Am I correct in saying the E60 does not have a audio input?
If that's the case and I wanted to take the output from my laptop to play mp3's, does that mean I would have to use a mixer?

Peter

That is correct.

Correctomundo...

No audio in, no mp3 playback. If you only use the E60's internal speakers, you are boned, to a certain extent.

But before you make this your primary decision, consider that a small sub mixer is VERY cheap (look at the Rolls ones) and no internal speaker will ever equal even a moderate home stereo system, which you undoubtedly already have...

If you are looking at 76 note arrangers, your choices are very limited, especially those with speakers and low weight and price. You are looking at it, basically. SD-1, PA2Xpro and G70 are MUCH more expensive. Korg and Roland have audio ins (not sure about Ketron, but it and the Korg has an mp3 player, anyway).

And, the best kept secret (until recently, anyway) is that Roland, if you like to edit, create, modify and customize styles and SMF's (something that many do a LOT) is BY FAR the easiest and most powerful on a Roland.

Yes, there's a few features it doesn't have. But there's a boatload of practical day-to-day features that no other arrangers have, either...

Diki

You have me a little confused.
Cassp said I was correct in my assumption that I would have to use a mixer if I had an E60.
Are you saying no?

I was just pointing out that a mixer will not help you if you are only using the E60's speakers. No input...

If you have a keyboard monitor of any other kind, home stereo, PA system, whatever, then yes, a mixer will be needed to blend the E60 and the laptop together.

OK?

My E 80 does though.
It has L $ R imputs that are RCA -10dbu line-level and the level of the audio signals can be set with the EXT Source Knob on the front panel. They can be enhanced by means of a separate effects processor also.
this keyboard does play MP3' as well,
Bebop

it's true, but E60 is less than half the E80 price. i think it is the better deal. it is for me anyway.

no audio input. but neither a real use for it, since the onboard speakers are not meant at all for heavy load. they are good monitors, even in rather loud places, when the volume knob is turned to one to three o'clock degree.

OTOH, having a mixer is really a basic thing to me. there are alot of small mixers, i used to use a behringer (49$) which really help having the mp3 player (this could be a laptop or not) one/two mics and the keyboard plugged in. yes, you need 2-3 more cables, but that is perfectly fine cost for the benefit.

i couldn't do it without a mixer. i now use a 8 mics, 4 stereo ins, 4 outs and onboard efx mixer. amplified. i have it all in 5 kg weight box.

I got now. So if I wanted to record myself would the best way be coming out of a little mixer like the Rolls Donny suggested and that would cover the output of the keyboard and vocals?

I'm in S. Fl. Sam Ash, Guitar Center and Georges Music are close by. Any of these places carry an E60?

Let me understand this better - you want to play an e60, vocals and some audio work from a computer into ??? a recorder or a PA system? In either case you will have to find some way to mix these elements down. If you are recording from your PC then you need a USB audio interface which will also mix your items. If you're going into a PA, you'll need some sort of mixer, passive or active. Maybe we need more info from you.

Damn! You just missed Donny in one of his hair trigger 'I got to sell this!' moments...

But get a hold of him. He'll probably offer it again in a few months (or weeks, or days!), and he could put you at the top of the list.

Personally, if you are going to record yourself, unless it is for a 'live' CD or self-critiquing, I wouldn't lay down vocals AND keyboard at the same time. In fact, I wouldn't lay down the accompaniment and the solos at the same time!

Roland make it easy to capture the entire accompaniment in one pass, then go back and overdub the solos, give yourself two hands, less to concentrate on, etc.. Then mix afterwards. You get a much higher quality performance and sound, this way.

cassp

Just want to record my self on gigs.
Like Dike said, to critique myself.

Then that mixer will be necessary. The little Rolls units, or a small Mackie with vocal reverb in it (if you sing) would be all you need.

Doesn't the E60 have a vocal harmonizer in it? I do sing.

Also, do must music stores carry it. I was in Sam Ash last week and they didn't have it.

Has anyone played the E60 thru an mono amp? I'm using the PSR3000 and as much as I think this is a great keyboard, I'm totally unhappy with the piano sound which I use allot.
Nowadays I don't know if there is a keyboard that would sound good being played thru an mono amp...unless there is an amp that will do the trick?

No harmonizer... (better than a bad one, IMO!)

Pianos collapse to mono MUCH better than PSR's, and sound amazing (with a little editing) in stereo. Rather than a mono amp, how about two smallish self powered PA speakers? Most of the stereo keyboard amp combos are a bit on the high dollar side...

And it has 76 keys...

Mind you, what pianist needs those?

So now where can I hear the #60?

To play, or listen?

Plenty up at Youtube and Roland-arranger.com and Roland, of course.

There's a dealer locator on Roland's site, get the closest few and call to see if in stock...

Maybe Donny can do something specific for you?

A store demo of the E-60 wont cut it for you...you will have to have confidence in Roland products & after you buy one give it at least Two weeks of intense editing to get the sound you want and LEARN its great OS capabilities & features. It's Not an out of the box ready arranger KB.....but, after you do your homework & set it up properly OMG!!!