General software question.

[Harpendum]

So, I've had the desire to remix music and compose music of my own for a long time...but the only thing that's been stopping me is the fact that I do not have access to any kind of MIDI input device (no keyboard, no nothing), and I probably never will. Please don't tell me to go out and buy one, it's not that simple. I was just wondering if there is any software that lets me select instruments, and draw in the notes...like VOCALOID does.
Is there any way around my lack of a keyboard?

[DDRKirby(ISQ)]

plenty is possible without a MIDI keyboard. In fact if I had one I don't think i'd use it (for much). I'm using my onboard soundcard as well. hooray.

if you really want a keyboard though, you -should- buy one. And if you're planning on any kind of live recording, you need a decent soundcard.

obviously things like doing a piano piece with the correct dynamics, pedaling, etc. is really really troublesome to draw in with mouse. use your best judgment

short answer: yes, many (most, all) sequencers/DAWs give you the ability to sequence using a piano roll. Or if you prefer staff notation, there's options there too (though that's kind of a different beast)

look up some software, and try it (free demos = your friend)

[Harpendum]

Thanks so much for the quick reply.
Do you have any recommendations for me, as far as software goes?

[Torzelan]

So far I'm happy with user-friendly FL Studio (http://www.flstudio.com/). Lots of "tutorial" videos and stuff on YouTube too, very handy. I'm still learning (wouldn't dare submit an OC ReMix yet) but made everything in this (http://www.tindeck.com/audio/file/kxjv-Torzelan_-_Music_Mix.mp3) without any MIDI controllers or anything (some of the distorted guitars is a not-so-well-recorded real guitar but other than that...) so yeah, mouse-only music weee.

[Palpable]

I've barely used a MIDI controller on any of my thus far posted remixes, so you can definitely do a lot without one. I use FL Studio, for reference, and I think it's very user-friendly for someone entering everything by hand.

And I haven't done it, but you can use your computer's keyboard as a MIDI controller in FL Studio. Not sure how useful it is but might be worth trying out!

[Yoozer]

and I probably never will.
:?

Please don't tell me to go out and buy one, it's not that simple.
It is, unless you are completely flat broke (and you're typing this on a computer, so you're not). If you're neck-deep in debt, you shouldn't have started this topic anyway :<

Get something like this one secondhand or look in your local classifieds. (http://cgi.ebay.com/M-AUDIO-KeyStudio-49-Key-USB-MIDI-Electronic-Keyboard_W0QQitemZ140277283113QQcmdZViewItem?hash= item140277283113&_trkparms=39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A15|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14).

Fact: things get more fun and easier to understand once you can play chords. Mice can't.

Thirding FL Studio for the piano roll, by the way.

[Kanthos]

The general consensus on OCR is that FL Studio is the best for piano roll input. I'm inclined to agree with Yoozer though: even if you're not a keyboard player, having *some* kind of MIDI interface is beneficial. If you can't afford that, you'll probably have trouble affording FL Studio too.