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Keyboard simulator for Windows?

notenslaved

notenslaved

I survived the 80's only to see it return.
Feb 13, 2008
69
1
Connecticut, USA
#1
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I can repost in the proper place if I'm out of line.

I am doing some home recording and want to add some keyboards...except I don't own a keyboard, I don't want to (that's sacred bass gear money!), and finding a human to do it will take too much time.
What I need to do is so simple it's just not worth investing much $$$$$ and there's probably some piece of software I can buy cheaply/download free that'll do what I need...or is there...

I Google'd around a bit and my search terms must be off because when I look up "virtual keyboards" I get...keyboards (the kind you type on). This forum is such an awesome wealth of information & experience I figured you folks probably already know!

Is there a piece of software that exists where I can bang out some simple things on an ordinary computer keyboard?
 
#3
You don't say what application you are using, but yeah, that kind of thing exists for both PCs and macs. I use Live and it is a built-in feature, but I have seen some other ways to do it. I ran a quick search and found this:
Invalid Link Removed

I don't use Windows for music, but I'm sure that you can find a way to do it.
 
#5
I'm starting to sound like a commercial, but check out band in a box at pgmusic.com
I use it for practice. Put in some chords and it composes a piano part. There's many different styles it can compose. It also has a simulated keyboard to use your computer keyboard or mouse if you want.
 
#7
notenslaved said:
Yes, but I need just a little bit more than it can do.

Band-in-a-box looks like it might do the job, but I might have to wait for another paycheck to go by before I can afford that :\

Thanks everyone! You put me on the right track.
Click to expand...

I just bought an M-Audio Axiom 25 Midi keyboard/controller on ebay for $120 (you can probably find them cheaper...this one is in perfect condition) that I plugged in via USB and use in GarageBand. And, I have used the keyboard on my mac for the basic key lines, then moved around the notes, doubled them, etc, to get a bigger sound, and it worked fine (although its much easier with the Axiom 25)
 
#8
You might be surprised how inexpensive a USB keyboard controller is. I have seen the older MAudio Oxygen units selling for peanuts on ebay. The new ones (v2) are under $120 new. If you are in CT then you are probably near a Daddys, and they often have used inexpensive controllers. Make a few calls and you might score something usable and inexpensive.
 
#9
Heh, yeah so is Band-in-a-Box as I found out...gotta love those "extended evaluation versions"...I'll try and score Reason next.

The USB keyboard controller might be the ticket, I'll look into it. There's a Daddy's up the street...I'll have to stop by tomorrow.
 

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