investing in a noisy soundcard that you won't be happy with in a year.

I have been using a Fireface 400 for the past 2 years and I am always thankful that I made that investment. My first external soundcard was a korg zero8. The sound quality difference between that and the RME is incredible. All of my music instantly had new life too it.

Since the R3 can not be synced via wordclock. Sample rate, conversion, and signal to noise play a huge part in the quality of recording. If you plan on doing anything with your music past it being a fanciful hobby, you might as well invest smart in the beginning and save money in the end.

Morshu · Post by **Morshu** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:08 pm

ah- Tascam 100 seems to get pretty good ratings. would I get better audio from the usb to dual 1/4 inch cable or with the tascam 100?

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:21 pm

Generally a usb-cable type interface (MIDI or USB) is a more budget, less professional approach.

Importantly, most proper decent hardware units should come with ASIO drivers, whereas some of these cheap products only use windows driver mode and point you to some good ASIO emulation (e.g. ASIO4ALL).

You always get what you pay for, within each 'range' or 'class' of product. Obviously there are good deals and value for money but generally. I haven't seen a 'cable' styled interface that could be called 'high quality'. Its more of an "it'll do" solution. It will work, but no-one can tell you how good it will actually sound or if it'll be as good as something only slightly more expensive.

Aciphecs · Post by **Aciphecs** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:55 pm

Morshu wrote:could I ask a question? What is the best way to record audio from the R3? A high quality microphone, Alesis USB to dual quarter inch stereo cable, an external soundcard and two NORMAL quarter inch cables, or pluging directly into the line in from the phones output?

We use the Focusrite Saffire 6 to record our R3. It's not that expensive (found it for $160 on ebay), has a great DAC and comes with Ableton Live Lite. It is an awesome piece of kit and records the R3 with NO noise!

zalo · Post by **zalo** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:04 pm

Logic Pro isn't cheap, so I don't think that they are looking for a budget level card. I just think they aren't familiar with soundcards and asked about what they knew, low level products.

I am going to assume you are on a mac, so look into Apogee, RME or MOTU.