Anyone know what sort of spec machine I'll need to do some MIDI 'triggering'? Basically, I bought myself a Yamaha DTX electric drum kit, and as it's the cheaper model you can't upload new samples to it. So I'm just after a cheap laptop + USB(?) soundcard so I can connect them via MIDI (then use software to set up custom samples etc)... Any ideas?
Just about any machine can do MIDI. I was using MIDI back on an Apple IIGS (2.6kH)! I assume you want to use the DTX pads (assuming you also got the pads) to trigger the sample on the laptop? I don't know why you would do that, since the sound reproduction from the laptop will be pretty crappy. You can download the best samples, but by the time they come out of the laptop; crap. You need a cheap computer and a good sound card with quality parts. I guess you have a reason for not buying the better DTX but it seems that after you buy the laptop and MIDI cable it would be a push. Also, if you did not buy the pad and triggers, why not go completely software and sequence the drum parts with something like Master Tracks, etc. More info please.
I've got it sorted now... Bought a 2nd hand XP1800 laptop and an Edirol FA-101 (Firewire) soundcard. As for not getting the more expensive DTX - it was on offer when I bough it (reduced from £799 to £499). My intention was to just use it for practicing, but when I started to read about what you could do (MIDI-wise) I thought I'd have a go. The great thing now is that I can also use the laptop/soundcard as a mini home studio (I'm moving in with a guitarist in about a month (who happens to have a (studio quality) 32 track mixing desk!))...
