Apps / Tech / Gear recommendations.

RuthPower

alexx88 Hi Alex - so if your speakers have an RCA input - you can use a headphone out to a RCA into the back of your speakers or amp. You could also try bluetoothing from your iPad, but that will probably lag.
Re getting a clean recording without using garageband - I'm not sure - there might be a simpler just 'press record and go' app where you don't need to set up a session, but I don't know of one. Usually if I'm in a hurry, I just press my voice recorder app 'record' and play through the piano speakers.

RuthPower

alexx88 Yes sorry - should have read this comment before I replied - an external mic will pick up more ambient noise -you could get an interface, but that's more if you want to put into your computer and produce demos in DAW software etc. this is what I use. - But as I say, if you just want it for reference you don't need to buy one of these - I just had a quick look and this app looks interesting as a quick single-track recorder for midi - Nocturne

alexx88

@RuthPower I was at the store today & got RCA cables. The same store where I got my keyboard & speakers. They recommended the cables, but the jack is the wrong size. I have to go back tomorrow & get the smaller size. 🙄

They also recommended the Focusrite Scarlett interface, as well as https://www.guitarcenter.com/IK-Multimedia/iRig-Pro-Duo-I-O-Audio-MIDI-Interface.gc?rNtt=trig%20pro%20duo&index=1. They were out of stock of both.

Another place recommended https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GOTWIN--tc-helicon-go-twin-2-channel-audio-midi-interface-for-mobile-devices.

A Roland forum recommended this: https://www.amazon.com/Saramonic-Microphone-Interface-Professional-SMARTRIG/dp/B078HK2ZBY

Supposedly all of them will be able to record cleaning directly from the keyboard to my phone. I have to check them all out. I don't have any plans at the moment to get involved with DAW.

RuthPower

alexx88 oh dang! That's frustrating. Yes - I think out of all of those the Focusrite Scarlett is the most reliable - it's pretty standard in the industry for reliable entry level interfaces. That TC Helicon one has bad reviews, they are good brand for vocal effects pedals but I've heard their other stuff isn't great.
That iRig Pro Duo looks pretty amazing. I would go for something where the cable that connects to your iPad/iPhone is not fixed - ie you could get a different chord later on because if you update your iPhone to a new one later down the track and they've changed the lightning input, then you'll have to replace the interface as well (or find an adapter).
I had that originally with mine, I had the 30-pin connector and then got my ipad and had to get an adapter for the lightning connection. So annoying!

alexx88

@RuthPower That's a great point about not getting something with a fixed cable! I've been reading reviews, which is helping me to learn a little more about this stuff too, which is good. At least now I feel like I can ask some intelligent ?'s, where before I didn't know enough to know what I needed to know about lol.

I did read some negative stuff about TC Helicon last night. Looking for reviews also brings up new equipment, & now I want to check into the Zoom U24 https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/audio-interface/audio-interfaces/u-24/ & the Yamaha AG 06 https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-AG06-6-Channel-Mixer-Microphone/dp/B00TY8JFSC?th=1.

I think the Yamaha may be a little overkill though. The Zoom looks like it may be a potential contender, but I read somewhere it doesn't work in stereo, & I think I need it to do that. Again, still learning what I need to have. All this talk of pre-amps, & phantom power, condenser mics & ribbon mics. My Google list is growing by the minute!

Right now I'm thinking either the Scarlett, the iRig, which I don't think has a fixed adapter cable, & maybe the Zoom.

RuthPower

alexx88 NICE! Wow, you are getting into it! So impressed! Yeh - it is always nicer to have that stereo output if you can, because then when you're listening through headphones (or on speaker) you can hear the piano going from one end to the other... it's subtle, but nice. How exciting! I definitely want to know what you end up deciding on!

alexx88

@RuthPower I ended up getting the iRig Pro Duo. They said it’s really good with phones & tablets, & can also be used with laptops. Hopefully it will be delivered soon.

Now it’s snow balling. lol. I realized if I plug my phone directly into the keyboard to record, I won’t be able to record vocals. Now I need to get a mic! And a mic stand! Hoping I can get one that will attach to my keyboard stand somehow. 🎹🎤 More research 😳🙂

RuthPower

alexx88 It does get a bit addictive once you get into the technology! So much fun though! I have a boom arm stand that clamps onto the front of my keyboard stand - it's good but also a bit clunky. Sometimes I would prefer just a normal mic stand.

alexx88

Gear update. I ended up returning the iRig I/O Pro Duo, right after I got it. It worked great, but I think it really shines if you use it portably, because of the batteries. You end up plugging into all sides of it, so it's kind of awkward depending on where your cables are coming/going, & where you can place it.

I returned it for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation, which now works with phones & tablets too. Next up is trying to get the mic stand positioned in a way so I can see my sheets & my hands lol, & learning to navigate Garage Band. I got an AKG P420 condenser mic, which evidently means I need to record the piano & vocals in 2 separate tracks because of the sensitivity of the mic. I made so many calls & went to so many stores, & the consensus was a condenser mic v. dynamic one. My playing time has really taken a hit the last month trying to get all this gear set up, but it's time to get back to business!

RuthPower

alexx88 ooh this is so exciting! yes that key tapping sound might come through on the vocals - but sometimes it makes it sound more live - and you might be able to taper off that lower end out of your mic recording to cut some of the key noise out - or, just sing & 'fake play' the keys which is sometimes what I do if I can't do one without the other!
This is exciting! I didn't know the new scarlett works with phones - now I want the new one!!! Oh it's going to be so exciting when you can record your performances!!!! 🤩🤘

alexx88

😲🤣 I just got an email for the "Top 10 Father's Day Gifts Cooler Than a Tie." What's the 1st thing on there? A Vibrating Metronome Watch!!! - I didn't even know such a thing existed!!

https://www.soundbrenner.com/core

RuthPower

alexx88 yes!!! I've seen that - I haven't tried one but it actually looks quite cool. I like that you can load in your setlist of tempos, so that it changes the bpm automatically when you're performing! Pretty clever!

Tricia

Hi community, is there any particular consideration or advice you can share with regards to a choosing and buying a pedal? The keyboard I sort of inherited (because no one in the family was using it for many decades) didn't come with one — Roland E-36. I'm a little ways through the Lovin' Leadsheets and it came up in the intro to pedaling. 🙃

alexx88

Hi Tricia! I have a Roland RD-2000. It came with a Roland DP-10 pedal. It's just the sustain, which is fine for me, as it's all I use. Even on my acoustic grand. I don't play any classical music and have never had any use for the other 2 pedals, but I know you can get a 3 pedal attachment to use for a keyboard.

I haven't had any trouble with it. No squeaks at all. I've been using it for 2 1/2 years. It's sturdy, not flimsy, & doesn't slip on a hard floor.

MikeClarke

Hi Tricia, just had a look at the spec for that model, looks pretty awesome, nice one to inherit :-). I've a Roland and concur with Alexx. Enjoy your E-36 👍

RuthPower

LOADS of gear recommendations in this month's coaching on 'Recording at Home' - with special guest, my husband Kane Power! The replay is here for members only - and you can download the session notes as well as links to all the gear talked about!
What gear are you using for your recording set up? Or do you plan to use?

alexx88

Hi all!

I saw the post up top from 2021 regarding notation software. (piascore, MuseScore & Flat). Curious as to whether anyone has tried anything else since then. Since I've done the Keys to Songwriting Course, & written a song, & I'm working on more, I'd like to get them notated. I'll only be playing them from a lead sheet, but I figured aside from just being cool to have, I'd like to get enough songs written to cut a CD. I may or may not have other instruments, & then notation may come in handy v just a lead sheet.

I started doing it by hand, but it is taking a LOT longer than I anticipated. Has anyone tried MuseScore or Noteflight? I'm looking for something easy & free. Not sure how often I would use it. Anything where I can play an instrument v a midi keyboard, or an online keyboard? Do you have to do each hand separately, or can you play both hands & have it transcribe? I don't mind typing in letters if I have to. I have an iMac, an iPad & an iPhone...doing my part to keep Apple in business lol...Thanks for any input?

MikeClarke

alexx88

Hi Alexx, I've only done basic notation by hand for small guitar melody pieces, yes agree, it takes time even for a small section.
I've no experience with notation software other than being aware of it's existence from some guitar lessons I've purchased in the past.

However, now I've started with Piano Picnic and enjoyed dipping into the songwriting course, I can see this as an interesting 'tech' forum thread for the future.
I'm aware of an Apple App 'Symphony' but no experience of it, might be worth looking into.

I'm also inspired to hear you are working on more songs and plan to cut a CD --- Awesome !!!! As a newbie it's so good to hear of others progress/plans, keeps me motivated.

Hope you find something that works, it would be good to hear how you get on with an update post.

All the best, Mike

RuthPower

alexx88 hi Alex - yes thank you for bringing this up again, it's worth checking in for sure! So for me personally - I use Musescore (free) for notating examples for the resources, etc. I just pull up the right value note-heads (selected with the mouse) and then type in the notes, or click the staff. So I'm not playing it in directly - I guess I'm old fashioned like that! But I use the playback feature to double check that it sounds the way it should.
I did some research last time, but didn't fully get into it due to time/project restraints - but you're totally right that it is a logical next point from Songwriting to think about notation - I do have designs for some note-reading/writing material later in the year but I will have a think about bringing those forward in time. 🤩
We may have to have a vote on which coaching topics you want to see first! Leave it with me.

alexx88

Thanks for the Symphony tip, Mike! I think I'd like to start with a free app first, but it does look like it has some promise! I'll keep the forum updated on what I try out & if it's a go or a pass.

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