Hi
I would lika to ask how to connect a laptop with Pianoteq to a digtalpiano to play the sounds directly through the piano's speakers and soundboard system.
I have just bought a CA 99 and would like to extend the sound range of my Kawai !
Best regards
Maciej
Hello,
I own a CA98 and this is the setup I use.
Get a USB cable so you can connect your piano to your laptop - I have a MacBook Pro 2017, so I specifically use a USB-B to USB-C cable. Next, I use a 3.5 mm audio cable so I can connect the headphones output from the MacBook Pro to the aux input of the piano. Go to the options menu in Pianoteq so the Audio Output is sent to 'Built-in-output'. Finally, you will have to turn Local Control OFF inside the piano's settings menu so that the internal SK-EX rendering is turned off. Adjust the aux input volume knob on the piano to an appropriate level.
Sometimes I connect laptop to an audio-interface (I use Scarlett 2i4), and then use RCA to 3.5mm audio cable to connect the audio-interface to the piano's aux input. This method, I feel, provides better SNR since the audio-interface has better DACs compared to my laptop.
Surprisingly, for my basic Yamaha P-125, all I need is the USB cable! Somehow the Yamaha can send both MIDI inputs to the laptop and receive audio data from the laptop. Seems like the CA98 can't do this, which is why I use audio cables and the aux input.
If someone has a cleverer way, please let me now!
But, I hope this helps.
Hello Pianosaurus !
Thanks a lot for Your explanation ! It helpd me a lot !
I wonder about the latency/delay in the sound, did You notice any when connectin directly from Your computer ? Better with audio-interface ?
And the sound qality in comparison to the Kawai own grandpiano sounds. Is it a big difference ?
Yes I have heard about the opion with using audio-interface but the one that You use Scarlett 2i4 is hard to reach knowdays.
Do You think that Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen would to the job ?
Best egards !
Maciej
No problem!
There is absolutely no latency issue with or without a sound card.
There is surely a big difference in sound quality. Pianoteq 7 is a whole lot more realistic and feels more organic to play compared to Kawai's internal sound engine. You will have to adjust the touch curve in Pianoteq to get the best experience.
You don't specifically have to use the 2i4 (I think it is now out of production and replaced by 4i4), it could be any audio-interface as long as you are able to get the output and plug it into the 3.5 mm aux input of the piano.
I am eventually planning to buy external monitors so I can use them along with the soundboard speakers. I am hoping it will elevate the experience further.
Tanks a lot again Pianosaurus !
I will try the opion with USB audio -interface connection to obtain the best sound-quality !
Do You think that the Pianoteq Stage is good enough for me as the beginner in pianosound-experiments ?
Best regards
Maciej
Hello again !
In whitch menu I can find "Audio Output" to put in in "Built -in " in Devices or Midi ?
Maciek
Hello,
I own a CA98 and this is the setup I use.
Get a USB cable so you can connect your piano to your laptop - I have a MacBook Pro 2017, so I specifically use a USB-B to USB-C cable. Next, I use a 3.5 mm audio cable so I can connect the headphones output from the MacBook Pro to the aux input of the piano. Go to the options menu in Pianoteq so the Audio Output is sent to 'Built-in-output'. Finally, you will have to turn Local Control OFF inside the piano's settings menu so that the internal SK-EX rendering is turned off. Adjust the aux input volume knob on the piano to an appropriate level.
Sometimes I connect laptop to an audio-interface (I use Scarlett 2i4), and then use RCA to 3.5mm audio cable to connect the audio-interface to the piano's aux input. This method, I feel, provides better SNR since the audio-interface has better DACs compared to my laptop.
Surprisingly, for my basic Yamaha P-125, all I need is the USB cable! Somehow the Yamaha can send both MIDI inputs to the laptop and receive audio data from the laptop. Seems like the CA98 can't do this, which is why I use audio cables and the aux input.
If someone has a cleverer way, please let me now!
But, I hope this helps.
Hello again !
Under whitch menu I can find Audio Output to sent to 'Built-in-output' ? Devices, Midi ?
Maciej
Get a USB cable so you can connect your piano to your laptop - I have a MacBook Pro 2017, so I specifically use a USB-B to USB-C cable. Next, I use a 3.5 mm audio cable so I can connect the headphones output from the MacBook Pro to the aux input of the piano. Go to the options menu in Pianoteq so the Audio Output is sent to 'Built-in-output'. Finally, you will have to turn Local Control OFF inside the piano's settings menu so that the internal SK-EX rendering is turned off. Adjust the aux input volume knob on the piano to an appropriate level.
Hello,
You can find it in Options -> Devices -> Audio Output.
Yes, I think Pianoteq Stage is good for starting out. I used it for about 3 months after which I upgraded to Pro.
Thanks a lot !
I did it and it worked !
Hi
I would lika to ask how to connect a laptop with Pianoteq to a digtalpiano to play the sounds directly...
I'd get a decent midi audio interface and let it do the audio processing. That's how I have my MP11SE connected to my PC workstation (Presonus Studio 26C)
Maciek1965 wrote:Hi
I would lika to ask how to connect a laptop with Pianoteq to a digtalpiano to play the sounds directly...
I'd get a decent midi audio interface and let it do the audio processing. That's how I have my MP11SE connected to my PC workstation (Presonus Studio 26C)
Hello !
That is what I actually did ! I have bought the Focusrite scarlett 2i2 3rd gen audio interface and the sound quality is excellent
Best regards
Maciek
psterrett wrote:Maciek1965 wrote:Hi
I would lika to ask how to connect a laptop with Pianoteq to a digtalpiano to play the sounds directly...
I'd get a decent midi audio interface and let it do the audio processing. That's how I have my MP11SE connected to my PC workstation (Presonus Studio 26C)
Hello !
That is what I actually did ! I have bought the Focusrite scarlett 2i2 3rd gen audio interface and the sound quality is excellent
Best regards
Maciek
Congratulations, I've been experimenting with PTQ through my onboard speakers for quite some years now (CA97).
Wondering how do you feel about the experience all in all ? Is it satisfying for you? Have you been able to compare the sound this way with the sound through actual studio monitors?
Regards,
David
Maciek1965 wrote:psterrett wrote:I'd get a decent midi audio interface and let it do the audio processing. That's how I have my MP11SE connected to my PC workstation (Presonus Studio 26C)
Hello !
That is what I actually did ! I have bought the Focusrite scarlett 2i2 3rd gen audio interface and the sound quality is excellent
Best regards
MaciekCongratulations, I've been experimenting with PTQ through my onboard speakers for quite some years now (CA97).
Wondering how do you feel about the experience all in all ? Is it satisfying for you? Have you been able to compare the sound this way with the sound through actual studio monitors?
Regards,
David
Hello David
No I never had a chance to connect and play through actuall studio monitors.
Do You think that one can obtain much better sound quality by that?
Regards Maciej
Be careful of studio monitors. They are not plug and play. I remember when I got my pair. So excited, plugged them in and they were awful. The logitec surround sound system I had been using sounded much better.
Your room needs to suit the monitors, read up about room treatment and monitor placement. And buy monitors you can test drive and return if they don't work for you.
I guess it depends on what your ears are used to listening. If you are used to a multimedia surround sound system that heavily colors the sound and then suddenly switch to studio monitors, yes, you might be in for a nasty surprise. Studio monitors tend to be a lot closer to the true sound, but not all studio monitors are created equal in terms of sound quality. It is also recommended to use a good USB DAC or interface to insure the best sound quality.
In my own experience, I have used a pair of studio monitors (KRK RP5 G4) with my 61-key midi keyboard (used when I travel) and the sound has proven to be wonderful with Pianoteq. These monitors produce a decent bass (down to 43 Hz) and sound good in rooms with no sound treatment. For the best experience with studio monitors, I switch the audio in Pianoteq from recording to stereophonic. Some piano configurations in Pianoteq tend to produce lots of reverb which can be good for recording purposes or with flat professional headphones, but it can be overpowering with studio monitors in a small living room or bedroom. I quickly switch the reverb to “dry” in those instances and problem fixed.
I know of several people who have combined their good-to-excellent onboard sound system with external studio monitors. The feedback is generally positive - it makes for the best sound experience all around. I am actually going to try that with my Roland LX-17 when I get home in a few weeks.