Welcome to Yamaha Synth!

Since the ultimate goal is to playing along with backing at live gigs and open mic sessions, you may want to consider streamlining the stage setup... we'll explain.

Certainly the way to begin is by assembling MIDI Files to create the backing tracks. This will require MIDI Files, a program to playback and edit (prepare) the MIDI Files, a tone generator to make the sounds for the backing tracks. You will be able to select which tracks play from which instrument sounds and create the "music minus one" situation by removing the part to be played in the live performance.

But rather than taking a computer on stage and having to deal with connecting it to the clubs sound system (tracing down grounding issues in each new venue, etc.) you might want to opt to create an AUDIO File from your backing track creations - in .WAV format you can simply setup the CP4 Stage, plug in a USB stick, and have the .WAV file stream audio through the outputs of the CP4 Stage. The setup is simpler and much more convenient.

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software like Cubase Element will do the job. It will not only allow you to playback the MIDI files but will provide you with a multi-timbral tone generator to interpret the .MID files - it comes with a multi-timbral synth engine called HALion Sonic SE and a dedicated drum machine.

There are several levels of Cubase from entry level to professional - the link above is the Entry level Cubase Elements 7 - it will do a great job in what you state as your goal.

It will allow you to edit the MIDI Files you have purchased and select the instrumentation (sounds) you like, eliminate the Parts you do not want to appear, etc.
You can then use the "EXPORT AUDIO MIXDOWN" feature to create a 16-bit, 44.1kHz (CD Quality) .WAV File which can be copied to a convenient USB drive.

The CP4 Stage can read a 16-bit/44.1kHz stereo .wav file directly from the USB stick - so all you need take to the gig is the CP4 Stage and your USB drive.
You can store tons of .WAV song files on a single USB stick and access them from the front panel of the CP4 Stage.

Hey Bad Mister,

Thank you for the time and write up! I will try that and let you know who it goes once I get past the MAC OS X 10.10 Yosemite issues with the install of Cubase Elements 7. It just doesn't work. I've sent Steinberg/Cubase support an email, so I'll see if we can resolve this soon. It's sounds great though. Thank again for taking the time to help guide me. I cannot wait to try this USB .WAV thing on the keyboard though.

While I wait, do you recommend and other DAW programs to try?

So much appreciated.

George

Take your time, it will be worth it to get Cubase Elements 7 installed properly. I'll let them deal with the Yosemite issues through your MySteinberg Account support network (as they are closer to those computer installation issues than I would be) - once you get that going though - get back to us here and we'll help you get this all going.

You should also take a look at Band In A Box as well as Cubase. It's not a DAW but has literally thousands of styles that make it very easy for a beginner to create a backing "song". You can make songs from built-in audio files called "Real Tracks" or mix them with midi tracks. The program is a bit quirky with hundreds of features but the basic song writing interface is very intuitive and is easy for a beginner to dive in and create their first backing track. You can also save the final track/song as an audio file to plug into the CP4 and play along with. It's the availability of all the ready made styles that makes BIAB so useful for a beginner. You can quickly create a backing track for any song ever written - all you need are the chords which are easy to get off the internet or from a fake book etc.

Tony

Hey Bad Mister,

I finally got it installed and tried a couple of Midi Files and exported them using "EXPORT AUDIO MIXDOWN". Very nice stuff and my son is very happy in this new world of his. However, it is not too stable on MAC OS 10.10 yet, as it crashed quite frequently.

I do have a couple more question though if you don't mind.

1. Being that it use software to generate the sounds for the WAV, would it be better sounding using the sounds in the CP-4 for the backing via the MIDI file itself?
2. Do you know if Yamaha has a Educational Tutorials for teaching my Son all the ins and outs of his new Keyboard?
3. Do all other DAW software packages, i.e., Logic Pro, Pro Logic, Sonar, etc..., have some type of "EXPORT AUDIO MIXDOWN" like Cubase Elements does? What is your preference, as I would only like to officially buy something that works well with the CP-4. I don't mind staying with Cubase, just asking your opinion.
4. Do you know of anyone who does training for beginners and/or tutorials on DAW, or MIDI over the internet with tools like Skype, FaceTime, YouTube, etc? No classes like that in my local town.

Thanks again.

George

Tony wrote:

You should also take a look at Band In A Box as well as Cubase. It's not a DAW but has literally thousands of styles that make it very easy for a beginner to create a backing "song". You can make songs from built-in audio files called "Real Tracks" or mix them with midi tracks. The program is a bit quirky with hundreds of features but the basic song writing interface is very intuitive and is easy for a beginner to dive in and create their first backing track. You can also save the final track/song as an audio file to plug into the CP4 and play along with. It's the availability of all the ready made styles that makes BIAB so useful for a beginner. You can quickly create a backing track for any song ever written - all you need are the chords which are easy to get off the internet or from a fake book etc.

Tony

Tony,

Thank you for the input on the "Band In A Box" software. I will have to check it out. I don't want to get to far ahead of myself very fast, as this stuff is all very exciting and for someone like me and my 16 year old, very complicated. I am trying the Cubase Elements 7, DAW software recommend by Bad Mister right now, and it seems so overwhelming to be honest with you... But I'm getting through it. LOL

Thanks again for your input.

George