My MIDI Resource Page

I spoke too soon when I said earlier that there was no way to access the CTK-800’s panel sounds (see here). It was there in the manual all the time and I didn’t find time reading it. The appendix of lists all the instrument’s sounds with their corresponding Program Change and Bank Select MSB values. For example, to select 000-Stereo Grand Piano, you have to send the Bank Select MSB value of 2 and Program Change value of 0 to the keyboard. How? Well, you need a software that could handle the task. The basic Anvil Studio package does not provide a way, although I think, you can buy additional accessories that could provide Anvil with this functionality.

This brings me to the most common (and some consider it the best) sequencing software available. I am talking about Cubase, of course. In this article, I will discuss briefly how to set the Bank Select MSB values and Program Change values using Cubase in relation to the Casio CTK-800 keyboard.

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Tags: bank select msb, casio, CTK 800, Cubase, GM, MIDI, patch bank, program change, SysEx, usb

As soon as I started sequencing some songs using my CTK-800, I immediately ran into a very important issue. That is, using MIDI, you can only access the 128 GM sounds. There is no way I could use the other 372 panel sound (which are, unfortunately, the better sounding ones) in any of my sequences. I am also limited to the GM drums and I could not, in any way, access the 10 drum sets provided by the keyboard. I tried exploring the keyboard features if there is a way to set the sound for every MIDI channel directly, but there was no such capability.

I really wanted to use the beautiful sounding combinations I mentioned earlier (see here) in my arrangements. Fortunately, there is a way. By means of digital audio recording software. I use n-Track studio for this, which I will discuss later. A drawback of using this software is that you lose the capability to edit your arrangement note-for-note. Step recording is also not possible. Programming tempo changes is very difficult. And so as transposing your song. Also, since each track is saved as wave file, it takes up more computer resources, such as hard disk space and memory. However, if it means I could produce a better sounding arrangements, then its worth all the sacrifice.

Tags: casio, computer, CTK 800, general MIDI, GM, hard disk, MIDI, resources

First of all, be warned that this is not a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on sequencing. I’m just trying to relate my experiences in using the Casio CTK-800 as a MIDI controller with Anvil Studio as my sequencer software. In the course of my discussion, I was able to cover some of the very basic processes in sequencing, which you may find useful.

Connecting the CTK-800 to a PC is a very simple process. All you need is a USB A/B cable(shown below) which is, by the way, is not included in the package. You need to buy it at your nearest computer store.

Once connected, you need to install the driver. Luckily, the CD is provided. Just insert it, follow the on-screen instructions, and in a matter of seconds your instrument should be ready to be used as a controller. But wait. You need a sequencer software. For beginners, I recommend Anvil Studio. You can download it for free at this site. (Similarly, you can read my article about Anvil Studio here and here.) Just run the installer and follow the instructions. You should be ready in a minute.

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Tags: anvil studio, cable, casio, controller, CTK 800, MIDI, sequencer, sequencing, tutorial, usb