3/11/2012

Yamaha PSR-E413 61-Key Digital Keyboard Review

Yamaha PSR-E413 61-Key Digital Keyboard
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The PSR-E413 is Yamaha's next addition to their portable keyboard line. It was designed with the new musician in mind, and includes numerous learning tools (the Yamaha Education Suite being the most prominently featured) and "cheater" features (Yamaha Performance Assistance Technology let's you hit the wrong key and still sound correct). Unlike many other beginner level keyboards, however, the PSR-E413 has numerous features that will allow new musicians to grow into semi-professionals without having to buy a new instrument - 504 voices (instruments the keyboard can sound like), 100 arpeggio types, 165 preset styles, 30 preset songs, a pitch-bending wheel, and 5 song/6 track recording. Other common features such as "touch sense" (the keys can sound louder or softer depending on how hard they are pressed), a USB port, sustaining pedal port, and a headphone/output port are also present.
What all of that boils down to is simply this: the E413 is fun to play and sounds great. The price is generally within the acceptable realm for beginners, and the features make it something even those at a semi-professional level would like to play (though, in all honesty, most professionals are going to want a less portable 76+ key unit). After going to numerous music stores and online sources, this model ended up being the best fit for my budget and needs - I highly recommend it.
I have two complaints with the PSR-E413 as packaged. The first is that the music stand (which easily slides into two slots on the top-back of the unit) is made of cheap plastic, and looks like it will break easily. The second is that a number of additional items are needed to fully enjoy this instrument. The first thing you'll need is a plug-in power adapter (I was shocked that the keyboard didn't come with one) unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on batteries. Next, you'll probably want a keyboard stand (a decent folding one costs anywhere from $20 - $60). An AB-type USB cable is necessary to connect the instrument to your computer and fully realize its potential. After that, a dust cover and case might also interest you. Finally, headphones and a foot switch/pedal should be considered, especially if you like being creative and don't live alone. Yamaha offers a few of these items in a special set called the Survival Kit B (it includes the power adapter, foot switch, headphones, and an extended warranty), but I don't recommend it, as the headphones and pedal it contains are of inferior quality.
Note: This model replaced the PSR-E403 as of May 2008. The two are extremely similar, with the E413 containing a few upgrades (165 vs. 155 styles; 100 arpeggio functions vs 50; etc..). The feel and most of the features of the two, however, are almost the same.

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The Yamaha PSRE413 61 Key Digital Keyboard expands the capabilities of one of Yamaha's most popular PSR lines. The PSRE413 includes features for every playing level such as the Yamaha portable grand and Yamaha education suite. An on-board arpeggiator includes 100 different patterns along with 20 different arpeggio voices. A full set of real-time controls gives you easy access to all of the capabilities of the PSRE413. A USB port is also included so you can download songs for learning from the internet. If you want to write your own songs, the PSRE413 also features a 6-track sequencer so you can layer your own tracks.

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3/10/2012

Yamaha PSR-295MS Portable 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Electronic Keyboard with Adapter and Stand Review

Yamaha PSR-295MS Portable 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Electronic Keyboard with Adapter and Stand
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[This review holds for Yamaha PSR-295. Please note that this product is currently available from Amazon under two packagings: PSR-295AD (includes adapter) and PSR-295MS (includes adapter and stand).]
I got this full-length keyboard at a great price of $190 with included adapter and keyboard. Both accessories are a must, since this thing is huge.
The product shipped in two days (from PA to MD) with free shipping. I was delighted to find a helpful instructional DVD in the package to get started with the basics, so I didn't have to go through the manual, except for detailed and advanced features.
Also included was a Song Book, with staff music for some popular songs. It's great for someone who knows how to read music - I'm still learning to. There's also software to transfer music between PC and keyboard.
"Portable Grand" is just a one-touch button option to set the keyboard to Grand Piano mode. Of course, this cannot be expected to sound as great or realistic as a high-end digital piano or an expensive wooden one. However, the touch sensitive feature makes it as realistic as possible.
Here are the features I liked:
* Display shows notes and chords being played in three ways - staff notation, note name (ex. E# m7 aug etc.), and graphical (actual keys on a diagram).
* Truly Touch (Force) Sensitive Keys (can be toggled on/off).
* 487 Voices (incl. ~360 XGLite voices).
* 136 Accompaniment Styles to play along.
* Built-in songs which can be practised using Yamaha Education Suite. (Buil-in feature).
* Jog Dial to move between voice/style/song numbers.
* Flash memory to record your songs.
* Direct USB connection (MIDI-USB connecter cable *not* required - that cable would cost around $40).
* Software to transfer songs and voices between PC and keyboard.
* Truly stero output (not just two speakers).
* Phono/Line-Out socket.
* Sustain pedal socket (pedal not included).
Here are some things I didn't like:
* USB cable not included. ($7 extra from Amazon).
* Volume sometime seems a little low. But then, you can always pass output through amps if you really need it that loud.
* No mic or line-in socket.
* Phono out uses 1/4 inch pin. Had to buy a 1/8 to 1/4 converter from RadioShack.
* LCD display is highly "directional", visible only when looking at a particular angle. This is not much of a problem when playing sitting. However, if playing standing, this may be a little inconvenient.
* No sustain toggle switch. If you don't have a sustain pedal, turning sustain on/off manually takes a couple of steps.
Overall, at under $190, free shipping and included adapter and stand, this is a great buy for beginners as well as advanced users.
I had a Yamaha PSS-11 long back. It was a good beginner keyboard but it soon outgrew me, since you couldn't play it with two hands. Overall, I like Yamaha quality and find their keyboards much more professional than Casio ones (maybe I'm wrong). Of course, "real" professionals would use KORG, but that'll be upwards of $1000! :)


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M-Audio KeyStudio 49i 49-Key Keyboard-based Music Production System Review

M-Audio KeyStudio 49i 49-Key Keyboard-based Music Production System
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I didn't buy this keyboard on Amazon, I bought it at a local music store 2 or 3 years ago.
I just went online to check out the price on Amazon and I found those 2 horrible reviews below me from people who have absolutely no idea what this controller is supposed to do!
First of all, this is a MIDI controller. As a BONUS, it comes with headphone jacks and a regular piano sound so you can use still play when you're away from your computer. But this is a CONTROLLER, it's designed to be used with a computer (or MIDI device), in conjunction with good software that will allow you to play different instrument sounds or samples with the keys.
I use this controller with Reason (this is the software, and it's also well worth it!), and right out of the box I got hundreds of professional sounds for choirs, drums & percussion, strings, wind instruments, even digital sounds and samples. THAT is how you use a controller: You couple it with a computer and good software.
If you're playing live, you take your computer, software AND controller, then just send the computer's output signal to the mixer (extra points if you get a really good USB interface to get a good output signal from the computer)
Come on guys, I'm a drummer and I don't know a lot about keyboards or even recording, but even I figured out how a MIDI controller works before buying it!
This is an AWESOME product, I've used it to create film score-styled songs, techie sounding songs, piano bases to do drum solos on, etc.
BOTTOM LINE IS THIS:
-If you buy this alone, you might be disappointed. This isn't your typical child's keyboard with speakers and samples of doggies and birds and cheap string instrument sounds.
-If you buy this controller, AND invest in good software (like Reason) you will LOVE it. You won't believe the quality and depth of sounds you can create by triggering good MIDI sounds at extremely low latency.
------------------------------
COMPATIBILITY: By the way I've used this on 32-bit Windows XP, 32-bit Windows 7 and 64-bit Windows 7 - Just download the latest drivers straight from the M-Audio site, it works every time.
Some REAL con's:
-The default latency is too high in my system, I had to lower it both on the M-Audio Tray Icon, and in the Reason settings (Edit/Preferences/Audio/Control Panel)
-Sometimes 49 keys is just too few... it depends on your use for this. There are buttons that allow you to make the whole keyboard go up or down several octaves though.
-No Expression pedal input - therefore you can't just buy an M-Audio Expression pedal and hook it directly to the controller. You CAN buy a Sustain pedal, though.
Man, I wasn't even planning on writing a review, but this controller is just TOO AWESOME to have 2 negative reviews on Amazon from guys that don't really know what they're talking about. This controller deserves better.
Buy it, enjoy it, make music, and then send the music so I can enjoy THAT! =P

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The KeyStudio 49i delivers everything you need to start making and recording music today.It's the first USB keyboard controller with a built-in audio interface and premium piano sound.Play the on-board piano as a stand-alone instrutment-then plug the USB cable into your computer to play a total of 128 sounds andlisten to them from the keyboard's audio outputs.the built-in interface even lets you record vocals and instruments as well as listen to your sessions and mixes.The included Ableton Live Lite software seals the deal by providing an incredibly easy-to-use music production solution.The KeyStudio 49i instantly transforms your computerinto a versatile music studio.

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3/09/2012

On Stage KS7191 Classic Double-X Keyboard Stand 28613 Review

On Stage KS7191 Classic Double-X Keyboard Stand 28613
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This stand is very well made and extremely strong. The double braces truly make a difference. They were well packaged. I would highly recommend these to anyone!

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This stand uses the same tried-and-true bullet-nose knob as the Classic Single-X. Yet, the all-welded Double-X workhorse adds stability and holds more weight.Double braced for added strength Heavy duty all-welded construction Weight capacity 200 lbs Bullet nose height adjust knob Height from 27" to 39"

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Pignose 7-100AR AC Adapter Review

Pignose 7-100AR AC Adapter
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This is the adapter for the Pignose portable mini-amp. The Pignose is a great amp, but it eats AA batteries (6 at a time). If you plan on using the Pignose and you want to save on batteries, you'll need this adapter.


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The 7-100AR AC Adapter is a regulated AC power adapter for the Legendary Pignose 7-100 portable guitar amplifier (see item #489050). The amplifier is powered by either six AA batteries (not included) or by this AC adapter that can be stored inside the amplifier case. Just plug the adapter into the wall and save on batteries when you're at home or anywhere close to an AC outlet. This regulated adapter is the preferred choice because it provides low-hum operation.

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3/08/2012

Sterling Audio PHP1 48V Phantom Power Supply Review

Sterling Audio PHP1 48V Phantom Power Supply
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This is a fantastic little unit. It makes my mic sound much better- not because of any crazy circuitry, but because the mic is fully powered. Many phantom power supplies are shared and weak (like USB powered audio interfaces etc), so this thing really gives it the juice it needs.
Built like a tank and cheap. Perfect combo. Thanks Sterling Audio!

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The Sterling Audio PHP1 Power Supply provides stable 48V phantom power for one condenser microphone. Meets DIN 45596 standard.

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Barry Manilow 1 Review

Barry Manilow 1
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As a child I fell in love with Barry Manilow..his music..lyrics..the way he sang a song. Although I'm now an adult and my musical tastes have broadened considerably, I still appreciate all that Barry gave and gives to his music. I've always loved his first three albums, in particular..and this one tops my list for "Could it Be Magic" alone. "One of These Days", "Oh My Lady", "Sweet Life" and "I am Your Child" are among the standouts in my opinion..as much for the heartfelt way Barry sings them as for anything else. This may have been his first album..and produced even earlier than I had realized (1972)..but it is by no means a sad effort. I recently ordered the CD version, having lost my vinyl to a flood years back..and I can't wait to hear it, again. For simple, heartfelt melodies, Barry's your man.

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