People often ask how I'm getting my keyboard sounds hooked up to FL Studio. Unfortunately, I don't truly get the sounds working in FL Studio. What I'm actually doing is just recording into another program and importing those wave files into FL. The process isn't as seamless as I would like it to be. The Motif XS series comes with a version of Cubase that "syncs" better with the Motif, but I don't prefer to use Cubase, nor do I want to run FL Studio as a plugin (VSTi/DXi2) in Cubase. So my method is neither the smart or efficient way of going about this, but since folks ask, I thought I would share my old school method of recording stuff from my Motif XS8 and getting those recordings into FL.
Basically, I just record a .WAV file from my "live" playing from the Motif into Adobe Audition 1.0. Version 1.0 is old, but lighter than their new versions and it does what I need it to. Check out Audacity for an open-source and free alternative. I then trim up the wave file, save it with my patch number in the file name (gotta remember what sound I used), then drag and drop that file into the lower part of the playlist in FL. When I drag and drop the wave file, it's not in time with the beat yet, so I turn the Snap (to edges) to "NONE", and line carefully line it up. Don't forget to turn Snap back on to "LINE" or whatever you used before. FL also comes with some built-in recording and wave editing capabilities (Edison), but I have always found it easier to work outside of FL to trim up my wave files and record them fast.
There are a whole host of problems with doing it like this, so if you haven't created any habits yet, I would suggest doing some research on how to get Cubase working with the Motif XS (check out the quick setup guides on the MOTIFATOR site). The main thing is it a little too time consuming and you don't want technology to slow you down while you're trying to make music. I don't intend on doing it like this forever, but until I can find the time to get good at a method that works for me, this is how I'll do it for now.
Edit: I've learned that in FL 8, Edison can shoot the stuff you record over to the playlist with the click of a shortcut. Looking forward to experimenting with this. I'll give an update on that as soon as I try it.
Hope I helped!!
PSSSSSSST! Here's a small clip of a new beat I'm working on (just started it). Just click the little blue play button.
Throwing Fire
It's great you're sharing your techniques and tips :)
Love the new track, can't wait to hear the rest!
Woah dude.. Throwing fire is hot, I can almost hear Missy Elliot on it. Sounds tight especially on THX Dolby 5.1 surround speakers. When's that next CD coming out RJ? ;)
Thanks guys!!!! I hope to have the new album out this summer.
O man RJ..can't wait for the next CD to come out..I already have the first one..=) ..This is a sick song BTW
Ronald!
Long time no see! It's all good though, I'm sure you're a busy guy.
I like the new tune!
Several times a week I have one of your songs stuck in my head, then I go and listen to it and it's just great! I'm looking forward to your next album!
Thanks for sharing your techniques. This is a really good blog dude. xx
So you don't have FL Studio controlling your Motif via midi at all?
Have you ever had FL Studio control your old keyboard with midi?
oh man... summer as in May or summer as in June? because I can't wait any longer! I love your current cd, I play it everyday.
that new track sounds really good too, i was just gettin into it when all of a sudden the preview ended ;)
Whats up RJ, been awhile since I said hi. Anyways I just downloaded your album. Been broke..lol. Aye man I seen one of your videos of you at Kings Island. Dude I live in Dayton, Hit me up.
hi,nice to meet you.
how are you today?
i'm fine.
i love your works.
i had finded your works in youtube.
frankly speaking,"A fun beat from outer space (an experimental improv jam) "is a best one for me.
i hope your happiness and peace.
sorry,i am poor in english.
thank you very much.
thanks bunch!
This stuff is totally awesome man. Please PLEASE get your second CD done!
Hi, Ronald! Neither Hip-hop nor Techno are in the tastes of my generation, but I want to tell you what a pleasure it is to hear at your music - and see you playing it! Music is fun, indeed, but with you, I've understood that ANY music can be fun. Thank you so much!!!
Keep on playing! I wish you all the best.
With admiration from France
PS. sorry for posting here. I think you should have a visitor's book or some place for your fans to write their messages in ;)
The Professor has weighed in on the particulars of his matchless craft, and then raises the bar with yet another timeless beat. The world was spinning around long before the Professor was born, but until he posted on Youtube all of creation was in black and white and shades of gray. The Professor IS yin and yang, the butter on your popcorn and the scratch on your itch. Can anyone measure his matchless worth in these comments?
I just can't get over it, every new song you work on is a well deserving 5 star instant hit. Everything on your first CD is great, but everything you are working on for the next is just even greater and quite inovative. I don't know if its from more experience, you're playing longer and more often, and the work of making the first CD brought you closer to FL studio so you play it like an instrument, but I can definately tell that you are improving on your music skills. Your music is great already but I can only imagine what its going to be like if you keep improving at this rate. Keep it up and keep chalenging yourself its truely paying off, and I enjoy your music imensely. Take care, and Happy Easter!
Brian.
Someone commented to me on Youtube the other day that I should lay off the comments because they are getting excessive and they make me look obsessed, let me know if thats what you think RJ, I don't want to be ignorant if they are actually causeing problems I should know.
Thx for jour Music jou are The Best!!!
Ron, I just want to let you know how much I'm enjoying your CD. I can't wait for your next CD. Seriously, I WANT IT NOW...lol.
Your new track Throwing Fire sounds sick. Please, please, please, put it on your next CD. The "messin with a guitar sound" and "disorganized fun" tracks from youtube are awesome beyond words.
I've told you before, and I'll tell you again...your are amazing. Keep doing what you do. Your music is a blessing and inspiration to us all.
God bless,
Pat
hi Rj , just to let you know i enjoy your music and video's on the net and just bought the cd. you are a great, cant wait for the next cd to come out.
kind regards
Rob (amsterdam/netherlands)
Sounds great! You have a very interesting style, keep it up!! I just got done watching your "disorganized fun" video on youtube and it was very entertaining!
Hello Ronald :-)
I've checked out your music and it's really very nice, I've been posting music on mp3.com.au and visitors have been downloading my tracks for free. As a result I've held the #1 position in my genre (breakbeat) for about 3 years. I have a couple of questions for you:
Could you give some pointers about starting a webshop in your blog?
Question number two: would you like to jam with me?
I noticed that sportsguy wasn't recorded properly, the guy holding the mic bumped the mic several times, resulting the audio to get squeezed, so I enhanced his audio a bit, you'll notice there's a lot more high frequencies, which should give you some more head-room, I could probably make it so he'd be click-perfect, but that'd be presumptious.
here's the enhanced track (mp3 format)
http://dotsound.nl/enhanced.mp3
here's a tune I made waiting for your touch:
http://members.chello.nl/filez/digger.mp3
Even if you don't respond; I hope you enjoy my tune, I enjoyed yours
Art, from the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Like the new beat! All your beats are good but you have the ability to take a GOOD beat and add that extra sumthin sumthing to go from being good to kick ass which creates chills and an extremely pleasurable listening experience. Kinda like a drug where you want to listen over and over again.
Take it to the top Ronald! You da man!
Right on Ronald. Keep doin what yer doin. A lot of eyes are upon you and soon enough, everything you've worked so hard for in fun is going to pay off and I hope you get paid for your skillz.
Peace!
DocX
y0 RJ, when ya get time, listen to my tracks on reverbnation and lemme know what ya think. If you wanna mash em up, go right ahead! A few of my experiments are on there like experimenting with strings and trying to make them sound as real as possible. I use Reason 4. need to blow the dust off my FL studio... LOL
I don't follow popular music at all. I don't listen to the radio. Looking at the Billboard Top 10 is like staring at hieroglyphics. But I do know what sounds good.
Jenkees sounds good.
Anxiously awaiting the next CD. Rock on.
That's pretty much what I do as well. I use sound forge to record cause it's easier some of the time because of having to deal with audio latency. If you have an ASIO supporting sound card you CAN record directly into FL. If you don't have an ASIO sound card you and get a free plugin that virtually converts your directX sound card to ASIO. It's called Asio4All. I know you weren't asking for help but I thought I would share anyways. I really like your music and subscribed to your youtube channel.
Peace from DJ Ahren
omg i just heard your cd. wow . WOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW.
my friend bought it for me as a gift hes like u gota hear this n im like ya ya.. and WOW
Ron plz be my friend on youtube
YO ronald... ur songs a crazy insanly amazing/good.... i wish i could make up songs and play on the keybord just like u.. like thats alot of talent...
anyways just wanted to let u no that ight well talk to later.. bye
hey Ronald i really enjoy your beats.I can't wait until you get the new song done! Keep it up man sounds awesome.
Peace out
Nice work!
I'm an Flstudio user as well, I use an Akai MPD to play live beats and all the "music" and sometimes basslines I program, good to play both beats and basslines live though.
Dude, heard your stuff yesterday on youTube. 5 minutes later and im paying £5 and downloading your tunes. 10 minutes later and im driving around town, with the windows down, your tunes cranked!
Throwing Fire is as a totally sick beat. I'm listening through Graddo SR225 headphones, and damn I love the texture and grit.
Keep doing what your doing, and I'll keep paying to hear it.
Peace
Hey Ronald,
I found a video of you on youtube.com and it amazed me so.
You're great and so is your new beat 'Throwing Fire'.
Yesterday I told my collegue to watch your video and he en his girlfriend were also very amazed. And now you have 20 more dutch fans, all my collegue's!!!
Go on and trust me, you're gonna have a lot of more fans.
Bye bye
Hi RJ, just found one of you videos on u-tube be accident actually,
And now one hour later i bought your album and absolutely diggin' it!
Keep up the good work and try to update new songs before 13th of may because i'm going abroad and wont have any downloading oppurtunitys :D
Sweden supports you ;)
//Falk
Hey Ronald, I bumped your CD at the end of last summer through the fall. I listened to it non-stop. I hope you come out with your CD by the beginning of this summer so I can bump it proudly. I've turned at least 30 people on to your music, most of which purchased your physical CD! :) Keep it up.
Hi,
I was wondering what song is playing on HotForWords videos?
Please let me know! email me at ness23dsm @ yahoo. com
please!
Thank you!
Diggin the Jenkees? Check out this song http://www.sep7agon.com/?q=node/12
Yo wuz up guys i been working on my beats here and there i have some good ones want some samples or wanna trade some beats hit me up on my yahoo d1_an_only1@yahoo.com
You'r gonna be famous man. You are awesome and I love your music!
Nice work. I think I will give you tips a try.
where are you from? =)
I have never heard anything like your music! =) It's so happy and full of life =)
It's amazing! How can something as beautiful as 'disorganized fun' come from a human?
You should send some of your work to Joe Satriani.
I wouldn't be surprised if he would ask for to warm up to a concert!
Ya, I have to agree with all the other people on the talent and everything. I was just given a link to your youtube videos a few days ago. I'm doing some similar stuff, but a different method. Currently I use Reason, Audacity, Digital Performer, Pro tools, and Analog Factory (Im mac based), for some reason it seems like mac is lacking a good looper program. Supposedly FL is going to come out for mac sometime in the future, but for now I'm stuck with trying to use Digital Performer. So really my question has nothing to do with what Ive just said, but where did you purchase your keyboards? Im defiantly going to look into a more hardware based setup now that I've seen some of your stuff.
I hope you respond to me. BTW did you make this website? Because its pretty spiffy.
YO~ WUSSUP !
YOUR MUSIC SO COOL!!! I LIKE IT
and I’m an Flstudio user
I'm CHINESE BOY.
so i waiting for your new work this summer!!!
c ya
Yo man, I just heard your stuff today and it just gave me an idea, along with an overwhelming sense of joy haha. I beatbox and I'm the local champ here in VA beach, but after I heard the riffs that you make and I just thought that it would be awesome to play some shows with you. I beatboxed a couple of you tracks to my beats and I'm tellin' you, my beatboxing hasn't made me so pumped to go expand what I can do that much... ever. For real, think about, maybe get a band tougher, who knows. But when I have good feelings they hit me and I feel it, and hearing your music and beatboxin behind it gave me the hardest hit I've ever had. Please get back to me, you can reach me though me email. Thanks for your time and have and awesome day.
Hello.
I just want to say I really like your music and I am sooo gonna buy your next CD :D
Dude, not only are you AWESOME at creating sick tunes, but you are using the BEST CMS EVER (WORDPRESS) AND the best THEME EVER (K2).
Props for being AWESOME IN ALL WAYS!
Here's to hoping you offer some sort of 2-disc Limited Edition with your 1st and 2nd CD, when it's released.
I'll be first in line 8-)
Rock on.
Hey man that is simply amazing i follow you on youtube and i am really amazed:D i dont know if half the people out thier relize how hard it is to do what you do. i am a beatboxer my self and i have made beats in the past using different programs, and its not easy. so hats off man keep doing what ur doing, and ive got your back...
your fan
Rob
(Killa Beatz)
Hey RJ, im one of yur newly attined fans haha..and im hoping to buy 2! cd's from you soon..and i'll buy the new one when it comes out...i would reaaaally appreciate it if you could hit me up on msn so i can have a chat with you. or maybe just talkt o me on youtube if your more comfortable http://www.youtube.com/joshandguitar (my vids suck don't watch them they are OLD!) haha
laker.red.till.im.dead@hotmail.com (i didn't add my email to the above post)
Ronald,
Your music is badass, keep on jamming. Send me an e-mail sometime a.baldwin@austerityclothing.com !!!!
Hey RJ, huge fan of yours.
Have you thought of trying Ableton Live? Since it has couple different ways of going around doing the stuff there's a bit of learning at first.
I'd recommend to try the demo with various VST intruments you use, playing them from keyboard - unlike in Cubase there are few VSTi's that have some issues which is unfortunate (Native Instruments VSTs atleast) but otherwise I'd say it's better than the rest and I've tried it all (Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Reason etc) except for protools and Tracktion. Live is especially suited for the type of jamming you do, it ain't named Live for nothing.
Ronald, is it me or is there some chipmusic in this track?
Yo man,
You've probably heard it a lot, but man...that song 'neptune' is definately perfect. I listenend to it when I was stoned, and it got me emotional man. It had the same inpact on me like 'porcelain'- Moby. Please, launch more of that kind! The other songs are very good too, but this one is stunning. You've got a lot of talent my friend. I'm even writing a song on 'neptune'. Keep up the good work, cause my friends and me desire for more.
Greetingz from Amsterdam.
i create music too, would you take my mail to learn it? you are incredibble
Man You're, nice to see guy who is having fun!!! music nice, some riffs awesome!
RA -Lithuania-
Ronald, Hi!
I'm from Russia Moscow. My english is not so good as I wish.
I heared only one of your tracks, and that was one of the best things I've ever heared, thank you!!!
I have 2 questions:
how can I get your CD?
And are you going to visit our poor country ))? Moscow would like your music!!!!!!!!!
Не знаю можешь ли ты перевести моё сообщение ну да не важно.
Хочу откинуть тебе огромный respekt или по нашему уважуху )
Теперь по поводу музыки....отличный темы не могу позволить себе купить,но всёж мне очень понравились все демо версии.
вообщем желаю тебе продвижения в твоих талантах!Ещё раз потчёт и уважение из России!
Привет! Рональд ты просто убил меня вот этим треком Remix To A Remix
Просто СУПЕР! Удачи тебе в твоих начинаниях!!! Спасибо! =)
do you play x box live? i think i played with you last night
Your music is straight up awsome man! And the most resent stuff is simply outstanding, can´t wait untill the release of your next album! You deserve all the cred you can get man, keep it up!
Mad props from sweden!
Are you going to tour ever? I don't want to compare you to the Chocolate Rain guy (cos you're way better) but it may be a good idea to consider touring with another indie with similar marketing flair. I know I could get a good crowd to come out and support in Kansas City. Keep up the good work bro!
Yikes... cool new beat!
Have you been approached already to do some beats for singers and stuff?
Look what I found!!!! Click it....you're gonna love it!
http://digg.com/music/Ronald_Jenkees_JAMS_with_Papa_Roach
Wicked shit. I haven't gotten your CD yet, but I will... looking forward to it. Keep on rockin.
A mate showed me your youtibe stuff last night and damn dude you gots skillz.
Got me hooked cant stop listening to your stuff
this by far my favourite this shit rocks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smE-uIljiGo&feature=user
man keep it up loven it.
all the way from Australia
Ray
Awesome! I like our music.
It is awesome, keep it up!
Greetz from the Netherlands!
yo yo yo yo yo yo yo yo
Ты великий ... (RU)
cool dude dirty and the sunfish or whatever song are
AWESOME!keep it up
always,Stacey :)
Ronald, Hi!
I LIKE YOUR MUSIC! мне очень понравился твой альбом!i waiting for your new work!Has advised your album to all friends! From Russia with love!
Hey Ronald! I think that your first Cd that I bought 2 days ago is f***ing awesome, I'm glad you exist because you make my ears Happy!
Can't wait for the second CD, Good luck with everything and have a nice day. (when you will read the thread :P)
Until one week ago, I never hear of you. Then accidently ran into a link on a weblog, got stunned by it and immetiately bought your CD. All I can say about it: absolutely brilliant! Can't wait till the next one comes out!
All the best from The Netherlands.
Hi,man.
I'm Chinese, your music is very Perfect.
I no have Dollars but I want to buy your CD!
How I do?
I know my English is too bad
can you give me mail? OK?
Do not reply to your blog~~~ Mail thanks very mush!!!
my E-mail qiushi_gao@hotmail.com
You are the most ballin dude ever. Hands down.
Just thought I might let you know.
Hey Roland,
You're an inspiration to us all!
Thank you for the blog and especially for any techniques and tips you'll post on here.
I think I speak for many of us here, but could you perhaps write a little about how the beat-making process works for you? It seems that you either have it or you don't.
Alas I fall into the category where making an interesting and groovy beat is somewhat of an elusive hit or miss process and so it'd really make my day if you could share your natural talent with the rest of us and describe how you make it work for you.
Many thanks for the music and keep up the great work.
Whups, I clearly have Summer NAMM 08 and gear lust on the brain -- That should be Ronald of course and not our trusty Roland co. ;)
Hey, Great track, but I hope you keep what you posted on youtube of this. Keep making music!! your great! ;)
Ronald,
This preview sounds excellent, but I have to be completely honest, the beat that is on your youtube page is phenomenal.....Just like the last comment, I desperately hope you keep whats on you tube in this track. I have the youtube movie bookmarked and watch it at least once a night...it is awesome dude!
You are amazing !
RJ i just found your Talented ass due to the help on entensity.net and i think your an amazingly unique artist and love your beats. i would really like to do some sort of lyricism with a few of them or if you would like to work together some time maybe just fool around and make a track or two for fun get a hold of me dude. I have really been looking for someone to do some stuff with for fun. no one that is into producing around me has skill, or they just are in it for money. maybe ill just use these for fun if its cool with you or we could work together and get something recorded just for fun man. get in touch with me if you can. again this is just for fun I'm a nobody sorry, but one day we could be sittin in a studio. ;)
Ronald you my idol . your work this masterpieces . my delight have a no borders . I write you from Russia , Moscow .
jenkeeesss <3 dude where have you been? we miss you!
RJ you are a genius. I love neilyo (professional World of Warcraft player) for using your tracks on his new vid. Now i finally know what real music sounds like. It's amazing. I love it.
hey man i love your jams if you ever get time give me a reply i would love to try to collaborate on some jams. im sure your probably way to busy these days. your gonna do great things man keep producing that heat and they all will listen love it dude and that malcom kellly remix is the tightest song ive heard in years man i would love to hear that in the studio with a hook and everything that would be sick
Yo man! I guess your name is Ronald eh?
I must say you are amazing working those tunes man!
You've got some talent, you should stick to it.
Now to the point! Im currently playing in a smalltown band called Insangelous. http://www.myspace.com/insangelous That's our MySpace link, check it out! I have introduced your youtube clips to the rest of the band and they loved it.
We would be more than glad to work with you, maybe create instrumental versions of your songs?
Would be cool if you added my mail on msn or maybe sent me a mail?
Have a good one man :)
By the way.. The song on our MySpace is a unmixed version with lots of parts that could have been played alot better. For an example, the solo. And we have about 3-4 fresh songs coming up that makes "First Decent" sound like a jam!
Hello Mr.Jenkees, Im just a fan saying that you are awesome at what you do. But I do have a question for you. Have you heard of the Yamaha MM6 Synth? It supposedly incorporates the same sounds used on a MOTIF like yours but is cheaper, and I got one last month on my bday. Your opinion on the synth, plus any words of wisdom for a beginner like me would be greatly appreciated.
thanks for all the great music!
Hi Ronald,
im from Germany and just wanted to tell you that im completely addicted to your music at the time. The songs still keep getting better!
Dont rush the new CD. Take your time and then blow us away!
WOW! Just listend to your music for the 1st time. Amazing! I am so buying your cd.
Man Your An Awesome Person I Would Like To Meet You And You Are An Awesome Mucician!! Hope To Talk To U Later!
Mr. Jenkees you are truly one of the most original artists to ever come out of the internets. Congradulations. I am proud to be able to say that you will have yet another person purchasing your physical CD soon enough. (and I will purchase more if you put some more of that RAWKING guitar sound on it)
Hi~I'm chinese
and I love your music! great
messin with a guitar sound is the best one.
yo Jenkees!
You are one talented individual! Love the beats. When is the new album coming out?
Hello Ronald!
I`m from Russia.
Your music very good.
I even buy midi keystation and trying written music too.
Thanks for your work.
Dude, you amaze me every single time you even lay hands on that keyboard. I'm dying to get my hands on even the basic beat without the keyboard melody. One thing though, what happened to the original melodies from your video? Those were the among best melodies I have ever heard of in my life, and that's no joke.
Hello Ronald! I'm from Russia too. Your music is amazing, but you very talent!
Thanks you for the magic music. ;)
Hey RJ,
your music is just amazing! It's so good to hear it in the car on a road trip! Dont stop making us feel the joy you have by making those very good tunes!
For now, im just waiting you next cd! Cant wait to hear the full completed version of Messin with a guitar sound!!
Have a nice day, and continue to entertain us with your music!
Greetz from Belgium Diamond-City Antwerp.... 1
Слушал твою музыку.... Вапше круто!!!! Молодец!!)))
again from russia... when we shall listen your new album ???
Jenkees is yet again, AMAZING!!!
Hey RJ how come you dont get an Apple computer and record with garage band then to Fl Studios
Ты просто поражаешь продолжаей в таком же духе
Круто не то слово! Парень просто жжет!!!! Хочу его диск!!!
Крутой отдыхает)))))))
...The way you use your Motif and Fl together i think that youd be better suited using one of open labs miko or niko.....if your not familiar with you should go check it out at openlabs.com.....and i also wanted to say i enjoy your music + your genuine love for music....It would be an honor to me if we could work together on a project.....Keep doin ya thing.....
Those finger snaps(?) in your new tune or sooooo funky dude!!!!.
Respect.
:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) RESPECT!!!
Music has power gived by your energy and love!!!! You burn man!!!!!!!!
Hey man first off I love your music!~ This is a good post. I too work in a similar fashion using both Fl Studio, Motif Es Rack and Audition. I usually use Fl for the drums and just record the melody in the multitrack environment, exporting the Fl drums into Audition. After reading this I'm going to fiddle around with the Edison technique...Ty ..
Ps ..wheres your rss feed thingy I would like to subscribe :-)
Found it! keep writing and making those awesome tracks ..
Ronald i love your songs!!!!!jast amazing music!!!!!thank you!!!!!!!
Dude - where is your next CD. I am hooked now after finding you on YouTube. I bought your CDs and your stuff on Napster. GREAT stuff - You really have a talent. Keep making stuff and I will be buy. Thanks again Ronald for keeping it real!
а в каком это городе,какой стране??очень креативненько!!!!!)))))