Connecting keyboard to laptop

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I recently bought a Roland Juno DS-88 and have a few questions about connecting it to my laptop. First of all, what is the difference between connecting via a USB-B connection or MIDI interface and which connection do people recommend? Secondly I have no clue what software to use so it would be great if someone could recommend some good software that isn't too expensive.

Many Thanks
 

happyrat1

Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
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OK

First off. USB or MIDI Interface, either one works for basic sequencing but for firmware upgrades and using the Roland Patch Editor the USB is the only way to go.

Also USB cable is a single cable as compared to two for an Interface.

The MIDI interface can still be useful for daisy chaining other MIDI hardware and can be used simultaneously with the Laptop USB interface.

Freeware DAWS are readily available for Windows machines these days.

Top of the line Cakewalk Sonar Platinum was bought out by http://bandlab.com and is available for free download these days after you open an account with them.

There's also http://tracktion.com and http://reaper.com

For information on how to operate these programs simply go to youtube and search on (DAW NAME) tutorials

There are also freeware VST programs available. Google DAW and VST and you'll quickly learn what these programs are all about and how to use them.

Hope this helps,

The Juno DS is a terrific instrument and you should have lots of fun using it.

Gary ;)
 
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Thanks for all the information, I've just gone and ordered a USB-B cable to use with my keyboard as that definitely sounds like the way to go.

For the software, does cakewalk still exist or has it been replaced by the Bandlab software as that is all I could find on their website?
 

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