digital piano to analog to computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter srv.crow
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srv.crow

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Hey, Everyone....

Here's what I'm trying to accomplish:

Record digital piano to cassette, then to computer so I upload/save as a wav/wma file.

Will the analog recorders discussed in these threads allow me to do that?

I.E., I've had some success with going directly from my computer to my old stereo, but more often than not I pick up someone nearby with a monstrous CB/ham radio that stomps all over me.

But from the stereo and into my computer works really well.

So can I record to one of these analog recorders, then play/record that from my stereo? Or would I be able to record directly to the computer from the analog computer?

(If it matters: I've tried the midi-stuff. Didn't work but I really have no interest in the midi-format anyway.)

Thanks, y'all. Sorry for making it sound more complex than it probably is.

Randy
 
Why not just go from the line output on the piano to the line input on the computer?

Don

(edit) Of course, you won't get the wonderful "analog sound" that way... :D
 
Last edited:
Hi Randy,

Nothing wrong with the approach; it simply comes down to what sounds right. I have a Yamaha P80 and the 'smooching' that takes place with the samples being sent to my analog reel-to-reel before hitting my Tascam 2488 DAW just makes it better. I am not sure what you mean by "the analog recorders discussed", but as long as tape hiss is not a major issue for you (since I don't know your machine in terms of noise reduction) by all means, fatten things up that way.

Best,
CC.
 
DonF: "Why not just go from the line output on the piano to the line input on the computer?"

I've thought about that but I can't figure out how the computer would "know" I was recording, or how I would turn it "on" so it would know to start recording. I mean, where would the sound go and all that stuff?

I agree: That would certainly be the way to go!

Randy
 
Cosmic: "I am not sure what you mean by "the analog recorders discussed", but as long as tape hiss is not a major issue for you (since I don't know your machine in terms of noise reduction) by all means, fatten things up that way."

Hey, CC:

I followed the link in a thread to the zzounds.com site and was looking at things like the Tascam MFP01 4-Track Cassette Portastudio.

So if I go that route, I would go from piano to the recording unit, then play the tape in my old stereo and copy it from there?

This is very new to me (I know: Duh!). So I'm certainly wide open to suggestions on the easiest way to do it! Like I said, I'm just looking for a way to record, get it on the computer, and make a wav/wma file. I'm not interested in making changes or anything after it's recorded.

I apologize for being so obtuse about this stuff. I'm finally getting comfortable with computers, and started playing the piano a couple of years ago. Trying to put these together is making my brain hurt!

Randy
 
srv.crow said:
DonF: "Why not just go from the line output on the piano to the line input on the computer?"

I've thought about that but I can't figure out how the computer would "know" I was recording, or how I would turn it "on" so it would know to start recording. I mean, where would the sound go and all that stuff?
Click to expand...

You will need to get audio software. Something has to record the incoming audio, no? Either wayt you do it.

With audio software, you press "Record" when you have a signal coming in and it records it to an audio track. That's how you let it know that you;re recording.

The sound goes to an audio file.
 
So your "from the stereo and into my computer works really well."

Then do that:
if you have Microsoft Windows go to your
START>PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES>ENTERTAINMENT>SOUND RECORDER
Click the RED BUTTON and you are recording.
Quality depends on your card
8bit 22khz mono sounds like an a.m. radio
16bit 44khz stereo sounds like a CD
Saves as a .wav file.
Download a program to convert to WMA file

Now:
How to get the piano sound to play on your stereo.
The Portastudio will do it -
record to track 1 or 2 or both at normal speed -
then take the tape out and play it on your stereo.

Track 1 will play in the left speaker
Track 2 will play in the right speaker

Hope this helps ...
 
fraserhutch said:
With audio software....
Click to expand...

Okay. I just spent some quality googlin-time. Any particular one(s) you'd recommend?

I hope y'all understand I'm not trying to beat a dead horse with all my questions. Just seems there are so many options.....

Randy
 
by reel buzzer

....SOUND RECORDER

Oh, I feel so stupid. Completely forgot about sound recorder.

So what I "should" be able to do is:

1. Record directly from headphone-jack on piano into back of computer (where I've plugged the stereo when burning LPs, etc.) using "sound recorder," then

2. Use Roxio software (been using that for LPs for ages) to convert the default wav to wma (IF I wanted to send the file to someone else), then

3. Burn it to disc for me to listen to so I can remind myself how horrible I sound? Or give them as "gifts" to people I don't particulary like? That way I can take the stereo out of the equation completely!

Sound card must be 16-bit. Great sounds and the such so I'm not worried there.

Hope this helps ...

It does indeed. Everyone's been very helpful...and patient. Again, I'm not nearly as dense as all these questions might make it appear. But after an abysmal ordeal of trying the midi-thing, I'm going to proceed very cautiously this time.

I'll pick up some patch-cords tomorrow and have a go at it!

Thanks very much.

Randy
 
Well, here's what worked perfectly for me:

1. From the headphone jack on the piano straight to the computer.
2. Free software from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/.
3. Default is a wav-file, but Roxio converts it to wma.

So, many thanks to everyone for helping me sort this out!

Randy
 
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