Question for people who use their computer and a keyboard at the same time

BrianR · 03-05-2005, 02:47 PM

I have a keyboard (Casio CTK-691) that I want to connect to my WinXP machine.

I believe I need a new sound card with a MIDI interface to do it. I also need software that is capable of handling the incoming music, setting it into staffs, saving it and printing it. Editing and playback through the computer speakers is a desirable option.

I have also seen software packages that claim to do it all (including make me coffee [/joke]) that operate through the USB 2.0 port. I am leery of these as I've yet to see an all-in-one package that did anything really well.

And since when is the USB port designed to be a music interface anyway?

Is there a musician here who can offer advice to me on this?

I'm considering this for the software and a good Soundblaster for the sound card.

Brian

Clodfobble · 03-05-2005, 03:50 PM

I've never heard of the software, but Soundblaster is good as long as you actually get a good one--they make a lot of "consumer grade" ones too that aren't too impressive.

Or you could buy a ProTools MBox, for about $499 last I checked, and get the software with it for free.

SteveDallas · 03-05-2005, 04:44 PM

I don't know a lot about it, but most sound cards with a "joystick port" can actually do midi in/out through it. You just need a cable. The Soundblaster on our ancient boatanchor did, as well as the one on our newer Asus motherboard based system. (We don't use it much--the original idea was to let Mrs. Dallas play things into Finale, but she found it was actually faster to just enter through the computer keyboard.)

dar512 · 03-06-2005, 03:14 PM

The first question is why you want to connect these up. If you just want to create sheet music, it may be easier to just use lilypond. You don't need a keyboard for this and it does a very nice job. And it's free. It comes with cygwin which is also free.

If you really want to do music sequencing, you might want to check out the free stuff first. This page has some options.

As for hardware, I don't think you need to get very expensive for the sound card. AFAICT, when you pay more for a sound card you're paying for better dac, adc, and amplifier chips, not better midi.

You will also need a db25 to midi converter cable. Generally easier to find at a large music store than computer store.

03-05-2005, 02:47 PM	#1
BrianR Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,338	Question for people who use their computer and a keyboard at the same time I have a keyboard (Casio CTK-691) that I want to connect to my WinXP machine. I believe I need a new sound card with a MIDI interface to do it. I also need software that is capable of handling the incoming music, setting it into staffs, saving it and printing it. Editing and playback through the computer speakers is a desirable option. I have also seen software packages that claim to do it all (including make me coffee [/joke]) that operate through the USB 2.0 port. I am leery of these as I've yet to see an all-in-one package that did anything really well. And since when is the USB port designed to be a music interface anyway? Is there a musician here who can offer advice to me on this? I'm considering this for the software and a good Soundblaster for the sound card. Brian __________________ Never be afraid to tell the world who you are. -- Anonymous

03-06-2005, 03:14 PM	#4
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	The first question is why you want to connect these up. If you just want to create sheet music, it may be easier to just use lilypond. You don't need a keyboard for this and it does a very nice job. And it's free. It comes with cygwin which is also free. If you really want to do music sequencing, you might want to check out the free stuff first. This page has some options. As for hardware, I don't think you need to get very expensive for the sound card. AFAICT, when you pay more for a sound card you're paying for better dac, adc, and amplifier chips, not better midi. You will also need a db25 to midi converter cable. Generally easier to find at a large music store than computer store. __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

03-05-2005, 03:50 PM	#2
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	I've never heard of the software, but Soundblaster is good as long as you actually get a good one--they make a lot of "consumer grade" ones too that aren't too impressive. Or you could buy a ProTools MBox, for about $499 last I checked, and get the software with it for free.

03-05-2005, 04:44 PM	#3
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	I don't know a lot about it, but most sound cards with a "joystick port" can actually do midi in/out through it. You just need a cable. The Soundblaster on our ancient boatanchor did, as well as the one on our newer Asus motherboard based system. (We don't use it much--the original idea was to let Mrs. Dallas play things into Finale, but she found it was actually faster to just enter through the computer keyboard.)

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