Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Hello again,
Anyone here use a new home keyboard?
I need something I can input MIDI with. A controller might due, but what little I've checked out they're a bit too high priced for my budget.
Home keyboards seem like a good choice. Years ago I used a Yamaha PSR. I loved it for MIDI iput and as a stand-alone.
I need advice on USB keyboards as well as opposed to getting a MIDI interface.
I use no other MIDI hardware. I'm very happy with Roland's VSC. All my stuff uses VSC sounds.

I'm in the $100-$200 range. (maybe a little higher) I know, slim pickins' at that price range, but maybe there's something out there. I loved my old Yamaha PSR, but it's gone.The main thing is that it will work well with BIAB, PTPA and Realband for Windows.
I'm using WinXP SP3, on a core2 Duo, with 2gb of RAM with a SB X-Fi coundcard. Everything works fine.

Thanks all, Wayne

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,967
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,967
I am going to assume that you are a fellow guitarist and not a keyboardist that needs 88 keys.

If you are just looking for a midi controller to import midi notes than this might work: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480463-REG/M_Audio_9900_52239_10_KeyRig_49_USB.html

If you need a small keyboard with faders than this might work: http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-B...CFeh25QodwUhIwA

I have been using an old M-Audio 49 key keyboard with 9 faders, 8 knobs and an numeric keyboard, all of which are programmable. Something like this cost around $300.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Yes I am a guitarist. I used to play keys a bit 15-20 years ago. I loved the piano.
Now I just need something to input MIDI. 61 keys used to be the smallest I'd go but, now a 49 might be all I need.
I'll check out the links and what you're using and get back. I don't think I'll need a lot of programmable faders and knobs, but who knows. It's been so long I forgot what a pleasure it was to control things from a keyboard.
Besides a Yamaha PSR, I used a Roland 88 Electric Piano, Roland 61 key Synth and I started with a Yamaha DX7. Those were the days. I took out a loan ($) to buy my DX7. It was a big deal 25 years ago.

Thanks, Wayne

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
check out Craig's list and also today's yard sales. Many small electronic keyboards are midi compatible, and they show up regularly at yard sales for practically nothing. If you get one for a few bucks, it will justify the purchase of a USB UNO midi interface (widely available for under $100), which you can then use for any midi device.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
One question, I read the reviews on the M-Audio and someone said it needed ASIO Drivers to work.
Is this true of all USB? My system currently uses MME. I tried to use ASIO a couple of years ago and I had problems with my SB Soundcard or is this something different for the Keyboard alone?. Everything works great for me using MME.
Wayne,

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,967
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,967
It says here http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/M-Audio-KeyRig-49-USBMIDI-Controller?sku=700932
that it is MME compatible. As I do not have this keyboard I don’t know what that means in latency. Mine works fine in BiaB with no latency using MME drivers. I just tested it as I do not record in BiaB, I record in Sonar however my BiaB test was just fine. Mine is an Evolution MK-449C keyboard ( http://www.m-audio.com/news/en_us-11.html ) and I’m using it via USB.

I hope this helps


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Make sure to check your local craigslist adverts. If you are near any city of any size, you can find plenty for midi entry. Many Casios will work for this. Not slim pickings at all in your $100-$200 range actually.

Don't worry about latency - your'e just entering midi data. Play back the midi data via an internal synth in the computer. That's where the latency issue hits, not with midi data entry.

You can even pick up a USB/Midi keyboard in that range. I bought an M-Audio Oxygen 49 for just over $100 at audiomidi.com

But you might want to take Pat's advice and get a used Casio or Yamaha that has a GM sound set built in, and buy a UNO usb-midi adapter to go along with it.

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Craigslist works two ways. When my old 49-key MIDI controller gave up the ghost, I placed an ad in CL saying that I wanted a replacement. That was around 6:00 P.M. By 10:00 I was pulling back into my driveway with an M-Audio 49-key controller, disks for Ableton Lite and Reason Adapted 3.5, a USB audio interface, and some other goodies that came bundled with the controller, all for $85.

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Perhaps I'm naive, but I love Craigslist for things like this. My experience has been great as both a seller and purchaser of Craigslist items.

A couple of warnings:

1. Do you transaction out in the open air, in a public place, where people can see you.
2. Don't go alone to make your transaction.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502

And don't invite craigslist stranger over to your home to case the joint...



--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,752
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,752


M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem M3 MacBook Air 16GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Quote:

One question, I read the reviews on the M-Audio and someone said it needed ASIO Drivers to work.
Is this true of all USB? My system currently uses MME. I tried to use ASIO a couple of years ago and I had problems with my SB Soundcard or is this something different for the Keyboard alone?. Everything works great for me using MME.
Wayne,




I believe the m-audio UNO is class compliant and therefore doesn't require any drivers at all.

Off-Topic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
K
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
K
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
Quote:

One question, I read the reviews on the M-Audio and someone said it needed ASIO Drivers to work.
Is this true of all USB? My system currently uses MME. I tried to use ASIO a couple of years ago and I had problems with my SB Soundcard or is this something different for the Keyboard alone?. Everything works great for me using MME.
Wayne,




Hi Wayne,

You'll probably have some latency issues using MME, but you should be able to use ASIO4ALL without a problem.

http://asio4all.com/

The version from a couple years back did have some issues, but version 2.10 of the driver is much more stable. We very rarely run into any problems using it. If you do, just give us a call, I'll be happy to help you get it working.


Kent
PG Music

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
Topics86,524
Posts806,134
Members40,144
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Michael W McCarthy, Steve L, Groovespeakstudios, Winandi, GSB
40,143 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 113
rsdean 82
WaoBand 62
dcuny 45
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5