Rockband 3 Keyboard Functionality

[Ntanel]

This may have been mentioned somewhere before, but after a search, I could not find it.

Will the Rockband 3 keyboard function in some ways like a normal keyboard while not being attached to the console? For example, if I hit the keys, would I be able to hear notes or change styles... Things fairly standard in normal keyboards.

[deku12345]

It won't have speakers, so no. However, if you plug it into any midi capable device (your computer, for instance) it will function as a midi keyboard.

[Ntanel]

So... If I had a standard dual male-sided stereo audio cord, I could play on my PC? Also, any software required and if so, what?

[deku12345]

Not quite...the keyboard has a Midi out port. Like this:

http://www.laptopdrv.net/wp-content/...drum-set-2.jpg

To play on your pc, you'd need a midi-to-usb cord and then some kind of midi software. There's lots of software that can record from midi out. (Reaper, FL Studio, Noteworthy, etc) I'm not sure about one specifically made for just live playback, but I'm sure it exists.

[Ntanel]

Do you happen to have the link for Radio Shack or Best Buy for such a cable?

[Ntanel]

Actually, Amazon would be less expensive.

[Blasteroids]

Not quite...the keyboard has a Midi out port. Like this:

http://www.laptopdrv.net/wp-content/...drum-set-2.jpg

To play on your pc, you'd need a midi-to-usb cord and then some kind of midi software. There's lots of software that can record from midi out. (Reaper, FL Studio, Noteworthy, etc) I'm not sure about one specifically made for just live playback, but I'm sure it exists.

(devils advocate time)

He may have a pre-built PC that actually has a midi-port built in. Or he maybe hooking this to a another computer that has a midi port (For example: Atari ST) and thus only needs to know if it is midi standard compliant.

From the official press-releases, we can assume it is midi-compliant but the only way to find out is to try it or find a review that someone has plugged it into a standard midi-input device.

However, I think the OP is probably asking if the device can be used as a stand-alone equipment as used by buskers. In which case we can clearly say "no".

----- edit -----
Note to self : refresh thread before typing and then going afk for 12hrs before hitting the the 'post' button.

[Razorhoof78]

There won't be any sounds inside the keyboard - you'll need software (or a hardware module) that contains the sounds. There are hundreds out there. If you want pro-grade stuff, check out Native Instruments. If you want free stuff, search the net - they're everywhere.

[Ntanel]

That last time I saw anything on a computer called a MIDI port was a Commodore 64. All I have now is microphone and USB ports on this computer, short of the obvious power, video, sound, etc...

[Blasteroids]

That last time I saw anything on a computer called a MIDI port was a Commodore 64. All I have now is microphone and USB ports on this computer, short of the obvious power, video, sound, etc...

Something tells me you went from C64 to consumer PC. However I also doubt you authored a band track which required a midi-device to be 'synthesized' before public release or in-fact knew what a midi port was used for

Different views for different requirements eh?