More to the above: I have to just stop, take a deep breath, and totally draw back until I can figure out what's wrong here. I have been using DAWs since the mid 1990s, and have previously been able to solve glitches with them, but this one makes me wonder if I went too far too fast. I got rid of all my old hardware, acquired a brand-new (and supposedly more powerful) computer system, and just went ahead and installed all the software I had (as well as a new package of Komplete, which, while appearing to do everything but fly, might just be too much for my weak little brain to comprehend anymore). All sorts of problems have resulted. Instead of trying to make it work, I'm just going to stop and take a cooling-off period, then try to chip away at it little by little. One guy on here wrote a detailed post a while ago telling me to put it all back together very slowly, so that may be what I'll have to do. I just get very annoyed when things don't go as planned, and instead of thinking logically, step by step, like a computer-program flowchart (which is the way I wish I could think), I end up just shooting off in all directions and skipping steps left and right. While "lateral thinking" is great for an artist, it only frustrates me no end, because I can't concentrate and work methodically on anything: it ends up looking more like a mind-map that grows tangents all over the place instead of a straightforward thought pattern. This makes it hard to work on a logical approach to something like this, because it becomes a conflict of overcoming technical issues versus art.

Oh I feel for you. I am back to analog part way. Hybrid...
If you are having echo issues and running external midi, the first thing to check is your midi thru in the DAW and the midi settings in the keyboard. Pay close attention to your audio and midi settings in the daw to be sure its setup without conflicts. You know all this if you are already familiar with analog keyboards and midi routing. Its the same but ITB (in the box) and that's when it gets all goofy to us. Seeing it in front of us makes sense, ITB is easy to forget what you just did.

I am so glad I never parted with my external midi router too. This thing is essential. IMO, usb lacks compared to firewire via midi.

You're going to have to take baby steps so you don't forget it all. It takes a while but you'll get it. Like you say, take breaths and make mental notes.

You didn't mention what DAW you use?

Good luck.

No matter how your brain works, you need to think in a linear fashion to solve these problems. Take out a notepad and think through the steps logically. Fix them one at a time. Do not skip the steps as that does not help. Leave it and come back if you have to but do not quit.

It really sounds like you have conflicts in the system. If you do indeed start from scratch then look for the Windows optimization guide and start there. Then install the M-Audio interface. Then install the DAW. Stop. Verify these are all playing nicely. The M-Audio gui will open from the system tray if it is installed correctly. If they are not then go back and find out why.

Now install the NI VSTi's. Try to make these work in standalone mode. Do not use a DAW program before they work by themselves. Verify verify verify.

Now attempt to use the VSTi in as a plugin within the DAW. Troubleshoot as necessary.

There really are no tangents to fly off on unless you allow it. Tame the "monkey mind."

Yeah, unfortunatly i don't know much about midi so i can't help you there but i do have more experience in trouble shooting over the last 30 years than i care to to think about.
I actually just finished a 12 round bout with a new computer today that had me going but i won in the end.lol
I agree 100% with the above.

Un-hook everything.
Get one thing going,then the 2nd and don't move to step 3 until step 2 is working and preferrably you know why its working.
Good luck.

Good eye and advise from John> I see his Gear Profile including Cubase. Nice setup and a great start. You are going to have to change your username soon from confused to gotit! :)

And leave Finale out of it until NI works in standalone and Cubase.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I have to tell myself to stop, back up, and do it one step at a time, as work and spare time allows (someone in an earlier post said it can be very time-consuming getting a computer music system going properly).

I like what the one guy said about changing my ID to gotit! I do plan to get back to this system and work on it very slowly until I have it working. I hope to finally send a post that says everything is going OK and I'm actually using the equipment for music.

Up to now, I was wondering if I had actually picked the right kind of hardware, because I wasn't 100% sure if what I bought was just a powerful office machine, rather than a versatile general-purpose computer that can be used for creative work. I saw a quote from some wise person that "the ultimate upgrade for a PC is a Mac", but now I honestly think I've gotten a decent machine here and want to get it going. Now I am starting to believe that this is possible. I am also glad that I am not the only one struggling with these issues - and it looks like it might be possible to win!

I will post my progress as I get things running. Mutual encouragement is a good thing!

Confused, post: 360516 wrote: I saw a quote from some wise person that "the ultimate upgrade for a PC is a Mac"

That statement is facetious at best and salacious otherwise. If you look at Avid's compatibility page you will find many different Mac's that are on the "not approved" list. A computer is a tool. You pick the flavor you like just like microphones and monitors. If you choose a screwdriver instead of a chisel when shaping a piece of wood, then that is merely a learning opportunity in picking the proper tool for the job. Whether the chisel is a Stanley or a Craftsman probably doesn't make much difference.

Do post your progress as others do search through the archives for solutions.

I've been a Mac guy long before public opinion even thought about Mac's. They are the A/V champs for good reasons and worth every dollar if you are comparing them to poorly configured and built PC.

People that think Mac's are the only choice for a professional DAW, are following old news along with the diminishing Pro Tools generations influence.
The reason for this is very clear.
Pro Tools (alsihad), being the pro audio DAW of choice doesn't run well on the thousands of home built PC, period. Digi support had difficult time trying to deal with it all. Home built PC that seem to work for most other apps seriously lacked stability in the DAW world thus... higher priced Mac evolved to be the choice. Its a no brainer.

All of us who had expensive Macs where running pretty stable Pro Tools rigs. All the bozo running home built PC were having endless problems as they still do today. You can't build a Mac cheap like you can a PC so... quality control sufferers and the trend towards Mac grows because of this.
These are the facts and what many new post 2002 DAW users don't really understand.

Custom built recording PC are nothing to poke at. They are the new hybrid DAW system evolving. They are streamlined and definitely more value for your money. I have three audio PC's and one power Mac. I only use the Mac for the internet now (smile), the opposite from what I did 10 years ago. Mac's are great for the internet and all the app that go with it.

Audio PC's need to be professionally built by a reputable company proficient in Pro Audio (still cheaper than a new Mac) ... or DIY buy do your homework really well if you plan on building one yourself. The $800 home built PC are not in the same league as the beasts I use and this is where all the mac/PC misinformation started.

So many studios are following the bloated Mac/ProTools echo that started back in the 90's. The big hype is really old news.

What ever choice you make, both products do a fabulous job if you keep it within the DAW specs. Pro Tools was (notice I say was) a very pro turn key system so it couldn't help but become popular.
If you know what you are doing and see outside the commercial hype ... You get more for your money with a custom built PC over a trendy Mac any day. Savings can be invested in higher end DAW systems that makes the Mac/ProToolsHD generation look kinda trendy and boxed in.

audiokid, post: 360437 wrote: Oh I feel for you. I am back to analog part way. Hybrid...

I chuckle with this just a bit... and not to insult just that i think its awesome that your a prime example of when everyone say "Go get this new piece of gear this Computer this Controller, DAW etc etc".... Go with what you know I'm all for the Hybrid Setup

I'm not getting your point. The syntax is a little jumbled.

Yeah My Bad I didn't look over what I wrote, I actually don't know where i was going with that.... Now that I re-read I look a lost as well. Sorry to Confuse you

No worries. I have typed too many posts I thought were either pertinent or funny only to proofread them and hit the delete key. Sometimes because the email wasn't clear and sometimes because I figured.it would only be amusing to my own twisted sensibilities.

"Carry on my wayward son."