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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72 |
Hi,
Just got Power Tracks. I am learning how to record some audio. I have been using the built in keyboard. The first time I tried, it recorded but the volume on the playback was very low, could barely hear it. Tried again just now and it did not record the keyboard at all. Actually seemed like it was using the PC mic.
So I am wondering for now how to get the built in keyboard to record. Plan on buying a cable to hook up my external keyboard via midi.
Thanks
Jeff
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
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Prefs- MIDI devices; what is selected, what is available?
Is 'reroute all MIDI to default DXi synth' enabled?
If so, is there a synth selected?
You'll be much happier if you get that keyboard MIDI cable running.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72 |
Hi,
In the Midi devices, Microsoft Midi Mapper is selected as output driver, there is also a choice for Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth. The reroute midi Playback was not selected.
Jeff
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
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Joined: May 2000
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Try the GS synth, midimapper is 'iffy' on a lot of systems.
Whatever is highlited should be moved to the top of the list so it is default.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72 |
Well I now have the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth selected, at the top, did not really make that much difference. It is recording the built in keyboard, and seems to using the PC mic also. The playback can barely be heard. I have PC volume at max. I do get a yellow warning dialog when I start recording saying an input device needs to be selected. I do not have anything plugged in.
Jeff
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
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Jeff i say this with the hopes that it is not discouraging at all, but rather as a thought process builder. The PC mike, the PC speakers, and Microsoft synth GS are not the building blocks of success, but they will allow you to get a feel for how stuff works.
Using the built in devices is much like me playing one on one with LeBron James. To really build a studio that will lead to long term satisfaction and success in recording music one needs some basic equipment. The computer is one, the software two, next is a solid recording interface or sound card. These items start at around $100 and go up. For the hobbyist like myself around $150 - $200 you can get a very nice interface. next one needs a way to hear the mix. I started with computer speakers, and a cheapo headphone set. I later bought studio monitors, and a nicer set of wireless 'phones. The interface is so vital since it allow one to attach speakers, and headphones and monitor the mix from the source of playback. It also comes with a software mixer setup that controls latency and such other features and actually helps the recording software function properly.
Lastly for real solid Midi playback, you need either a very good software synth or a good sounding hardware synth. Something to give at least passible midi sounds. I use two software synths now TTS from Roland, and Sampletank from well who ever the heck makes that thing. Either way between the two of them, I can get decent sounds to tweak.Microsoft synth GS is very low end midi sounds, kind of just for computer game and such playback.
one thing to remember you do not have to do all this at once. You have the first two ingredients now it is just a mater of adding to it as time and resources allow. My first addition would be the interface. It will be the heart and soul of the studio.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72 |
So, do you have usefull suggestions?
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
If it is recording the mic (I missed that previously) it sounds like the track may be set to audio instead of MDI. So it is recording the audio port instead of the MIDI port.
It's probably something you have checked already, but it jumped to my attention tonight.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/computers-peripherals/audio-interfacesHere are a ton of choices, i like personally M-Audio, Presonus, and Focusrite there are others that are nice as well. What really matters is what your needs are. How many inputs and outputs do you need.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72 |
Actually I did not check that, did not know how. I see if I right-click in those things on the left side of the screen, (tracks?) that it did show audio, not MIDI. Selected MIDI and the mic does not record, good.
But, is this program capable of recording the built in keyboard?
I will get a MIDI cable this week, then see how the real keyboard works.
Jeff
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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