Equipment as related to goals

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

I know this is really a continuation of my other post, but I could really use some guidance here.

My Keystation 88 arrived damaged. Although I love the action and level of control surfaces on it, I'm not really sure if I'll be using a dumb controller with reason for the rest of my life.

When you pros are laying down tracks, what software are you using? I have Cubase SX, but find that it's more of an audio sequencer than a softsynth... the VST instruments aren't as easy to configure as reasons instruments. Instead would it be wiser to get a full blown synth (Which model?) and record directly into cubase?

Can you guys give me some examples of your gear setups? I could probably drop a grand or 2 over the next month to try to get what I'll need.


Thanks for the input!

[Spacehog]

I've just drastically reduced my rig... I'm now just using an E-MU PK-6 Proteus Keys (with Sounds Of The ZR, Ensoniq Project and Rob Papen Beat Garden expansions) and E-MU VK-6 Vintage Keys (with Definitive B-3, Orchestral Sessions Vol 1 & Vol 2 expansions), having sold my E-MU PX-7, my XK-6 and (potentially, it's on ebay) my backup PK-6 (and an insane number of expansion cards). I find soft synths a complete pain in the butt, the only ones I really like are Garritan Personal Orchestra and the Edirol Orchestral Canvas, for the scoring work I do. I may get further soft synths, but I expect to just use orchestral samples and something like Gigastudio or another sampler program (I quite like NI Kontakt). I'm more likely to add a couple of modules to my rig, I'd like a Roland Fantom XR and maybe a Triton rack... and am considering a Yamaha S90 and CS6X pairing as a 2nd stand setup (heck, I have 4 keyboard stands, and only 2 boards ;-))

Martin

[Kirby]

Hi!

I mostly record on tape, if I want the stuff on PC, I use Audiograbber!

The choice of gear is always based on the kind of music you want to play. You have a 88 Key Controller, so I suppose you want to play Rock/Metal or Classical/Jazz, please correct me if I am wrong. With such a loaded controller, soundmodules may me something for you. That's basically a Synth without keys. There are several kinds of soundmodules, the choice depends on the sounds you need.

My main setup is a Yamaha DX7, with whom I control 3 rack modules:

Korg Trinity Rack, which offers all kinds of sounds in good quality, acoustic Instruments like strings and reeds, but also synth sounds. It's a good stand alone module, because it covers a lot of sounds. A drawback is that the sounds can only be edited via software.

Waldorf Pulse, an analog Monosynth. I use it to create leads, basses and effect sounds, the synth has a lot of modulation possibilities, which can make the sounds very living. The sounds quality is superb.

Novation A-Station, it's a virtual analog Polysynth. It has 25 knobs, so sound editing is very intuitive. The sounds are very smooth. I bought it because I wanted a contrast to the almost uneditable Trinity Rack.

I also have a 88 Key Controller with a Piano Module, but that's not really a synth setup ;)

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

Forgive my stupidity (remember, I'm first and foremost a trumpet player) But it'll work like this then:

I run my 88 key controller into a rackmount sound module, which will produce sound than I can then route into cubase or a hardware based recorder/amp. Can I control midi paramaters within the sound module with the keystation?

I'm so glad I asked this... I didn't even think of going that route.... <rasises an eyebrow>

[Kirby]

Forgive my stupidity (remember, I'm first and foremost a trumpet player) But it'll work like this then:

I run my 88 key controller into a rackmount sound module, which will produce sound than I can then route into cubase or a hardware based recorder/amp. Can I control midi paramaters within the sound module with the keystation?



You got it!
You can use the Keystations knobs/sliders to control paramteres.

No stupidity to be forgiven, because you are definitely not a stupid guy! :D


What kind of music do you want to play?

[lighthouse]

Yeah, I`m not really much into softsynths, they`re awful if you try to play live, cause you have to bring a computer to do so....
Anyway I`m waiting for my keystation pro88, and I`m planing to use it with my proteus module....then record my tracks in the mighty Sonar 3 producer. I once had other controller to use with my proteus and I can assure you that it`s a very good way to do it...

*Stupid is to not know your limitations!!

cheers
Juan Pablo

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

In case noone told you lately, you guys are great... the encouragement is nice to have.

Now the REAL question: Which module do I buy first? Should I run down to sam ash or are there better deals elsewhere? I'm getting excited.

What kind of music? Well... good question. I see myself (Once I build up my theory and chops) producing a mix of ambient/classical/jazz.... No lyrics, but maybe a little live guitar and definitely some audio output from my DTXreme drum kit.

Cheers!

[Kirby]

Sounds interesting!

The choice of a soundmodule depends on what you want.

- Do you want good acoustic sounds, like pianos, strings, bass?
- Do you want good synth sounds?
- Are you willing to learn complex programming or do you want easy editing?

The most important thing is of course the sound! We can give you tips, but that should not fool your ears & be as important as your personal opinion which you get by testing rack devices in a store!

I think the best thing to start with is a module which offers all kinds of sounds, a workhorse for your studio, like the Yamaha Motif Rack, Korg Triton Rack, Fantom XR or EMU Proteus 2000. There is also a wide range of specialized sound modules, which you may add to your setup later.
EMU offers a lot there, as well as manufacturers like Clavia, Access, Novation.

There is also a wide market of used instruments. It depends on how much money you want to spend!

Have fun making music and good look finding a good module!

[lighthouse]

I agree. I truelly recommend those, but first you must know wich sounds you want, cause every module has its advantages and disadvantages


Juan Pablo

[NoSunset]

Hey Guys

Sorry to kind of hijack the thread, but i was just wondering about recording after what was mentioned above. I have an A-37 MIDI controller and a JV1010 sound module, and i was curious as to what would be the easiest way the record tracks onto my PC using the module and the controller, to be edited and put together in Cubase.

Thanks a lot for any help!

Best Wishes,

Pat

[lighthouse]

I don`t know much about Cubase, but I think you can record audio tracks with it. I f not I really like Sonar 3, cause you can use every audio plug-in you can think of and has a lots of functions and versatility......and a cool interface too!

Juan Pablo

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

You thread hijacker! :lol:


I've actually had a certain degree of success recording audio in Cubase. This has included a mic'd violin and even vocals for a past Christmas project.

[Deceit]

...but the Keystation has 10 writable programs! This means you're not going over 10 sounds, if you don't change the patches directly on the module with a switch or something...I'd have better gone for some Studiologic, but maybe because even if I DO use softsynths and find them essential, I don't have a laptop and at the moment I'm too live-oriented.
Oh, anyway I pretty much long for an Oberheim MC1-2-3K! They're great controllers! Think I'm gonna buy one, but they're on the bottom of my wishlist at the moment :D!
Deceit.

[Over The Edge]

I've cut down on my setup too!
I'm down to only 30 keyboards now. :lol:




FL
www.franklucas.net

[Over The Edge]

Actually, to this day, I think the most
awesome keyboard setup I have ever seen
were the 21 keyboards (including 9 foot Steinway, two
MiniMoogs, two $50,000 Fairlight CMI's, Prophet 8's and 10's,
PPG Waves) Geoff Downes used
with the supergroup Asia back on their '83 tour.


Take a look. I know, utterly ridiculous in this
day and age, but man, seeing him run around
the stage like a madman was sooooo cool...
and the sound was MASSIVE.

http://valseven.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/asia1.jpg



FL
www.franklucas.net

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

I've actually figured out the keystation 88 if anyone else has it and wants help....

I think M-Audio could have done a better job writing a manual for this thing, I could have been running in 5 minutes. Who do they think they are, Kurzweil?

:roll:

[ChrisMcCoy]

Actually, to this day, I think the most
awesome keyboard setup I have ever seen
were the 21 keyboards (including 9 foot Steinway, two
MiniMoogs, two $50,000 Fairlight CMI's, Prophet 8's and 10's,
PPG Waves) Geoff Downes used
with the supergroup Asia back on their '83 tour.


Take a look. I know, utterly ridiculous in this
day and age, but man, seeing him run around
the stage like a madman was sooooo cool...
and the sound was MASSIVE.

http://valseven.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/asia1.jpg



FL
www.franklucas.net

I remember the renting a live video that looks like it was part of the same tour. It was out as a VHS rental. Supposedly, Geoff had a small computer monitor on stage in the middle of the whole rig that had an arrow pointing to which side of the stage he needed to run to to get to the next keyboard he would play. Can't imagine how exhausted his tech must have been at the end of that tour ! :shock:

[Omega Monkey]

What the hell is a Prophet 8? Do you mean a T-8? Or Prophet 5?

Anyway, if your shit arrived damaged, your first step is to send it back and get a replacement or get it repaired or whatever. I dont know why no one mentioned that so far. Or maybe you mean it was damaged so you sent it back and now are reassessing your gear plans.

I would say if you have a fair amount of money, go out and get a nice workstation and build from there. I am partial to the Motif series, but everyone has their own preference. Just go down to your local mega music store and try out as many boards as possible for extended sessions.

[Over The Edge]

Sorry,

Sequential Circuits Prophet T8




FL
www.franklucas.net

[pHaTaL_eRrOr]

I think I'm going to keep the keystation 88 for a while...at least until I get more proficient at playing, since I'm quite the piano playing novice at the moment.

I'll just keep throwing 200 bucks into my mattress every paycheck, and when I feel I've earned it, I'll go buy whatever the hottest workstation to buy is.... but I really like how my KS feels, so I suppose it'll be good for now.