[jjgold]

Ok, treat me like a five year old when responding to my questions since I am EXTREMELY unsophisticated with this stuff....

What software and how do I use my WX-5 with my laptop? I want to generate tones and have it be a lead instrument on software tracks. I will only listen through my headphones so I will not need speakers.

Thanks

jjgold

 

[tjontheroad]

At the most basic level, you'll need a USB or Firewire midi interface for your computer and some plug-in software for playback

 

[LampLight]

You don't need a laptop. Well, it depends. If you have a WX5, consider getting the Yamaha VL70-m. The Turbo chip version is available only from Patchman Music (http://www.patchmanmusic.com/yamahaVL70m.html), and is excellent for the WX5. BTW, I have no association with Patchman other than as a customer, but the VL70-m is a simple and effective way to go.

 

[tjontheroad]

You don't need a laptop. Well, it depends. If you have a WX5, consider getting the Yamaha VL70-m. The Turbo chip version is available only from Patchman Music (http://www.patchmanmusic.com/yamahaVL70m.html), and is excellent for the WX5. BTW, I have no association with Patchman other than as a customer, but the VL70-m is a simple and effective way to go.

Agreed, this is the best way to go. I record just the audio (no midi) from the VL70m to my laptop (Powerbook/Logic Pro). But to answer the original poster's question, you also can go directly into a computer/laptop without additional hardware. The downside is most softsynths and samplers are not set up for all the midi control data (like the VL70m) from the WX5. So, in many cases, you'll need to do some patch tweeking.

 

[The Saxist]

You may need to use something like midiox http://www.midiox.comto convert Midi Controller messages to something else. CC2(breath) to CC7 (Volume) or CC11 (Expression). I've dinked around with this using a Casio DH100 to a laptop as a "proof of concept" for the WX5. DH100 only does aftertouch; I used midiox to remap to volume. Used a Roland usb midi interface. Rumors abound that the m-Audio uno's don't play well with WX5's.

(I have no affiliation with any of the above Manufactures)