Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#96311 12/09/10 05:43 PM
PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Jeff26 Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Hi,
Thinking of buying PowerTracks, I will be using a Yamaha keyboard, and a guitar.
How do you connect these items to PowerTracks?
If I do an online purchase, download the software, do I recieve some hardware in the mail, such as cables?
Or do I need to go say like to Guitar Center and buy some specfic cables?
I would think that a PC mike would not sound as well as a direct connection.
Thanks
Jeff

PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Jeff,

What kind of computer do you have and what kind of sound card is in it? You probably need an audio interface - there's lots of options (and price ranges) available. Search "audio interface" on GuitarCenter.com or amazon or musiciansfriend, etc. You need appropriate cables to connect your instruments to the audio interface, which connects to your computer, allowing input of audio. If your keyboard is midi, that can usually be connected to the computer via usb. You will NOT recieve hardware along with the software.

Bruce


Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
R
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
R
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
I just purchased Power Tracks and waiting for a Roland SD50. I am using a midi keyboard. Does anyone know how to connect all of this to a Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop?


Richard Venneman
Retired church organist, pianist, keyboardist
Yamaha DGX-660
Maschine MK3
Sampletank 4 Max
EZ Keys
A few basic IK Multimedia midi controllers.
PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Jeff26 Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 72
Hi
I have a yahmaha psr, I believe that it is midi.
My PC is a toshiba satillite, U405D, 4G, AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core Mobile RM-72.
My Soundcard is a Conexant High Definition SmartAudio 221. Would probably need a USB hookup.

I also have an older Dell 4200 series tower, more expandable than the laptop, prefer to use the laptop though.
jeff

Last edited by Jeff26; 12/11/10 08:56 AM.
PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
The keyboard you should be able to use a midi to usb cable (or just a generic usb cable if the keyboard has usb out). This would plug into a usb port on your computer (either laptop or desktop).

I'm assuming you're talking about inputting an electric guitar. You could try the line output from your amp into the mic input on your soundcard, but I expect the sound quality may be poor (you'd probably need a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to try this - probably only a few bucks at Radio Shack). You'd probably get better sound quality from a dedicated audio interface designed for guitar input. This will, though, get into more money...

Lower end type device would be something like this:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Guitar-Link-UCG102-USB-Interface?sku=241228

You can get higher end devices, with more inputs, more input options, bundled software, etc.

Bruce


Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
PowerTracks Pro Audio
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Jeff,
You'll need an audio interface for both the keyboard AND the guitar, if you wish to record audio from both. I assume that you will.

An audio interface like this will give you Ins and Outs for audio.

http://www.pgmusic.com/cakewalkua1g.htm

However, it will only give you two channels, and you'll be using at least three inputs, a stereo input for the keyboard and a mono input for the guitar. You can switch cables going into the interface, if you have a "Direct In" box for the guitar. You might also consider an audio mixer like this one:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-EURORACK-UB802-Mixer?sku=631238

You might be able to plug the guitar directly into the mixer, but if you have an effects box, there should be a line output from that which would work better.

Then, plug the keyboard into the mixer, the guitar or effects box into the mixer, and then the mixer into the audio interface.

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!
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
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.

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,085
Posts799,949
Members40,030
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985, jyotish karan
40,030 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 158
DC Ron 94
rsdean 92
WaoBand 86
DrDan 74
Today's Birthdays
bassonjason
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5