PNOscan bundles...updated for 2011!
Take advantage of QRS PNOscan's MIDI output. Give it an educational task or two. Compose something, the possibilities are endless. Choose a solution that meets your technical or musical needs and abilities.
What is PNOscan? Go to the QRS website for PNO scan
See: Tips on how to setup your PNOscan piano with your computer.
Solutions for YOUR computer situation
I've got a......... |
Old or New Desktop |
PC Laptop |
Mac |
Recommend: |
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Why: |
Provides the hardware to deliver low-latency, great quality sound for all included applications. |
PC laptops can’t do “realtime” sound playback except through programs featuring soft-synthesis—like Mixcraft. |
Featruing Home Concert Xtreme - a great learning tool—and interactive demo—along with Garage band—represents great value combination. |
Solutions for the PNOscan owner
Includes: |
PNOscan PC Laptop Bundle | Mac Starter | Software Value Bundle |
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MusiConsole |
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| Home Concert Xtreme | |
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| Soundsetter | |
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| Mixcraft | |
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Access to MusiConsole online training and demos |
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High Quality No-Latency General MIDI Sounds |
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Specification Required |
PC Laptop - per product page | Windows Compatible PC per product page | |
ASIO Drivers for soft synthesis performance |
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Price |
$99 | $149 | $149 |
| learn more... | learn more... | learn more... |
FAQ for the PNOscan-software connection
Q. Can I use an old desktop computer with PNOscan?
A: As long as it has Windows XP or newer - the USB midi connection will allow you to receive key information from PNOscan. If choosing/using new software for your older computer, then make the system requirements for those applications are present in your older computer as well. It is recommended to install a soundcard with Soundfont capabilities in order to experience a degree of quality and when using MIDI OUT for any feature since a PC desktop without a soundcard suffers from the same issues as a PC laptop (see below).
Q. Can I use my PC laptop?
A. PC: Yes, but (and this may be a signicant consideration)– depending upon program used you might need to buy some outside hardware. If your software makes use of MIDI out - it will need help to work properly – usually an outboard sound module. In applications where MIDI out is used – a desktop with appropriate soundcard is the recommended solution. This makes the PC laptop a challenging option when using software that doesn't have it's own built-in sounds (many production programs like Mixcraft do), but most educational and MIDI focused programs (Home Concert, Soundsetter, Music Ace etc), do not.
Q. What is General MIDI and why is it important?
A. See our full write up on the current state of General MIDI here.
Q. What is latency?
A. In music making, latency is the delay between playing a key and hearing the sound via a computer system. ALL systems (PC, laptop, desktops, Macs etc) have some latency, but it's not usually bothersome (to most) if under 20 milliseconds. See our page "what is latency and why is important" for more information.
Q. Is there a way to fix latency?
A. The technology standard ASIO addresses many of the computer system issues that cause latency.When the goal is to make heavy use of audio processing software - then a combination more processing power and RAM (and then more RAM!), will offer possibilities for reducing latency. However, if even you have ASIO drivers - there is no standard MIDI OUT option that will give you the General MIDI sounds to make use of educaitonal software counting on the presence of a General MIDI sound set.
See our page "what is latency and why is important" for more information.
Q: What about Mac with PNOscan?
A: Fine. The mac has audio properties that work seamlessly with PNOscan.
Q: Where do I get more MIDI files for Home Concert?
A: A search for MIDI files on the internet will reveal thousands of possibilities for MIDI files. However, unless the files are from a known and trusted source of public domain content - there may be a question as to the legality of use of these "in the wild" files.
Support Info
Problem: I don't seem to be getting any MIDI output into my system from my piano with PNOscan:
Solution: Troubleshooting PNOscan Output
Problem: I want to add programs or features to my PNOscan System III with Steady State Protection.
Solution: Turn on or Off Steady State Hard Disk Protection