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No Name

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About No Name

  • Birthday 01/19/2022
  1. Canada Probably worth mentioning in your first post, given the vast majority of forumites here are based in the U.S., and are giving you recommendations in U.S. currency. That being said, your original list is ALL OVER the map, with no rhyme nor reason. Understandable, as you're apparently new to all this, but that's like going to a car forum and asking what to buy and listing a minivan, a sportscar, a limousine and a tank. I'd recommend spending more time familiarizing yourself with the various classes of keyboard-based instruments that are available, and being a bit more realistic about what you actually need for your gigs/projects. YMMV. Best of luck. All sensible comments. The budget is slightly flexible as it doesnt represent my entire life savings but more of boundaries to what I am willing to spend. If someone sends me a convincing recommendation for USD 2000, I will stretch the budget. I would agree that it doesnt rhyme, but there is a strong reason. I want to try something new. I have synths now be-it VST, and I am happy with everything for experimentation but as others noted the goal is to figure out how can I build upon the foundation I have already built (long way of saying I am new). The list, specifically, was to generate a conversation and see how people break down the selection of synths I have heard of and have an opportunity to try in a store. The goal is to narrow down the selection of synths to a reasonable size that I will try, and we are reaching that goal, in my opinion. I am getting excited. I learned a lot from this post, appreciate all the help and look forward to future comments from people. P.s. Noticed you are from Toronto, and I wanted to let you know that I run a charity for Canadians who are burden with the responsibility of caring for a Korg Kronos. Many Canadians buy these large synths without thinking about the responsibilities, and my new Charity looks to provide homes, well my home, for unwanted synths.
  2. I am a long time forum user Okay, which begs the question.... ? I intend to stick around. I love music and I love talking about music. People around me just think I am nuts. I need an outlet somewhere
  3. All Kronos I can find is in the $4000+ range. Is the LS something special? The Kronos LS is an 88-key Kronos but with a semi-weighted action (piano shaped though) rather than a hammer action weighted one. Used would be your best bet. Sounds beautiful.
  4. I am a long time forum user; it sucks when people start a post which never comes to a resolution. I would love to do a mini review.
  5. Canada Would love one. With Reverb/Ebay I get nailed on the delivery.
  6. Owning a Korg Kronos would be a dream come true. I am a huge Jordan Rudess fan. While I want to carve my path in terms of my sound, I would love to have access to the same equipment. I have been hunting around for Korg Kronos for probably about 2-months now without finding anything in my immediate price range. I have put the dream on hold to get something a little more for the here-and-now, and I will save for the Kronos over time. The Novation Summit looks absolutely terrific, but I am not a patient person, I get too excited about music gear. I cannot see myself making it to September without purchasing something else short-term. She's a beauty. Could not agree more. Synth boner. The only Kurzweils I can find locally are $4000+. They look great, and I have heard amazing reviews about Kurzweil products, but for now, the Kurzweil products are in the dream pile. When I read the following, If you want to try adding symphonic elements to your Progressive Metal, I smiled because this is exactly what I am trying to do. Might be performed live, havent got to that point yet. I am buying tools to expand my options. Other band members cover Moogs. They are Moog mad, which is great for the band, but I am looking for a synth to elevate my sound. 100%. I am looking for a tactile feel of knobs and sliders. You nailed what I am after. Max out the ballage for sure. 100%. Absolutely, in your face and starting a fight with your eardrums. ULTRA FAT. You guys are nailing it. I am happy with my current Midi controller, which is an Arturia Keylab 88, but it has hammer action keys. It has strengths and weaknesses. I am hoping to get a new device with a solid, synth feel. All Kronos I can find is in the $4000+ range. Is the LS something special? Me too but suck at waiting.
  7. Hi Everyone; I wanted to thank everyone for their help. No doubt, my choice has benefited from the discussions, and I learned a lot. I am now a proud owner of an Arturia Keylab 88.
  8. Same issue as what I said about the Roland DS. You care about synth functions, not instrument duplication, so I'd avoid romplers. Not that you can't do synthy things with them, but I think it's better to get a board that's best at exactly what it is you need to do, as opposed to a jack-of-all-trades that's second or third rate at what you most care about. Similarly, I wouldn't suggest the Forte and Kronos that have been mentioned. While unlike the Juno DS and Krome they at least do have VA synthesis in them, you're compromising on the synth (no dedicated knobiness or true analog) in order to get a whole lot of stuff you don't care about, at least based on your OP. If all you're looking for is VA without a dedicated control surface, you might as well stick with software like the rest of your rig. I mean, I understand Synthoid's perspective of preferring hardware, but in your case, you've already made the decision to mostly use software, so if you're going to be adding hardware, you should probably focus on what hardware does best, i.e. where hardware has clear advantages over the software approach you're already using. If you want something lower priced than my earlier suggestions, I'd look at Behringer DeepMind 12, Korg Prologue 49, Studiologic Sledge, all under $1k. I stuck with stuff that had at least 49 keys, but if you decide you don't need that (maybe you have another 49+ keyboard you can connect it to if/when needed), then there are also other good low-priced options. I suggested the Kronos because the OP said this: I'm assuming that means he plays in one or more bands. The Kronos would offer a plethora of sounds and feature options--including the ability to program various riffs and sequences--which come in handy in a live situation. I compose a lot of original music and having a keyboard that "does something" with sounds is extremely valuable. My bad, I got excited. I found an ad for a Krome which I mistaked for the Kronos. I don't think Kronos often come down to my budget even used
  9. I found a user Korg KROME 61-Key Music Workstation. Would you recommend it?
  10. Hi Everyone; I am hunting for a new synth. I mainly play Progressive Metal, but I dabble in a lot of music genres. I have a budget of $2000 for this project. I am hoping for semi-weighted (not hammer action), prefer polyphonic and a mod/pitch wheels. I currently have Reason 10, Analog Lab, Grand Piano Model D and Piano V software, also covered for piano, this is purely a synth, and I do not need instrument reproduction but ok if that is a feature. Question: Does having 88 keys truly matter for synths? Additionally, what would be considered optimal? Hunting around on my local music stores website, I am potentially looking at: Moog Grandmother; Yamaha MODX7 (price seems too good); Roland Juno-DS 88; Dave Smith Prophet Rev2 (looks amazing); Korg Prologue 8 (will 49 keys feel limiting?); Nord Lead A1 (I guess I do not need my kidney). What would you do with your $2000?
  11. Good Morning! Birthday celebrations are in progress, and I am flush with cash. I am ready to commit to something and get it done. A summary looks like the majority of people are recommending the following: Komplete Kontrol S88, if I want to waste my money; ( votes: -2 ) Casio PX5, if I also want a decent piano as a stand-alone; ( votes: 3 ) Arturia Key Lab 88, if I want something with the options of the Komplete Kontrol S88 with less cost; ( votes: 2 ) Studiologic SL88, if I like the feel of the Komplete Kontrol S88 with less cost; ( votes: 4 ) Physis, if I am willing to donate an organ. ( votes: 3 ) Cast your votes as I am going to try and buy it tonight.
  12. The reasoning behind getting the MIDI controller is that my end goal is changing every other day. I went from wanting a popularized 80s keyboard synth, to learning that 80s synths can cost a lot and be in questionable condition, to looking at alternatives, to reading about Jordan Rudesss love for the Korg Kronos, to trying the Kronos, to trying to find one used and, finally, to just opening up the search to any top-shelf system I can get my hands on to get me started. I am not even sure my future synth will have a USB interface. I am trying as many synths as I can and when the excitement level pushes me to make the purchase, then I will. The Studio Logic SL88 and Arturis Keylab 88 are on my short list. I am going with a friend who a large music store in the city to try out the Casio as well as a few others. A lot of valid points. Thank you for the above information. Leaves me with even more to think about when coming to potential setups. You also made reference to also getting a Kronos, Montage 8. or RD2000. Any of those also function as perfectly capable controllers for a VST system. So if you're going to get something like that anyway, I'm not sure why you need to buy a controller at all. If a Kronos or any other top-shelf workstation fell into my lap at a price point I can afford today I would grab it in a heartbeat. Originally, I wanted a recognizable keyboard driven synth from the 80s and realized it is not something I am just going to grab immediately. I am after the MIDI as I can afford it today and I am not sure whether I will land on the workstation or 80s synth. I am hunting for anything that takes my interest. As usual, sound advice from Tim (and also from Dan in his post.) I agree with getting a digital piano with a decent feeling keyboard. It gives you back up for soft-synth failure scenario. This combined with a 61-note synth action Kronos will cover a LOT of bases. You had asked about whether you get the weighted (88 note) Kronos or not. I have no experience with it but will point out the following: a) the Kronos 88 is relatively heavy and unwieldy (53 lbs, 56 inches long before you add the case). Many of the acceptable low end digital pianos are way more portable (25-30 pounds). b) I have no experience with the RH3 weighted action but there is a definite contingent of people who do not like it. c) On the other hand, the Kronos-61 is moderate weight (31 lbs) and the unweighted synth action is generally considered to be among the better ones out there. So if it were me, I would go low-end DP + Kronos-61 when you can afford it. I am happy to carry a heavy synth; I am starting to put on weight due to alcohol consumption paired lack of activity with avoiding the cold over the winter. If I love the workstation, I will make it work for the love of it. If I were touring, then totally would agree but this keyboard will be mostly stationary else I feel sorry for the band who felt I was their best option as keyboardist.
  13. I am talking about the MKII. The MIDI Controller would be my main controller. I am confused with the relationship between the Komplete software and the S88 Midi Controller. If I understand you correctly, the S88 comes with software with the version of Select, and you can upgrade the software to Ultimate, but if you sell the MIDI Controller you are also selling the Select version which you would then need to buy to retain ownership? I dont mind paying for software IF the software is worth it. $300 over 2-years is the cost of $6.25/month. I can imagine it becoming annoying but do you also have the option of just not upgrading? Regarding the iPad, can you describe your setup?, I assume you are using an iPad where-as I am using a PC. Also, the Kronos, Montage etc. Are you suggesting I skip the purchase of a MIDI controller and instead use the workstations as a MIDI controller?, Can you make the Kronos into a USB MIDI controller and use it with Reason 10? So much good content, so many questions.
  14. Hi Everyone; Thanks for all the replies. I apologize as the original post blends a conversation regarding top shelf synths like the Kronos and then the question about a decent 88-key midi controller. Yikes, the Physis 88-key is in the $3000, which is double the budget. The Arturis Key Lab 88 looks great, and I will read some reviews. How would you rate the brands between Arturis vs Native Instruments? I do have a budget, and it is $1500 CAD. Requirements: PB/Mod Wheels = yes Expression pedal = nice to have Sustain pedal = yes Knobs/buttons and sliders = no USB connectivity = yes The Casio PX5 looks decent and I will check out reviews. Thank you. I just looked up the Kurzweil MIDIBoard and looks amazing. I think I would personally need something that supports USB connectivity as I am not connecting via a MIDI connector as my audio interface does not support the MIDI connector. Thanks for sharing. The Arturia Keylab88 does seem pretty decent. I checked out reviews on the Studio Logic SL88 Grand and looks decent. I found the Nektar Impact 88+, which looks like it would do the job. If you had an option between the three which would you pick and why? I am happy to spend less; I was just under the belief I wouldnt be able to find a quality 88-key MIDI controller for less than $1000. For reference, the Native Instruments S88 MIDI controller has the cost of $1349.00 CAD, and for comparison, the Studiologic SL88 is $1199.99 CAD. I can understand the logic. Thank you. I dont think my experience with synths is great enough for me to weigh in on the weighted vs not weighted. I am told the slow release of a weighted key prevents the attack from being fast, which you would want for a synth. I assume the synth I would buy would have semi-weighted by design, which raises the question. Does the Korg Kronos act as the piano or does the MIDI controller paired with the software act as the piano? I am willing to change my plan. What would you suggest? $500 is a very fair price. How would you compare the Nektar LX88+ against the Arturia keylab88 or Studio Logic SL88? I have contemplated this with the Roland FP-10, and people recommended the same setup but replaced the FP-10 with the Casio Privia S-1000. Something to strongly think about thank you. The Numa Compact 2x does have a great price. Seems a little too good to be true but maybe I am getting lost in the pricing models of various companies. Thank you. Ah this paints a little more of a clear picture. Would you recommend the controller? I wouldnt use the built-in speakers. I send everything through a powered, loudspeaker. When looking up the Physis K4-EX 88-key, I found a company that has the sales price of $1930.00 down from $4825.00. Sounds suspicious to me but it is a major instrument, online seller. I do not use a lot of automation outside of recording, which is managed by Cubase. I am probably misunderstanding what you mean by automation. The device seems wonderful.
  15. Hi Everyone, I plan to own an 88-key midi controller which will control software tools like Reason 10 (used for the synths) and Cubase (used for recording) and on top of the above an 88-key top-shelf synth. Right now, I have a table which is only one tier meaning everything is on the same level with the computer keyboard sitting close to the edge of the desk and the MIDI controller sitting between the computer keyboard and computer monitor. I chose this setup to shorten my travel path between interacting with short-cuts on the computer keyboard and playing on the MIDI controller. It sounds great until you constantly hit keyboard shortcuts with your forearms as you play. I decided I am going to buy a keyboard stand but plan for the future rather than worry about the dinky MIDI controller I have now. I have been looking at the Hercules Z-style 2-tier stand. Looks super solid in my opinion and the angle of the top tier brings the keyboards closer together which I believe I will enjoy over two parallel tiers. Thoughts?, probably cant go wrong here but I wanted opinions.
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