Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#128575 09/08/11 01:20 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
I advised a friend of mine to purchase a Yamaha CP-33 digital piano. I can't seem to find anything about onboard recording ability with that digital. What software Win 7 program would record music from the CP-33 when it is plugged into its midi cables?

Does Audacity have that ability?

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Audacity could record only the Audio outputs of the piano. But Audacity does not do MIDI at all.

So it really depends upon what the end user wants to be able to do.

The ability to record MIDI output can be handy for things like automatic music notation of what has been recorded, also MIDI can be much more easily edited after the fact, even on a note-by-note basis, whereas recording audio may allow punchins and the like, but the editing is likely to be far more work in the long run than MIDI.

Of course, if they wish to record MIDI, PGMusic's own Powertracks or RealBand would be the way to go. Either will record both Audio and MIDI at the same pass if desired, as well.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Thanks Mac,

Then Audacity records audio? I believe she just wants the ability to hear herself play and save it to share music with others.

What connects the keyboard to computer without using midi cables? Or do you use midi cables to record audio? Is that wave or MP3 or other?

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Audio must use separate audio cables connected to the Line Input of the computer soundcard.

Most keyboards have L and R line level outputs on the back, those that do not will likely still have a headphone jack, which, with the proper breakout adaptor, can be used in the same fashion as a stereo line out.

MIDI and Audio are entirely separate things. The MIDI cables contain no audio at all, just data that tells a synth what notes to play and when, etc.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306
To expand a bit on what Mac posted, MIDI isn't actually audio information, but instructions to a musical instrument, along the lines of "turn a note on", "turn a note off" and "change the instrument being played". That's great for some applications (like BiaB) where you might want to change instruments, or edit the performance afterwards.

For your friend, it's probably not so useful, especially since (as noted) Audacity doesn't record MIDI.

According to the user manual, there are several outputs in the CP33:

  • There's the MIDI cable, which you've already discovered doesn't send audio information.
  • There's a USB port, which also sends only MIDI information.
  • There's a headphone jack that sends audio signals.
  • There's a pair speaker jacks that sends audio signals. One is labeled "OUTPUT L/MONO" and the other "R".

So you can hook up an stereo audio cable from the headphone jack to the computer's soundcard line input jack, or a mono cable from the "OUTPUT L/MONO" jack. Either of these should work.

The computer's line in should be color coded light blue, or have a symbol of a microphone next to it.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Thanks David and Mac,

So we could use Audacity and connect the CP33's headphone jack or speaker jacks to the computer's line input and record audio.

How are most people recording in a simple way with the CP33. I thought there might have been a cord included in the home bundle to do this. I'll check on that.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
I'm still looking at all my options:
Power Tracks
Zoom H2 recorder
RealBand
stereo or mono audio cables

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Joan,
On the back of the CP33 there are MIDI In and Outs, and an USB connection. Above the MIDI connections are two quarter inch jacks. These are the outputs. If your friend is running them to speakers to hear the piano (since there are no internal speakers) she will need to use the headphone jack to send the audio to the computer. She needs to hear what she's playing! She might also consider investing in a small, compact mixer like the Behringer UB802 ($60 at Musician's Friend) which would allow her to input the piano audio from the CP33, and then send a signal to the speakers, and a different signal to the computer at the same time.

Please tell us what speakers, if any, she has hooked up to the keyboard, and how they are hooked up.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Also, is your friend is intending to use a laptop for recording the audio from the keyboard, it is very likely that the laptop does not have a Line Input to the internal soundcard. A very few lapop models have one, most do not. Attempts to use the mic input on the laptop as line input don't work all that well, it will be noisy and possibly will distort, as well as being monophonic only.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Gary,
Her CP33 comes with a pair of Alexis M1 520 speakers.

I think they will be connecting to a desktop computer. I'm heading over there in a few weeks to help them with their system.

I also advised her to look for a reconditioned Zoom H-2 and give that a try. Might be an easier option for someone that doesn't have the time to learn midi tracking and its complexities.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Joan,
If the keyboard comes with a set of speakers, then they are almost assuredly plugged into the Line outs on the back of the unit.

She *could* use the headphone jack to run a single cable to the input of the sound card on the computer, but of course, that shuts off the speaker output, again making it very difficult to hear what you're playing. Maybe the CP-33 has an override for that, I don't know. Check the manual.

If there are TWO headphone outputs, then she can listen with her headphones and still output to the computer.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
I found a good source for some reconditioned Zoom H-2's so I think she is going to start recording there. She can then expand to something like midi later.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
That sounds like a very good solution and a dedicated recorder is likely to be far easier for her to use as well.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Quote:

I found a good source for some reconditioned Zoom H-2's




Share the love Joan! source for reconditioned H2?

-Scott

Last edited by rockstar_not; 09/13/11 05:18 PM.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
J
joan Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,441
Posts805,142
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
DC Ron 96
rsdean 92
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
Jan van der Linde
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5