Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

I have several patterns as well as songs and I would like to create 
an Audio CD.  I used e-loader to upload both my patterns and songs to 
my PC and played the midi file with Windows Media Player.  The 
patterns played fine but the songs did not.  Is there a reason for 
this?

>>>Yes, teh Song data only references the Patterns, and which order they 
will be played in (and of course any data you have recorded on the song 
track too).  So if you try and play the song data in Media Player, it has 
no idea what patterns that song references.  You'd need to play it int he 
XX-7, and record the audio outputs. <<<

Also, the quality of the patterns seemed poor on playback.  I am assuming 
this is due to the size of the file (only a few kb). 

>>>Hmm, what do you mean by the quality seemed bad? <<<

Is there any specifice Recording software I should use (Cakewalk, Sound 
forge, Protools)? 

>>>This is such a general and broad question, and more than anything it 
depends on your preferences.  If you're just recording the audio from your 
XX-7, any of your examples will work (as will Cubase SX, Sonar, Wavelab, 
Cool Edit, etc).  If you want to record the MIDI data, then you need to 
make sure the software supports that type of information (which soundforge 
and Wavelab will not, as they are audio editors). <<< 

Once I use this software and convert the files to MP3 or WAV, will it 
sound professional?

>>>To be honest...probably not. :)  I'm not trying to be jerk, so please 
don't take it that way.  But if you're not sure about the questions that 
you asked above, then I'm guessing you're not too familiar with things 
like mastering and proper mixing, as those are the things that (by and 
large) give a song that nice polished, professional quality you're looking 
for.  MP3's are nowhere near pro-quality either in my opinion (why do I 
picture drK furiously typing a rebuttal to that statement?).  :)

That's not to say you won't get some really good sounding music recorded, 
but making it sound on a level equal with commercial music takes years of 
practice and trial and error, not to mention some specialized tools as 
well (brick-wall/peak limiters, multiband compression, good EQ, etc). 
That's why it can cost millions to make a good commercial CD, they pay 
people who have years of experience and the gear to take care of those 
things.

You can get a lot of good advice on all of this online though, and if 
you're willing to put in the time to learn it all, you CAN do it after 
some practice.  I'd say your best bet is to start here:

http://www.studiocovers.com/

There's a ton of articles there on all aspects of making, producing and 
mastering music.  You will certainly learn a great deal you need to know 
by reading on that site, though it still takes lots of practice to get 
right.  As always feel free to ask any questions, many of us here are more 
than happy to help (and there's some incredible resources here too)!

rEalm


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