What You Need To Run Sinfonia & RMS Keyboards
With our resources, chances are very good that you or someone you know already has most of the equipment you need. The core items are a computer, a MIDI (piano) keyboard, a way to connect the two and a way to get sound from your computer into your theatre. We designed our products so they may be run on a bare minimum of equipment. But they are also flexible enough so those who want a more professional implementation can use them with the most sophisticated and powerful technologies available. Here we will outline the essentials and discuss what you can add to make your system even more versatile.
Note: Sinfonia and RMS Keyboards can be implemented in a wide variety of ways using a wide variety of equipment. Your particular configuration may impact the way you can use the program. For example, in RMS Keyboards, a slower computer with less memory may only be able to handle a single keyboard part, while a more powerful computer may be able to run three keyboards with room to spare. Before purchasing a license, please use the free trial versions of Sinfonia and RMS Keyboards to test your particular implementation. This way you'll know ahead of time how your existing gear can work or whether you'll need something more.
Economy Treatment
Computer
As of 10/13/23, to run RMS Keyboards, you'll need a Windows or Macintosh computer with at least 2GB of RAM, a CPU with at least 2 cores, a sound card and a minimum operating system of Windows 10 or Macintosh OSX 10.14. If you're unable to update your OS, we will continue to support some previous versions which you'll find here.
As of 10/13/23, to run Sinfonia, you'll need a Windows or Macintosh computer with at least 4GB of RAM, a CPU with at least 2 cores, a sound card and a relatively recent operating system; Windows 10 or Macintosh OSX 10.14. If you're unable to update your OS, we will continue to support some previous versions which you'll find here.
Most computers that have come out within the last few years will meet the minimum specs right out of the box. And these days, it's hard to buy a new machine that won't handle the program comfortably. Performance and sound quality will vary depending on a number of factors (i.e. processor speed, memory, sound card). An older, less powerful computer may not be able to handle multiple keyboard parts and therefore may only be suitable in combination with other computers. Laptops are more convenient. But desktop computers will work fine too, and in some instances will provide more power and bang for the buck. Note: if you use a desktop computer, you will also need to provide a standard QWERTY keyboard, mouse and video monitor. If you are thinking about buying a new computer to use with either Sinfonia or RMS Keyboards, below are three entry level systems we recommend.
MIDI Keyboard
The pianist will perform on the MIDI keyboard. It looks like an electronic piano and, when connected to the computer running RMS Keyboards, sends messages telling the computer what notes to play, how loud or soft, whether the sustain pedal is engaged, whether to bend a note, etc. When using Sinfonia, you will map the keyboard keys to perform various functions within Sinfonia, as well as using the keys to tap out the tempo or rhythm of the song. Note: the MIDI Keyboard does not actually produce any sound here. All sounds will come from the computer. But it's okay to use a device you already own that does make sound. In this case, you would simply turn off the device's internal sounds and use it just as a controller.
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Most MIDI keyboards function identically with higher priced units providing things like a more natural piano feel, durability, internal sounds and/or extra programming features. Virtually every electronic keyboard to come out in the last 20 years has the ability to send a MIDI signal and may therefore be used with our resources. However, newer units are more likely to have a USB port for simplified connectivity to computers. Older keyboards will probably require a more specialized cable or separate interface to get the MIDI signal to your computer (but these are pretty cheap - we'll discuss this later).
NOTE: We do not recommend using Bluetooth connected keyboards with our software. Bluetooth is great for listening to music, but terrible for playing music due to latency.
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For RMS Keyboards, you will want an 88-key keyboard, preferably with a Mod wheel and auxillary pedal ports (if you'd like to control volume with your feet).
For Sinfonia, you won't necessarily need a full-size keyboard; we recommend something a 25-key keyboard.
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When using Sinfonia, you may want to print out stickers which correspond to the keyboard functions and place them on the appropriate keys. You can find a printable PDF of these stickers here.
Sound
The economy treatment assumes you will just use your computer's internal sound card for a straightforward stereo mix. However, you'll need cables to get the sound from your computer into your theatre. Depending on your theatre's sound system, the following may be appropriate.
Mid-Price Treatment
Computer
Memory and processor speed are the main factors when considering a more advanced implementation. If you can get or buy a faster computer with more RAM, you'll have more flexibility and better performance, especially if you need to run multiple keyboard parts off of a single machine. Here are a few mid-level systems we like.
MIDI Keyboard
For a bit more money, you can look for an 88 key keyboard with extra features and/or better construction. Here are a few options:
Sound
If possible, it's great to handle sound through a dedicated audio interface. In general, these will offer better sound, more flexibility with audio routing and will off-load some of the processing so that your computer has a little more breathing room. There are hundreds of different types of audio interfaces, tailored to different types of users. If you don't already have an audio interface, here are a few reliable and inexpensive models. Be sure to get an interface that is compatible with your computer! They typically connect via USB 2.0 or USB C, but other configurations are possible as well.
Premium Treatment
Computer
This again comes down to having more memory and a faster processor. A premium computer may also offer more output and connectivity options, as well as a bigger screen. Here are a few dream machines.
MIDI Keyboards
Here are some of our favorite keyboards.
Sound
Higher end audio interfaces will provide more outputs. With lots of outputs, you could do things like route and treat low sounds (i.e. timpani, basses) in a completely different manner from high sounds (i.e. piccolo). You could then place the sounds in different speakers, externally tweak the mix, EQ, process and more. The outputs will also generally be of higher quality, with more professional connections to high end mixing boards.
Accessories
MIDI to USB Cables/MIDI Interfaces
If your MIDI keyboard does not have a USB Out, you'll need some other way to connect it to your computer. A MIDI to USB cable will give you an inexpensive direct one-to-one connection. A dedicated MIDI interface will allow you to connect muliple devices to your computer.
Pedals
If your MIDI Keyboard does not include these, you might want to check out the following. Below, we have a Sustain pedal, a patch change pedal (that plugs into an assignable port on your keyboard), a volume pedal (again, plugs directly into keyboard - you must program the keyboard to send CC7), and finally, a USB footswitch (which you would set up to send the ↓ message to change patches; can only be programmed on a Windows machine - but after programming can be used with either Windows or Mac).
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Headphones
It's always good to have a pair of headphones handy for troubleshooting. Stereo 1/8" minijack headphones are ubiquitous from typical consumer electronic use. These are fine for your computer', as well as some audio interfaces. However, most audio interfaces have a 1/4" inch jack. For these, you'll need a more professional set of headphones or an adapter.
Numeric Keypad
For Sinfonia on a laptop, a numeric keyboard pad can make navigation more convenient.