|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 188 |
How does this compare to the Ketron SD2?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687 |
Not even close imho. The TTS-1 is slightly better than the VSC and sounds like it came from the same soundset to me. It has that's 80's Roland sound but compressed. It does give you a lot of control over individual patch parameters.
This is completely subjective though, some have posted they like it a lot, depends on the style of music. I like jazz and good acoustic sounds so I favor realistic sounding synths as opposed to electronic sounding ones so actual instruments like pianos, basses, horns, guitars etc are way better on the Ketron or my Sonic Cell. A lot of it has to do with sampling technology, the VSC and TTS-1 have got to be 10-12 years old now, maybe older and highly compressed for use on computers that had 128mb of ram at the time.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85 |
After some more extensive A/B comparison of the TTS-1 and the ForteDXi, through some decent monitors this time, I think the ForteDXi has some better raw sounds, but I really like the ability to get in and tweak the TTS-1 sounds more to my liking.
I also think that either one is worth the $40 price of admission, although having the TTS-1 bundled with Music Creator 5 for that price means that my kid gets a user-friendly DAW-lite as part of that $40 bargain.
Of course, none of this addresses your question. But I would imagine that neither of these soft solutions really compare in sound quality to the Keytron, and the people here that have one do seem to love it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85 |
BTW, that SonicCell looks like a really nice piece of gear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hi,
Well, although I do use the TTS-1 as my BIAB softsynth, I would never use it in the final mix, this is where high quality VSTi's come in. I think the major advantage of a softsynth is that you can take your laptop to the park and work on some tunes without having to lug a module with you (and the audio cables and power supply!)
Every demo I've heard of the Ketron SD2 sounds good. If you are working with a desktop computer, or aren't concerned about being mobile, I would use it. It's about the size of a cheeze sandwich. If it were buss powered, I think they would sell a million of them!
The big plus for the TTS-1 is that it is now bundled with Music Creator 5, from Cakewalk, which you can get for $35, which means you can have a quality sequencer with great sounds for next to nothing.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85 |
Exactly. This is why I currently don't have much interest in a Keytron, because with a decent enough GM soft synth/sampler, I can prototype songs at the coffee shop on my netbook, then later, transfer the MIDI to my DAW, where I have all sorts of high-quality sampler and synth options available.
But I would imagine that if you don't have a lot of soft sampler and synth options, and/or the horsepower of your machine won't support a bunch of these, then a Keytron would be a good choice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Ketron SD-2 simply blows it out of the water.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
I'm sure Mac is correct, I have been impressed with the demos I have heard. If you do want to go the Softsynth route, and don't mind spending a bit more, there is a company called Vir2, they make a GM softsynth called "One". Although it's $199, it sounds amazing. I think there are some demos on Youtube.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 88 |
The TTS-1 is Cakewalk by Roland's version of the Roland Hypercanvas HQ. I paid around $120 (can't remember for sure) for the Hypercanvas a few years back, but it demands you re-insert the disk for verification at random times, which is unacceptable for live use. Then Cake started including TTS-1, which doesn't have that problem. It sounds much better than the ancient VSC, and is pretty light on CPU, so I have it on my laptop in case my SD2 goes down.
The SD2 really is a nice sounding GM module. It sounds fuller and more realistic than my Roland XV-2020. Based on SonicCell demos I've heard, the SD2 beats that too. Plus, it's so nice and small!
The other GM softsynth one might consider is Native Instruments Bandstand. It's discontinued, and not reliable for live use (in my experience), but for rendering at home it beats the VSC and TTS-1 (but not by much). But, if you want good, easy sound, get the Ketron.
It's a shame Yamaha isn't making a GM module any more. I've always like their sounds better than Roland.
===========================
Ed Buckley,
I don't think the VI.ONE is a GM module. It is a sampler library, with, no doubt, some great sounds. But, from what I see on their site, you can't simply send a MIDI file to it and use it as a player. You would have to manually choose the instruments for each channel. That puts it in the same class as other high quality samplers, like Kontact (which is the underlying engine for VI.ONE), SampleTank, Dimension, etc. Great sounds, but not very handy for running MIDI tracks live.
Dave Burns
Lowell, MA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85 |
I picked up VI.ONE from Guitar Center today for $99. I'm installing it as I type, and looking forward to giving it a spin.
At that price, it was almost an impulse buy.
Also, according to someone else on this forum who tried it out successfully with BiaB, there is a multi "GM" module in Vi One.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
Two higher end soft synth 'work stations' with full GM compatibility worth taking a look at are Steinberg's Hypersonic 2 and Luxonix' Purity. Certainly not saying they'd surpass the Ketron, but they are far ahead of the other GM soft synths mentioned here.
I'm intrigued with the Ketron and listened to Mac's excellent Steely Dan arrangement on the web page (you're reelin' in the years, dude!).
But, decided for now to pull my old Roland JV-1010 out of the closet, since it has full GM soundset and except for low gain and a slightly reduced quality, runs off the porch with the other Roland synths of its era.
Just happen to have that Sampleheads 'Country Collection' JV80 ROM card for those resonator guitars and twin texas fiddles. Think I'll pop the card in the JV-1010 tonight and see what kind of twang I can get out of it. I'd love to have a chance to try the Ketron head to head with it.
I sort of wish they made a Ketron 3 ... with the extra connectivity of the 4, but with just the one sound chip. I'm allergic to RCA jacks, but I can't really see paying the extra cost of the second sound chip.
Prado
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The SD-4 still has Audio Outs, that must be connected to the soundcard or mixer, they are 1/4" jacks.
The USB connectivbity is only a MIDI connect. It can also be used as a MIDI-to-USB for your keyboard or other controller to the PC.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
Yes, understood the 4's audio outs. It's RCA jacks I get hives with, not 1/4" plugs. USB midi is fine, just not a fan of USB audio ... but doesn't the 4 also have standard 5-pin midi connectors?
Anyway, it seems the 4 is designed so you can run a sequence on one chip while playing accompanyment on the other ... a good gigging set up. But my understanding is that there is no difference in the sound quality between the 2 and 4 since they use the same chip.
Prado
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I've got the Ketron Sd2 here, and run 2 rca's out to my bose toneport and it's stellar. I admit to the addiction to adding a couple of realtracks, makes the thing sound even better. As Mac and other have pointed out. The rca's end up as 1/8 jacks with adaptors, but I don't see even a remote problem with that, though the cable is a mere 2 feet... I suppose you could run the headphone jack out and adapt it if you have rca-itis.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Anyway, it seems the 4 is designed so you can run a sequence on one chip while playing accompanyment on the other ... a good gigging set up. But my understanding is that there is no difference in the sound quality between the 2 and 4 since they use the same chip.
Prado
Well, I certainly find a noticeable difference in the Grand Piano that lives in the Solo side of my SD-4. Much more pleasurable playing experience than the one in the GM bank.
==Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
Sure, just because the chip is the same, doesn't mean the patches are the same. I bet the 'solo' chip has patches with more polyphony than those in the GM, since by definition you're only trying to play one instrument at a time instead of 16.
But then, if you were sequencing on the 'solo' side you'd possibly run out of voices with the higher polyphony instruments.
Do I recall correctly that the Ketron essentially gives you the patches, but they can't be edited?
Prado
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Solo side can be addressed as up to 32 channels of MIDI, just like the GM side can. It also has Upper Banks instruments. Don't know if Ketron really intends one to access them, but if you connect the Solo MIDI input to computer output and know the correct commands to send to it, they are there. Don't know why anyone would bother though, since the OTHER MIDI input is all set up and ready to go as GM plus Upper Banks right out of the box.
The Solo bank of the SD-4 comes with 64 Factory Preset patches and has 64 empty User Preset patches in the first bank.
The User can layer any two patches, with control over levels, effects, etc. and Save those to one of the User Presets for instant recall of the whole shebang.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
Thanks for the scoop, Mac.
Prado
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636 |
Quote:
I'm intrigued with the Ketron and listened to Mac's excellent Steely Dan arrangement on the web page (you're reelin' in the years, dude!).
Prado
Where'd ya find that??
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,648
Posts735,430
Members38,526
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean