Midi Controller Rig advice for Jams

[Jamkeys2000]

I've been playing keyboard at the local hot blues jam-I am basically the only keyboard player who shows up. Had some great rig advice from this board, and I now have several different rigs I rotate bringing to this jam, including my "organ" set up, which is:

- a 49 key midi controller running into my laptop

-which then runs into a small mixer, and then

a) out into a small set of speakers I have mounted on my controller as my moniter, and

b) out into the jam PA.

(see my equipment list)

 

I have to rush to set the organ set up in time, and the other day it didn't work and I had to sit in front of a crowded bar playing nothing while the other jammers played on-pretty embarrassing, and I also had to spend time giving a detailed explanation to some guys who misinterpreted what happened.

 

I want to continue using the midi controller as I am enjoying having the flexibility of that. I want to have the speakers mounted on my keyboard as I can't hear myself otherwise.

 

Could I get some advice as to:

1) is there a simple two prong output device I could replace my mixer with, perhaps with volume for each output?

2) how does one set-up efficiently in a jam setting with a laptop/midi?

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

[AnotherScott]

is there a simple two prong output device I could replace my mixer with, perhaps with volume for each output?

If I understand what you want, this might do the trick:

 

http://www.dsan.com/sc/shop/item.asp?itemid=76

[Jamkeys2000]

That appears to be what I need. Thank you.

[J. Dan]

2) how does one set-up efficiently in a jam setting with a laptop/midi?

 

I don't know that it's really possible - that's where hardware keyboards shine.

[mate stubb]

Put everything in a rack. Laptop in a rack drawer, prewired. Make it professional.

 

Just because you are using soft synths, that does not entitle you to stringing wires and little boxes and usb cables all over the place.

[bloodyMary]

Stop using software. Seriously, this is the worst scenario to use software in. Software's good for big stages with clear sound and plenty of set-up time.

 

Save yourself another embarrassment and get this:

 

[video:youtube]L4mHBzf6cps

 

 

or this:

 

(even battery powered!)

 

[video:youtube]XEJq7FeLV08

 

 

 

These are designed to do what you want to do, reliably and with zero setup time

[bloodyMary]

I'm sorry to not answer your question, but I've been down that road and it's never as good as good old hardware keyboard. Just plug it in, turn it on, dial a sound. Not having to worry about latency, USB cable coming out, someone tripping over one of your cables, etc.