About: notebook or new key?

[jobmacwake]

Hey guys, I have a question bothering me these days.
Maybe you can help me.
I´m thinking about geting a new keyboard.
I already have a korg X5 and a K2500RS, so I was thinking about Korg Triton LE(61 or 76).
The real problem is: Do you think it´s better buying a notebook and use synth and sampler softwares?
I´d like you to post experinces using notebooks in stage(problems, confiability, if it crashes a lot, what´s the best OS,...) so this could give me some idea.

[Airspeed]

I would get a laptop if you already have a Kurzweil. I'm personally like PC's but I know a lot of people who think MAC's are better for music and video production. I think it's a very subjective subject. I would recommend at least a P4-2.0Ghz with 512megs of DDR ram and a 40-60 Gig hard drive. You'll also need a breakout box ( I recommend M-Audio's USB Audiophile). Then load it up with Cubase and some VST instruments and have fun. I just recently purchased Arturia's Minimoog V and can't say enough good things about it. Just remenber that with laptops you get what you pay for so shop around and don't be afraid to spend a lot of money for something decent (I prefer Toshiba's). And most important don't forget to buy the extended warranty so that if something goes bad (LCD monitor) you don't have a large repair bill. Hope this info helps you!!! :wink:

If you do decide on the Korg Le you might want to look for a Triton rack on Ebay instead. I've seen them go for between $600-1200 US ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29552&item=3730480186&rd=1 ). Just a thought. And have you thought about an 88 key controller for the Kurz and other stuff?

[jobmacwake]

Thkx for replying Airspeed.
Well, first I´d like you to solve another doubt: Can you tell me exactly how I´ll connect for example a controller(I´m thinking about getting one -Maybe Roland a-37, what do you think?)into the laptop? I mean the steps I ´ll take. See for example if I´m right:
Íf I buy the M-Audio's USB Audiophile I´ll connect it to laptop through USB and Connect the controller to the M-Audio's USB Audiophile through midi cables ok? Then I´ll use the softwares(like you said VST instruments) to load the sounds.
Are these steps above right?
And these softs have easily bank changes like for example, the Quick Access Bank on the K2500(it makes live performance a lot easier when you need to use a lot of sounds in the same song).
Well for using live I didnt like a 88 Key controller. A 76 for me should be better.
Well if you can help me again, thkx again.

I would get a laptop if you already have a Kurzweil. I'm personally like PC's but I know a lot of people who think MAC's are better for music and video production. I think it's a very subjective subject. I would recommend at least a P4-2.0Ghz with 512megs of DDR ram and a 40-60 Gig hard drive. You'll also need a breakout box ( I recommend M-Audio's USB Audiophile). Then load it up with Cubase and some VST instruments and have fun. I just recently purchased Arturia's Minimoog V and can't say enough good things about it. Just remenber that with laptops you get what you pay for so shop around and don't be afraid to spend a lot of money for something decent (I prefer Toshiba's). And most important don't forget to buy the extended warranty so that if something goes bad (LCD monitor) you don't have a large repair bill. Hope this info helps you!!! :wink:

If you do decide on the Korg Le you might want to look for a Triton rack on Ebay instead. I've seen them go for between $600-1200 US ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29552&item=3730480 186&rd=1 ). Just a thought. And have you thought about an 88 key controller for the Kurz and other stuff?

[Airspeed]

You're exactly right. The USB Audiophile is the interface between your controller and computer (computer---USB Audiophile---MIDI cable---MIDI controller). Your studio monitors would plug into the USB audiophile. As far as controlling VST presets/programs ect. each VST is different but most allow for MIDI control of preset changes. In the case of the Minimoog V there is a reception channel that can receive up to 120 different MIDI controls. It has a learn function that allows you to mouse click on the Minimoog V button/knob and move the physical MIDI controller on your keyboard to save that function. As far as 76 key controllers go, I know that the A-37 has been a popular one for many years. M-Audio has quite a few controllers but I don't think that they have a 76 key model. Check out M-Audios new Keystation Pro 88 key controller http://www.maudio.co.uk/index.php?do=products.main&ID=9a21908731f15af1a8b1c6ffaa247f5b&setlocale=en_us . Hope this helps!!! :wink:

[Taurus]

Airspeed, that avatar rules. (got the full movie ;)

[Airspeed]

8) Go Starwars Kid !!!!