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 Soundcard
hum...- Can
my keyboard be set up for General MIDI?
- What
is "weighted key action"?
- What
should I look for in a portable keyboard?
- Keyboard
or synthesizer?
- Do
I need a piano?
Q.
I
have a Fender
KXR60 Keyboard amplifier which I have plugged into the line
output of the sound card of my computer. (using
Band-in-a-Box). While the amplifier plays well, there is
some hum. The hum is not noticeable if the cable is plugged
into the amp but not into the computer. As well, the hum
decreases when the computer is turned off. The computer is
plugged into a surge protector, but the amp is
not.
A.
I wish I had a sure answer for you. Here's a couple things
to try.
-Be sure the cable
is resting away from the computer, and not coiled up and
leaning against it.
-Make sure there's
no weight pulling down on the cable end that's plugged into
your soundcard. This can cause humming, even though you
still have signal. Those 3.5mm plugs are finicky.
-Try plugging your
computer (and surge) into a different outlet (I know, this
is a big pain to think about changing cables around, but
just to experiment, try running power from another
room...again, just to see.....)
Q.
I currently own a Kawai FS680 keyboard. Can this keyboard be
converted to General MIDI?
A.
Sorry,
there is no cost-efficient way to convert
to
any
electronic keyboard to General MIDI. New Kawai keyboards
with General MIDI start at $499.00
for
the
X140D, including the AC adaptor and adjustable stand.
You can see this keyboard on our website by going to
the
"Keyboard"
catalog. http://www.guitarsam.com/catalog/keyboards.htm
Q.
What is "weighted key action"?
A.
Most portable (and many not so portable) keyboards are built
with a spring-action plastic keyboard. The keys are hollow,
very lightweight, and very fast action. Weighted action more
closely resembles that of an acoustic upright or grand
piano, where each key is solid, and has a "hammer" type feel
and action. Some keyboards with weighted keys even have a
programmed sound that sounds like the hammer hitting the
string.
Q.
What should I look for in a portable keyboard?
A.
Some of the more common features include a headphone input,
built-in speakers, drum machine and one-finger
accompaniment, and at least 61 full-size keys. If you're
mostly interested in a piano sound, ask for
"touch-sensitive" keys which will more closely represent the
dynamic response of a piano. Look for "MIDI" (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface) equipped keyboards if you want
to work with computer recording and sound
editing.
Q.
What's the difference between a keyboard and a
synthesizer?
A.
Synthesizers are "keyboard instruments" as is anything that
slightly resembles a piano keyboard. However, a keyboard is
not always a synthesizer. Synthesizers are electronic
instruments that mimic other instruments, and also allow you
the capability to "write" or create new sounds on the synth
by using sound editing functions. Portable keyboards usually
have self-contained amplifiers and speakers, while a synth
must be plugged into an amp to broadcast sound. Synths also
do not usually have a drum machine and automatic
accompaniments, either.
Q.
Can I learn to play on a portable keyboard, or do I need a
piano?
A.
As long as your keyboard has at least 61 full-size keys, you
should be able to learn as well as on a piano. Most piano
teachers have come to appreciate the convenience and
practicality of portable instruments, and many don't mind
teaching on them. Drawbacks include the lack of
touch-sensitivity on some (our Kawai portable keyboards have
this feature) and the lack of weighted keys. As far as the
rest goes, the notes are all in the same place, so go for
it.
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