|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear Keyboard Players (and related experts) --
How can I play synth sounds with my digital piano?
Here are the details...
-- I have a digital piano, the Casio PX-130...
Amazon.com: Casio Privia PX-130 88-Key Digital Stage Piano: Musical Instruments
-- The piano has one MIDI connector and two 1/8" stereo mini output connectors.
-- From my basic research, it appears that I can go more or less one of two ways...
...(a) get a synth sound module and run the stereo-output or MIDI through that and then it will output synth sounds...
...OR...
...(b) run the MIDI output from the piano to a computer and run it through a software-based sound module and then output sounds from there.
My requirements are the I need to get a small but decent range of spacey synth sounds, along the lines of Jordan Rudess and Jan Hammer sounds (though not that many), plus I need a few organ sounds along the lines of the B3, plus I need some nice acoustic Grand Piano sounds.
Budget is a major factor and I need to keep the numbers low on this-- Under200=Good, Under100=Better, Free=Best.
So, my questions are...
I would prefer to use a computer and a software-based sound module so is that advisable?
To use a computer for this, do I just plug in the MIDI to the piano and the USB to the computer and then the output come from my computers headphones jack?
What software do I need?
Since I already have Band In A Box which has tons of sound patches, can I use those?
Is there any freeware available?
Also, if I went the external synth module route, what is a good starting point for an entry level sound module?
What do you recommend in general?
Thanks.
-- Mark Kamoski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Connecting the MIDI Out of your piano to a MIDI In on your computer with a single MIDI cable will allow you to play any of the DXi or VSTi MIDI synths that Band in a Box, Realband or other DAW programs can use. (you may need to get a USB MIDI connect device if your soundcard does not feature MIDI Inputs and outputs) You also should be using ASIO sound drivers for lowest latency.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
There are tons of VSTi for Rudess-ish sounds, Jan Hammer sounds, etc. Best of all - they are FREE! For Moog lead stuff, Minimogue VA is a great Minimoog emulation. http://home.no/gunnare/downloads.htmStart there. It's a simple VSTi, but has tons of depth. It is mono.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
You can buy a MIDI to USB cable at ebay for very cheap - less than £5 UK. They plug in anmd simply work on my system. So one end to the keyboard (turn down Audio) and the other end into your Computer via usb.
There are two kinds of synths avaiable - those that need a Sequencer to handle them these are called VSTs (there are other types too but they are less common). These programs require the sequencer to have the 'dll' extension file in their plugin folders. I beleive this can be done with Real Band but I never use it. Others may advise.
Then there are 'standalone' applications which run without a sequencer. There are less of these so you confine your choice by going this route.
The Good news is that there are thousands of free synths. Lots of them produce these 'spacey' sounds. KVR is a huge source - google.
If your bewildered by choice (and who would not be) 'Crystal' by Eric Persing (who also Designed Omnisphere one of the worlds best synths) is free, its pretty easy to use and sounds great. This is a VST if I recall.
Others are better to advise about how to load into Real Band
If thats too much try googling 'free standalone synth'
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
I have a number of midi keyboard workstations/arrangers/modules, and even had a couple of Oasys PCI Card synths that were spectacular...and expensive.
As they've said, lots of ways to comminicate with midi only, equipped digital boards.
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Quote:
...If thats too much try googling 'free standalone synth'
Well, I do have a MIDI to USB connection cable, so that is done.
I am still bewildered about how to load a VST (non-standalone) into a Sequencer (a separate program? RealBand?)
So I followed your excellent advice to look for "free standalone synth software" and I found this one...
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/10/05/free-arp-2600-software-synthesizer-for-windows/
...which I installed and am no up-and-running.
So, that is a good starting point for me (unless someone can suggest a link to a better free standalone software synth).
Now, the issue of latency-- it is minor but it is there, I think.
So I guess that I have to make sure (somehow?) that I am using the ASIO drivers, right?
And, I guess that if I were using an external hardware-based synth module then latency would not be an issue?
Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?
Thanks.
-- Mark Kamoski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear All -- FYI, there is another nice, free, stand-alone, software, synthesizer here... http://www.audio-simulation.com/...and it is called "DreamStation 1.0" and it is dirt simple to setup and sounds really nice (IMHO). I just thought to mention it, in case anyone else is wondering. It seems like this has very little, or no latency, at first check-- which may be due to its design, or the fact that I installed ASIO-4-All or something else, but it performs very nice, whatever the reason. I may still go the hardware route, with something like the "PianoBox II" or similar. HTH. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
What do you want for sound? I have a short list of favorite plugins and each fits a particular sound fancy. The minimogue VA is good for lead synths. For old school electric piano and organ sounds go to Soundfonts.it and pick up the donationware pack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
the latency issue is more related to your sound card on your laptop. Try decreasing the buffer size, if you go too far then you may get clicks and stutters. Try 256 - ish.
If the buffer is large then you get more latency.
Last edited by ZeroZero; 03/31/13 11:14 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,793 |
Hi, ZeroZero (and all) - Actually, you can use almost any VSTi as a standalone by loading it with SAVi-Host. It turns host-only-based VSTi's into a standalone VSTi.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,480
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,480 |
Great tip there John, didn't know about that...thanks for posting.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,480
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,480 |
Mark, I'm really not familiar with PianoBox but as its a general midi synth I'm not sure it will meet your original spec of having a "decent range of spacey synth sounds" and "a few organ sounds along the lines of the B3, plus I need some nice acoustic Grand Piano sounds". While it may have some of these, I'm not sure you would find better pianos than what's already on your Casio. A route that you might want to investigate is SampleTank 2 XL. This is a software based sampler in your price range. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHIqLVnTHvM
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
>>>...Since I already have Band In A Box which has tons of sound patches, can I use those?...>>>
Actually Band in a Box does not come with any sounds of its own. It has to be provided with a synth to talk to, either hardware or software.
The latest version of Band-in-a-Box comes with a free version of Sampletank ready to be added on. I installed the add-on Sampletank, loaded all free sounds that IK Multimedia makes available for Sampletank, and then upgraded to Sampletank 2.5 XL for under 200US. Now I have more synth sounds than I will ever use. (Perhaps I should add that I use more acoustic-instrument sounds than electronic-instrument sounds).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
mkamoski, You are making some assumptions that could end up costing you alot of money. 1. BIAB does not have sound patches included. See Flatfoot's response above 2. You don't need to limit yourself to standalone soft-synths. BIAB is designed to use soft-synths, you just haven't figured out how to configure it correctly yet. In fact, with all due respect to zero zero, I would suggest simply laying that suggestion aside for now, since what you really want to do, so it seems, is to use the sounds while using BIAB. Utilizing a standalone synth in that case makes things quite a bit more complicated. But, perhaps you are looking to simply 'perform' using the digital piano as what would be called a 'controller' and the synth inside the computer responding in-kind. In this case, either looking for standalone versions of synths works, as does jford's suggestion of using SAVIhost from Hermann Seib, which simply 'wraps' the .dll of the VSTi into an executable miniature 'host' program. There are loads of free VSTi that do what you are looking for. Some are better than others. In my 'go to' list of soft synth providers are the following developers and downloads: Minimouge VA - great lead mono synth emulation of a minimoog: http://home.no/gunnare/downloads.htmGenuine Soundware's Donationware bundle - Organized Trio is a great B3 emulation, the various electric piano emulations are also great: http://www.genuinesoundware.com/?a=showproduct&b=37Feldspar - great virtual analog synth with tons of modulation capability and FM between oscillators as well as ring modulation: http://www.contralogic.com/vst-plugins/feldspar/sfz soundfont player - good for general midi and other acoustic sample based sounds: http://www.cakewalk.com/Download/sfz.aspxWith these alone, you can cover most of your needs. Cost: Free (with some mental elbow grease to get them loaded properly into BIAB)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear Folks --
Thank you all so much for the excellent replies.
I should have specified more clearly that the my intended synth use is mainly for a performance setting (practice jam sessions and on-stage and etc).
I am using a few of the soft synths mentioned above and they work great.
So I take output from my keyboard via USB MIDI and connect to the laptop's soft synth, and as for the latency issue, I have eliminated concern by (1) turning off all other USB port activity, (2) and by tweaking the buffers, (3) and by using Asio4All, and so I output the synth sound from the headphone jack on my laptop to the mixer, and that gives me almost zero latency but not quite zero-- SO-- my final step was (4) to simply send the other stereo output from my keyboard to a local mixer which sends the on-board keyboard sounds (not soft synth sounds) to the mix, so I just pick one of the nice built-in tones (Piano or Organ or Strings or E-Piano or any combo of 2 of these) and send that sound to the mix-- which is never a latent sound-- so the initial attack that fills the latency gap is from the keyboard directly and the synth blends in milliseconds later, so this layering makes latency a non-issue for me, which makes playability a joy, and the sound is awesome IMHO.
If I go the hardware-synth route, then I would probably jump up to something full-blown, like the Casio Privia PX-5s or the Yamaha MM8.
Thanks.
-- Mark Kamoski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
JV 1010. Roland. It has a knob that lets you set the patch. You simply play through the box. Lots of patches there. Check on line for a demo. I have one but don't really want to part with it. Don't know why, "there's no sun up in the sky, stormy....." (Oh never mind) 
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,436
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,436 |
Being in the same general area I see why that tune comes to mind.
I started watching TV again so I could see what a sunny day looks like.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
To riff on John's recommendation a bit - Roland have a new synth hardware module out that got pretty high marks from Keyboard magazine - basically all of their synth engines in one box - but limited to 128 note polyphony. It's called the Integra 7. http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1245/462 Price is a steep 2k$ street. You should be able to get latency down to under 5 or 6 mS, which would be very hard to detect, however perhaps not with the laptop built-in sound card.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
All -- I ended up trading in my old keyboard for one with more sounds. I now have a Casio Privia PX 5S, which a ton of control and sound and zero latency, etc. http://www.amazon.com/Casio-PX5S-Privia-...io+privia+px+5sReally nice touch, 256-note polyphony, plenty of support for layering, splits, custom patches, etc, etc. It is really fun to play. It is a great board and the price is excellent. IMHO. There are plenty of YouTube and other reviews out there, Keyboard Mag said good things about it, etc. So, I have set aside soft-synths. Even though my solution noted above in this thread (to use a built-in patch to cover the latency) did work quite well even in live performance, a soft-syth is nothing like having a full-blown synth with weighted keys all in one, etc. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
Last edited by mkamoski; 07/29/13 07:18 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,645
Posts794,268
Members39,928
| |
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