#The Miracle
14 messages in this thread
Anybody using the new midi keyboard The Miracle, with an Amiga yet? I'd
like to know how it hooks up to it, do I need a MIDI interface, it says in
the brochure you just hook it up, but the 800 number info person had no
idea. I've played with an MessyDos machine connected to it and the GUI
looks good, I think I could learn to play a keyboard from this teaching
method, heck the typing tutor I have for Amiga, keyboard cadet, boosted my
touch typing from 30wpm to around 50wpm, so I'd like to try learning the
piano now. Please respond, either here, or E-mail, I won't be in the forums
that much the next few months, will be travelling to CA and sans computer,
where is the Amiga laptop when you want one? B^)
Chris Tolmie
Chris, It's my understanding the Miracle system comes with it's own serial
interface, a non-standard MIDI device. The Kybrd does have MIDI in & out
ports, with the addition of a standard MIDI interface you could expand your
system at a later date. I think Blue Ribbon did the software for the Amiga
version maybe someone from B.R. will comment. Melissa?
– via Whap!
Folks: this is somewhat related to this thread. I received a nice
keyboard for Christmas: a Kawai WK40, with Midi in and out ports; can it
be hooked up to the Amiga to utilize some piano-teaching software out
there? If so, what gizmos do I need? Is the Miracle software limited
solely to its own keyboard, or can it be used with other boards?
My present musical skills are limited: I can read music (slowly), and can
pick out a melody while making chords–but I really don't consider that
"playing" the piano.
I guess a simpler way to ask my question would be, does there exist any
good piano-teaching software for the Amiga which can utilize a
Midicompatible keyboard?
Any and all advice is welcome.
Lee
Lee,
I wouldn't be able to answer that question, but there is a member here who
works in a store that sells the Miracle keyboard, maybe he'll see your post
and respond to it.
Chris
From what I've read about the Miracle and the questions I've asked, the
software which comes with it will NOT work with other Midi keyboards. I
don't know if any plans exist to allow for a standalone package later. (I
hope so, personally…)
I'm not aware of any other Amiga piano teaching software, either.
–>Steve Bennett
I plan on trying out the Miracle software when I get a chance to take my
Casio MT240 down to the store. It may work, but I seriously doubt that the
patch layout of the Casio will match up with the Miracle keyboard's layout.
Some of the arrangements may sound pretty strange! Also, the keyboard is
used to make some of the sound effects in the lessons. Those sounds will
certainly be missing. I would certainly like to see the software available
for generic keyboards, if the powers-that-be are listening. 🙂 BTW, in the
accessory catalog supplied with the keyboard they offer 'conversion kits'
to use the keyboard on other platforms. So I suppose it's possible to get
just the software.
-Jim
Howard,
Thanks for replying, sounds like a good deal to me! I'm interested
in the keyboard and software bundle for sure! Now not only will I have
improved my typing via my Amiga and Keyboard Cadet, but now I'm gonna learn
to play a piano, read music, and have fun at the same time.
Thanks,
Chris
We've got one of the Miracle keyboards on display in the store. It hooks up
directly to the Amiga's serial port, no MIDI required. It's not too shabby,
4 octaves, velocity sensitive keys, 128 patches. It does have MIDI IN and
OUT jacks, but the serial port connection is effectively a MIDI interface.
I've used Deluxe Music to run the keyboard both in and out. It's 8 voice
multi-timbral, but only plays notes coresponding to the actual keys on the
keyboard. So…. you can't play notes outside of the 4 octave range of the
keyboard. The teaching software looks pretty good, but I haven't got very
far into it.
-Jim
Jim,
It sounds like my first keyboard may be The Miracle. If the software is
similar to the IBM version it'll do for me. I need a tutor program and this
must be it. I've been waiting (not really knowing why or when) for a nice
inexpensive keyboard for my Amiga with software to use it.
What price are you selling it for? Another member was wondering if he could
use the software with a different keyboard. His message is over in
AmigaUser.
Thanks,
Chris
We designed the Amiga version of the software directly in conjunction with
the design of the IBM version. If you liked the IBM version, you'll love
the Amiga version.
Melissa
Melissa,
Then I'm sure I'll be buying a Miracle later this year.
Thanks for the info,
Chris
Chris,
I see Melissa answered your question about the IBM version. The Amiga
software is great. I would recommend a HD or three floppies. The software
comes on three disks, and swapping them is a pain. Kind of interupts the
learing process. 🙂
I believe Lynn (the chief) priced the Miracle at $399. When I get a chance,
I plan to try my Casio with the software. Not that I'd want to use the
Casio to learn on… it's only got 1/2 size keys. But for $90, it's a
bargain in MIDI keyboards.
-Jim
Jim,
$399 seems to be the going price for the keyboard. I went into an
electronic boutique which sells them and they have the 8-bit version for
ninetendo and the 16-bit version for IBM, but no Amiga version! They did
have an extensive (ha!) collection of Amiga software titles NOT!
(all games!)
I'm wondering, if other keyboards will work, (must have a MIDI port right?)
then can you just purchase the software or is it a hardware/software
combination that needs this specific keyboard?
Chris
Chris,
Amiga dealers can get the keyboard through the usual Amiga
distributors. I imagine that electronic boutique can get you one if they
want your business. I wandered into the semi-local WaldenSoftware, they
also had the clone version but no Amiga version. Their selection of Amiga
software seems to get smaller every time I stop in. I did get Photon Video
transport contoller for $8.92… not that I have any use for it. 🙂
I did manage to take my old Casio into the store today. The software could
play the Casio via a MIDI interface, but it couldn't read my keyboard very
well. Perhaps it's just my keyboard, but it looks like you have to use
their keyboard. That's not so bad I guess. When you've learned to play, you
can sell it to someone else…. Or, add one of those 'voice modules' like
Roland's MT32 and play it with the Miracle keyboard.
Jim