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Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 03:55:21 PM

Title: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 03:55:21 PM
Hello fellow Levites!!!
If any of you have seen Tye Tribbett live lately then you would notice that I'm using a laptop in addition to the keyboards. The reason for this is to create an even bigger sound using multiple sound engines simultaneously. I often get ?'s about the Laptop. To me i believe that it is easier and more cost efficient then some bulky keyboard. It's like having your own custom keyboard with you at all times. You can either get an 88,76,61,49,25-key controller of your choice or you can use whatever keyboard there. My fav controller is the M-audio Axiom. As long as it(keyboard at the church/gig) has a midi-out then your all set!! I consider myself blessed cause I have a Diversi Organ at my church. This organ has midi outs on it. You could get a macbook for about $999-$1900. I paid $2700 for mine only because it's a tricked out Pro. It(your Mac) doesn't need to be a pro, the old white and black one's work just as well. If Im ever in your city then just hit me up. I'd be glad to give you some of my sounds. Trust me dudes, it's a great investment.
Be Blessed!
~Law
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: ddw4e on April 06, 2009, 04:30:27 PM
What VSTs you using with Pro Tools bruh?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 04:45:09 PM
What VSTs you using with Pro Tools bruh?
With Pro Tools I normally use Ivory(Italian), and some Moogerfooger sounds. I normally run Pro Tools, Logic, Abysynth, Massive, Garage Band, String Studio, Lounge Lizard, Analog Studio, and Jupiter 8 all at the same time. sending different feeds to my Motif ES8, and the Triton Studio(top board), and the Keytar. The Fantom G is the only one I play str8 up.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: JazzJunkie on April 06, 2009, 04:47:23 PM
What kind of Program you are using?.....I have a MacBook Pro
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: JazzJunkie on April 06, 2009, 04:51:19 PM
Why all of them at the same time? I just got my macbook and im tying to learn how to use it.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 04:52:20 PM
What kind of Program you are using?.....I have a MacBook Pro
Pretty much everything I mentioned in my last post but. you should already have garage band on your Mac. That's got some hot sounds. All you need is a USB to Midi cable and a 1/8 to 1/4 inch plug and your rockin'
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 04:56:24 PM
Why all of them at the same time? I just got my macbook and im tying to learn how to use it.
Since I'm playing Mains and sharing Aux I like to have all my sounds at the ready. Some programs will have a piano/keyboard sound. I send that to the ES8. The programs with lead and pad sounds I send to the Triton. And the Keytar is a blend of different Lead sounds.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: JazzJunkie on April 06, 2009, 05:16:06 PM
Oh Ok. I have Acoustic Piano software im using right now
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: sjonathan02 on April 06, 2009, 05:34:57 PM
Does it have to be a Mac?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: under13 on April 06, 2009, 05:37:44 PM
Does it have to be a Mac?

No, but all the cool kids have macs. :D
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: ddw4e on April 06, 2009, 05:48:41 PM
Pretty much, they are better with audio. That's my next purchase.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: under13 on April 06, 2009, 05:53:01 PM
Pretty much, they have better with audio. That's my next purchase.
.

And supposedly more reliable on stage. And many programs still dont work with vista.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on April 06, 2009, 09:16:57 PM
.

And supposedly more reliable on stage. And many programs still dont work with vista.
That's a fact my friend! Now don't get me wrong, DJ's rock PC laptops all night long and don't miss a beat. I too was a PC guy until i noticed that all of the hot musicians in Philly had Macs. I first bought the white joint to fit in but when I started playing around i realized how dope Mac really was!  ;)
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: themidiroom on April 07, 2009, 10:07:38 AM
.

And supposedly more reliable on stage.
Just don't drop it.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: kodacolor on April 07, 2009, 02:31:33 PM
Just don't drop it.

 :D  Just like the iPod!
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: themidiroom on April 07, 2009, 02:56:56 PM
:D  Just like the iPod!
Exactly!  Funny thing about devices with a hard disk inside.  :D
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: ddw4e on April 07, 2009, 05:05:00 PM
.

And supposedly more reliable on stage. And many programs still dont work with vista.
Tell me about it. My fast track, sonar and Vista does not work together. Latency problems all day with it.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: dReam_fpd on April 15, 2009, 01:07:59 AM
Hey I was wondering can someone give a detail example on how to go about using a laptop with a keyboard and what programs to do need and how to get different sounds and transfer it to the keyboard from the laptop.

thaks
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: B3Organist_007 on April 15, 2009, 02:02:44 AM
Hey I was wondering can someone give a detail example on how to go about using a laptop with a keyboard and what programs to do need and how to get different sounds and transfer it to the keyboard from the laptop.

thaks


All you need is:

1. Laptop
2. Software (To many to name, but I think the most popular is Reason   or Kontakt):
      http://www.tweakheadz.com/software_samplers.htm (http://www.tweakheadz.com/software_samplers.htm)
      http://www.tweakheadz.com/software_synths.html (http://www.tweakheadz.com/software_synths.html)     

3. USB Midi Interface
     
4. USB Audio Interface
     http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_and_audio_interfaces.htm (http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_and_audio_interfaces.htm)
     
5. Controller(Keyboard)
6. Some type of audio output (speakers, headphones, monitors)

You would connect the keyboard to the laptop using the usb midi interface.  This is so you can send midi signals to the software on your computer with the keyboard. Some of the newer controllers already come with midi interfaces so you might not have to buy one.

You would then connect your laptop and your speakers or monitors using the audio interface.  The audio interfaces turns the midi signals that you trigger with your keyboard into actual sound (I think).

Check out these video for examples of actual setups (There are tons of videos like these on youtube):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d-qT7baac0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d-qT7baac0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX8fL9WmdZg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX8fL9WmdZg)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv4uCzsnwi8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv4uCzsnwi8)
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: acts2-38 on April 16, 2009, 08:37:57 PM
I have been using a korg TR 88 and a casio wk3300. I stack the casio on top and use the organ bass sound which is pretty decent. I midi the korg to my laptop and use the native instruments B4 II organ software. This is the best organ software I know of....
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: under13 on April 16, 2009, 08:39:25 PM
I have been using a korg TR 88 and a casio wk3300. I stack the casio on top and use the organ bass sound which is pretty decent. I midi the korg to my laptop and use the native instruments B4 II organ software. This is the best organ software I know of....

do you have the drawbar module that goes with it?

Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: KurzLand on April 20, 2009, 01:40:15 AM
I've dropped mi Ipod-TOUCH many times and it still works properly.

Anyways, I also want a Mac, the 1000$ one. I want to get Logic and make sequences to play along with at church, because we all know that the other musicians don't practice with a metronome.  :D

But really, I want a backing drum machine, funky-big band-jazz brass (oh God!!!), strings (that sound real; not holding just one note for 4 measures), pads, synth pads, synth, Ep, rhodes, and other sounds.

One day have will I.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: Kelz-Da-Basshead on May 05, 2009, 07:04:42 PM
I use reason and there seems to be a delay with everything i play. Its small but its there
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: minofmusic on May 06, 2009, 10:03:08 AM
if you dont have midi controller is it possible to make the motif es the controller and still control all the sounds from the laptop?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: fmason3 on May 06, 2009, 10:51:58 AM
if you dont have midi controller is it possible to make the motif es the controller and still control all the sounds from the laptop?

Yes
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: djdavis on May 15, 2009, 05:10:08 PM
I use reason and there seems to be a delay with everything i play. Its small but its there

Try lowering the buffer size or the latency, and if you aren't already, use the ASIO instead of Direct for your sound card
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: 3rd-Day on June 02, 2009, 03:21:24 PM
With Pro Tools I normally use Ivory(Italian), and some Moogerfooger sounds. I normally run Pro Tools, Logic, Abysynth, Massive, Garage Band, String Studio, Lounge Lizard, Analog Studio, and Jupiter 8 all at the same time. sending different feeds to my Motif ES8, and the Triton Studio(top board), and the Keytar. The Fantom G is the only one I play str8 up.

I have heard a lot of good things about Logic. Im new to the software setup. I acquired Sampletank today. Are you splitting your Triton or are you layering all of the sound.  I recently got fascinated with Morris Hayes abililty to do so much without breaking a sweat. I want to get to that point.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: elio on June 07, 2009, 01:56:38 AM
On this subject: I'm trying to move in the same direction (rig: Yamaha S90, Macbook with Logic Pro) and I'm learning how to trigger Logic samples/sequences/whole parts live and it's really cool.

But I have a question: I'm on the market for a firewire mixer/interface - I'm looking at the Alesis Multimix 8. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thx
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on June 07, 2009, 11:28:02 PM
I have heard a lot of good things about Logic. Im new to the software setup. I acquired Sampletank today. Are you splitting your Triton or are you layering all of the sound.  I recently got fascinated with Morris Hayes abililty to do so much without breaking a sweat. I want to get to that point.
Well Most of the time The Triton is my expression/lick board so i'll layer/stack different lead sounds and give them different effects.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: rayjohnson83 on October 12, 2009, 09:44:37 AM
Man I need a MAC!!!!!! lol
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: Waymmann on October 24, 2009, 06:45:12 PM
Wow that sounds really good.... I am an up and coming musician and i am just starting to be called to travel to services and play for groups on a regular basis where my calendar is filling up. But i was wondering if you can use any other type of laptop with that programming. Because i havent reached that high of a musician status and I am on a cost efficient budget..lol
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: docjohn on October 25, 2009, 01:11:32 PM
any advantage to using the Muse Receptor? I have been looking at the idea of one of those,supposedly powerful enough to drive a big rig w/o latency issues.Looks like you could have a LOT of sounds and effects and drive from a Mac and keyboard.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: *Maestro* on November 12, 2009, 12:29:52 AM
I'm currently playing for a band and sometimes I'm the only keyboardist or sometimes i play with a second keyboardist but i'm preparing for such a case when i'm the lone ranger lol. I'm currently using a motif xs and i'm getting a macbook pro to run stemming tracks. I also plan to use the mac as a "secondary keyboard". What software and controller would you guys suggest? I looked at M-audio Axiom and CME VX and UF series but unfortunately i never actually played any and touch is very important to me because it influence my style of playing. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: robdown on December 01, 2009, 11:47:05 AM
I'm currently playing for a band and sometimes I'm the only keyboardist or sometimes i play with a second keyboardist but i'm preparing for such a case when i'm the lone ranger lol. I'm currently using a motif xs and i'm getting a macbook pro to run stemming tracks. I also plan to use the mac as a "secondary keyboard". What software and controller would you guys suggest? I looked at M-audio Axiom and CME VX and UF series but unfortunately i never actually played any and touch is very important to me because it influence my style of playing. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I had two CME's...sent them both back. The workmanship in those boards is extremely poor. I have two midi controllers now, M-Audio Axiom 61 and a Studiologic VMK-161plus (fully weighted). Both are tanks and have never failed me. I use them with Reason and NI B4 organ.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: The Black Surfer on December 19, 2009, 06:05:24 PM
I'm currently playing for a band and sometimes I'm the only keyboardist or sometimes i play with a second keyboardist but i'm preparing for such a case when i'm the lone ranger lol. I'm currently using a motif xs and i'm getting a macbook pro to run stemming tracks. I also plan to use the mac as a "secondary keyboard". What software and controller would you guys suggest? I looked at M-audio Axiom and CME VX and UF series but unfortunately i never actually played any and touch is very important to me because it influence my style of playing. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
(A)(X)(I)(O)(M)
Just lovely my dude.....
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: *Maestro* on February 16, 2010, 11:10:09 AM
Thanks guys.....especially about the CME cuz they had me on the brink of buying. which models of the CME u bought, robdown?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: *Maestro* on February 17, 2010, 10:24:49 AM
I had forgotten to ask....is it possible to use the axiom to get a specific tone from the motif even though i have a different tone selected (using organ even when i have piano chosen) or wud i have to be in pattern or song mode to do this?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: robdown on February 22, 2010, 11:36:31 AM
Thanks guys.....especially about the CME cuz they had me on the brink of buying. which models of the CME u bought, robdown?
I had the UF7. I thought maybe I just got a bad board the first time, so I returned it for another one (same model). Then I had even more problems with that one!! Both of these were new out of the box. Gave up on CME and spent a little more on the Axiom, but I'm happy with it - hasn't let me down yet.
Title: Midi Software needed
Post by: artenson14 on April 08, 2010, 11:33:19 AM
How are you guys doing? i'm wondering if anyone knows a midi software similar to vansbaskco that is compatible to windows 7 cuz since i upgraded my computer on windows 7 i'm not able to install van's bascko on the computer. THanks in advance
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: fmason3 on April 12, 2010, 10:03:38 AM
Man I need a MAC!!!!!! lol

Yes, you do!

On this subject: I'm trying to move in the same direction (rig: Yamaha S90, Macbook with Logic Pro) and I'm learning how to trigger Logic samples/sequences/whole parts live and it's really cool.

But I have a question: I'm on the market for a firewire mixer/interface - I'm looking at the Alesis Multimix 8. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thx

I have the same rig.  You want your interface and mixer to be one in the same right?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: JonJon22 on May 27, 2010, 07:27:52 AM
I'm using a M-Audio 88 key running Reasons 4. Anyone have refills?
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: elio on May 31, 2010, 11:55:45 PM
I have the same rig.  You want your interface and mixer to be one in the same right?

Oops - sorry for the delay.
Anyway, yes, I want them to be the same.
I ended up buying a Phonic Helix - which I've regretted a bit as the workmanship is a little shoddy/flimsy and there isn't a driver for Mac which will do volume control on the output.
Title: Re: Hardware vs. Software!!!
Post by: Salvador on June 02, 2010, 09:08:07 PM
Anybody tried out that Native Instruments "Alicia's Keys" software?

Just listening to demos and such it sounds way better than NI's other piano products. There's some stuff on youtube to check out. And obviously Native Instruments' website.
I'm thinking about getting it as it's only a hundred dollars and I wouldn't be using it in live settings anyway (as I no longer play live).

Hopefully this is a direct link:
http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/powered-by-kontakt/alicias-keys/ (http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/powered-by-kontakt/alicias-keys/)