Keyboard with sequencers

[ATW10C]

Hi,

am a noob...
Now one should be able to save a piece of music directly into one's PC using a sequencer software right?

Was wondering, some keyboards like the Yamaha PSR 313/413 have built in sequencers. So does not make the built in sequencer redundant?

Saw a Casio CTK 3000 without a built in sequencer but has a UBS midi connector, would plugging it in to a PC sequencer software give it the same functionality as a keyboard with a built in sequencer?

 

[Cheez]

Midi is only the language digital instruments use to talk. They have no sounds. So in a way, what is being stored in a sequencer is the language, but it contains no sound. Midi needs a sound generator to turn the codes into sounds - and that can be from a sound card, a keyboard, a tone generator etc.

With that out of the way, some arranger keyboards' sequencers (eg PSR) comes with built-in rhythm sequencers. That also means that fixed rhythms are being sequenced into midi. Technicially, it's not really a sequencer. It's more like a recorder. You can do very little with the fixed rhythm - you can't change it much. Other keyboards (workstations) let you sequence note by note, which is more labour intensive, but way more flexible.

There are pros and cons when comparing between keyboard sequencers (ie workstation sequencers like the Fantom and Motif) and PC sequencers. Workstation sequencers being built-in, is quick (doesn't require booting up PC, connecting to a keyboard etc). PC sequencer has large monitor, mouse etc which makes sequencing faster and more efficient.

 

[ATW10C]

Thanks for your reply.

Do you happen to know of an online tutorial showing how to use a software to record output from a keyboard via USB? What software for this purpose would you recommend as a start?

 

[soft]

Hi ATW10C

There are a lot of softwares out there. One that you can check out is the http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/MusicCreator/default.asp

Most sequencer software works about the same. It allows you to record the midi data, edit it and play back.

Which keyboard are you using?

 

[kongwee]

Still some people like to work on Fantom or Motif base workstation keyboard and sample them into computer. I bought a Fantom keyboard. It is quick enough to drop idea without battling the interface. In computer DAW, it is harder to drop idea as you alway have to battle the interface. Now Fantom G has a audio midi interface. It is a superb soundcard that can match those kilos bucks interface out there.

 

[Cheez]

Kongwee, that's not entirely true. Using a PC is actually less a hassle when putting thoughts down quickly. Sequencing is faster. Just like any interface, it takes time to get used to it (eg - being used to Roland built-in sequencers will still take you a while to get used to a Yamaha-based sequencer). But it's faster to get used to the PC environment than hardware sequencers (with the exception of Logic - which once one gets used to it, it's extremely versatile). I've used keyboard sequencers on Yamaha keyboards for many years. Also used Cakewalk (before and after it was Sonar) and Logic. Once I've moved to PC, I've never looked back. Sequencing complex sequences is MUCH faster. Editing is MUCH faster. Plus, I'm not limited to 16 tracks - extremely important as my midi often goes beyond 30 tracks. Of course, the number of tracks is moot if your main sound generator is your keyboard - you'll still be limited to 16 in most cases.

But the good thing about hardware/keyboard-based sequencers is that you may have a quick idea that you want to put down in sequence, and you are on the road without a notebook. You can do that quickly. For me, if I have an idea, it stays in my head for a long time - long enough for me to get home to get it down first on paper, then in midi when I have the time.

 

[kongwee]

I only say it is a matter of choice and the workflow you want. For me, hardly use up 16 track on my workstation keyboard,so most of the time no prob. I work on logic ands sonar just like you. There are some sequencing in hardware that software could not just provide. Hmmm example, just calling up patterns, realtime ADSR control,sometime like MPC style of sequencing. It is not necessary to have it, but it is sure fun to have it.

 

[ATW10C]

Which keyboard are you using?

Was thinking of getting either the Yamaha PSR-E313 or E413 as there is a sale. Then I saw the new Casio CTK3000 that was even cheaper, seems about par with E313 save no on board sequencer/recorder.
I keep hearing tunes in my head for quite a while now. Thought I get them down. Have to learn to play and then record them. Think my next keyboard will be a midi one.

 

[ATW10C]

Found this if anyone is interested.
How to use Audacity to record on your PC.

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Recording through Keyboard/Piano

Postby jojobomb » Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:30 am
I hooked up my Yamaha PSR 273 to my comp, into a USB port.

How would I record directly from my keyboard/piano into my computer (no mic)

jojobomb



Re: Recording through Keyboard/Piano

Postby Bud » Sat Aug 11, 2007 6:38 am
Hi,

I assume you want to record audio and not MIDI. To do this, connect a line out from your headphone jack (that's what we use on our Yamaha DGX-205, so I assume yours is similar) on your keyboard and plug into the line-in on your computer, open Audacity, select line-in on your mixer toolbar, hit record and start playing. Be sure to check your levels to avoid clipping. To record a MIDI song from your keyboard that you want to convert to audio, follow the same steps, except , instead of just playing, select your song on the keyboard, hit record in Audacity and then hit the play button on your keyboard.

Good Luck

Bud