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Need help (badly) how does a keyboard connect to a computer?

dfreq	Date: February 12, 2006 @ 10:28 PM I just want to know how most keyboards connect to a computer, and which programs you can use to import it. I would preferrably like to use a program called "audacity" but im not sure. im looking at this keyboard http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Music_Keyboards&product=4219517 dont laugh i know this keyboard isnt too great but im a student and im poor but all i really want is to be able to record on my computer and put it along side other tracks.
Veracohr	Date: February 12, 2006 @ 11:31 PM The problem with that particular keyboard is that it doesn't have an audio output. It has a MIDI output, but you would need to have some sort of sound source, like a software synthesizer, which would additionally have to work together with Audacity. And you would need an audio input into your computer of some sort. I suggest finding a keyboard with audio outputs, and getting an audio interface of some kind, or you can look for a MIDI controller that comes with a software synthesizer. The Korg K49 comes with some sort of softsynth (I have no idea if it's any good or not), and is less expensive than that Yamaha. Of course, I don't know if the softsynth is compatible with Audacity, you would have too look up documentation on both to see.
dfreq	Date: February 13, 2006 @ 9:23 AM Hey Vaeracohr, thanks for the reply. The K49 looks pretty sweet and your right, its cheaper. On the website it says you can connect to the computer using usb and it comes with synth software. As far as audacity goes, there is a "line in" thing which "lets you choose the input source". whatever that means
GeneHilbert	Date: February 13, 2006 @ 10:54 AM For the midi Interface MIDI IN/OUT you will need this cable midi in/out to the keyboard and the DB25 into your sound card http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&id=ID1146556&partno=05010&search=MIDI&rsite=pccables.com&rcode= For audio in/out check the jacks and get the cables, standard computer sound cards have 1/8 inch stereo phono in (female) so you'll in the 1/8 inch male stereo phono cable on one end and whatever the jack on the keyboard is or use the head phone jack which is probably the same. Auxiliary Jack Phones / Aux. Out L/R, DC in, footswitch
GeneHilbert	Date: February 13, 2006 @ 10:56 AM Mistake should read "DB15 into your sound card"
Veracohr	Date: February 13, 2006 @ 1:33 PM dfreq: What I meant is that software synthesizers interface with audio software in different ways: VST, ReWire, etc. You would need to make sure that whatever softsynth you use uses a technology compatible with Audacity. Because that keyboard I suggested does not produce sound. Keep that in mind. It's a MIDI controller only. If you want a keyboard that does produce sound, and you want to record it into Audacity, you need one with an audio output (usually 1/4" jacks).
Elu	Date: May 15, 2006 @ 11:39 AM Remember that you have to drop the midi to an audio track before it will show up in a master. if you bounce a midi track to a master you will get nothing. No sound. You need to solo the track and choose an audio track to record it to and capture the sound from the soft synth and or export the sound from the soft synth...either way.