How to Use Keyboard Simulators

This article will help you learn to use and choose from the vast array of keyboard simulators available for digital musicians. Keyboard simulators are software that you can buy for your home studio and use with recording programs such as Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase and many other digital audio workstations. Keyboard simulators are software programs that attempt to emulate the characteristics and sounds of their real life counterparts, and they often do it very well. They are also much more inexpensive than the real thing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what type of sound you are going for. There are a huge selection of products to choose from. Do you want to emulate a real piano? Are you looking to emulate a classic synth? Many popular keyboards from the past are now available as keyboard simulators. The Minimoog, Roland Jupiter, Yamaha DX-7, Korg M1, Prophet V and Oberheim OB-X are all available as keyboard simulators. The list goes on and on.

2. Listen to the "real" equivalent before buying. Before you decide on which keyboard simulator to buy make sure you try out the real thing first. Many vintage music stores sell the hardware versions of these simulators. Take a trip to the store and try out the real thing before spending your hard earned money on a keyboard simulator.

3. Compare features. Not every feature from the original keyboard is available in the simulated version. Make sure that your favorite features from the original hardware are part of the keyboard simulator's software.

4. Check compatibility. Make sure that the keyboard simulator is compatible with the recording software you use. For example, if you use Pro Tools, make sure the specific keyboard emulator you want to buy is compatible with the version of Pro Tools you are currently using. If you are using an older version of Pro Tools, you may sometimes need to upgrade before using some newer keyboard simulators.

5. Install your software. Once you have made your final purchase you must install the software onto your computer before you can start using your keyboard simulator. The installation process varies depending on which software you buy, but usually all you have to do is double click the install icon that pops up once you insert the CD into your computer.

6. Insert your keyboard simulator into a track in your recording software. You are now ready to start performing and recording with your new keyboard simulator!