Showing posts with label keyboard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keyboard. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Consider These Factors Before Buying a MIDI Keyboard

If you're an avid musician, whether professional or an amateur, having a MIDI keyboard is the way to go. With it you are able to create music that in the old days would require a good number of musicians, time and money in order to achieve the same results.

Nowadays most, if not all, digital or electronic keyboards are MIDI capable. You will know it because it should say so on their body and they should have the MIDI interface input and outputs in the back or side. That being the case you need to consider these before choosing your unit.

Budget: Before making any purchases ask yourself how much you're willing to spend. As with anything else the price will vary depending on the type, features and keys of the one you're planning to get. Obviously the more features and keys you get the higher the price.

Space: Another consideration before buying anything. If you're simply working from home then you may want to consider the size of MIDI keyboard you're getting - if you have a small space then smaller is better. Conversely, if you enough available space then get a bigger one of course dependent upon whether you can afford it or not.

Use: If you're a musician that's always on the road then perhaps lugging a 60-pound behemoth may not be the best thing for you. You may want to consider a smaller unit that's much more compact and portable - just what you need when you're running from one gig to another. If you're a stay at home kind of musician then bigger may be ok (if you have the budget and the space for it).

Keys: The number of keys determines the size of the MIDI keyboard. It comes in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37 and 25. You can even get them smaller than a 25. Piano enthusiast and hardcore composers would tell you that you should get the 88. While it may be a good idea the number of keys you get will depend on your budget, space and the intended use. As mentioned above you won't buy an 88 if you can't even fit it in your home studio. That will be like parking a tank in a space for a motorcycle - it ain't gonna happen.

Type: Do you want a controller type or a piano type. Controller types are typically smaller because they don't have speakers. That means in order to hear any sound you would need to have it attached to something else, like a computer with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) program. If you want to hear something as you play then get a piano type as it comes with internal sound system but this makes them bigger. (See budget, space and use constraints)

There are other things to consider before you get your MIDI keyboard - key feel, controllers, knobs, and brand - but these 5 are the basics before you purchase anything.

Check out useful tips in buying Midi Keyboards. Know what other users say in the Midi Keyboard Reviews section.


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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Features To Check Out in Buying a Midi Keyboard

How To Choose A Midi Keyboard

If you're into making music using your computer then you know how important it is to have a good MIDI keyboard at your disposal. There are a number of products to choose from and depending on your wallet you can get them new or used with varying quality and results.

Keyboard Size

Perhaps the biggest concern you may have, other than the technical aspects is that of size - or rather the number of keys your keyboard will have. Typically they come in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, and 25.

Many would argue for getting the big one even if it is somewhat pricey while still others like the portability and compactness of the 25. Most would say that for multipurpose action the 49 Midi keyboard is worth it.

It really depends on what you're going to use it for and the space available. If you usually do live performances on stage then space is not an issue and an 88 may be the best, even if it is quite bulky. On the other hand if you work at home where space can be a premium then a smaller one might be in order.

How Heavy?

We're not necessarily talking about the weight of the unit itself but rather of its keys. Depending on your preference you can get keys that are touch sensitive, un-weighted, semi-weighted, or full weighted.

1) Touch sensitive keys will play depending on how hard you play. The harder you press the louder the sound that comes out.

2) Un-weighted keys offer little or no resistance. You won't feel any springiness unlike say the keys on a real piano. If you're the type who plays fast or a beginner who doesn't really have an idea about playing then this may be the best option for your Midi keyboard.

3) The semi-weighted keys are a compromise between the un-weighted and the full-weighted versions. It offers some resistance or "feel" to the user while keeping it light at the same time. Most will find this a better fit for them.

4) For those who are used to playing the piano then the weighted keys are the ones for you. These will offer the resistance and springiness one would find and associate with regular pianos. Those that choose this prefer the feedback playing gives them versus the above selections.

Again the choice will depend on your action and what you're used to. If you played the piano before then you may feel more comfortable with the weighted keys. On the other hand if you like playing faster or don't like the resistance then an un-weighted key is for you. But for the majority the semi-weighed keys will do as it's the best compromise between the two extremes.

When it comes to the price the bigger they are (i.e. the more keys they have) the higher the price. At the same time the more weighted the keys the higher the price. Of course that's not to say that price should be your limiting factor when choosing your Midi keyboard. What's important is the use you will be getting out of it and if you "feel" it - that is worth the price you will pay and then some.

Check out useful tips in buying Midi Keyboards. Know what other users say in the Midi Keyboard Reviews section.


View the original article here

Thursday, September 15, 2011

What Is a MIDI Keyboard?

If you're thinking of becoming a desktop musician or thinking about making music using your computer then having a MIDI keyboard is highly recommended. You've probably seen them around in music shops, in advertising, or being played by fellow musicians or musician-wanna-be's in live performances. But what exactly are they?

Simply put, it's a piano-style keyboard device that is used for sending (MIDI) signals over a USB or MIDI cable to other devices operating on the same MIDI protocol interface - like your desktop computer for example that runs a digital audio workstation (DAW) software. That being said, not all the MIDI keyboard that you can get out there is actually the piano-style user interfaces. Many alternative designs have pads or buttons that sense the velocity of your fingers to lower or increase play volume such as the Continuum Fingerboard, a fretless design.

Let's focus on the piano style keyboards. When buying yourself one you typically factor in budget and comfort. Of course if you have the budget then you can buy the best one that is comfortable for you to use. However, not everyone has unlimited budget, especially not the new musician in the making.

For the rest of us selecting one means selecting the size which typically means the number of keys available. There are a number to choose from ranging - 88, 76, 61, 49, 37 or 25. The purist will want you to get the 88 or at least the 76. The one you get will depend on another factor - space. An 88 may be good but if you can't fit it in your studio (i.e. in front of your computer) then there's no need for something that big.

Once you've selected the number of keys think about the key action - that is to say the manner the keys respond to your playing. There are typically 3 types - synth action, semi-weighted action and full weighted action.

1) Synth action have light spring loaded keys that take little pressure to activate and tend to return to their positions very quickly. This is good for those who play a lot of fast pieces and those who aren't really pianists by nature.

2) Semi-weighted action MIDI keyboard has keys that offer some resistance and springs back slower than the synth action ones.

3) Finally there's the full weighted action keys which mimics the mechanical action of conventional pianos. It requires more pressure to play and are typically used by people who play the piano and like the feel of "real" piano keys.

Of course you can forget the knobs, buttons and sliders that help transmit MIDI information and give the user more hands-on control over everything connected to your controller including the DAW software. This way you get real-time control in the sound making process unlike using your computer's mouse control.

The number of knobs and buttons will depend on usage but the bare necessities should have the pitch and mod wheels and you can make do with a small number of sliders. As long as you are able to effectively assign synth programming you can easily maximize use of your MIDI keyboard.

Check out useful tips in buying Midi Keyboards. Know what other users say in the Midi Keyboard Reviews section.


View the original article here

Monday, August 15, 2011

How To Pick Your MIDI Keyboard

If you're into making music using your computer then you know how important it is to have a good MIDI keyboard at your disposal. There are a number of products to choose from and depending on your wallet you can get them new or used with varying quality and results.

What's In A Number? Perhaps one of the most important decisions you need to make before getting your own MIDI keyboard is how big do you need it to be? That is to say just how many keys should you want to have? There's a wide range of keys available which also determines the size - 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, or 25. Most users would recommend the 49 - it's an intermediate size which can give you the range you need with the ease of use. It's also small enough so that space and storage need not be a problem.

Of course there are those who would say that you should get the 88 if you can afford it and can find a space for it. Then there are those who prefer the smaller number ones as something worth getting. It can get confusing but you don't really need to make a mountain out of a mole hill. In order to decide the size that suits your needs you need to figure out a few things.

What are you going to be using it for? If you're simply doing it for fun or doing small range compositions then maybe a smaller size unit is the one for you. This is also true if you use it on the road a lot. If you're going to do full-blown composition then perhaps a full 88 is for you.

Being big doesn't necessarily mean it is the best choice for you. Even if you do full composition and development you may still wind up using a MIDI keyboard with a smaller number of keys simply because you wind up creating short sections or instrument specific music instead of a full music concerto - for that you don't really need to use a full 88 keyboard.

Also, as long as you have a number of knobs and sliders to give you a wider range of "effects" and make full use of your software the number of keyboards may not necessarily matter at all. Of course it's all moot and academic if you can't get pass the next factor.

Space is also a consideration. Consider the size of your "studio" and whether you will have space to fit a full 88 between your computer and your keyboard. Just to be sure measure the exact space you have available and make your decision using that.

You may want a full 88 but let's face it - if it can't fit then it's all but useless. This is especially true if you have other "instruments" competing for the same space. Price is also a consideration but the good thing is MIDI keyboards are a whole lot cheaper than say a digital piano or electronic piano. Whatever you decide on as long as you're able to maximize its use and your enjoyment then it is the best one for you.

Read real users Midi Keyboard Reviews and be able to make the right decision in buying your own Midi Keyboard.


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Monday, July 18, 2011

Yamaha EZ-200 review-quality keyboard for beginners

Yamaha EZ-200 is a keyboard designed for the quality of both the novice and accidental keyboardist. There are many features that make it such a popular instrument, and shows here this review.

Although not the cheapest, The Yamaha EZ-200 is loaded with features that make it particularly makes sense, especially for beginners. This is also very simple and pleasant music instrument training for children.

Yamaha is known worldwide for its quality products and attention to detail and a lack of that were lost here. Although he considers the keyboard for beginners, this is a referral by many as a digital piano.

It comes programmed with over 100 songs. You can have fun learning and on all fronts of his works. One user said "creates it as easy as learning one to three."

Everything you need to do is choose a song, download, if the player and the left hand and hit start.

As the song plays a light up the keys, so you know the keys to the right to strike and may play.

A key element of this zapalajacych can be very easy to learn from, if you are yet to begin. A function that can be turned off as you progress, people in their ability to play.

In addition to the loaded songs Yamaha EZ-200 comes from other musical styles. For example, with this feature, you can play as examples of Big Band, Rock or country.

This keyboard, it should be noted that as a very good sound quality, recognizing the lower end of the instrument. Comes with true stereo speakers, which does not hurt.

Many people who buy EZ-200 select package package, which includes earphones, rack, the rest of the music, song books and AC power adapter.

Here is an important Tip, especially if this is for newbie-want a handset. That way all the sounds they make as they practice and learn not to disturb others nearby.

The specification side is: 61 keys, regular size piano, 3 notes polyphony and 367 amendments note of high quality.

Having regular key size is important, especially if the student ever plans to graduate to the traditional piano.

All except one of the best ways to purchase this or any musical keyboard is to read the opinions of the other people who have already bought one as is. You must know that if someone takes the time to write a review must be fairly strong opinion one way or another.

You can read reviews like this and get more information about the Yamaha EZ-200 on this website: http://portablekeyboardsinfo.com/yamaha-ez-200/.


View the original article here

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Yamaha EZ-200 review-quality keyboard for beginners

Yamaha EZ-200 is a keyboard designed for the quality of both the novice and accidental keyboardist. There are many features that make it such a popular instrument, and shows here this review.

Although not the cheapest, The Yamaha EZ-200 is loaded with features that make it particularly makes sense, especially for beginners. This is also very simple and pleasant music instrument training for children.

Yamaha is known worldwide for its quality products and attention to detail and a lack of that were lost here. Although he considers the keyboard for beginners, this is a referral by many as a digital piano.

It comes programmed with over 100 songs. You can have fun learning and on all fronts of his works. One user said "creates it as easy as learning one to three."

Everything you need to do is choose a song, download, if the player and the left hand and hit start.
As the song plays a light up the keys, so you know the keys to the right to strike and may play.

A key element of this zapalajacych can be very easy to learn from, if you are yet to begin. A function that can be turned off as you progress, people in their ability to play.
In addition to the loaded songs Yamaha EZ-200 comes from other musical styles. For example, with this feature, you can play as examples of Big Band, Rock or country.

This keyboard, it should be noted that as a very good sound quality, recognizing the lower end of the instrument. Comes with true stereo speakers, which does not hurt.
Many people who buy EZ-200 select package package, which includes earphones, rack, the rest of the music, song books and AC power adapter.
Here is an important Tip, especially if this is for newbie-want a handset. That way all the sounds they make as they practice and learn not to disturb others nearby.

The specification side is: 61 keys, regular size piano, 3 notes polyphony and 367 amendments note of high quality.
Having regular key size is important, especially if the student ever plans to graduate to the traditional piano.

All except one of the best ways to purchase this or any musical keyboard is to read the opinions of the other people who have already bought one as is. You must know that if someone takes the time to write a review must be fairly strong opinion one way or another.

You can read reviews like this and get more information about the Yamaha EZ-200 on this website: http://portablekeyboardsinfo.com/yamaha-ez-200/.

View the original article here

You can reduce stress and enhance health by playing the piano keyboard?

Stress in our lives can be a serious problem.
In today's world many people experiencing stress as part of their everyday life. Throughout our daily lives all we have to find techniques to reduce and manage stress and anxiety in order to maintain our aseptic and friends and family, healthy and happy.Too much stress and anxiety is going to affect the everyday life, health and relationships, so it should be about its existence and seriously handle.
Many health conditions are caused by stress and anxiety and fruitful research has shown that when people take time out to eliminate their own stress levels, would seriously feel much better, both in the short and long term.
Stress elimination: it is much easier said than done.
We are aware, reducing stress and anxiety is easier said than done, and if so, in many cases simply by Knowing ways to reduce Your stress and anxiety can be difficult in itself. However, only through action by the hour, day, once a week or a few hours every month, you can start working on reducing stress and anxiety levels and begin to live a happier and healthier life.
How can you minimize stress levels?
There are tons of books around which explain the simple method of eliminating Your stress levels, however, we are choosing some suggestions to help you get started. First, you need to ask yourself a few questions. What I really like doing in your spare time? How you should feel when you do what you like doing?
Spending just one hour regularly follow something you really enjoy doing, is undoubtedly a first step to reducing stress and feeling depressed. You can try taking up the sport, which you can enjoy, running new hobby or anything, what puts a smile on Your face.
Do you ever play a keyboard Piano Lessons as a stress buster? Everyone likes the music in one form or another, and learning piano has never been easier. Some modern keyboards have now advanced technology built inside them, teaching yourself to play the keyboard has never been easier.
Many modern keyboards occupy significantly less space than a real piano and can be easily set up and put away quickly, making them the perfect musical instrument to take as a hobby. And using headphones, you need to either distract the whole family.
Playing the keyboard is only one proposal and it is something many people use advanced. The whole point is that we try to do so, if you want to minimise any stress in your life, find something that they really enjoy advanced and do it regularly.
What makes you Happy are is the best stress buster in the world.
More information on popular, such as 640 Yamaha DGX or can e Casio WK-200 then visit the Piano keyboard reviews.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Yamaha YPT-220-here's why this keyboard music is so popular among beginners

Many people feel that the Yamaha YPT-220 keyboard is the perfect music for beginners. Here is an overview of the 220 YPT that will offer the advantages and disadvantages, and insight into Why it is so favored.
One thing that you want to search for in buying music keyboard for the newbie is such that the student will not be quickly overcome taken. Other things you want to do this, get one, has much to offer, without being too expensive. It is important that the instrument could be priced for new students too quickly decides that they like playing with the keyboard.
Yamaha YPT-220 with wins on both counts. If offers many additional features not often found in the lower price range. In addition to sound quality, which is surprisingly realistic. It is also lightweight and portable so you can be taken and he played in almost every place.
Here, the advantages and disadvantages, to assist with purchasing decisions.
The Advantages Of
Is a well-designed learning. Built-in Yamaha Education Suite, science tools and 102 songs pre-programmed exercises, piano and Lessons on the instrument is fun. Keys even light up when the Science of the game.It contains keys 61, more than enough for beginners to play hundreds of songs and 375 high-quality instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles.To simulate the actual sound of the piano, there is a button that instantly makes this sound like they keys are played.Each export licence may be linked in a package that includes a tripod, headphones closed cup and AC power supply.There are even special effects to simulate sounds like a dog barking, PĂ­sek doors, running water and many others.
Defects
Some users feel that a book of music, which originates from the keyboard may be more comprehensive.Initially they were concerns about the stand is not very stable (supplied as part of the package, a package). But they have been corrected for Yamaha says this and does not seem to be a problem.The science of music and student can be loud, because practice and commit any errors. This is actually the case not only with this instrument, but all of the keyboards. Therefore it is recommended that you always buy headphones.
Yamaha YPT multi-user 220 argue if you're looking for fun, fun, awesome, permanent loving family piano keyboard similar to, this service is useful.
Review more information about the Yamaha YPT-220 look at here: review the Yamaha YPT-220

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