|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26 |
I want to add some parts from my Midi keyboard. It doesn't have a USB out. I have seen cables the have a Midi connector on one end and a USB connector on the other. Has anyone tried these? Do they work well? Does it hurt anything to buy a less expensive one?
As far as analog parts, such as guitar, how are you folks connecting?
Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Quote:
I want to add some parts from my Midi keyboard. It doesn't have a USB out. I have seen cables the have a Midi connector on one end and a USB connector on the other. Has anyone tried these? Do they work well? Does it hurt anything to buy a less expensive one?
As far as analog parts, such as guitar, how are you folks connecting?
Thanks for your help.
No USB here, all MIDI and instrument input in via an:
Audiophile 192
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
A USB-to-MIDI device can work well, too.
Just do your homework before purchase, find out if the device you are looking at will indeed work with your particular OS and machine. This can often be done by using the websearch engines and lurking a few forums to find out the general level of satisfaction. Or dissatisfaction. -- And make sure that you find a trend, not one or two complaints, which are statistically meaningless.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
I have one of these for 6US and it works fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26 |
Thanks to both of you. For $6, it's not much of a gamble.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I want to add some parts from my Midi keyboard. It doesn't have a USB out. I have seen cables the have a Midi connector on one end and a USB connector on the other. Has anyone tried these? Do they work well? Does it hurt anything to buy a less expensive one?
As far as analog parts, such as guitar, how are you folks connecting?
Thanks for your help.
You need a proper audio/midi interface like that M_Audio one or something similar. There's ton's of external ones available too. With one of those, no need for a midi/USB cable bacause the interface has your midi in/out's already along with full size 1/4' plugs and a lot of them will have a proper XLR input for a mic. And take it one step further, if you are doing any vocal recording at all, you should get phantom power for a condenser mic. A step up to the $2-300 range gets you a good semi-pro interface with all of that plus high quality preamps as well. If you really must go very cheap then yeah, that $6 cable could work and for audio you can plug your guitar into the 1/8" line in plug on your built in soundcard but that's very clunky plus using a 1/8" adapter on the end of a already fairly heavy 1/4" guitar plug and cord puts a lot of strain on that tiny soundcard plug.
Step up if you can afford it and get something designed for this. You won't regret it in the long run. M-Audio, Focusrite, EMU all make good high quality units. Here's an example of a nice $200 one Focusrite It has everything I described plus a headphone out.
I understand if you're new at this and are not sure how far you want to go you may not want to spend this right now but trust me, if you wind up doing even a little bit of recording, you will wind up with something like this anyway. Might as get it now and start off right. If it doesn't work out you would have no problem selling it on Craigslist or even on this forum.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,457
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,457 |
I'm wondering if the whole MIDI vs audio thing is getting missed here. The OP asked two questions..
The MIDI/USB adapters work fine (usually) for MIDI. Just understand it is only MIDI.
For recording an external instrumet (audio such as guitar, which was the second question) you'll need something more. Some USB devices handle both MIDI and audio. Some do only MIDI (like the cable flatfoot mentioned earlier for $6) and some do audio (but not MIDI).
Know what you want before purchasing.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26 |
Thanks to all of you. If this thing works out and I start making money with it, then I can see buying a better unit. And I have a feeling I will be recording a lot using computers. I have been recording since 1984. Started out with a Fostex 4 track cassette, then moved to a Tascam 8 track cassette, then a Roland DAW. It gets better all the time.
Anyway, thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11 |
Hello there. Just to add a few specifics:
1. MAudio's midisport 2x2, 4x4, etc. all work with reliable drivers. Operating systems--most any version of Windows--cost is anywhere from 59 USD to 100+ USD. This also works well with Linux. (I use it with opensuse 11.3,(64 bit and actually faster than running the same machine and software under windows...some things.) and about 90% funcionality, and more working every day.)
2. Roland's UA-4fx, etc. All work with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7...the drivers might have to be searched for under windows, but they are there and will work well. Most of them work with Linux out of the box. There is built-in support for the UA-4fx right in the kernel. But DO read the advice about setting the switches on the box before it will work. Got a problem with Linux? You can email me, or Facebook, or right here and I'll do what I can to help you. This Roland box does a lot of good things for you--midi, audio (with effects), and can be set as both the midi and audio interfaces under options...Biab and realband both recognize it, and Power Tracks if you need it. It is as faithful as old dog trey on my crappy old homebuilt. It has all the appropriate connectors for both midi in and out, and includes an XLR connector for high-quality mics, and can provide 45v phantom power if you have a condeser mic. Did I mention that it connects through USB, and is designed for USB-2.0, and can also use USB -1 if that's all you have. Cost is about 129 USD.
3. The Tascam USB 122 can be made to work, but can be tricky if you aren't a geek, It's a nice box, but wouldn't recommend it. Having said that, It actually works better under Linux than Windows, and also does MIDI and Audio. I think it's about 100 and change for price. Some of these will work under Mac, I'm told, but haven't used them on one, so I can't say much. I've used all of the above mentioned, and will help you if I can.
Ciao.
Hope this helps somebody.
Joey45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 26 |
Joey, the UA-4x sounds like a great piece of equipment. Even looks like you could hook your guitar up to a Midi synth module. I will look at that.
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,589
Members39,945
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean