Pianobox Pro sound module Vs. MU50 MIDI sound module

I use the Yamaha MU50 and the Miditech Pianobox Pro to shows a drastic difference between sound modules from the 1990s VS sound module from the past ten years.
MU50 power adapter links below.
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USB to MIDI cable
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Links are monetized.

[@romeou4965]

I agree we need a “guitarist’s helix” for keyboardist!!! Not everyone wants to deal with software, plug-ins, laptops or smart tablets and USB audio interfaces

[@ChristianLarese]

This is so important to tell keyboard players. A few years ago I purchased the pianobox mini. It does have a built-in battery that lasts for quite a long time and the device is very small. Midi-note on or off etc. didn't fail on me. Works great. BUT: The sound quality!!! What is that? Seriously! All I needed was a small solution for my trio gigs, when there's a grand piano at the venue and I have to play bass with my left hand. So I only needed a small device that works with a 25-keys keyboard to put next to a grand piano to play some upright bass or e-bass sounds on it. The noise on the pianobox is awful and the sounds are very much outdated. Too bad. Ended up buying a Roland D-05, because I got a better upright and electric bass sound from this 80s reissue than from a "modern" pianobox.

[@enginerdy]

all of the money these days is in software plugins. even mediocre plugins would absolutely smash this module junk

[@Xeraser2]

It is what it is, modern MIDI modules just suck - even Roland's Integra is an absolute mess. If I needed one for work I'd import an MU1000/2000. I have an Edirol (Roland) SD-90 and I love the thing for what it is (especially as an audio interface) but I really grew out of the Roland sound.

[@daveashford]

Hi Tech, I updated the firmware in my PBP and the hanging/missing note issue was fixed. I have sold the PBP and use V3 Grand piano and Keyscape now.

[@TechTVusa]

Thanks for the info. I did always state in my videos there is a chance my new MIDI sound modules may be defective. That being said they should be able to revamp the old sound modules from the 90s for about $225.00.

[@nostgeoffhi-fi]

Look into the Piano XXL by V3 Sound..its Amazing. Uses real layered samples of Steinway Model D and Bosendorfer 290 Imperial. Velocity sensitive, Analog Din Midi in out and thru, as well as USB Midi, *Bluetoooth Midi (with optional adaptor), 1/4" stereo outs and 3.5mm headphone out. I honestly think the old Korg and Yamaha piano modules have their charm and are fun to play with. But the V3 Sound samples actually sound just as good or better than my $2.5k Kawai CA49 on-board sounds. The V3 is great when you dont want to carry a laptop or tablet around. Just plug and play. No screens, actual hardware nobs and buttons. Slap on a 65watt usb charger (and a MyVolts ripcord barrel adaptor) and you can even go portable with it!

[@TechTVusa]

I don't want something expensive just for band practice or open mic night. I like the GUI of the Korg, Yamaha and Roland MIDI sound modules. Having said that I am going to do an updated video soon.

[@olavbratli2297]

Dexibell makes an amazing soundmodule. Others do too. You just have to pay for it. Like the modules in the 80s and 90s used to cost a pretty penny back in the day, a good module today will also set you back a 1000$ or more. But you will have some of the best sounds out there. And they should be easy to controll, like the old ones.

[@TechTVusa]

Look at what a laptop form 1996 costed and what it was capable of when compared to a a $500.00 laptop today. They could easily reissue the MU80 for $250.00. I think The MU50 was about $250.00 back in 1996.

[@mikepropst8001]

I think the Ketron modules are probably apples to apples for this -- not a buck fifty like the Pianobox, but between 200-400 bucks, which is the neighborhood of what I paid for my Ensoniq rackmount back in the day

[@danielpouly4961]

Hello, nice video. Would you know if something like any DAW sampler plugin (e.g samplomatic5000 in reaper) but in a module in which one can load custom sounds and connect midi in and line out exists? I'd love to have samples from Yamaha PS-20 organ in such a tiny box since I don't like computers/tablets/mini jacks and so on on stage :)

[@TechTVusa]

I am not 100% sure but I think there were some MIDI sound modules that would let you import sound samples.

[@danielpouly4961]

@@TechTVusa Thank you, I'll look further

[@Scott__C]

Unfortunately, there's so much you can do with software now, that for most companies, the cost of manufacturing for what seems a limited market now. An iPad is a good solution to take to gigs. Some of these older units will now come across needing internal batteries or even capacitors replaced, so watch out for that too. The power adapter or unit will tell you their requirements, so it should be easy to find a replacement.

[@TechTVusa]

In the video I stated I bought a replacement power supply for my Yamaha MU50. I also mentioned using softsynths and virtual instruments if your MIDI keyboard controller is connected to your computer. Having said that I don't want to bring an iPad or MS Surface Pro to gigs or band practice. Compare the specs of a $1600.00 laptop from 1995 to a $400.00 laptop of 2023. A cheap $150.00 dollar cellphone has more computing power and a better screen than a $1600.00 laptop from 1995. The technology is there to create much smaller and better USB power MIDI sound modules for $125.00. Keep in mind the iPad does not have MIDI ports and XLR/phone jack ports not does the MS Surface Pro. You can get funky adapters but why not have the option to get a MIDI sound module for $125.00? There are millions of keyboard players that are in bands and play live gigs.

[@smaklilu90]

People need to stop making review videos of sound products without demoing the sound!!! gees

[@TechTVusa]

WTF? Did you watch the video? I stated the PianoBox Pro is noisy and not worth buying. Why would I waste time demonstrating a bad product as opposed to simply saying it sounds bad and I do not recommend it? If you want to see a sound module review I have left a link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHKniYljacl_Zsk

[@fabricator.cap.hill.seattle]

@@TechTVusa Because hearing is believing. Who knows if we'd actually agree with your opinion? You expect us to take your word for it? You didn't establish any credibility beforehand.

[@TechTVusa]

​@@fabricator.cap.hill.seattle If you don't want to believe me that is up to you. You do realize I have other videos about the MU50 and the newer MIDI sound modules? Why would I keep the MU50 if the new MIDI sound modules were better? I demonstrated the older MIDI sound modules have a much better GUI and allow for control of more parameters. Having said that listen to the whiny sound of these new MIDI sound modules for yourself (link below) if you want credibility. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHKniYljacl_Zsk

[@terria1254]

By chance, I want to add instruments to my Yamaha P-115, would the MU50 accomplish this??? Thanks for any info!

[@TechTVusa]

If it is a MIDI keyboard controller or if it has MIDI out it should work. The video below link might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4q9fpSgg82Ypq8

[@terria1254]

@@TechTVusa Thanks very much for your response, and yes, the other video was helpful :-)

[@PianoandKeysStudio]

@@terria1254 There is no standard MIDI socket on the P115, nor a USB to host → MIDI cable available (as far as I'm aware anyway). But if you want to connect your P115 to a sound module with standard MIDI in and MIDI out ports only (such as this MU50), you may find something like the Miditech USB Host module will do the trick. Either that, or just connect to your computer via USB and use the many virtual instruments available for Mac / PC. Digital Audio Workstations (DAW's) such as Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic etc have virtual instruments (VST's) included. Also, these days you can get many different dedicated VST's covering a wide range of musical instruments and genres - some of them for free.

[@terria1254]

@@PianoandKeysStudio Thank-you very much for the info! Correct, the P-115 has no MIDI ports, but it has a USB to Host (looks like a printer connector), that's how I connect it to the computer, and it can play other instruments _via software_ like Garageband or SampleTank (and my online piano lessons Playground Sessions). But, I was trying to get it to play other instruments _via hardware_ like the Miditech PianoBox (contains 128 instruments). I can get the drum sound out of the PianoBox (its D Setting) but no instruments (its S Setting). The PianoBox has MIDI In and Out ports, a headset port a DI port and a L and R 1/4 inch ports and a USB port (again looks like a printer port). I then purchased the Miditech USB Interface, but I still can't get the instrument sounds out of this setup. The USB Interface has MIDI In and Out ports, a USB to Host port. I use an iMac to run the software and actually I can get ALL of these devices to show up in its Utility MIDI Studio Setup, but I can't connect them in there either. I know the P-115 doesn't have an Audio In so somehow the audio needs to run through the computer. Ugh!

[@romeou4965]

@@terria1254 bingo, the p115 doesn’t have audio in port so you can’t reproduce audio thru it’s speakers. Newer keyboards now accept Bluetooth audio. I too want to expand my sounds on the p115 but looks like I’ll have to upgrade to a newer piano with speakers built in and audio in port

[@PianoandKeysStudio]

That new power adapter looks like the same one I bought for my P45. Can you remember how much you initially paid for your MU50? I couldn't find original prices online, but I can remember a price tag of about £399 for one module... may have been for a MU100 or MU80 idk...

[@TechTVusa]

I think it was about $250.00 but I am not sure. It seems like they could make them with a USB C port for about $250.00 in the year 2021.

[@PianoandKeysStudio]

@@TechTVusa I left a reply... if it was deleted because it was too long, I completely understand. 😎

[@TechTVusa]

@@PianoandKeysStudio I didn't delete anything.

[@PianoandKeysStudio]

​@@TechTVusa Ah well - my apologies. Seems KZbin is up to its old funky tricks again. All the same, do let me know if any of my comments are a bit long or anything. 🙂 This is the reply I left this morning... ______________________________________ "$250 sounds about right. I think it was its bigger brother, the MU80 I saw going for £399. I know the in-house studio where I was working in 1995 had a Roland SC (possibly 88) - similar price. Yep, those were the days - groundbreaking tech at the time. Good memories for me as well. Worth remembering $250 in 1995 is likely 2-3x that today + with modern features I'd say the MU-80's 2021 counterpart would be something like the Roland Integra-7 (!!😳!!) - or maybe something $/£200 cheaper. But you never know, they may decide to bring out a 2022 MU module with some extra features to bring it into this century. Has been known - looking at what Roland have done with their Boutique range JD-08 and JX-08 for example... I seem to remember their original JD-800 was more than this... www.gearnews.com/roland-boutique-is-back-with-the-jx-08-and-jd-08/ - "

[@mbsfaridi]

@@PianoandKeysStudio It happens usually if you post links.

[@FantasticF113]

I'm happy that your replacement power supply seems to be working fine (as I would expect). However, your power supply dying and the problems with the quality and seemingly problematic MIDI signalling are different issues. You probably should have split these into two separate videos. It's **EXTREMELY COMMON** for MIDI data to become corrupted over modern, high-speed, USB 3.0 and above connections. This includes any part where USB MIDI 3.0 and above is used in any part of the signal chain. The original MIDI spec never envisioned such high speeds - so MIDI data can be very finicky when used with any sort of high-speed interface - this includes just about piece of modern gear that uses USB 3.0 or above. This is a large part of why so many people have problems with MIDI connections on modern gear. A fairly simple, potential workaround is to connect all your USB MIDI connections to ports or USB hubs where the speed can be capped at USB 2.0 speed, rather than 3.x speeds. Even a motherboard where the onboard USB 3.x port speeds can be capped in the Bios at USB 1.1 or 2.0 will probably do the trick. Finally, if you're using a 5-pin MIDI to USB MIDI conversion cable, ALWAYS use a quality converter cable. The cheap $10 cables from eBay/Amazon are junk and just won't cut it. You must use a quality 5-pin DIN MIDI IN/OUT to USB converter cable from Roland, iConnectivity or even the older cables from Yamaha, Edirol and the like are preferable.

[@TechTVusa]

I think you are a tad bit confused. The new MIDI sound module that has a USB connector (no need for USB to MIDI cables) was having problems. I don't even need to hook it up to a computer to have problems so USB 3 is not the issue. My old MIDI sound module from 1995 does not have any issues at all using the inexpensive USB to MIDI cables as seen in the video link below. If you have issues using USB to MIDI cables then you should do a video about it instead of me because I cannot do a video about problems I have not encountered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqvLZYijgd-gopo

[@danaowens30]

Let me iterject. I have every sound modules from Korg Yamaha Roland Hammond Alesis Ensoniq Nord Casio Motif Triton M3r M1r X3r And EM-U nothing newer than so. Im a srt8 Roland Keyboards and Partners H.X3 organ module Vk 7m and 8M and Keyboards too Oldschool also i use guitar rack effects all. No computer no usb bc computers put out backgound noise too. I record using a stand alone multi track machine Korg Roland Tascam and Fostex 4, 8,12,16, 18,24 and 32 track machines all stand alone. Im a bit different type than most normal ppl. Im the oldschool new age type. So welcome to my world yall heller..

[@wilo1463]

YOUR COMMENT ABOUT MU 50 YAMAHA THE USB IN BACK SOUND MODULE GOOD IDEA.

[@TechTVusa]

Thank you. I would like to think in the year 2022 that Korg and Yamaha could make state of the art MIDI sound modules for about I $185.00.

[@cyrusroque1124]

Dam right my old roland sound canvasses are far better than new portable modules

[@TechTVusa]

You would think one or two companies would make a decent MIDI sound module for about $165.00.

[@leoneventicinque6731]

why the language of this video is set to vietnamese? in this way the subtitles are a mess...

[@billsolomon1]

Any power supply will work along as it’s the correct voltage and amp and pin +/- or -/+. Basic stuff guy!

[@TechTVusa]

They will not work if they are faulty and made cheaply. That was the point I was making. Basic things to consider guy : )

[@Jack-fs2im]

I know imo modern stuff is rubbish ,problem is no shops so we buy online without trying them

[@NeilParfittMusic]

yikes - the screen on that pianobox thing is dreadful!

[@TechTVusa]

I agree. How did MIDI sounds modules get worse?

[@martijn_yt]

What happened is that you probably paid slighly more than 100 dollar for the MU-50 ;)

[@TechTVusa]

I imagine the MU50 costed about $200.00 in 1996. As of 2020 a good MIDI sound module should only cost about about $110.00. I say that because a cheap $600.00 laptop from 2020 would be 20 times better than a $1600.00 laptop from 1996. Do you kind of see my point?

[@Antonio.dei.Demanaro]

It's outdated technology. Use a computer or buy a nice keyboard. No company is going to start making sound modules. It's like asking Ford to start making chariots again.

[@TechTVusa]

In my video I stated you can use soft synths if you are using a computer and I do just that but why would I want to bring my computer to open mic night when I can just bring a sound module? Why would I want to bring my computer to my friends house if we want to jam together? Does it make sense now?

[@EgoShredder]

I have both types of setup; full computer with plugins and the other without those, and just keyboards with rack synths. I find that working without a computer, screen and mouse / touchpad has a very different effect on my brain and mood. I've used just about everything that has come along in the last 40 years, and I am most creative and happy when using a keyboard and some rack modules etc, or just a keyboard workstation on its own. It does away with the computer issues that are commonly faced too. However I do like to use computers for editing music that has already been created away from the computer. That I find uses another part of the brain, which computers is more suited to, e.g. analytical, systematic etc. There is more to music and technology than simply being current and up to date.

[@mjrpiano]

​@@EgoShredderthis is how I create music. I put ideas down in my keyboard/workstations, then edit the midi later on the computer.