Live keys - software vs. hardware?

[nickbatzdorf]

The Open Labs stuff is designed for that, and from what I can see it's made very well. It's certainly conceived very well, and I like the look and feel.By the way, the Receptor is also an appealing product (although it's very different from Neko/Miko). I'm just saying that people shouldn't be afraid to use computers on the stage, as long as they're built well. What Mazz says about having a back-up machine makes sense, though. That may sound extravagant, but for example I recently picked up two rackmount 2.8GHz P4s for $200 each. They even have Frontier Designs cards in them; a composer was moving up and just wanted to unload them. It was a good deal, but nothing unheard of.I use these machines as sample slaves, but something like that would be perfect for stage use. For the most part you don't need the latest quad-core monster for live performance, since instruments that can be played in real time tend to be more compact - certainly more compact than an orchestral template.And then there's the new Quantum Leap Pianos I just got through installing, which kinda negates what I just said. The library comes on 32 double-sided DVDs. (EastWest was kind enough to lend me some hard drives with it on so I didn't have to spend 36 hours installing it and can get the review done. )

[aimusic]

I use an Open Labs Miko and Love it... the fact that it's built solidly and doesn't mind a knock about is absolutely brilliant...Does the east west pianos come on 32 dvds??? what's it like as I really want a high quality piano sampler as even NI's piano sounds cheesy!

[rfrey]

A couple of nights ago, I was watching some of the Cakewalk videos on youtube and saw this interview with Jimmy Nichols on tour with Faith Hill. He uses Ivory in his touring rig. It's a pretty interesting interview:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc7sKoOeKOw

[elser]

For what it's worth, I've been carrying a G4 laptop on the road with me for over 5 years now. Only problem was when it got dropped on the floor at the beginning of a 2 month contract on a ship. It got cracked pretty bad but I was able to limp through the contract and then get it fixed once I got home. At that time I was using it for creating and playing back tracks, but I continue to carry it now. I now get backlined with a Roland RD700SX which accepts USB dumps so I dump all my patches, splits and layers and all that stuff. I'm planning to upgrade to a Macbook Pro and start using it as a sound source for a Midi mallet controller. I think the biggest thing in keeping it road worthy is no one touches it but me and it's with me all the time. Occasionally I'll stuff it in my suitcase but normally it's with me on the plane, in my room or with me onstage. Other than the one mishap it's been great. So there's a little different experience to consider. I haven't tried Apple's Mainstage yet but that's what I have planned for the future.Elser