|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 188 |
Hello! I'm trying to do some basic recording with my keyboard and I am getting some unwanted noise. In essence, the keyboard sounds much less clear and pure (that's the best I can describe it) on a recording than when I am playing it. I'm using same headphones for both. I've uploaded a sample mp3 as it's quite hard for me to describe the noise using words: https://ufile.io/w7tdnI am a bit of a novice with recording tech, so this may be a well-known type of noise that one of you immediately recognises. It's worse with some sound settings than others. The concert grand (in the recording) is about average. The electric piano sound is worse. Strings and the like are not so bad. My equipment: - Kawai ES110 keyboard (sounds crystal clear when I play it) - Behringer UMC204HD audio interface (latest drivers are installed) - 2x jack leads to connect the keyboard with the audio interface (not sure of the exact models but they seem fine when I use them on other things) - OS: Windows 7 - Software: BIAB, RealBand, Audacity, Sound Recorder (it seems to be the same on all software) Please let me know if any more info would be helpful. Thanks very much!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,021 |
Mike02392,
Thanks for providing all the detail. It helps a lot. Having a sample file was thoughtful.
First, I listened to the file and I must confess I didn't hear anything strange. Maybe another keyboard player will hear something I overlooked.
You mentioned you listen through your headphones. Do you have the headphones plugged into the computer, the keyboard or the audio interface? The best place to connect is the audio interface. If you're using the Behringer UMC204HD headphone jack notice there is a blend control on the front panel to mix together the keyboard audio and computer audio.
Since it does not matter which program you use to record I think that eliminates programs and audio settings.
I think either it's how your headphones are connected or a setting on your audio interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,841
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,841 |
With just this one example to reference, it's hard to say. It sounded clear but with the highs rolled off a bit.
So, how are you recording this? Are you recording the audio output of the keyboard or are you using midi and recording the midi and using a soft synth to play the piano? From the looks of the info you provided, it appears that you are capturing the audio output.
If there's an impedance mismatch, that will affect the sound from what you hear to what you record. If the cords are not shielded, you can introduce noise, and if they are of cheap quality, you can actually roll off some of the highs.
Most of the folks I know who record and use piano in it, including myself, record using midi. That gives us the data, and then we simply use a soft synth running the sample of our choice to get near perfect, noiseless, quality piano sounds. If you are playing this yourself, you don't lose any of the nuances and variations in the playing, you simply are eliminating the noise and other things that can affect the quality of the sound.
You can also have a look at the settings in the recording chain. Be sure nothing is overloaded and clipping. Also be sure you don't accidentally have the compression turned up or have a "warming" fx in the chain. Warming is done by adding a bit of distortion, and compression can affect the sound quality as well.
I don't think the headphones are a factor since you said you use them to monitor the keyboard and the playback and there is a difference between them. So that puts it back to the things I mentioned.
Since it sounds the same on ALL the software.... what do they all have in common? Cables, interface, settings, Audio in vs midi/softsynth
just for grins and as part of the troubleshooting process.... the very first thing I would do is set the keyboard up to play through a midi soft synth with a nice piano sound. In other words.... turn the keyboard volume all the way down and listen to it as it plays a synth sampled piano. Monitor it from your DAW of choice. Record it as midi and then play back and compare to see if the quality difference is still there or if it disappears.
My hunch is that you're losing it for one reason or another because it's audio and there's a weak link in that process. Theoretically, there should not be. But... before you go to messing around with the other variables, try the midi sampled route first. It's quick and easy to do.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 02/28/19 04:08 AM.
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,598
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,598 |
Mike02392 I didn't hear anything wrong either but that may be due to the fact that your crystal clear sounds were not available for comparison.
Jim brought up the headphone possibility.
You mentioned that the keyboard is crystal clear but your recordings are not. That indicates to me that something in your audio interface and/or software is changing the sound. I would experiment with changing the gains on both the audio interface, keyboard and software. It takes the right combination of all three to get the perfect sound.
If that doesn't work check for effects. If none are present you may have to include an EQ to get where you want. Or maybe an exciter.
BUT when I get differences in sound it is usually how I have my gains set up. Changing them can work wonders.
I hope this helps and good luck.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,131
Posts800,630
Members40,042
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean