Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Software Pianos - Where to start?

This is a new area of endeavour as far as I`m concerned. But I`ve read some stuff on here, and listened to samples etc,etc. So I`ll have a go; start wi freebies to begin with, see how they go, sort o` thing. I`ve a nice stereo amp which can transmit the sound coming off the computer via a suitable lead from the "Line outs".

But it`s not as simple as that; which is where I pick your brains! My piano`s a simple affair which`ll do only so much I imagine, which is why I`m treading carefully to begin with.

What next? Thanks in advance fellas . . .

Download the Pianoteq trial and experiment with MIDI-ing your DP to your computer.

James
x

you need good computer and good audio interface. These are crucial otherwise you will be dealing with latency and noise, hum problems. IMO pianoteq is the best on the market modeled piano right now so check it out.

I totally agree with the previous comments.

The Pianoteq demo will give you a chance to use a software piano sound and if you like it, you can purchase the Stage version ( my recommendation ) for a small fee.

If you could leave it at that, you will be able to do this for a very reasonable cost.

Much obliged gentlemen. Does Pianoteq have it`s own audio interface? whatever that might be . . . I have Audacity and Wavepad editor . . .for recording audio.

Which connections/leads will I need and where do they go? I have a "to device" and "to host" on my piano and can record MIDI to a memory stick.

I`ve just been looking at `em on Amazon; rthey come cheap or expensive. Cheap adequate for starters? Only interested in a piano at the moment.

The audio interface would be essentially a separate and better soundcard which would be capable of processing higher rates of sound. There are some decent ones about for not too great a cost but don't be too stingy you want something that isn't going to give you hassle or burn up after a year. Go with the cheapest that has the best reviews IMO. Most connect via USB nowadays with the sound coming from the '1/4 Line Out' or 'Phones' socket in the unit which you connect your speakers/monitors too.

Does your piano have a 'Plug and Play' socket for USB? If not you can get a £5/$8 MIDI to USB lead.

Hope this helps somewhat

You need some sort of external audio interface (a box) that connects to your computer on one end and then into your sound system on the other end.

Then you just hook into the computer via MIDI connection.

When you run Pianoteq you will have a setup process where you will assign connections for midi IN and sound OUT.

That is the general idea.

Others can give you a more sophisticated description of the INs and OUTs of this process.

It really is pretty simple, but until you have done it you wonder all sorts of things. The best is to just start doing it and take each hurdle as it comes.

Peter, you probably don't need to worry about audio interfaces and additional hardware at this stage.

The most simple method is to connector your DP to the computer using a standard MIDI USB 'A' to 'B' cable (the same as that used for printers) - you can probably find one in your local Poundland.

Connect your DP to the computer and allow the operating system (Windows/Mac OS X) to install the driver automatically. Then download and install the Pianoteq trial. Load it up and try playing some notes on your DP.

Then take it from there...

James
x

Also, if you are using a PC, you should download the ASIO4ALL driver to add low latency audio capability (ASIO) to your computer's internal soundcard. If you skip this step, you will have a rude introduction to unacceptable latency (a delay of more than 10ms from the time you press a key to the time you hear a sound).

If you are on a Mac, do what Kawai James said and have fun!

I think you mean USB type A to type B cable here?
Good idea!

Ah, you're right, I'll edit my post.

James
x

then so will I!

Now that I am fully informed, I shall dive into this unchartered terrain with true Yorkshire grit (I`m from Lancs) . . . starting with the piano and the computer . . . hope they get on well . . . like my granddaughters (not) . . .swear words, be prepared!!!

Have fun! Its not so bad once you figure a couple of things out. You've been given good direction.

The Pianoteq demo will give you a chance to use a software piano sound and if you like it

My two cents ... If you get Pianoteq, try their Bluthner emulation. It's pretty good. The others are terrible.

PMFJI --

I just downloaded Pianoteq last night, and -- indeed! -- had a rude introduction to unacceptable latency.

A switch to the ASIO4ALL driver fixed that problem, and everything started working.

The Pianoteq software recognized the MIDI-over-USB connection to my PX-350 immediately.

I'm using a Vantec USB external audio adapter, with "7.1"-channel capability -- cost about $40-$50. Just driving it in 44.1 kHz/16-bit stereo.

It's not quite a "plug-and-play" world yet, but it's getting better.

. Charles