Hi Don; I believe Alvin is talking about a musical instrument when he says, " keyboard ." The musical instrument that has keys like an organ / piano but, you can program or add programs that simulate any other musical instrument at the touch of a button / key. Take care. Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: Don Marang To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:42 AM 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, [email protected] 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 > 1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Get 50-90% off your city's best! > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4de1c7c7238f61d4293st01duc > > For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: > http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
