|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PSRE363--yamaha-psr-e363-61-key-portable-arrangerAny thoughts, pro or con from people who've used it? Any other recommendations for something very budget friendly at near this price-range, though I could do without all the bells and whistles on this one as long as there is midi out via usb. My main need is just the ability to noodle out a melody or lead line into BIAB or DAW. I'd rather have a pitch wheel than tons of preset rhythms, for example.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,252
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,252 |
If I read you right I think you are looking for a MIDI keyboard controller. That is a keyboard with no sounds that you connect to your computer via USB. You use the sounds on your computer and/or you hardware synths and you record the notes on BiaB or a DAW. There are a number of options in your price range and here are a few: 88 keyboard 61 keyboard with sliders, knobs and pad 49 keyboard with sliders, knobs and pads 61 keyboard Personally I would pick out one with sliders, knobs and pads. You will have complete MIDI control over your tracks using them. I hope this helps and good luck.
My boss calls me "the computer". Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
Thanks, Mario! You read me right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333 |
If I read you right I think you are looking for a MIDI keyboard controller. That is a keyboard with no sounds that you connect to your computer via USB. You use the sounds on your computer and/or you hardware synths and you record the notes on BiaB or a DAW. I hope this helps and good luck. Wow.... That M-Audio Keystation 88 sure looks like one looooong dude in that image.  OP....if the above perception by MarioD is correct? After My 25 year old Roland JV30 died about a year ago I picked up this one. It has no internal sounds....just a controller just to trigger my midi modules. Being Proteus FX/Roland MBD-1/Roland MVS-1. This one was quite cost effective, works without issue with my M-Audio Midisport 4x4. Obviously, no weighted keys on these cost effective controllers. https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-606607-...sr=8-2-fkmrnullLet us know what you decided on....inquiring minds want to know. Hope that helps....carry on.
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/04/19 06:50 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685 |
I have this keyboard, to be honest what Mario said about the sliders etc is a plus.
Although I like the fact that the keyboard has sounds, and it works great in GM mode for the midi styles in BIAB as an external module.
Just depends what your preferences are.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142 |
I have a behringer UMX490 which does everything you need. The keyboard doesn't have weighted keys but the velocity curve is programmable so you can get the different midi note velocities by how hard you strike the key which is about all you need.
I think its discontinued but you might find one on ebay but there are lots of controllers in the same price bracket. there are two on the uk ebay site at the moment for around £60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
Thanks all. You've steered me into the right direction. It helps to know what things are actually called. Not sure yet which to choose or how to get it, but it's never easy with these things here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,707
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,707 |
The main thing about a keyboard, just like a guitar, pick one that has functions and features you like and need.
I bought my old Yamaha DX27s from the keyboard player in our band when she quit the band. I'd rather have something different but I needed a keyboard at the time and the price was right.
As long as it has MIDI out, you can use any keyboard. My preference now would be to have a weighted or semi-weighted keyboard for a more real piano feel when playing. Both of the keyboards I have, neither one is weighted. One that my mom had and gave me.... a Radio Shack something or other, does have touch sensitive keys. The midi recorder in the DAW should be able to pick up and read that data so your playing has expression after it's been recorded rather than being stuck at 127 or whatever....
Today's keyboards have so many features and really great prices.... have fun shopping.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 8 |
Nice! Thanks for the recommendation, fellas!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4 |
Mario is right! I just bought a Yamaha MX-61. It seems to be working out well however it may not fit you budget.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,672
Posts794,635
Members39,931
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|