MIDI Function To DAW. Keboard/USB/MIDI Transfrere Problem Solved!

[Topdoginuk]

I just wanted to share with you, my experience & frustrations of what should have been a simple proccess, but no, these things are always problematic....well, for me anyway!
I've got 2 keyboards & a decent Yamaha Clavinova 303. I wanted to use either for instructing MIDI Virtual Instruments in my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) Mixcraft 4. I linked up using an old MIDI to USB lead. Once I plugged in, it sent me on some 'Driver Update' with M-Audio. Well, I didn't have a clue what all the nonsence was, that it throws up at ya! I just clicked the one I thought was this Midiman lead. It updated but, I had no luck. No detection was showing. I dug out my other keyboard, a Casio LK-55. Linked this but still no luck.
I ordered a lead from Amazon, £13. It arrived today. I plugged it in but again, no signal. I got the instruction manual out. (I wanted to avoid all this reading because it's time consuming and they're not always legiable.) I changed the settings to General MIDI On and, the Channel to 1. Still no luck! I was getting darn p....d off by now. I took another look at this new lead. It only had 1 of 3 lights showing so, I swapped the MIDI plugs around. I put the 'In' to the 'Out' on the Keyboard and, the 'Out' on the lead to the 'In on the keyboard.  I pressed the keys and..... Bingo! I had strings sounding.
The setting up for this DAW can have real 'put you off' obstacles and, take a lot of technical advice/learning.
I'm off to create some music now. I just need to go back into jamstudio to see what chords I used on a particular backing, so I can replicate on this Virtual Instruments/Keyboard/Input!
Cheers.
Tony

[Ant]

  Well Top I'm sorry you had all that trouble.Welcome to the digital age.First of all having a good understanding of your OPS would help you a lot. just about all PC's that are made today have what is called [plug and play] all you need do is plug in a device and you PC will install the drivers for that device.Most of the time if you buy a new device the drivers will come with it in the form of a CD.Remember any device you plug in had a sound out put.But where? You need to remember where to find all of your sound device sounds. Vista click on start,control panel,sound devices. When you get to sound devices to should see all of you sound devices.click on the one you need to use.make sure it is your default device.

[Topdoginuk]

Hi Ant, Well, I've entered the Digital domain! Unfortunately, I always seem to get every glitch going and, I lack an understanding of some of the terminology etc.
Thanks for the guidance for setting the sound device. It came under 'Manage Audio Devices'. Every step help helps on the learning curve. Trouble is, I'll be too old by the time I've mastered it! I can see why there are courses at Colleges & Uni for this 'Sound Engineer/creative music maker job!
Thanks.
Tony