Keyboard Questions.

[gaslight]

Hey keyboard people.

I'm buying a keyboard within the next few days, so naturally I have several questions which may or may not be stupid.

Question the first, is it normal to be able to expect to plug my keyboard into a computer for purposes of recording it? Would it just a simple issue like Keyboard (Line Out) --> Lead --> Computer (Mic Input)?

Next question, the keyboard is electric and makes it own sound from its own speakers, so the only reason people buy a keyboard amplifier is to be extra loud? Or are there some keyboards that require it? Either way mine makes its own sound and it won't leave my room, so it's all good.

Other question, can I use guitar effects pedals with a keyboard without risking any damage to either of them? Also, how would I do this - with a guitar you go from the guitar to the pedals to the amp or recording program, but seeing as the sound is coming out of my keyboard, would I plug into an effects loop that went out from the keyboard, to the pedals, and back into the keyboard? Or would I not do that because it would cause things to explode or whatever.

What else what else. I think that's all my questions for now. Thanks guys/girls.

[dRUMMERgIRL27]

Hey keyboard people.

I'm buying a keyboard within the next few days, so naturally I have several questions which may or may not be stupid.

Question the first, is it normal to be able to expect to plug my keyboard into a computer for purposes of recording it? Would it just a simple issue like Keyboard (Line Out) --> Lead --> Computer (Mic Input)?

Next question, the keyboard is electric and makes it own sound from its own speakers, so the only reason people buy a keyboard amplifier is to be extra loud? Or are there some keyboards that require it? Either way mine makes its own sound and it won't leave my room, so it's all good.

Other question, can I use guitar effects pedals with a keyboard without risking any damage to either of them? Also, how would I do this - with a guitar you go from the guitar to the pedals to the amp or recording program, but seeing as the sound is coming out of my keyboard, would I plug into an effects loop that went out from the keyboard, to the pedals, and back into the keyboard? Or would I not do that because it would cause things to explode or whatever.

What else what else. I think that's all my questions for now. Thanks guys/girls.

I will give this a shot -

Computer to keyboard? I've never seen it done (Im a key player as well), let me know if it works, but I can't see how it would.

Ok..if the keyboard has built in speakers, than no, you won't need an amp. The bigger keyboards require an amp and speakers.

LoL... I hope it wouldn't explode. As far as fx pedals, I don't know that you can use them on the kind of keyboard it sounds like you have. What do you have BTW? It sounds like a Casio or something. Just guessing, it sounds like you would have to run the pedal OUT to the keys, which should work if you have an IN on your board.

You wouldn't go .....key - pedal - key .....(I dont think) Usually when you add pedals to keys, they have an input for the pedal. So basically .....pedal - keys. Im not sure though. Maybe ask the guitar people.

[gaslight]

If it helps, it's one of these.

http://www.ashtonmusic.com.au/productView.asp?productID=25

[ToRidTheDisease]

Keyboard to computer is very common.

With mine, there's a line out, and you just plug it into the line in or MIDI port on your computer. Most cords will work, but if not, just get an adapter.

[rocketsloth]

hey, i just bought a yamaha sustain pedal for my keyboard.

when i got home and plugged it in....it's sustained when the pedal isn't pressed and is dry when i press down. it's like it's backwards.

this is the pedal: http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,6373,CNTID%253D392%2526CTID%253D209000,00.html

what's the problem? i can't find any keyboard setting that i can change to make it normal.

[EBGuy]

Hmm.. Rocketsloth, try cleaning it off with a dry cloth.

EDIT: Erm, the metal part of the plug that is.

[freakmeeko]

You can use guitar effects, I use phasers and wahs all the time. Most keyboards have a sustain jack, which is where you put th pedal input. (It seems for you, though it would be the damper input.)

[rocketsloth]

yeah, there is only a sustain input jack. i really don't get this at all. is it possible that i just happend to get a screwed up pedal that works backwards? i doubt it...

[rocketsloth]

ok if this clarifies anything...the jack says "sustain/assignable jack" ...and in screwing with the midi settings, i was able to chanage the pedal to turn on and off the rhythm, and other things...but when it's on the SUS setting..it's backwards. egh. i'm using a Casio WK-1630 keyboard and i've never had a problem with it before.

[CuShMaN]

ok if this clarifies anything...the jack says "sustain/assignable jack" ...and in screwing with the midi settings, i was able to chanage the pedal to turn on and off the rhythm, and other things...but when it's on the SUS setting..it's backwards. egh. i'm using a Casio WK-1630 keyboard and i've never had a problem with it before.

Hope you kept your receipt.

Simple problem. Simple solution.

You bought the wrong polarity pedal.

What? You say?

Don't worry. It's a very common mistake. Keyboard pedals come in two varieties. "Open at rest" or "Closed at rest". It appears that you bought a closed at rest variety and your keyboard is setup the other way around. I would suggest trading your pedal back in and buying something like a VFP 1/10. (http://www.studiologic.net/footpedals.html)

I WOULD HIGHLY ADVISE AGAINST opening up your pedal and trying to switch the wires. Just trust me. You'll regret it.

Ghost Notes (http://ghostnotes.blogspot.com/)