Idiot's Guide to Configuring Metro without External Synths?

[boggy]

Hello,

Would anyone be so kind as to point me to or post a step-by-step guide to setting up Metro to play on a Mac without external synths (i.e. just the Mac itself; self-contained). I am interested in playing MIDI tracks.

I am running v. 6.0.8.2 on a MacBook Pro with System 10.4.8.

Many thanks in advance for your help!

[Jerm]

6.0.8.2 is definitely not recommended with OS 10.4.9. You should upgrade to Metro 6.3.x.

To get started, from the tracks window's output column select 'edit original' (or it might say 'edit port') and select internal. Then import a MIDI file and press the space bar.

You will get better sounds by using plug-ins. The DLS Music Device is included so you can use that right away. All of this is much easier in the new version. Drag the DLS plug-in from the plug-ins window to the effects window to get started.

[boggy]

Thanks Jeremy. I just upgraded and will start experimenting as you suggested.

[Jerm]

Hello Boggy,

Thank you for upgrading.

As I said, in 6.3.x it is easier to configure plug-ins. Simply select the plug-in/VI(virtual instrument) from the graphic editor popup. No longer is there a need to drag and drop from the plug-ins window to the effects window, although you can drag from the plug-ins window to either the graphic editor, tracks or effects window if you want.

[Scoot]

Step 1 to being 'self contained' is as Jerm says using outputs (ports) as Internal which use the Quicktime Instruments.

Step 2 would be to use the DLSMusicDevice plugin.
It is a shell to use and install soundfonts (.sf2) in Metro.

The great thing about soundfonts is that since you're playing sample sounds you can stick effects on the tracks to change EQ or Reverb.


Step 3 if soundfonts are too limiting purchase or download free VSTi's.
Just google them with OSX VST or OSX Audio Units


Soundfonts and VSTi's have URL's on the Sagantech links page as well.
(soundfonts at hammersound are pretty good)

[boggy]

Thanks for the tip. I went to Hammersound and downloaded a soundfont. How do I load it into Metro?

thanks

[Jerm]

First, in the graphic editor track titlebar there is a popup (probably says synths or plug-ins). From that popup select 'Apple:DLS MusicDevice'. Then select 'effects/synths' from the window menu. Now in the effects window there is a big button that says 'None' with a "soundbank file =" right before it. Click on the button and select your soundfont.

[boggy]

I think I am doing this wrong. I got the DLS Music Device window, but there are no clickable options (see screenshot attached). Sorry for being such a newb.

[Jerm]

If you place your soundfont in your audio banks folder it will show up in the DLS edit dialog (In your picture above). The folder is "/Library/Audio/Sounds/Banks".

What I was talking about is the effects window. In the below picture you can change the soundfont by clicking on 'drum set ultimate'.