Correction... Sonar/Cakewalk is not just MIDI, it is also an audio
recorder which you can cable your music in to your computer from
outputs from instruments. But if you want to spend hundreds of
dollars you can but honestly look at Reaper. There's a 30 day fullly
functional trial.
Brad
...Cake Walk, on the other hand, is a MIDI sequencing program, something
entirely different.
Remember, it doesn't record actual music, it stores MIDI sequences that will
be used with a MIDI capable device.
On 5/29/2011 11:20 AM John Justice said...
**CORRECTION!**
The correct translation for MIDI is Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
Alvin,
There are modern keyboards made by Yamaha and Roland which indeed have a USB
connection but it's primary purpose is storing sequenced material on a hard
drive or on a USB flash drive. For your information, a sequenced song does
not store actual recordings of the instruments. In a MIDI capable keyboard,
each instrument is assigned a number from 0 to 127. When a MIDI sequence is
created, the first thing sent to the keyboard is the number of a particular
instrument. After that, digital messages are sent which allow that
particular instrument to play its individual "part" along with the "parts"
for other instruments which are recorded on 1 of 16 separate tracks.
Digital sequencers like cake Walk assume that the instrument you are working
with is MIDI capable. Most, although not all, Casio instruments are MIDI
capable. However, and this is unfortunate, many of these programs rely on
digital imaging which will not translate using a screen reading device. I
have been looking for an accessible program for recording MIDI songs for
years and as of this writing, I haven't found one yet.
Before you attempt to use any MIDI sequence, make sure that your keyboard is
capable of receiving what is called GSM MIDI. The GSM translates as
"General Standard MIDI" and it's a protocol which most MIDI instruments
understand. To quote a famous keyboard composer, arranger and performer
Gary Wright, "Casio is Japanese for toy keyboard>"
That might be a bit harsh but essentially, he is right. Casio is designed
for people who don't want to invest a lot of money in a musical instrument.
You might think you spent a lot for your keyboard, but when you compare it
to Yamaha professional instruments that run as much as $5000, you see what I
mean.
Now, let's get back to the relationship between computers and keyboards.
You will definitely need two things. First of all, you will need a way to
connect your keyboard to the computer. Since your particular instrument
doesn't have a USB connection, your only option is what is called a MIDI
interface device. This box has MIDI connectors on one side and a USB
connector on the other. They are available only at quality music stores. I
haven't seen one in a while so it might have to be ordered for you. You
might want to look at the Boss line made by Roland or some of the Yamaha
product catalogs. Your best resource here would be someone who is
knowledgeable in a local music store. One of the best places to go would be
Sam Ash, if there is one in your area.
You can buy pre-sequenced songs for your keyboard and I guaranty you will
be floored by some of these. Does your keyboard have a disk drive unit
built in or a card reader?
If it does, you can by pre-sequenced disks and then, if necessary, transfer
the material directly to a flash card.
Accessing that card directly using your board will require manipulating a
menu which, of course, isn't accessible. So, with that in mind, you can
call up the songs on your PC, then transmit them to the keyboard, using the
interface device I have already discussed.
Finally, you mentioned two kinds of software. Sound Forge is a top quality
recording program. It actually records music or sound which is sent into
your PC through either USB jacks or other audio input devices.
Cake Walk, on the other hand, is a MIDI sequencing program, something
entirely different.
Remember, it doesn't record actual music, it stores MIDI sequences that will
be used with a MIDI capable device.
If I can be of further assistance, please e-mail me directly, using the
address below.
John Justice
JOHN AND LINDA JUSTICE
WITH GUIDE DOGS JAKE AND ZACHARY
PERSONAL E-MAIL: john_just...@verizon.net
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-computing-boun...@jaws-users.com
[mailto:blind-computing-boun...@jaws-users.com] On Behalf Of Don Marang
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 3:43 AM
To: blind-computing@jaws-users.com
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] connecting musical keyboards to a computer
and what software is accessible?
I have not heard of musical USB keyboards. I guess they could exist to
simply act as an analog to digital converter, just like turntables with an
USB connection.
Most likely, you are thinking of a different type of interface, called MIDI,
which stands for Musical Instrument Device Interconnect. Each note on the
keyboard sends a electronic message from the keyboard to other devices.
More expensive keyboards capture the intensity (how hard the key was
pressed) as well as the note. It can also be used, with a separate MIDI
connector, as an output of the computer back to the musical keyboard. This
could be used to playback music previously captured from the keyboard,
perhaps slightly modified. Many bands heavily use this interface between
keyboards, sequencers, drum machines, and so on. A real musician can step
in here and elaborate. Computers can be attached to these devices to
perform many tasks. There is software to capture what you play on the
keyboard, to playback, mix with other sources and manipulate. The options
are endless. Software can replace most functions of an entire studio or
control instruments during a live performance. I even heard of software
that could generate sheet music of what was being played on the keyboard.
You would need hardware that provides these MIDI connectors. I used to have
a SoundBlaster card that had these connectors. They probably have many
different external boxes that connect to your computer by USB and converts
to MIDI signals. I guess the musical keyboard manufacturers could build
such an interface into the keyboard and provide a cheaper, more convenient
connector. I have not heard of such a keyboard. I even had such a
converter box for my Commodore 64! That was confusing because the MIDI
connectors are identical to the serial cable used by the hard drive as I
recall. Again, those more musically talented can recommend software once
they get a better idea what you would like to do.
*Don Marang*
Vinux Software Development Coordinator - vinuxproject.org
<http://www.vinuxproject.org/> There is just so much stuff in the world
that, to me, is devoid of any real substance, value, and content that I just
try to make sure that I am working on things that matter.
-- Dean Kamen
On 5/28/2011 11:07 PM, acart...@juno.com wrote:
> Hi list,
> It's AC. I bought a Casio WK 200 keyboard about a year ago. I thought
> it had a USB cable to connect it to my computer, but it doesn't.
> However, I hear that there are USB audio interface devices that you
> can use to connect musical keyboards and other audio devices to your
> computer. Does anyone have any suggestions of ones that are
user-friendly/accessible?
>
> Also I was doing some searching on the Internet for software that I
> can use to enhance my musical sounds and experience. I found Sound
> Forge audio 10, Cakewalk Sonar, Cakewalk Creator 5, and M-Audio
> software bundles as well.
> Any guidance or recommendations will be greatly appreciated for USB
> audio interface devices and software and any other things you find
> work for you if you are involved in this type of activity. :) Be
> blessed and enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend!
> Keep it memorable! Lol
> Alvin
> ____________________________________________________________
> Groupon™ Official Site
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>
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