An inexpensive recorder for keyboards

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PurpleQuasar

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I have just started learning to play keybord and I have bought a second hand (ehm, no, twentieth hand ...) Yamaha W 50 music workstation (1989) and a Gem Dynamic Piano (mid seventies, I presume). Now I need a very cheap recorder to keep track of my exercises:
  • Because of low budget, audio fidelity can't be a priority.
  • An USB flash drive would be a good option as recording medium (I could easily backup tracks on my desktop PC).
  • I'm looking for a cable connected device, not a voice recorder.
I came across some inexpensive Chinese mixers on Amazon, specifically the Weymic A80 or similars , that, according to the manufacturer's description, seem to match my requirements. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this decision.
I am grateful for your attention. Have a wonderful day !
 
The mixer you mention doesn't record by itself. It will feed a computer, so you would need a DAW. Are you wanting to record the actual output from the keyboards, or the midi data?

You can use the line outputs from the Yamaha to go into line inputs of either an interface/mixer connected to a computer. I think ECC83 has used a Behringer mixer similar to the one you mentioned. I tend to stay away from generic Chinese equipment, as support is often sorely lacking. At least with Behringer, there is a known company to contact if needed. I would be looking at something like Behringer Xenyx 802S.

If you want to record the sound it directly, then you might look for a used recorder like the Tascam DR40 or Zoom H4n. You can find them under $100 used and both have line inputs as well as microphone inputs. You can then move the files to your computer later, as everything is saved to SD cards which cost $5 to 10 and would record many hours of playing.
 
Thanks a lot for your reply !
Right now, recording MIDI data is not something I am interested in but I am confident that I will be in the future.
I have read the user's guide for XENYX 802S, Tascam DR40 and Tascam DR07X. One of the last two products would be my preference because it has an SD card.
Upon searching for ECC83, I found only vacuum tubes. Are you referring to a member of this board who uses the nickname 'ECC83'?
Thanks once more for your advice!
 
That weymark a80 has a usb socket AND a record button, built in effects and lots of features for sixty quid. Try it and see? Amazon lets you return it if you dont like it.
 
Yes, ECC83 is a member here (Dave), and he has used Behringer mixers.

Rob,

I'm not sure what that record button does. I can't find any reference to being able to record, except as a computer interface. There were several references to playback of USB, but not recording. Looking next to the USB port, it specifically says PC Recording. Plus I can find ZERO documentation. Comments also say that instructions are either non-existent, or inadequate.

Most of the reviews were from Italy, Germany, Spain, etc. but I see 11% 1 star ratings, which is a red flag for me.
 
This video Review of the worst mixer on Amazon in 2023 ("Proviamo il peggior mixer audio su amazon nel 2023") shows that Weymic SE60 records, in mp3 format, on a USB stick, but the audio quality is very very low. According to an Italian buyer, USB is only intended for reading/writing on a USB stick and not for connecting to a PC.
Another buyer claims that the USB port is not functional at all. I concur with the assertion that 11% 1 star ratings is really a poor sympton.
 
I read dozens of the r eviews and they seem to say its very good value for money and the audio quality is high. One went up in smoke, one hummed. One somebody said was poor sound quality. Far more good than bad, and frankly its fifty quid, with the option of returning for refund. Why are you worrying? Buy the damn thing and try it. The risk is a bit of time and effort. Multiply the price by ten and maybe the poor reviews in thee would worry me, but i have learned that if you buy cheap, these things happen. Also, many people who buy these have no clue about gain staging, so rubbish sound through user error could be very high. Order it and make your own decision.
 
My Impulse 61 midi controller keyboard has a record button, and the other transport buttons, but it doesn't record itself.
They just send commands to the DAW.
 
Hi,
If it's literally just to listen back to, or catalog, your practice, you may already have something that can do the job.
Do you have a smartphone?

Most will have an audio recording app built in, or downloadable, and should let you back those files up to your computer.

Failing that, if your computer has a built in microphone or you have a webcam with microphone or something like that,
you could maybe work something out with that, recording directly to the computer.
 
Thanks for all your replies !

1) If it's literally just to listen back to, or catalog, your practice ...
Yes, at this moment, all I require is this.

2) Do you have a smartphone?
Yes, I have one that is equipped with a recording app. I've been trying to record for quite some time, but there seems to be an issue with the app or phone because the sound is barely recognisable due to distortion and noise.

3) If your computer has a built in microphone ...
No, it hasn't a built in microphone, but the motherboard has a line-in connector. Given that the instruments are very old-fashioned, is it safe to connect them to it ? Perhaps the standards for signal levels were not the same as the current when they were produced.
------------
In light of the online store's past prompt refunds for defective products, the advice from Rob Aylestone is wise, and it's worth giving the cheap mixer a chance.
 
Sticking to the simplest option, for now, that's a shame about your smartphone.
Is the same true if you try to record a short clip of just normal level talking?

Perhaps the issue is with the app. I think most have something built in for voice memos. Is that the case with yours?

Edit: Sorry, On re-reading your original post I see you asked for a cabled solution - Not a voice recorder.
Carry on... :ROFLMAO:
 
Hello? Did I hear my sobriquet mentioned?
Heh! To be quite honest, WRT PQ's first post where he (?) says " must be cable connected" I would just go for a basic audio interface. The cheapest I would personally suggest is the Behringer UMC204HD. Had one and they give very decent results.
The 204 connects to a PC via a USB cable and the V50 can connect as someone else said, with a pair of 1/4" jack cables.

If a stand alone to SDCard is really preferred then the Tascam range is very good. We, son and I have the DR 40X (I think, will check) which can record using attached mics or/and two XLR/TRS inputs. N.B. that recorder does not come with any media, i.e. no card.

Yes, I have had a couple of Behringer mixers and they seem to work very well but I would not suggest the USB versions for recording. I have a Xenyx 802 that has been in continuous operation in my bedroom for over 12 years. It handles 2 mics in the garden and feeds the sound to my living room for recording using a stereo audio&video to Ethernet cable converter box and another by the recorder.

www.andertons.co.uk

Tascam DR-40X Portable Digital Recorder

Get the Tascam DR-40X Portable Digital Recorder at Andertons Music Company today!
www.andertons.co.uk www.andertons.co.uk

Hmm, bit pricier than I recall. You can get a better interface than the Behringer for that.

Dave.
 
Hi !
=== 1 ===
My smartphone is an LG K4 (2017) model. I am experiencing the same phenomenon when recording a normal speech, even though the app is probably meant for voice memos.
=== 2 ===
Behringer UMC204HD has a really intriguing MIDI connection that I haven't considered yet. If I understood correctly, I could both record my performance in an open source digital audio workstation (DAW) and use it to control the V50 workstation. This seems well-suited for teaching purposes. Is it possible to use free software to take advantage of this opportunity to learn ? In this regard, what should I search for on Google?
 
PurpleQuasar said:
Hi !
=== 1 ===
My smartphone is an LG K4 (2017) model. I am experiencing the same phenomenon when recording a normal speech, even though the app is probably meant for voice memos.
=== 2 ===
Behringer UMC204HD has a really intriguing MIDI connection that I haven't considered yet. If I understood correctly, I could both record my performance in an open source digital audio workstation (DAW) and use it to control the V50 workstation. This seems well-suited for teaching purposes. Is it possible to use free software to take advantage of this opportunity to learn ? In this regard, what should I search for on Google?
Click to expand...

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My son uses that* (he a proper musician in France. I solder in UK) so I can pass any questions on.

There are many free DAWs around that you could use and no doubt others will chip in. But to answer your question, yes you can record the MIDI data. You will need two 5 pin "DIN to DIN" cables. Do not be fooled into paying for "specialists Pro MIDI cables" These are just bog standard pin for pin connected cables that hi fi systems (in EU at least) used...shoot! Old PC keyboards used 'em! Buy what is cheapest on 'Zon.

There are MIDI wizards here and it has been years since I played with it but essentially you are correct. You can record the audio from the kbd but also the MIDI data on a separate track. You can then play the performance back through the keys...but you don't HAVE TO! Cakewalk (or whatever) will play the data as almost any instrument you like. You can send a MIDI 'performance to a friend and they can play it on a PC if they install Cakewalk or similar.

Must do this! Download the demo of "Modartts Pianoteq" TONIGHT. I am sure you will find it interesting.

*He also uses Reaper and Samplitude ProX3 but leave us K.I.S.Sir for now?

Not sure that link worked right. You are looking for "Cakewalk" will check.

https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk there you go.

Dave.
 
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Yes, it's the old "KISS" principle. Dave is far too polite to call you "stupid"! It's probably those nice English manners. ?

As with anything new, there will be a learning curve. You don't need to get too complex starting out. The UMC204HD would definitely work. Two Mic/line inputs, and yes it has the Midi inputs. It would most likely serve you for quite a few years. Obviously you will need to have a computer nearby. I wasn't sure if that was the case, at which point you would need something portable to work with which is why I originally suggested looking for a used DR40 or H4n. They won't have Midi, but they are portable.

For DAWs, Cakewalk is completely free and capable. Audacity will allow you to record as well. It's not a great DAW with all the editing feature but it's great for basic tasks. I personally use Reaper. It's free to try, and you can register for $60. Ardour is also a free open source DAW. It's mostly used in the Linux community, but there are Mac and PC versions as well.

For just recording beginning practices, Audacity would probably be sufficient. When you move to the next step of trying to play multiple parts, then you can always move to a full DAW.
 
PurpleQuasar said:
This, four year old, post mentions Tracktion DAW
Click to expand...

Oh! Don't remember that. Anyway I have tried Traktion moons ago and didn't like the MO. I prefer "linear, tape and mixer emulating DAWs" like Samplitude and Reaper. Audacity is fine but it does not support ASIO drivers, has very little MIDI implementation and saves natively to its own format but will export files in .wav, MP3 and many other forms.

Dave.
 
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