In need of help

[ntness]

I've been wanting to record my piano music for years. The inputs I have on my digital piano (technics SX-PR900) include 1/4 in. Line Out (R/R+L and L), Aux In (R/R+L and L), and MIDI (Thru Out In). Is it possible to make high quality recordings with the Line Out connections? Right now I've been messing with a Delta 1010lt card and am using standard stereo audio cable to connect the card to the piano (standard inputs connect into the delta1010 which runs to 1/4 in. insert jacks and into the piano); the recordings sound horrible, lots of buzzing, crackling, etc. Also, I have MIDI working fine but would rather be recording the original sound. If anyone could clue me in as to a more practical setup I'd forever be in your debt.

Thanks-
jb

 

[NYMorningstar]

If you want to record the sound you're hearing when playing, you can mic the sound. I don't get why you don't just record midi because if as you said it is working fine, you can have the midi playback through the technics SX-PR900 for the so called original sound. Also, I'd suspect the cabling causing the buzzing and crackling.

 

[legionserial]

If you like the original sound of your piano as it is, and want to use that sound, then using a mic would probably be a good way to go. Just a matter of experimenting and finding the best placement for the mic/mics to capture it as best as possible.

EDIT: looks like NY beat me to it.

 

[ntness]

If you want to record the sound you're hearing when playing, you can mic the sound. I don't get why you don't just record midi because if as you said it is working fine, you can have the midi playback through the technics SX-PR900 for the so called original sound. Also, I'd suspect the cabling causing the buzzing and crackling.

The reason I'd like to have the original sound is to create mp3 files with them. When I playback MIDI on the technics it doesnt maintain the original sound as I must use "General MIDI" playback mode and this sounds much different than the default digital mode of play. I suppose the mic route is the only way to go? I thought the line-out ports could simply be used but I suppose things are more difficult than that. Thanks for the replies!

 

[ErichS]

While you may or may not get a better recorded sound using a mic, going direct should not be causing buzzing and cracking. I record all my keyboard sounds direct and it works good for me.

As NYMorningstar mentioned this is probably something to do with your cabling and/or connections. It could also be a problem with your interface or computer, if so, using a mic wont solve that problem. You should do some troubleshooting with the cables and connections.

 

[Nick98338]

I agree with ErichS. I have done several recordings of my band-mate's Kurzweil(sp) keyboard. I just cable it directly from the outs on the keyboard to the ins on my audio interface. Sounds good. You should be able to do that also.

 

[ntness]

Bought a 20' stereo to 1/4" cord and the sound is BEAUTIFUL....so crisp and clean...thanks a lot for the advice guys! On to recording like a madman.....