Been working more and more with my Midi Keyboard Controller in my effort to get more of me in my music. In fact, I realized that this single piece of music equipment is the oldest component I own. It goes back almost 20 years. I don't even have guitars that go back as far as this. The only thing it does not predate is BIAB itself.
So I have looked around to see if I should be updating this. I find I can purchase this same keyboard today for the price I paid all those years ago. And at the same time I realize that short of getting a "longer" keyboard (which may be nice), there is really no reason to invest in another one based on my needs. This fundamental studio instrument has not changed in all these years.
So I ask you experts here. Is there any reason for a "studio" keyboard to have any other features than this, which I may be not aware of?
My opinion (without owning that particular piece of gear)
If all you are using the keyboard for is a MIDI controller, you need no more features than MIDI and whatever expression controllers you use (pedal, joystick, wheels, aftertouch, etc.)
I disagree but it does depend on how much control you want. This is a controller but a controller is a controller is a controller...
What about all the gazillions of knobs newer controllers have to control your software live, while you're playing/recording? What about having 16 pressure and velocity sensitive pads for drum inputs or to trigger sequences, sample phrases and the like?
If literally ALL you're doing is simply playing a single instrument patch using the pitch/mod wheels for effect, and you're not doing live performing so when you get to the bridge you need to bring up different patches in an instant, fine maybe you don't need all the other control. Here's an extensive list of 61 note controllers from Sweetwater:
These things do so much it could literally be a case of you have no idea what you're missing until you buy one and get used to it. If you like playing some Hammond organ for example using GSi's VB3 software or others, having 9 sliders to emulate the drawbars is critical. That's just one thing there are dozens of other examples I could share.
If you're using other DAW's these are premapped to work with many of the big names like Cubase, Sonar, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reaper and others. These all connect to your computer via USB and they have templates all ready to go. They're pretty slick.
Thanks to both Bobs for the Yin and the Yang. The different answers validates, to me, that I am my asking the right questions. I really do need to know what I don't know. And the only way to find the truth, for me, is to keep looking and asking and preparing myself to be able to make the right decision at the right time if or when the opportunity makes itself known to me.
Today I pulled the trigger. No quantum leap, but just a gentle nudge and continued movement in my musical journey.
I recently brought the Kirt Hunter Ensemble Strings (see other tread). These sounds have proven to be the best I have heard come out of my DAW. Rich, full and so musical that even my stumble fingers over my 10+ year old keyboard (shown above) provides results that I did not expect possible. Those sounds have provided the inspiration to take a bit of a new step.
Something that primarily meets my budget needs (17% off of quoted prices at MusiciansFriend, bring this in at under 130 USD).
Looks nice. I hope it gives you 20 years of great service.
I bought a little Akai MPK Mini to save space for when I'm just doing editing instead of out and out playing. It's about as wide as a laptop and has an octave shifter.
So if I want to say change the snare drum from the one on the D to the one on the E (in a GM patch) it's pretty easy and I don't have to reach as far as the bigger synth.
If I'm inputting parts, I use my old Korg i3 synth, my Yamaha WX5 Wind MIDI controller or one of my drum controllers, depending on what I'm putting in.
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
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