|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
Hi all,
Recovery from my injuries, is not going well. Sadly, I'm losing ground on the guitar and I really need to make some music. I used to have keyboards and a piano years ago.
I'm in need of a Keyboard to input MIDI and to play with BIAB and PTPA.
I've been looking at Yamaha's line, PRS in the $200.00 plus range.
They all seem to have USB for MIDI connection now and much better sounds.
I've seen some demos on youtube and the Yamaha site and they look pretty good.
Anyone here use a Yamaha PRS or similar type keyboard?
I'm looking at their PRS E413 and PRS E423. $189.00, $229.00.
Any info on how they work with BIAB would be appreciated.
Thank you, Wayne,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I use a Yamaha PRS series (one of the older models)
It works well for my needs.
I mostly use it as a midi controller, but it will also accept MIDI output and work as a hardware synth if you want to use it that way. My patches are not arranged in GM order, so if I wanted to use it that way I'd need to create a patch map. SOme models may have a GM set of patches, which would be highly desirable for using it with BIAB... you may want to see if any of the models you're looking at have GM
If using as a controller, desirable things to look for are:
-velocity sensitive keys, (adds midi data that will be useful later)
-pitch bend wheel (helps to make certain patches sound more realistic)
If you wait until February, Craigs list will probably be full of such keyboards that were given as Christmas presents but didn't get touched by kids who preferred to spend all their time on video games
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
Quote:
I mostly use it as a midi controller, but it will also accept MIDI output and work as a hardware synth if you want to use it that way.
If using as a controller, desirable things to look for are:
-velocity sensitive keys, (adds midi data that will be useful later)
-pitch bend wheel (helps to make certain patches sound more realistic)
Hi Pat,
Yes they have velocity sensitive keys and a pitch wheel.
I do want to use it as a controller. But I can get a lot of practice (noodling) time in with all the onboard sounds.
Also, do you plug yours in with USB? It seems to be the norm now.
When I had a keyboard and a piano, I wrote a lot of songs with them. I'm not good at all, but I love keyboards. I wish I would have learned when I was young. Playing a piano helped me understand music as a guitar player so much more.
Thanks Pat and havea Great Holiday! Wayne,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
do you plug yours in with USB? It seems to be the norm now.
mine is a PSR300, an older model that does not have a USB connection. Instead it has MIDI in and out connectors, which I plug into my MIDI interface (midisport 2x2).
Quote:
Thanks Pat and have a Great Holiday! Wayne,
Same to you Wayne! I hope you have a lot of fun playing music over the holidays!
Last edited by Pat Marr; 12/23/10 06:09 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi redguitars,
The Yamaha PSR series has so many different models now, its hard to keep track.
All should be able to work with BiaB/RB if the thing has MIDI input and output connects or USB connect on it.
Some things to also think about when evaluating a particular model for the purpose:
*Some may not have the modwheel and pitchbend wheel on the LH side. I would avoid those in favor of models that do have them, they can be invaluable when recording MIDI instruments like horns, strings, etc.
*Most if not all should have a jack in the back for a Sustain Pedal - absolutely important when playing in Piano mode - but not all come with a Sustain Pedal as part of the deal. Not a deal killer, but something to be aware of, if the keyboard itself does not include a sustain pedal, you can purchase separately for around 20$US mark or so.
*An added plus would be a jack for a Continuous Controller pedal or at least a dedicated Expression pedal. Great thing to have for organ patches as the Expression Pedal can easily add much-needed animation to a dry MIDI organ patch. But not a necessity by any means.
*The ones that feature their own auto-accompaniment may not be needed by owners of BB/RB - but the feature can up the purchase price.
*Some may have a GM bank, easily spotted by the "GM" logo on it somewhere. (Yes, Yamaha does make a few keyboards that do GM.) The Yamaha "zero-based" XG bank is the equal, and pgmusic products can be set to work with either GM or XG.
*Check for a Stereo Audio Line Output if you intend to record the synth to audio. In a pinch, you can use the earphone jack with proper audio adaptor cables going directly into your soundcard's line input to do the same job.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Any keyboard having a drink holder attachment would get my vote.
In the past there would be something strong in the cup.
Now it's some sort of sparkling water, I'm always 'dry'.
If I could, I really would, rather be a pharaoh than a a water drinker. Yes I would. I really would, but my darn doctor told me to lay off the hard stuff and drink other stuff.
BORING!
I can do the above in Em but darn it all I need time to work on the lyrics.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637 |
Quote:
Anyone here use a Yamaha PRS or similar type keyboard?
I'm looking at their PRS E413 and PRS E423. $189.00, $229.00.
Any info on how they work with BIAB would be appreciated.
Thank you, Wayne,
Hi Wayne & sorry to hear you are not recovering well as you were an awsome guitar player. I purchased a PSR E423 for my wife who is just a beginner player. It has USB and works fine with BIAB & RB. It has General MIDI compatibility & the sounds are quite good for the most. It does have a pitch wheel and you can buy a cheap sustain pedal. This keyboard has quite a bit of features for the price. I am not a keyboard player but I am impressed with what it can do for little cash.
Brian
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
Hi Brian,
That's good news. I've seen a few good demos of these KBs and they looked and sounded great. The E423 is the update for the E413. I can't see any difference but the color change. From Silver to Black.
The reason I'm leaning towards the E423 is that it's a 2010 model and the E413 is 2008.
Thanks for taking the time. You have a great Holiday, Wayne,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
Hi Mac,
Good guidelines. I've checked them all and so far it has it all.
I will get the Sustain Pedal. That's a deal breaker for me. I love piano.
I'm glad to hear from so many people that the PSRs play nice with BIAB.
Have a great Holiday and thank you so much, Wayne,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
I like all brands...the Yamaha "series" of arranger keyboards are nice (I have a PA-60)...most of keyboards I have are 61 keys, except the MotifES and the Roland-G1000, which are battle tanks. I do like the looks of this Akai, meaning it does one heck of a lot for a little bugger. Check it out. If not for my money situation....hmmmmmmmm!  Happy Christmas Eve!!! http://www.akaipro.com/miniakDEMO OF MINIAC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65oUHBiz1v8This is about as far from "an arranger" as we know it and them. However, for the creative mind that likes to deal with synthesizer's potential for a very creative outcom, this one has lot of new features, as this: "In the output stage, the MINIAK allows you to apply a drive effect and add some compression, distortion, or other amplification effects. The MINIAK allows you to set up twelve modulation routes. Each of these is a virtual connection between some physical or internally generated source and some program parameter. Basically, a mod route tells the synth to automatically grab a knob and tweak it while a note is playing. Although there are quite a few sources that you can use for your mods, the most common ones involve the LFOs and the envelopes."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,618 |
Well, if we are exploiting our keyboard wishlists ... http://www.kawaius.com/main_links/digital/CP_2010/cp_209.html nice controller Played one at the parents store the other day (again) I really like it. The way the speakers handle the sound to make it sound like the upper strings are where they are suppose to be is really cool. Teachers there chose it for their recital piano, that's how good it sounds and feels.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
AKAI Miniak is quite a synth for the money.
When I bought my Yamaha DX-7, in the 80s, I had to take out a loan.
I'm glad someone is still working on Synths.
Thanks GDaddy, I wish I had the money to buy a couple of things. This would be fun.
Thanks for the Link, it was a good demo.
Have a great Holiday, Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 618 |
Yes, this would be great. I had the use of an early Roland Piano like this in church once. It was pretty cool. I really wanted to take it home.
As far as exploiting our keyboard wishlists, I went over to the Steinway Page and just stared at the Concert Grand. I saw a Documentary of them building one. It was amazing.
Not only is it huge, it weighs 990 pounds. I don't think my floor could handle that. At least not with me with it too. lol
Thanks rharv, Have a great Holiday, Wayne
(I wish they had a spellcheck here)(ah, to the wishlist)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637 |
Quote:
Hi Brian,
That's good news. I've seen a few good demos of these KBs and they looked and sounded great. The E423 is the update for the E413. I can't see any difference but the color change. From Silver to Black.
The reason I'm leaning towards the E423 is that it's a 2010 model and the E413 is 2008.
Thanks for taking the time. You have a great Holiday, Wayne,
Here is the basic differences between the 413 & the 423 besides the color.
The Yamaha PSR-E423 is a syntherizer based portable keyboard, with many feature enhancements over its previous PSR-E413 model. It features 61 keyboard style keys, with Yamaha's Touch Response feature. This model features 2 real-time synthesizer control knobs and an improved arpeggio function. There are over 700 high-quality voices accessible on this keyboard, over 200 more than the E413 model, as well as an extended flash memory.
The PSR-E423 features two control knobs that allow for real-time control, just like an analog synthesizer would provide. The Arpeggio function has been improved for a smooth playability. There are over 200 more dynamic voices added to this model. The Extended Flash Memory encompassese 4 times more flash memory than the previous PSR-E413 model, and allows the users to transfer their songs onto the computer to edit and play them back on their desktop.
Brian
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Spell check is a browser function. I'm using firefox on Linux here, works fine, except it's American spelling so it's not English per se.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Yamaha's are good but don't overlook the Casio's. They have a new one out the CTK-5000 for $199 at Walmart and Best Buy. I found this on YouTube Casio demo This is a factory demo but only in French? You would think they would have one posted in English but I couldn't find it. It still gives you a good idea of what it can do. Since you're primarily looking to use one of these keyboards with Biab, I would focus on what their GM bank sounds like. One way to test this is to find out how a given keyboard loads a midi file then create some short midi's from your PC in different styles and instrument combinations using Biab, take them to a store and load them up. Take a good set of earphones too. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
Im not a keyboard player but my PSR 620 is good for what I do and thats basically "tinkering)with chords and occasionally doing a few solos(not guitar though)It has a pitch bend wheel and also touch response.Its an old model so Im not sure what it would cost now.I paid about £500 over 11 years ago.Frankie
AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689 |
Hi Wayne,
I've used a PSR 400 for a few years and it works well for playing melody into a track. I never really got the patches lined up between the board and the computer, but it's no big deal to change the instruments within the sequencer program.
Wish I could tell you more, but I never got over that hump.
Bottom line: It will work well with the setup that you described.
Take Care,
Don S.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,270
Posts802,534
Members40,079
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean