Mainstage 2

[davejd]

I've only bailed on it for the time being. I do think it's the future, certainly for me anyway. However, I need to see it working repeatedly "out in the field" so to speak. Laptops are fickle mares, so I'll most likely take it with me for the next year or so and run it in the background during the gig to see what it does.

As for my new boards, Rob Reed thinks I'm mad. Either way, they'll look cool on this -

http://www.ultimatesupport.com/product/AX-90W

 

Hmmm,  some of those pics have a distinct Alien feel about them. Perhaps you could get H.I.Giger to design  some for you!

[Mouse]

http://www.ultimatesupport.com/product/AX-90W

 

That's quite sexy. It would look even more sexy Steampunked-up.  

[EVP]

It looks like the Transformer of keyboard stands :shock:  Hopefully it won't launch off the stage and fly away.

I have the original Apex here. Quite solid, built like a tank.

[dtscape10]

I think the Apex is the one I wanted originally.... Still do!!!!!

Jem - Did you ever find a GOOD midi controller keyboard?

I am asking this because I was looking for one myself and found it very frustrating. There are very few 76key controllers.... Plently of 61 or 88 but not many in between. Most seem to use hardware synths as controllers these days, and I think I'm probably going to do the same (a Kurzweil PC3 when I have the money!!!)

[Jem]

I ended up with a Roland A37 that I got from the SOS classifieds. It's not bad really, a bit plastic-y perhaps and the keys are a bit short. I'm actually back to using an X6 now, the 37's in the attic.

I've got a Fantom G7 here too now that I don't really know why I bought. It's bloody enormous. I'm going to put it up for sale in a minute I think.

[dtscape10]

Do you prefer the X range to the G range then?

I've recently taken a break from the gigging scene (we had twins in July last year so time of to spend with the family). I'm looking to start again early next year and think it's an ideal time to change my rig(currently Korg Triton Classic, Korg 01/w fd and a Roland D50) to a Fantom X6 and a Kurzweil PC3. I want to go more sample based but think the G range is so overpriced.. hence the X6 which is a nice sampler but a lot less money!!!!
Between the two I think I'll have most things covered.

[Jem]

Well, I do prefer the sound of the X definitely. But the G has many things that I'll miss such as the mental screen which facilitates such enjoyable editing. Being able to plug a mouse in is a godsend too. It really speeds things up.

It has better lead sounds and the seamless change with effects is very good too. It's sample implementation is also jolly good, it's so easy to set up multisamples and assign them to the pads etc...The USB drives load in a fifth of the time of the X6. It used to take 9 minutes to load up 350mb of samples on the X. Nightmare!

However,I don't know why they couldn't have stayed with the petit size of the X6's as I think the G looks a bit too much like a vintage Cylon that's spent too long down the gym. It's all shoulders and testosterone. :lol:

I also don't really use the G in the studio either as the presets are a bit pony imo. The X is packed with loads of TV and radio friendly sounds that fit really well into the dayjob music and it get's hammered during the working day. The G just sorta sits there against the wall...

If they'd kept the SRX boards for the G, it'd have been a keeper for me. The ARX boards have been a bit ...er specialised for most of musical humanity although I think there's a new piano one in the offing. They've just released an expansion board for the RG700 or whatever it's called that adds "supernatural" piano. Presumably as a consequence of the V-Piano so I'd be very surprised if they don't release a Fantom G version shortly.

Roland typically run their workstations for 3-4 years before coming up with a successor and the Fantom G is 2 years old now so no doubt I'll be taking delivery of the Fantom V or whatever the next one will be when it comes out.

They're still cool, but I can do without one for the time being.

[dtscape10]

I may be interested in the Fantom G7...PM me as to how much your looking for?

If thats what you used for TPE (along with the V synth) then i think it will do what i'm after!!!!! You have opened my eyes to what is possible on a keyboard these days(your geek report with the fantom g is brilliant... very clever programming). I used to love editing and programming keyboards(about 10 years ago) but I've got a bit lazy recently. I think the break from music has done me good as I'm getting the buzz again when I play!!! It's a great feeling.....  

[Pedro]

It's about third on this list :-

http://www.soundonsound.com/readersads/ ... derDatAZ=2

....but you had better be quick, I can't see it hanging around for long.  

Also, I notice it says : "Poss. swap for Virus TI desktop/Polar."

[MarkOneMusic]

spotted the K5000s too.

If only I had some money right now

... and it's just up the road

[El_Mayonnaise]

Aren't there like, Virus TI's for sale just under Jems advert?

Just a thought.

[Pedro]

It look a little spooky doesn't it?  

[Jem]

I was hoping one of them might go for swapsies. I swapped the V-Synth Gt for an XT. Which in turn enabled me to sell the D50 coz the XT has one built in. Plus about 10 new waveforms and all the sounds from all the cards Roland made in something like 16 banks of 8x8 so it's like an Super Duper D50.  

And the XT has the vocoder built in too. And it's about as heavy as a ham sandwich. Rather than the Gt which was as heavy as a fully gown sow. :lol:

[dtscape10]

All I can say is...... Bugger !!!!!  
Onwards and upwards!!!!

 

[Pedro]

Hmm....if even two laptops are not enough to be trusted then you know where this is leading don't you....?
....one laptop per keyboard key....
....et voila....Jem's invented the LappyTron!