Connecting epiano via MIDI/USB to Jamkazam

[RoSchu500@Googlemail.com]

Hi there,
I am new to Jamkazam. I would like to connect a Kawai ES6 directly via MIDI / USB to Jamkazam.

I have the Kawai drivers installed and try to use the XLUTOP VST Chainer in Jamkazam:
XLUTOP Chainer: https://www.xlutop.com/html/chainer.html
Introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZDQ1SsFlks

Somehow, I can not get it to work. Is there a simple way to get the epiano connected via MIDI/USB to Jamkazam?

Many thanks for your feeback!
RoSchu

[blandis]

Welcome, RoSchu,
You are heading in the right direction, the only thing left to do is add a virtual piano sound source (a VSTi) inside XLUTOP to generate the sounds triggered by the MIDI notes from the epiano. MIDI only transmits the note info, not the sound of the piano itself. Look at the diagrams on the XLUTOP web page, showing the VSTi block inside. This will be the sound source for JamKazam, not your Kawai's sound.
Now, as far as a free 32-bit piano VSTi to insert, I searched and found a recent review of piano VSTi's (https://keyboardkraze.com/best-free-piano-vsts/), and 3 indicate they still are available in 32-bit form:
- The Grand DSK Piano: https://www.dskmusic.com/dsk-the-grand/
- Jazz Baby: http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?plu...aby&id=200
- VGP Grand Piano: http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?plugin=VGP&id=2494
Given that you probably spent a good bit of money for your Kawai, even if you got it used, the idea of now having to settle for a far inferior sound of a free VSTi may not agree with you. You do have 2 options:
- You can use a commercial piano VSTi: Synthology Ivory series, Modartt Pianotec series, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and others. These sound great, and better than any of the free VSTi's I listed above. Keep in mind that these likely no longer support the old 32-bit VST format, only 64-bit, which JamKazam does not support. Over time, 32-bit commercial product options will disappear. The same person that provided the list of free piano VSTi's recently produced his list of the best commercial VSTi's (https://keyboardkraze.com/best-piano-vst-plugins/). XLN's Addictive Keys is on that list as the best budget piano. It's still available as a 32-bit VSTi, and I can attest that it sounds great, as I have it.
- Purchase a computer audio system (ASIO USB2 2-channel audio interface, audio cables from the Kawai to the interface, headphones, etc): this enables you and your friends to hear your Kawai's sound, and eliminates all of the XLUTOP and VSTi pieces, but can be complex and intimidating if this is new to you
Hope this helps

[RoSchu500@Googlemail.com]

Many thanks for your great answer!
RoSchu

[jazzerone]

This might be a stupid question, but why are you trying to connect your epiano via midi/usb? Why not just run your output into your audio interface, and connect that to your computer? What do you gain by trying to connect via midi/usb? I have a Roland FP3 and I run a 1/4" cable from the headphone out into either my mixer or my Focusrite (depends on where I set up), and then into the computer?

Not challenging you, just wanting to understand because I have a Kawai ES8 on my radar and am wondering if there will be connection issues.

[riboild]

This might be a stupid question, but why are you trying to connect your epiano via midi/usb? Why not just run your output into your audio interface, and connect that to your computer? What do you gain by trying to connect via midi/usb? I have a Roland FP3 and I run a 1/4" cable from the headphone out into either my mixer or my Focusrite (depends on where I set up), and then into the computer?

Not challenging you, just wanting to understand because I have a Kawai ES8 on my radar and am wondering if there will be connection issues.

Only a guess here, but it's probably the same reason I am doing the same thing with my e-kit.  I have a sound library in the form of Superior Drummer with several kits and choices of types, eras, and effects.  If I just routed output from ekit into the interface and then went that way, I would have a pretty bland sound.  I can very quickly edit busses effects and mixes on the pc and have them preset saved and ready at the click of a button.  I imagine this might be where he is going...