Can I use the Yamaha PSR293 keyboard with GB2?

I believe the key here is " transfer songs to the keyboard for learning or listening", if you're not interested in that, there shouldn't be a problem. MIDI is MIDI, so when you plug the USB cable into the Mac, you should be able to play GB's software instruments (and of course record them in GB)

--HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-|>

I think HangTime is mistaken.

The recent spate of home keyboards (by several manufacturers) do NOT provide MIDI controller output from the keyboard to the computer over USB.

The USB cable is only useable to UPLOAD Standard MIDI files (complete, finished sequences) from the computer to the keyboard, or to move Standard MIDI files from the keyboard to the computer.

You will need to read the manual carefully on your PSR to see if it supports using the keyboard as a real-time MIDI controller into GarageBand. I'm betting it won't.

If it doesn't, you can use the MIDI output with a MIDI cable and purchase an inexpensive MIDI to USB interface to connect to the Mac.

Please report back; I'm curious to see what you can do with your PSR.

As Wheat is much more knowlegable on the subject of MIDI than I, I yield to him on this.

Check with Yamaha, and ask if there are issues with using this keyboard as a "MIDI Controller on a Mac".

Hi Justin
Im thinking on gettting a psr 295. I saw your post and search in yamaha web site and found this about the model that you want: "In addition, the USB port acts as a MIDI interface, freeing you from having to purchase other MIDI peripherals like cables and adapters to play music. Simply connect to your computer, open your favorite music software program and hit PLAY. That's it."


I saw the same info in the PSR295. I went to yamaha store today and they assure me that all the models from the PSR Branch are compatible with Mac. I saw also in other page "http://www.etcetera.co.uk/products/mac.shtml" that model PSR 295 is fully functionall with Garage Band.

Im gonna get the PSR 295, but i think the PSR 293 should work as well.
Ill Hope that this info works for you.

Regards
PS. Sorry for the English im not american.

Ibook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Ibook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Nice bit of research there, Raflux! Thanks for letting us know that the keyboard will work ... and your English is great

--HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-|>

Justin

I managed to get my Yamaha PSR-295 working with GB. You need to download a USB driver form the Yamaha website first:

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,6373,CNTID %253D28530%2526CTID%253D205100%2526RLTID%253D715%2526DETYP%253DRELATION,00.html

or this for the 293:

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%253 D28143%2526CTID%253D205100%2526RLTID%253D715%2526DETYP%253DRELATION,00.html

Run the installer, hook up to the keyboard via USB, put the keyboad into PC Mode (setting 2 on the 295) and voila! Full Garage Band control.

Hope this works for the 293 (can't see why it won't).

Good luck.


David.

G4 PowerBook Mac OS X (10.4.2)

G4 PowerBook Mac OS X (10.4.2)

I connected an older Yamaha MIDi keyboard, the PSR-290,to my G5, through the new M-Audio iControl.
It nice to finally be able to use it connected to the computer.
It records into Garage Band and records into the shareware
Melody Assistant.
But the notes "linger" to long. I suspect there are MIDI settings on the Yamaha I need to have correct but haven't a clue.
I'll check out the manuals but if anyone has any advise or time-saving tips, that would be grewat.

Not sure if I understand...
If you are just looking for a midi controller, and not an outboard midi generator, wouldn't it be alot cheaper to just buy a $100 usb midi keyboard controlor? That's what I have and I think that It's great.

There seem to be quite a few posts of people having problems with their usb connected keyboard. It is a good idea to post here and make sure the device really works in Tiger.

When considering a keyboard another often overlooked spec is polyphony. Some of the real cheapos or the older models have MIDI but can only play 2-8 notes at a time. This is a pain for recording. Luckily, most of the newer ones seem to have 16 note or more.

I was delighted with my M-Audio Keystation 49 E. It is a great little MIDI controller and is inexpensive. It connected flawlessly to my mac and needs no power supply. This is very cool when using my laptop. It also seems like there is less latency with it, maybe due to the newer interface.

Kurt

I was delighted with my M-Audio Keystation 49 E. It
is a great little MIDI controller and is inexpensive.
It connected flawlessly to my mac and needs no power
supply. This is very cool when using my laptop.

I too have that interface and love it. It is SUPER portable. I used to use it on the go all the time when I had my powerbook. It's not small enough to fit into a laptop bag, but it's light enough to carry anywhere.

Quote - " There seem to be quite a few posts of people having problems with their usb connected keyboard."

I'm not sure why. What could be easier than USB? Which is why manufactures moved away from typical MIDI connectors to the USB connector, it saves one step. All you need to do is install the USB Keyboard driver and plug the keyboard into your computer and you're done. We're using a Yamaha GDX-305 this way and it works flawlessly. We're using mode PC2. You can verify that it's working by watching Garagebands tempo meter and the indicator will flash every-time you press a keyboard key.

Dee Jay-
To avoid the long urls use this code:

<a href="your long link">Click here</a>

It will look like this: Click here

I'm not sure why. What could be easier than USB?

The 'why' seems to be the drivers in Tiger. Most of the people having problems are working in Tiger. My set up was very easy.

I have done a lot of MIDI work in OS 9 with a standard set up. It is wonderful to use a keyboard that plugs into the mac and can be used, no interface or OMS required.

Kurt