Can I hook up either a Roland XP80 or a Casio MT800 to use as a keyboard with a PC? What else do I need as far as software to complete the configuration. I am synthesizer/music stupid, this is for my husband who is PC dumb, but music intelligent.
I think I need a MIDI to USB cable (or some type of cable), but I am very confused as far as software goes. Does the keyboard become a type of "dumb" terminal, or can you feed in a pre-arranged composition, and then use additional software to re-arrange, embellish, what ever. What type/product software would be best.
Sorry to be so dumb, but I don't think that he needs a new keyboard, and complete virtual synthesizer software package to make music. Or does he? His Birthday so I'll spring for what he needs.
Thank you
JMudder

You can connect any MIDI keyboard to a PC ( including the ones you mentioned ) and just requires the MIDI interface plus software. Cakewalk makes a range of MIDI/digital audio sequencers. The home version of Sonar http://www.zzounds.com/item--CAKHS should be fine and includes a couple of soft synths plus you can add more DXi and VSTi synths as required. M-Audio are well known for their USB MIDI interfaces eg. http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOUNO

Hope that helps to answer your questions.


[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 12-30-2006).]