|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7 |
Hello,
I am looking for a portable keyboard that is easy to move and store. I would like to use this keyboard to improve my piano/keyboard skills and eventually record backing tracks to jazz standards using StudioOne and/or Realband. Please see below for the following specs:
61 keys
~20 lbs or less
USB connectable – I recently purchased the PreSonus AudioBox USB96 interface
I would not be looking to spend much more than $500. Generally, this is for home use and not for playing with a band. However, recording capability is key.
Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020 |
A little more information would be helpful, things like do you want sounds to be included or just a MIDI controller? Do you want weighted keys? etc If you are looking for a MIDI controller then there are a number of them in your price range: https://www.playpianotips.com/best-61-key-midi-controller/#:~:text=10%20Top%2061%20Key%20MIDI%20Controllers%20Review%202021,Nektar%20Impact%20GX61%20%E2%80%93%20Best%20for%20Lynux.%20 If you are looking for a keyboard with sounds then here are a few you may be interested in, be sure to check as some do not have USB connections: https://www.newdigitalpianoreview.com/best-61-key-digital-piano-keyboard-reviews/#:~:text=3%20Top%2061-Key%20Digital%20Piano%20Keyboard%20s%201,Instrument%20%E2%80%93%20with%20Microphone%20and%20Sticker%20Sheet.%20 https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/best-keyboards-for-under-500/
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
If you can wait until the Christmas shopping season, that's when some REALLY good buys are available. You will find retail stores like BestBuy, Walmart and Target offer some great keyboard sales at Christmas.
Yamaha and Casio are two keyboard manufacturers that have several student models that either offer built-in lessons or have lessons on the internet. Casio even has a keyboard with keys that light up to guide you through a lesson.
You didn't mention it but you'll likely want a keyboard with RCA plug line out connections. That way you will be able to run the keyboard's audio output to the audio inputs of your PreSonus AudioBox USB96 interface and use the USB connection for transferring MIDI data between the keyboard and your computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7 |
Thanks for the reply. In addition to RCA line out, would a standard 1/4 inch jack suffice for connecting to the interface (i.e., with a standard guitar cable)? Also, I have a Dell laptop with USB C ports. The Casio model I've found below has a micro B. I assume I would be able to connect this keyboard right to my computer with a micro B to USB C adapter? https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/portable-keyboards/ct-s200/techspecThanks again!
Last edited by cesmith; 04/18/21 06:19 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7 |
Hello,
I wanted to quickly follow up on this thread. I might be more interested in a keyboard with two quarter-inch jacks. What are some smaller/cheaper keyboards with quarter-inch jacks that could connect with an audio interface? Would I be able to find a smaller keyboard with 61 keys like some of the portable keyboards?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774 |
Not sure how possible this is, but perhaps head to a local music store and ask the sales rep to show you what products are available that suit your needs. It seems that you are looking for a digital piano or similar with audio out capability, not just a keyboard with MIDI out. Would that be feasible?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751 |
< USB connectable – I recently purchased the PreSonus AudioBox USB96 interface >
The PreSonus AudioBox USB96 interface has the in/out 5 pin MIDI interface connections and the interface's USB connection is to connect the device to the computer. You can use a keyboard that has either the 5 pin outputs or a MIDI USB output. If you purchase a keyboard with the MIDI USB output, you will need an adaptor cable to make the connection between the keyboard and audio interface. A keyboard with the 5 pin in/outs will connect to the audio interface directly.
It appears you're mainly interested in the audio output of the prospective Keyboard you purchase. Note that the Presonus Audiobox USB 96 had two mic/inst inputs and no Line in input. This is not the ideal interface for connecting a Keyboard to the interface. It will work but care must be taken when setting the output of the keyboard and the gain input into the interface and again into the recording software you'll use. Since your purchase is recent, you may want to explore the possibility to exchange the Audiobox USB 96 for the next upgrade in the Presonus line, the PreSonus Studio 24c USB-C Audio Interface. It has all the features of the Audio USB 96 but also has Line In inputs with a reasonable price increase.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
cesmith,
Most of the time a 1/4" connector on the rear of a keyboard is for headphones.
When you find a keyboard you're interested in, visit the manufacturer's website and download all the manuals for that keyboard. That way you can compare features.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774 |
Hello,
I wanted to quickly follow up on this thread. I might be more interested in a keyboard with two quarter-inch jacks. There will be very few if any available with two 1/4" mono jacks. Most would consist of a single stereo jack.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRN1UDQnxY(In 1990, I bought a Roland A-33 with a Korg Grand Piano & Organ module. Never regretted it. It's a antique now but still hauls the mail.)
Last edited by edshaw; 05/02/21 04:47 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383 |
I don't know how small and how light you need but I recently got a Juno-DS that is lighter than any other board I've owned, 61 keys and has 2 1/4" outs, USB that can be assigned to computer or MIDI at will, MIDI (old style) as well, and some other connections (mic in for vocoder etc). Like I said it's pretty light and has a ton of sounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owWzJVh2ink
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 125
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 125 |
I started out on a Yamaha YPT 240 that was extremely lightweight, had a great sound, had 100 styles built in with A and B sections for each, and had ports and connectors I never really investigated. Used it till it wore out--sometimes played six or eight hours a day--and then replaced it with a DGX 660... most unfortunately that one is not lightweight, lol, weighs 80 lbs with the stand, but it has great sound, 200 styles (A and B sections for each of them) and well over 300 voices, plus the connectivity you're looking for. Both keyboards are 88 keys, though, so maybe bigger than you're looking for--and of course there are probably newer models at this point.
I wish you well on your search. It was a lot of fun finding my keyboards and I hope you have fun as well!
Love is always worth the risk.
HP laptop; Windows 10 Home 64 bit; core i5; 2.40 Ghz; 8 GB RAM; 256 GB hard drive; BIAB 2021 Build 835.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664 |
My advice is to check Ebay, maybe the local want ads, and Facebook marketplace, because people are selling those things all the time and unless you want to pay retail price.... look at the used market. Also yard sales are places where you can often find a decent keyboard at a really good price.
Sometimes you can find used gear on the bulletin boards in music stores.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,294
Posts790,645
Members39,855
| |
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