Bad QWERTY Keyboard in S1

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/05/2014 09:13:31

Hello,

I've been testing S1 for a while now and I'm quite impressed but S1's QWERTY keyboard is garbage, which is critical for me because I'm mostly working on my Notebook. Two things: It's very annoying that I have to open the QWERTY window in order to be able to play some notes and 1 octave isnt enough. I can't use this software with this QWERTY keyboard, it's just unusable for me.
Am I the only one that feels this way?

michaelgoldstein wrote:Hello,
S1's QWERTY keyboard is garbage

Isn't it also garbage to produce music with a QWERTY keyboard? just wondering...

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/05/2014 17:33:54

You CAN change the octave that the notes play. But obviously you are still very limited. Also, qwerty keyboards are all the same in that they don't record velocities, and they're not designed for playing instruments.

So why blame Studio One? An analogy: If you lost your hammer, and were stuck pounding nails with a pipe, it's not the lumber company's fault (no sarcasm meant...just looking for a good example). Anyway, I think you're going to be very limited using qwerty no matter what software you use. However.....

I just remembered that there's a program called Soundplant. You can assign any sound sample to any key. But you have to assign each key (The program is designed for you to make custom sound-effect layouts) You can check it out here: http://soundplant.org/

I don't know if you can use it with Studio One Free. If memory serves, I was using Audacity along with Soundplant.....then found S1 and moved on.
Also, here's a screenshot of how to change the octave in S1's Presence instrument (note the arrows circled in orange)

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 17/05/2014 18:47:08

dr4kan wrote:

michaelgoldstein wrote:Hello,
S1's QWERTY keyboard is garbage

Isn't it also garbage to produce music with a QWERTY keyboard? just wondering...

Well of course it's not as good as producing with a controller but when I'm not home I'll have to use the QWERTY one.

sirmonkey wrote:You CAN change the octave that the notes play. But obviously you are still very limited. Also, qwerty keyboards are all the same in that they don't record velocities, and they're not designed for playing instruments.

So why blame Studio One? An analogy: If you lost your hammer, and were stuck pounding nails with a pipe, it's not the lumber company's fault (no sarcasm meant...just looking for a good example). Anyway, I think you're going to be very limited using qwerty no matter what software you use. However.....

I just remembered that there's a program called Soundplant. You can assign any sound sample to any key. But you have to assign each key (The program is designed for you to make custom sound-effect layouts) You can check it out here: http://soundplant.org/

I don't know if you can use it with Studio One Free. If memory serves, I was using Audacity along with Soundplant.....then found S1 and moved on.
Also, here's a screenshot of how to change the octave in S1's Presence instrument (note the arrows circled in orange)

I know I can change the octaces but my point is being able to use two Octaves at the same time, like in Cubase for example. It's very annoying having to open this window all the time while in Cubase I just have to press ALT+K or Capslock in other DAW's and QWERTY controller runs in the background without that annoying window.
can't imagine this isn't bothering people. Studio One is so awesome tbh and it may sounds crazy to you but this QWERTY thing drives me nuts and almost makes it unusable for me.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 18/05/2014 18:51:35

Well, you could try this program: http://www.granucon.com/SoftwarePages/VmkManual/Download.aspx
The link is free midi keyboard software.
The Soundplant software I mentioned in my last post needs you to specify which key plays which sample. I'm not sure about this last program I found.... I haven't had time to dig in to this, and I mostly play guitar. Anyway, let me know if this helps, if you get a chance.

In my opinion, the Qwerty keyboard is just to get an impression of a voice.
Or just to play some simple and small melodies for fun.
But serious music creation with that?
Never!
At least you would have to do so much work afterwards, that it might be better to buy a cheap mini midi keyboard.
M-AUDIO KEYSTATION MINI 32 costs about 40,- and might be definitely enough rather than using the PC keyboard.
Also, keep in mind that a usual PC keyboard might not support pressing 5 keys at once.
With a MIDI keyboard you shouldn't have such limitations.