I'm' looking for the cheapest Guitar to PC interface with acceptable low latency I can use with my soft-synths. If I use the JamOrigins software, my understanding is that I need to use a guitar audio interface. The other alternative is to use a guitar-Midi converter - of which I've found 2 at pretty low prices:
Joe check very carefully on these. I did a search and found and it showed the Behringer model has no MIDI I/O, thus it is not an audio to MIDI converter. I could not find any information on the Promotions unit but I suspect it to be the same.
Google/Bing audio to midi converter software and you will find a number of them. Some are free so you can try them if you want. Be sure to check if they are mono or polyphonic. I have tried a couple of free ones and they worked somewhat, I had to do a lot of MIDI editing, but that was quite a while ago.
The absolute best polyphonic audio to MIDI converter I have found is in Melodyne Editor, however it is quite expensive. I have done a number guitar and bass audio to MIDI conversions with no editing what so ever. I have found that this software does a better job than my old Casio strat MIDI guitar!
The other options are either a MIDI guitar controller or a guitar with a MIDI controller built in. Fishman http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TriplePlayPU/ has what is supposed to be a good MIDI guitar controller but again it is quite expensive.
I hope this helps.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Joe i think you are to some degree not understanding soft synths. (if i am wrong i apologize) Both devices you listed are simple audio I/O interfaces, that will allow you to plug a guitar into a computer and record it. Softsynth respond to midi data, and not audio wave files. As Mario mentioned a Midi guitar will trigger softsynth, but not a typical guitar.
If you want to record your guitar, or play it thru the computers sound system those are fine, but if you want to trigger midi and fire the samples in a softsynth you have to look elsewhere.
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
Joe, the scuttlebutt out these days is all about this software solution, which one just plugs their guitar with pickup on it into the Audio input of the soundcard.
I'm' looking for the cheapest Guitar to PC interface with acceptable low latency I can use with my soft-synths.
=================== define these terms what will you accept cheapest low latency
=======================
If I use the JamOrigins software, my understanding is that I need to use a guitar audio interface.
==============
JamOriginVideos uploaded and replied to a comment from chugbry Some people have been able to use MIDI Guitar successfully with an acoustic guitar connected to a audio interface, but an electric guitar is preferred. We do not recommend using an acoustic guitar and a microphone due to the signal noise. Latency is dependent on buffer sizes and possible audio device drivers, please check that you use a low buffer size. There shouldn't be any issues with tracking rhythm guitar. https://www.youtube.com/user/JamOriginVideos ===========
The other alternative is to use a guitar-Midi converter
================= you will need to be precise in your picking and fretting or be prepared to do a lot of editing
you also need to understand the characteristics of the instrument you're emulating you can't strum a piano
sadly my playing skills need a lot of work but i'm happy with it so far
Last edited by pghboemike; 12/31/1308:13 AM.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
Thanks for all of your comments. Of course I'm looking for the 'best acceptable performance at the lowest price'.
Since I want to play my softsynths on my laptop, per the JamOrigins documentation, you need a low latency (e.g. ASIO) AUDIO interface to your laptop - internal soundcards will NOT work (per JamOrigins website, if you are using a mini-plug, you are on the wrong path).
So that leaves 1.) if I use JamOrigins, I must buy a low-latency external laptop audio interface that uses ASIO
2.) if I do NOT use JamOrigins, I can use a Guitar-MIDI device - I currently have a GI-20, but I'd prefer something cheaper, smaller, and easier to transport.
Thanks for introducing me to some new products I didn't think of using Mario - I will check them out.
I'd bet Jamorigins would work with laptop internal soundcard, ASIO4ALL wrapper - and a bit of electronics knowledge on how to connect the type of guitar pickup used to the Mic jack on the laptop properly.
Think, "Resistive Pad" likely an L or Y pad, to reduce the AC voltage from the guitar pickup down to Mic input level. Heck, one 25 to ~150K Pot, wired as voltage divider, with guitar pickup across outside legs and wiper going to mic hot would likely do the trick.
Joe, into the mix with "small" and "cheap" you need to throw "accurate" and perhaps "rugged." I think the Roland GI-20, which is designed for the purpose, is your best bet. Besides, you can't get any cheaper than "I already have it!"
Happy New Year!
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
I have a few guitars equipped with GK's, they all go though my GR-50. The GR-50 I now use only as a MIDI I/O device. If the GR-50 were to break I'd look for a GI or another GR MIDI I/O replacement. The GR-50 was my very first synth, of any kind, but now 25 years later its sounds really show their age (same as Roland D-110). I do have fun with the GR sounds sometimes but it is unlikley any internal sounds will show up in any music work.
Sorry I get side tracked easily.
I went ahead and pulled trigger today on this Jam Origins MIDI Guitar. I've been playing with it last few weeks and the idea of it really appealed to me and it works fairly well. Tracks well given you can get a good clean audio input. I use a M-audio FW 410 right now.
Truth in advertising: best I can do is 2.7 ms delay. That is, the best I can get with this SW, my PC, the FW 410 and it's ASIO drivers or even ASIO4ALL is 2.7 milliseconds. Disregarding the delay, once the sound gets TO the SW - it tracks as well as my GK/GR set up. And this thing has individual string (and note) sensitivity setups just like setting up a GK on a "by string basis."
All in all, I think it is worth the $99.95 I paid, especially given they are still working on it and updates look to be free. In MY set-up it works really well and my PRIMARY use is to get notes and chords into the PC (I can't play keys to save my life) without having to fire up my rack and I can use any guitar in hand (haven't tried mic'ing an acoustic yet). Also looking forward to trying real time "lead along" to BIAB/RB/PT/SONAR work - TBD with that delay what outcomes/frustrations will be on that front.
But with all such things YOUR MILAGE MAY VERY! I thought that disclaimer needed spelled out - not abbreviated. Now the standard caveat, I have no financial, personal, or professional connections to this company other than as a new customer.
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/01/1404:51 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
I have a few guitars equipped with GK's, they all go though my GR-50. The GR-50 I now use only as a MIDI I/O device. If the GR-50 were to break I'd look for a GI or another GR MIDI I/O replacement.
Just out of curiosity - does a 2.7 ms delay make it very difficult to keep up with a drummer during a lively song ? I've found the delay with my GK-20 makes it very hard to say, allow me to play bass in real-time with an up-tempo song. Everything I play is behind the beat, and I find it too difficult to compensate for that. Then again, I haven't really put enormous energy into trying to minimize that delay yet.
In the context of sensory physiology, a 2.7 msec delay is not even noticeable as a delay. It is an order of magnitude too small, except under special circumstances such as rhythmic synchronicity, measured under laboratory conditions. Nothing to worry about in the context of playing along with accompaniment.
I know that's what "studies" say but trust me - as a musician I DO notice it.
I know when I pluck a string (the tactile sensation) and when I hear sound (auditory) they should be in unison and they are not, and I am conscious of it: it IS noticeable. And on critical stuff - I would use pure MIDI HW to get work done. This is not Jam Origins SW fault - it's my AUDIO path into the SW fault.
It will drive you nuts over time (no pun intended).
However, when I play keys I don't notice it but I am not a key player so my reflex between key strike and sound is not as "attuned" (accidental pun)- a good pianist/keyboardist who is use to instantaneous response would probably also notice it and I suspect a horn player in particular using a controller would also notice it.
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/01/1408:07 PM. Reason: EDITED out stuff not pertinent
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
I trust you, but possibly your measurement of latency is incorrect. Are you measuring the latency from plucking the string to when the MIDI sound appears? It's not easy to make this measurement accurately without the right equipment.
The delay with MIDI guitars is generally caused by the detection mechanism/methodology. All MIDI/Synth guitar systems have latency issues, because it takes a certain amount of time for the system to analyze the pitch of the vibrating string and therefore the problem tends to be worse with the lower notes (lower cycle duration).
Keyboard driven synth don't have this vibrating string detection problem and therefore no one (including you) complains about delays.
The velocity of sound increases slightly with higher temperatures. For example, at an elevation of 0 feet above sea level, at a temperature of 50 degrees (Fahrenheit), sound will travel 110.7 feet in 100 milliseconds (ms).
At 90 degrees F, it will travel 115.14 feet in the same 100 ms. This will force the wavefront angle of sound from loudspeakers to track slightly downward, bending toward the cold air layer.
Now let's round things off in order to make it easy to investigate the situation.
Let's work with an easy, centralized figure of sound traveling at about 100 Feet in 100 milliSeconds. Good "rule of thumb" for fast calcs in the head on this subject, BTW.
At 2.5mS actual audio latency, the "delay" involved would be the equivalent of playing live with others who were -- 2.5 Feet away from you.
A 25mS latency would then be the equivalent of playing along with someone who was 25 feet away from you.
Also, the reported mS Latency figure in the computer can vary as much as 100% - simply because some softwares report a "one way" figure as to latency in mS, others report a "round trip" figure, or the amount of time it takes for the signal to go into the computer, get processed, and come back out at an audio output for monitoring purposes. Still, when the latency is below around the 25mS mark, not very many can really notice the difference when faced with a true double blindfold test on the subject. To date this engineer has found not one musician who could pass that test, regardless of musical prowess or what they THOUGHT they could detect.
Bottom line, a true 2.5mS, or even 6mS audio latency is indeed not detectable by human beings when the subject is sound waves.
Today's modern sound reinforcement engineers can work wonders using software-defined time alignment, based on the same physics.
The most recent outdoor Country Music Festival event, the sound engineering actually made history with such a purpose-designed and tuned system. Zero Latency anywhere in the live venue, onstage or anywhere in the audience.
Unbelievable large venue live sound situation. Curt Jenkins led the sound engineering. Wow.
Listen to it, that is Live realtime audio feed, man.
The performers enjoyed near-studio audio intimacy at the same time. Multiple acts, rapid-fire, too.
The audience is able to SING ALONG, in a large stadium venue, in realtime with the band when they are called upon to do so. (!)
Today, we KNOW what the true parameters of human perception of audio latency is, the modern sound engineer must also tune the system for the realtime Barometric Air Pressure and Ambient Temperature - and they can, and they do.
This ain't Woodstock with the Altec Lansing power amps that used tail light bulbs as emitter resistor "compression". Not hardly.
Yep must have been being so close to CO and breathing in the fumes from there. I know better than that, I will now remove foot from mouth - no excuse simply spaced out yesterday.
I was reporting information SEEN, not verified, or even THOUGHT about (duh!) - I could've killed (literally) people in my last job with that kind of sloppiness.
Bottom-line: The MIDI Guitar SW by Jam Origins DOES have a PERCEPTIBLY LONGER delay then the GK/GR-50 (how much is TBD - see below for GR measured numbers) - because what I hear on PC with that Jam Origins SW triggering a VSTi is LONGER than I do with GR-50 doing it's thing. In my case, that delay, while it would be off-putting if I had to live with it forever on all critical work, was NOT a deal breaker for me.
Disregarding the small but perceptible delay, with a clean audio signal, the SW does track well (but that is like the difference between precision and accuracy - they are not the same thing). The delay is noticeable - but not deal killing (for me). It is in the "neighborhood" (Topology or Real Analysis anyone?) of "less than a 'slap back' delay", which I usually set at around 90-110 ms, but more than GR-50 (see below - for me that is a worst case of ~43 ms).
============
Now my numbers:
1: 2.7 MS is best I can run and record audio reliably with no glitches as long as simple (stereo) Input and not a complex project but I usually run at 5.8 MS (i.e., 256 samples @ 44.1- I could trim that a little by going to 48Khz or 96Khz but I don't) gives me a "buffer" against issues - in a long recording (I don’t go back and auto tune, or fix stuff on a by note or phrase basis, etc. it is what it is as recorded)
2: Using a GK equipped guitar - analog path into rack Lexicon Signature 284 to mixer, out mixer to PC in right channel. Simultaneously the hexaphonic pickup into the GR-50, to one of two sound sources:
a. Trigger its internal sounds which then leave as analog to same mixer as guitar audio but all on left channel - recorded in Audacity (so synth is right - guitar is left). With this I get an average of low E-string rise of sample to triggered synth sound rise of sample of ~ 42 ms and on high E-string ~13ms (as expected - shorter time).
b. Same set-up but instead of recording GR-50 tone, I let GR-50 do its pitch-to-midi, then out to midi patch bay to XV-5080 and it was then the XV-5080 analog signal out recoded in left channel (guitar still in right as with GR-50). Now you THINK it would take LONGER (convert to MIDI then route same to a patch bay, plus the two cable delays, then to XV where a sound is finally triggered) BUT on Low E it was averaging around ~34 ms and on high E is ~25 ms.
I will chalk these enigmatic time delta's up to "quickie back of envelope" type experiment and not using identical tones (near identical rise times needed) - I should have used a pure sine wave, or at least IDENTICAL patches, on both synths - but "close enough" and gives idea of times for my non-PC, non-ASIO, non-Jam Origins SW - MIDI generation.
So CLEARLY the GK/GR-50 combination has a small, and yes it is perceptible delay (you can feel it and hear it and NOW it is consistent with the numbers Mac has above), but even at that it is, and has been, more than adequate and sufficiently so for me to call it, for all intents and purposes, "real-time" for last 25 years.
I need to run same experiment on PC with this Jam Origins MIDI Guitar SW. I was seeing 2.7ms on the SW screen and thought "well that’s the delay I'm HEARING" - my bad and I KNOW (knew) better but spaced out.
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/02/1406:20 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
When attempting to use jamorigins MIDI conversion software along with any kind of software wynthesizer, you and your pc must overcome TWO rather differently programmed - and typically cpu/resource taxing softwares.
That's got to take more time.
Perhaps jamorigins for the MIDI conversion, firing a hardware MIDI synth for the purpose of recording the MIDI guitar, taking advantage of the hardware synth's near-zero latency and the fact that it does not use cpu cycles, etc. would be appropriate.
After the Recording to MIDI is done, one could than apply Software MIDI synth/sampler at playback to achieve desired lush sounds.
Even with my good old GK pup/GR-20 setup, I know that I can't expect to simply play the guitar and get the kind of response one would "normally" achieve when just playing the guitar "like a guitar should be played" so I don't go there. Hammer-ons, Pulloffs, Slurs, that kind of playing doesn't lend itself to getting tracked very well with a lot of MIDI guitar solutions IME. Well, I recall one Yamaha made setup that was pretty awesome along those lines, trouble was that it would have cost about two thousand dollars to go that route.
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean