LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: fmason3 on December 02, 2008, 08:10:10 AM
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Does anyone here use midi controllers with a sound module or computer soft synth? I'm not talking about using a workstation/synthesizer as your controller (e.g. Motif 8 midi'ed to a MKS...WHEW GLORY!)....but a dedicated midi controller.
I have the M-Audio Oxygen 61
(http://www.musiciansbuy.com/mmMBCOM/images/maudio_oxygen61.jpg)
I don't really like it. It isn't touch sensitive. Granted I only bought it to use with my Native B4 software because it has 9 sliders. But the feel is horrible. It's very stiff and tough to play "organ" on.
I'm thinking about giving it away and buying an Evolution MK-461c.
(http://hyperinzercia.sk/inz2/560/560127-m-audio-evolution-mk-461c-midi-keyboard-1.jpg)
I'm all about portability. I have a Yamaha S90ES and that joint never leaves the house. It was a struggle getting home from Guitar Center! :D I bought a Yamaha Motif 7 classic about a year ago to take on the fly, but that joint is kinda big too. It's not huge. It's not a struggle to pack it up and go, but sometimes I just want to be able to grab my laptop in one hand and my controller in the other and roll.
I use Reason 4.0 more and more in live settings now. At first I was just using it to run drum tracks but now , if my drummer is running is own tracks, I can play keys through Reason. Especially since I have the samples of Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos and the MKS-20 sound module through Reason.
This is a picture of one of my software rigs.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3076662255_76fe3f05cb.jpg?v=0)
In this picture, I'm using the MKS-20 E. Piano 2, a pad, and a steinway grand.
I can assign the sliders on my S90ES and Oyxgen 61 to control the levels on my software line mixer in Reason...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3077494260_3d24311f09.jpg?v=0)
but I can't assign the sliders on my motif >:(, which is what I'd use out and about...so I was considering purchasing one of these...
(http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM03/Content/Evolution/PR/UC-33-lg.jpg)
...to just be a controller for my sliders...since my macbook pro has two usb ports.
We'll see though.
What are you all using?
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Well doc......since you thinking about giving it away.....I'll take it. lol :D :D :D :D ;D
just joking
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Well doc......since you thinking about giving it away.....I'll take it. lol :D :D :D :D ;D
just joking
If I get the Evolution, I would bless you doc...but you're kinda far....Tennessee?
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If I get the Evolution, I would bless you doc...but you're kinda far....Tennessee?
yea I know......lol
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I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.
They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.
When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).
On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
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On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
I need to shop with you :D :D
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I getting another controller too. Probably be the Evolution as well just for the B4 software and Reason. Geez Fred, I wonder how you got the mks20 on Reason? I think I should get that controller LOLOLOL!!!
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On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
100 each?? can't bet that at all!
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I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.
They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.
When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).
On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
You should have jumped on that motif rack! Yes, the CME VX-8 is NICE. I want an 88-key midi controller as well. I don't like the keystation pro 88's feel. The Yamaha KX-8 is very light and has a good feel, but has no sliders >:( WHO DOES THAT?! And for like $100 more, you can get the MM8..
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How much does the VX-8 weigh? I'm not about to buy a midi controller that weighs as much as my S90!!!
I need to shop with you :D :D
Call me when y'all plan the shopping trip!
I getting another controller too. Probably be the Evolution as well just for the B4 software and Reason. Geez Fred, I wonder how you got the mks20 on Reason? I think I should get that controller LOLOLOL!!!
This music genius put me on to it! :D
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The websites say that the VX8 is heavier than the S90, but it felt lighter to me....or at least it felt lighter than my Keystation, which is almost the same weight as the S90--just two pounds less.
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The websites say that the VX8 is heavier than the S90, but it felt lighter to me....or at least it felt lighter than my Keystation, which is almost the same weight as the S90--just two pounds less.
So they're both heavier than your MM8 right? The MM8 seemed pretty light to me.
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Yea. The MM8 is light....no sliders though.
Probably because the case is plastic, whereas the others have metal.
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Does anyone here use midi controllers with a sound module or computer soft synth? I don't really like it. It isn't touch sensitive.
I have a M-audio Radium 61 and I don't like it either for the same reasons. It's better than nothing. I bought a Roland A30 a few years ago and I thought it was nice but mine was defective and had to be returned.
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I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.
They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.
When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).
On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
B3Wannabe,
I heard that the CME had buggy drivers; this is why I have been having second thoughts about buying one. Did you have any problems with the CME controllers?
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B3Wannabe,
I heard that the CME had buggy drivers; this is why I have been having second thoughts about buying one. Did you have any problems with the CME controllers?
No. I don't have one, but I hear they fixed it.
...at least it says so on their site.
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Ok so let me git dis scr8, a midi controller is only spoda be used to make midi file correct? I still don't know nuffin bout dem lil keyboads...LOL!! ;D ;D ;D Seriously though, I did like the price of the M-audio midi controller. But I have my eye on the M-audio Axiom or the EMU Xboard. Has anyone tried either of those?
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Ok so let me git dis scr8, a midi controller is only spoda be used to make midi file correct? I still don't know nuffin bout dem lil keyboads...LOL!! ;D ;D ;D Seriously though, I did like the price of the M-audio midi controller. But I have my eye on the M-audio Axiom or the EMU Xboard. Has anyone tried either of those?
That's funny! I'm guessing it was a joke.
I know someone that has an axiom. For me M-Audio is like Casio: some of their stuff is good, some of it is bad. Yamaha is like that too.
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Well, I have a question. I haven't quite figured out all of these 'technical' aspects.
I've watched DD's video of running the Roland MKS-20 digital module through Reason, but is it possible to also run it through Fruity Loops? I have Fruity Loops, but I've never really messed around with Reason.
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Well, I have a question. I haven't quite figured out all of these 'technical' aspects.
I've watched DD's video of running the Roland MKS-20 digital module through Reason, but is it possible to also run it through Fruity Loops? I have Fruity Loops, but I've never really messed around with Reason.
I dont know, but all this talk about Fruit loops got me feignin for some cereal
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The CME midi controllers look great, but I could not see paying $1000 for a midi controller (zero on-board sounds) that is just as heavy as the Motif.
(http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop_image/product/158be3b1949bf93f0aaecaf99cf78edb.jpg)
The only pro I can see with this controller is having 9 sliders...and I'm sure it has a nice feel.
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...and the sliders are motorized.
It supports DAW....and a whole range of other stuff.
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Well, I have a question. I haven't quite figured out all of these 'technical' aspects.
I've watched DD's video of running the Roland MKS-20 digital module through Reason, but is it possible to also run it through Fruity Loops? I have Fruity Loops, but I've never really messed around with Reason.
Don't know about FL I know Kontakt will take them as well (I used it on there first before Reason...both does the job). My answer is: if they can take soundfont samples, then you are straight.
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...and the sliders are motorized.
It supports DAW....and a whole range of other stuff.
I'd love to try one out. But is it just me or does it seem like Guitar Center doesn't have hardly anything on display anymore.
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I'd love to try one out. But is it just me or does it seem like Guitar Center doesn't have hardly anything on display anymore.
I noticed that too. Very strange indeed.
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I have yet to find a small controller that has a good feel. I've been using a Kawai K11 as a controller for many years and it has run circles around every other 61 key controller I've played.
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It seems like guitar center would sell more stuff if they showed how it worked. Like having a midi controller hooked up to a laptop running Reason (Logic, Sibelius, Finale...) you could see how the stuff really works and be more inclined to buy.
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It seems like guitar center would sell more stuff if they showed how it worked. Like having a midi controller hooked up to a laptop running Reason (Logic, Sibelius, Finale...) you could see how the stuff really works and be more inclined to buy.
It's amazing how many musicians don't know about midi and the use of controllers.
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I dont know, but all this talk about Fruit loops got me feignin for some cereal
Me too...LOL!! ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D
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MPK49 by Akai is a really good controller... does anyone here bring their laptop/computer to church and play VST instruments/soft synths live??
I am considering doing it, now that software instruments have stepped their game up... a lot of them are just as good, if not better, than their hardware counterparts, not to mention the ease of using a dedicated MIDI controller with a large, full color, easy-to-read display (your computer screen, of course!!!)
All you would need is a low-latency soundcard and you're in there!!
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MPK49 by Akai is a really good controller...
(http://www.skratchworx.com/images/akai/mpk49/mpk49_all.jpg)
Yeah my boy was considering it because it's like a controller and MPC
does anyone here bring their laptop/computer to church and play VST instruments/soft synths live??
I am considering doing it, now that software instruments have stepped their game up... a lot of them are just as good, if not better, than their hardware counterparts, not to mention the ease of using a dedicated MIDI controller with a large, full color, easy-to-read display (your computer screen, of course!!!)
All you would need is a low-latency soundcard and you're in there!!
I played key bass through Reason 3.0 once a year ago. I have 4.0 now. This was my setup:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2300401282_10d83f9d0e.jpg?v=0)
I also played main keys once at a gig up in NY through Reason 4.0. I used the worship rack setup that I posted on the first page of this discussion. I've since upgraded my macbook pro to 2GB of ram.
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does anyone here bring their laptop/computer to church and play VST instruments/soft synths live??
My church rig consists of a B3 and Leslie and a baby grand. :D
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My church rig consists of a B3 and Leslie and a baby grand. :D
This is my church rig:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2063/2299625271_e5e401c952.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2300419768_f6886440dc.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2299625499_f9952c5de5.jpg?v=0)
You can't beat that for portability!!! :D
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fmason, your setup is awesome!! I have Reason 4 in my studio as well as pro tools and FL studio... There are literally tens of thousands of high quality virtual instruments, reason refills, and sounds available, and with my 500GB hard drive, i'll never run out of space for more... and a midi controller is much lighter than a Fantom X8!
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My conference setup (was aux keys up to the last day)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/ddw4e/img311.jpg)
Main keys setup (my pops setup)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/ddw4e/img308.jpg)
That's portable!!
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I wanna be like yall when I grow up!!! :o :o :o