Rayzoon Technologies LLC

[rms]

Happy New Years all! I am new to the world of VSTi and need some help. I am a bass player and am intrigued by the possibilities presented by Jamstix, I would really like to get it working. I have downloaded the demo version of Jamstix but can't figure out how to get it to function. I have Pro Tracks Plus - I searched the forum but couldn't find any info on how to make Jamstix work with it. I am still trying to figure out Pro Tracks as well so I'm afraid I will need step by step instructions on this one. Thanks for your help.

[Ian B]

Hi rms,
Am I right in thinking Pro Tracks Plus only supports DXi plugins? If so, as Jamstix is a VSTi plugin, you'll need a host/sequencer that does before you can use it. There are DXi > VST adapters available, but none free as far as I know, perhaps you'd be better off trying a new sequencer.

You could try Reaper, I think version 0.999 is still available free http://www.cockos.com/reaper/download-old-0x.php This will let you get used to how Jamstix works, and the full version of Reaper isn't expensive starting at $39.95

Another option is Tracktion http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion2/ I'm primarily a guitar player and Tracktion is my sequencer of choice for this. It is more expensive at £189.99 but the box includes a suite of plugins that make it a steal at the price.

Both are very powerful in their own right, and you'll have the advantage of not being used to other sequencers workflow, so their 'quirks' shouldn't be a problem for you.

Hope this helps

Ian

[rms]

Seems odd that Pro Tracks doesn't support VST but that would explain why Jamstix won't work for me. I haven't done much with Pro Tracks yet so maybe before I invest any more time with it I should just switch to Tracktion. I am not familiar with that program but it sounds like it works well for you. The Pro Tracks came with my Digitech GNX4 which I am also still learning to use. It interfaces with Pro Tracks via USB - do you happen to know if it will work with Tracktion?

[Ian B]

Hi rms,
I'm not familiar with the Digitech GNX4, and as I don't use any outboard gear I don't know if it works with Tracktion. You could always ask at the Tracktion forum here http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=22 this is a thriving forum for Tracktion users and pretty friendly

Another option for you is Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro, this does support VST's http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/GuitarTracksPro/default.asp and isn't expensive at $139 list price. You can probably get it cheaper tho'. Cakewalk bought the DXi > VST wrapper from fxpansion.com and now include it in 'most' of their software packages.

There are plenty of inexpensive sequencers that support VST, and best advice I can give is, before spending money, sit down and decide exactly what you want out of a sequencer, then try as many demos as you can.
What I think is great, you may well think rubbish. Have a look at the Quick Host Links section at Kvraudio.com, it has a comprehensive list of sequencers. You may have to join to actually see the Host section, it's in the top right hand corner of the main page.

Good luck in choosing, whichever sequencer you end up with, Jamstix is well worth getting. It's by far the best music related software I've ever bought

Ian

[rms]

Thanks Ian - I have been checking out the links you have provided and the different options and I must say I have learned a whole lot. But as with most things I have mainly learned just how little I actually know. A lot of these sequencers are powerful but very complicated requiring a major time investment to learn, which I probably won't have. That seems to be one of the great selling points for Jamstix, Tracktion, and possibly Cakewalk, You can get them functioning without studying for weeks. Anyway, I will continue to work on this and thanks to your help will get Jamstix playing. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks again! Rms

[Ian B]

Hi rms,
The easy learning curve is precisely why I suggested Tracktion and Reaper, you should be up and running within minutes because they don't have the bloat/extensive features of the bigger sequencers.

One point to bear in mind, the midi editing side of both is somewhat basic. This probably wont be a problem initially, but once you enter the wonderful world of VST instruments, may well become one. Depending on what sort of music you will be doing, there are plenty of free, but still superb quality, VSTi's and FX available. Again, check out the listings/forums at kvraudio.com for more info on what is out there.

Ian