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[PeterD]

Hey everyone,

I've always been the keyboard workstation type/multitrack recorder type. Recently I bought a DAW and I'm slowwwwly trying to have it become my new way of recording. I'm in desparate need of new sounds and effects and I'm being seriously tempted by some of the new Korg products. For the price of, say, a Krome 61 key, would I be better off with a NI Komplete 8 or something similar?

What would YOU do and why?

Thanks for reading,

Peter

[pboss]

I have heard that the Komplete 8 is a good way to start out, considering budget. Currently I believe they're giving Guitar Rig 5 away with it, which is a good deal. Also consider that you'll need a sound card to convert audio to digital if you want to record anything audio-wise, if you don't already have that. The komplete 6 is a converter for around 250 bucks or less.

Just make sure you do research regarding the OS you're installing these things onto, because in some cases there are issues with a particular audio card / driver not working with certain apps on a certain OS version. I recently built a whole new system, and before I bought or installed each element, I have to thoroughly research if there were known issues. A good example is that Logic had a bug on a particular version of Lion, although Logic recently released another version, knowing the issue ahead helped me because I knew to not upgrade the OS yet.

[mazz]

I jumped ship from workstations long ago, but then again, I'm very comfortable working on a computer (even several at a time occasionally!).

I think a DAW and a package like Komplete is much more flexible in the long run than a keyboard workstation. A workstation will always be limited in memory capacity, it could use proprietary sample formats, the screen is small, the sequencer less flexible because of the small screen, etc. Also you need to record its output and unless it has a ton of outputs, you'll need to make several passes to record all your parts to separate tracks in your DAW anyway (I wouldn't mix out of the stereo outputs of a workstation). Also the sounds in your keyboard may or may not be upgradeable and eventually Korg will abandon your keyboard and you will outgrow the sounds. With a DAW and Virtual Instruments, you have an infinite stream of new sounds available to you in standardized formats.

On the other hand, a keyboard workstation typically won't crash on you, even if you push it a little too hard. The workflow is pretty well spelled out so you don't have to "roll your own" workflow. The keyboard has knobs and buttons and sliders that are real, not on a virtual screen.

I vote for the DAW route, you will have more flexibility in the long run, but maybe you favor stability over flexibility. Using a computer opens up that technical can of worms and you'll inevitably have to come face to face with that from time to time.

My 3c

Mazz

[matto]

For the price of a Krome 61 you could get Komplete 8 Ultimate and it will slap the Krome silly. Or get regular Komplete 8 and add something like Spectrasonic Omnisphere.

Either way the Krome won't stand a chance.

IMHO the only reason to get a 'keyboard workstation' is if you need it to play live.

I don't know of anyone who relies solely or mostly on hardware synth sounds for composing/studio music production in this day and age.

matto

[Russell Landwehr]

IMHO the only reason to get a 'keyboard workstation' is if you need it to play live.

matto

I completely agree with matto (and mazz). The last keyboard I purchased was the Korg Kronos 88. It is a monster. But my main reason for getting it was for live use. It is useful for tracking, but I mostly use software synths and such. In my studio, the Kronos is mostly a (really expensive) controller. I do use it to record some hardware tracks, but I bring them in one track at a time so I can mix in the DAW instead of on the outputs of the Kronos.

You would probably get more mileage out of Komplete provided you are happy with your current controller.

BTW, what DAW and audio interface are you using?

rl

[PeterD]

Hmmmm,

All GREAT points!!! Seems like I just need to take the plunge and let go of synth workstations. I got about 10 years out of my Trtiton, but realistically the sounds died a LLLONG time ago! I suppose I can still use it as a controller? I didn't realize the audio outputs were a bad way to record the sequences. For years, I'd mix on the workstation then send it to the recorder via left/right audio outs. That could be a BIG reason why my mixes don't shine like they could??

You guys are awesome!! I should have asked MORE critical questions YEARS ago!!!!!

[PeterD]

PS ...
I have the watered down version of Presonus Studio One with the USB audiobox. Just picked it up last May and have made a few things with it. BLOWS away the Triton sequencer I've been so used to, but takes a while to learn how to navigate.

[Cruciform]

Hi Peter,

The "watered down" version of S1 that you have, I'm guessing it is the Artist? If so, you might already know this but if you decide to grab Komplete or Omnisphere or anything third party, you would need to upgrade from Artist to either Producer or Professional to be able to use them.

And S1 is incredibly easy to use, so I'm guessing you probably haven't test driven any other DAWs yet? Of course, people get used to a certain workflow and different DAWs will suit different people but since most things in S1 are drag-and-drop it's hard to go wrong.

[CHuckmott]

I think I would somehow save the extra money and buy the EW Composers (actually compared to Komplete Ultimate - the difference being it ships on a hard drive - is similar in price). Heard good reports on EW stuff. Supposedly better quality samples, somewhat fewer but better quality. And Omnisphere. In reality I went both, the Yamaha MOX 6 and the Spectrasonics trio (Omnisphere, Trilian, Stylus RMX Expanded).

[CHuckmott]

Note: Went with the Yamaha and the tipping point was to also be felxible enough to use it for live playing.