obxa
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Posts posted by obxa
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On a "regular " mini vent It's not a big deal to do the modification for someone who's comfortable swapping out the switch. I 'm usually fearless, but wasn't comfortable on the smaller size of this thing.
I took mine to a local guitar amp guy and he charged me $35. 00. (including the new jack). I actually sent an email to the the Neo folks and they suggested to do just that. So it's not imperative to track down the Ashby solutions mod anymore.
I use either an arcade button switch box I made, (sorry no pic) or any momentary switch pedal. I also have a vintage leslie half moon getting ready to wire up a 1/4 to.
Don't know anything about the organ-vs guitar versions though.
Apologies for the ugly- This is my low-rent Vent rig that lives under a Hammond A100 I use on a weekly Church Broadcast.
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Been chasing damn pedals my whole life!!
I carry a huge roll of the waffle shelf liner stuff Chopped Ham posted. Brilliant for keeping keyboards from sliding on the stand, or positioning a Nano controller or ipad on top a keyboard. Works great holding a pedal carpet, riser carpet, and tile- but on many shiny theater -stage floors not so well. I have bamboo floors in my studio and it's the same thing. Have resorted using a hand weight.
Gaffers works. My problem is I never remember to tape my pedal(s) until I start the first song.😉 I do the side pedal thing Piano Chuck invented; works somewhat better than nothing but still scoots.
On my road rig, I carry a small 6x8 Persian looking carpet (if the venue isn't already doing it) looks vibey, and works better for the keyboard stands, and the shelf liner works great there. I can't do a pedal board because my rig is always different, and my pedals are pretty wide apart.
I often wondered if there was a way to do a suspended pedal like real pianos and digital pianos use? I like the chain idea!
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Reeze is correct- Great as it is, the Nano unfortunately can't send program changes- but there is a complicated workaround using Keyboard Maestro and other software to map buttons from the Nano. (or from Mac keypad). I quickly got tired trying to make that all work consistently.
i really wish Apple would allow the keypad to call up programs. That's partly why I use the Behringer X-touch when I need to call up lots of different sounds by hand (pit band stuff). It can do multiple and nested program changes over several channels and even exit and enter changes. It's deep but stupidly, the programming app only works on PC . You can run the app with Wine or Crossover from a Mac- or just use any Windows machine you have access to. Akai's mpc controllers can easily do program changes but don't have as many sliders- so is a good option too. Many of guys in worship use those as an alternative (or with the nano) and send program changes from the drum pads.
All that said, for the other stuff I normally do- I keep my concerts pretty lean with lots of alias and only 12 or so patches that get recycled within. So it's not that hard to just scroll as needed if I need something off the set order. Most times I use Forscore to send program changes because it can do it with page turns or within sections of the song.
I will share from experience that when you first start using MS, the inclination is to get deep and have ability to control everything, or have access to 100s of presets. . In reality you'll spend more time tweaking, and worrying- and less time playing. You 'll quickly find the 80/20 rule of the patches/controls you use (need) most. But that also depends on kind of music you're doing.
This a great example of a FREE simple concert template that's hooked up to the Nano- and you can replace the patches with your own.
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Yeah I first learned about the marriage of MS and the Nano in Worship world.
I've bought a couple of overlays on Ebay (in cool colors) that can be written on w grease pencil, but often just use 1/3" post-it tape on it to mark settings. Also great with Mainstage is the Behringer X touch mini. Easier to see and more stout, but not as compact to travel with- I use that on local gigs.
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Been spinning various plates as a full timer since mid 20s.
Through weird turn of events, started voice-overs 10 years ago on the side. My regional, corporate, and cable clients are expanding. So my exit strategy from live gigging is to actually do VO's full time so I can compose and score the rest of the time.
I envy and greatly admire what many of you do or have done- and the path you've taken. Grateful being a busy full timer paid my mortgage, and I got to see the world. However, it also killed two marriages and wasn't usually a healthy environment or lifestyle The rollercoaster of non- linear income is also not fun. Just got married 3 weeks ago, plus recently had a milestone birthday- hence taking some different steps for my next life chapter.
Reeze: Made me smile - I proudly built the visible dog, and spent too much tim around Tester's glue and those little paint jars.
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Oh and one more thing to enjoy the ride: I carry a well worn copy of the Tofu Tolllboth.
Though I'm no longer a strict vegetarian, it's got great healthy places to eat and some worthwhile sightseeing things to see all over the states. But check to make sure places are still in business post- covid. I'm fortunate that one of the bass players I work with is a Rick Steves devotee. He always has great ideas for things to do on off days when abroad.
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I list everything but still always bring a little generic square sustain pedal (with polarity switch) and a plastic M-audio volume pedal. I've been on dates in remote places where the backline company forgot, or brought broken pedals. The Expression pedal is always the one they forget. Also adaptors, a midi interface, plus bluetooth midi.. I use bluetooth if Mainstage is being used as secondary sound source, and latency isn't as crucial. Also a little midi controller to tweak things(see below)
I also ask the artist / artist's manager, or promoter for a contact to the backline company so I can call and confirm things myself. It's not being a diva- they often appreciate hearing directly from you, and avoids second/third hand info back and forth. If on a multi band gig, I'll confirm what's going to be there so I know what I'm up against.
With that, I also list 2nd and 3rd choices on the rider. Domestic regions (and countries) can have way different access to certain keyboards.
Just to add to the excellent replies above: the more centralized your mainstage rig is the better- I bring a nano controller so that everything can be controlled from even the most pre-historic of keyboards. Even on gigs where i'm just asking for Slab piano and B3, I still bring Mainstage as back up.
Something else I started doing to avoid the evils and temptations of the road.... If I'm in a set place for more than 3 days- I'll ask the backline company for a practice keyboard to use in the hotel room. I also bring a snack sized Akai controller so I can work on charts, tweak Mainstage, or do some writing.
Best of luck!
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Glad to hear it was the fuse and not something more expensive! You probably own a melodica yes? Tough for long night- but totally doable and fun for cocktail hour.
For road gigs I still bring a battered keyboard in the truck/trailer/bus as a spare, but got tired of doing that with my car for local stuff.
I do however always leave one of those 37 note Korg Micro keys with a pre-historic Alesis Nanosynth. Both stored in a Ukulele case. I'm also obsessive about keeping extra power supplies, spare sustain pedal. And.... a $15.00 melodica. (stress reliever in traffic....)
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On 12/15/2022 at 10:47 AM, EscapeRocks said:
I had an ARP 4-Voice and a sat a Crumar Orchestrator on top. That was as good as it got for my 17 year old self when starting out in bands in high school.
It was also the time I made my very first custom stand. The screw in legs for the ARP weren't long enough to play standing. I grabbed some 4x4 lumber, cut to down to size.
I added 2 of those rubber door handle wall protectors to each 4x4 for the legs to sit in. I stained the wood a very dark brown.
Anyway I digress.....
Funny you mention the Arp- I was recently thinking about the 16 voice one I used to have - It was an odd beast. But always though with the weighted action it played and sounded pretty good. Though i remember it came out at the beginning of Arp's QC demise. I hated nearly all the early electronic -transistor pianos (Univox, Hohners. RMI) Never warmed up to Cp30s when I used them in rehearsal studios.
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I consider playing sax on keyboards the epitome of cheese. I break out in hives thinking about being forced to play "The Heat is on" or "Careless Whisper" back in the 80s. Dx7 with a breath controller. ugh.
Just begged an MD (again) to bring a real sax player on some upcoming oldies shows and I would even give up some of my pay to help. It's for the real version of a 50's group that had signature baritone sax on 90% of their stuff - yet promoter is only providing back up band budget for keys, bass, guitar, and drums. ugh.
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Great thanks guys that's the info I needed!!!
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Heads up: If you're seeking a back up power supply for your Numa X , this one has worked well so far:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZZKUPG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Bunch of shows this month and next, and wanted to make sure I had a back up while on the road- was $10.00. I couldn't find one available from Studio Logic or Ebay other than for the Numa. compact. The specs on this matched up.
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Hi all,
I followed the great information in the "another stand" thread, and has led me to get the 18880 stand. Hoping you guys can address specific details and share use about the tiers? I'll be happy to delete this post and move to that thread if needed.
I'm confused, and wasn't sure which tier (81a or 82b ?) to get for just dual keyboard use.
I will be using this seated with just two keyboards: 98% of the time: Numa X piano on bottom and Nord Stage Compact or Nord Electro 5 on top. No accessories, mic stand etc. Occasionally using a Yamaha P255 as bottom. This will be my go-to dual seated stand-won't need to change once set. Like everyone else, I prefer keyboards close together as possible- organ manual style. The Numa needs a little bit of clearance to access buttons. The Yamaha 255 is taller and doesn't need access to top space because of the buttons.
Besides drilling holes, I saw many folks turn the 81 tier around, and others say it's not necessary, and that the 82 addresses the bars being too long for overlap use and no sawing is needed?? Does the 82 go lower without drilling holes?
The 1st picture below is my preferred setup for pit band-show stuff wtih my soon to be retired PITA user-hostile OnStage Z stand. I tried using my favorite OnStage platform stand with their generic 2nd tier (pic also enclosed) but it's wobbly and the Nord compact makes it top heavy with too severe a tilt as well. I normally use the platform for solo gigs, or with an X stand for my organ/piano rig in an L shape for artist gigs.
I greatly appreciate and thank you in advance for any insight from long term users!
My Oldies/Pit rig with Z stand: Great once set, but hard to travel with.
Platform attempt and fail- had to move the Numa extremely forward, and hack the 2nd tier height using the cross-bar holes to hold the arms, still too high and dicey. Not shown: opening platform to its widest position helped wobble.
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As MD at a Church, I've bought about 25 various models of those KZ usually ranging in price from $20-50. I luckily haven't had any issues. We use them for guest players/singers. So cheap that I just give them to any players that are going to be in regular rotation.
I honestly can't tell any significant difference between most of the 5 driver models. Other than color? 😀 Some do have better cables than others. We've done some non-scientific testing and they all fare very well against the Westones, Shure, 1964's, Bose, Sennheisers, etc. we happen to have on hand.
I switched to the KZ's for myself as well, but always swap out the cables automatically, and add comply memory foam tips, or "Christmas tree" style. Some of the 8-16 core cables I've bought cost more than the IEMs themselves. Still ends up being a good deal. I won't spend over $50 anymore for IEMs. Too many expensive pairs lost, broken, stepped on. My old Shure E5s, and Westones are now backups, I've spent way more repairing them than these things cost.
It's a roll of the dice with any of these cheaper imports, but as you know even the name-brands may be "designed in the US", but still manufactured in China. So always a chance you can get a lemon. I'm not convinced the QC is any better with anyone anymore- but what they do after the sale certainly is.
You did the most logical thing, but I probably would of just went directly to Amazon and returned it. Dealing with most out of country vendors is always frustrating. That said, I had exactly the same experience with Mackie here in the US, and my USB Big Knob controller.. It had a stuttering audio issue- and they wanted countless videos to diagnose and it got nowhere over a lengthy back and forth with tech support.
One thing I've learned from personal experience and my recent Audiologist visit- is not everyone's L & R ears are symmetrical. So always takes a bit of experimenting with tips to find what works best. And the tip sizes are all over the place between manufacturers. I considered going back to custom molds, but like Stokely, the occlusion drives me crazy, so I find the tree style tips a good compromise, and work great for my mismatched ear canal size. . I have them on subscribe and save and change them out every couple of months.
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Kinda ironic seeing this- Did a gig earlier in the week at Atlanta's Carter Center. I brought my Mid Size R&R Cart, Bass player has a mini, and Drummer had the super deluxe big boy. I wish I had taken a pic.
The RnR cart is the best piece of gear I've ever bought- Yes, only time I regret not getting the bigger one is when doing events having to roll on gravel-grass. The bigger tires work better there. But the mid-size has worked for just about everything. I've considered hacking mine and putting on some larger Home depot generics.
If you do bunch of festival type stuff and have to roll on natural surfaces, one of those garden wagon things with 4 big tires might actually be a better fit.
On 3/5/2018 at 5:16 AM, kbrkr said:I own the RNR R10 and it's about 15 years old. In looking at maybe upgrading; I noticed the R12 is actually the same size as the R10 with the only difference being the R12 is 1lb heavier, size of the front casters, and the price. Except for Sand and Grass, I've never had a problem with rolling my R10. If your strapped for cash, the R10 is just as good!
I hate X-stands, but will say they play much nicer loading on this cart. Since I've switched to Z and Table stands, and no longer have my big rectangle piano case as the bottom - my stuff is falling all over the place- so have to bungee.
Funny thing- anytime someone offers to help me move gear, they can never figure out the sequence (or how to close/open) those collapsible handles.
I finally took a grey sharpie and numbered mine "1 &2" , because at the end of the night I can't either!
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I think I remember your'e a sax player..Great time to pick up an inexpensive 32 or 25 key Melodica (or two LOL) and toss in your bag, horn players naturally play them better- and if you don't use it, someone else will enjoy!
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Thanks all!! Back in town tonight and will try uploading/downloading a patch.
Also trying a mic. I'm guessing it's something to partly do with going from low to high impedance??. I'll experiment with my go-to Beta58. My singer has her wireless rig that has 1/4 line outs, so I may have to use that.
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RE: the sound. Modartt Pianoteq user since 1.0- What I've learned about modeled pianos (Like the Numa) is you get incredible playability, but of course sacrifice realism because it's generated, and not a sample. When I first played the Numa, it very much reminded me of that (earlier) Pianoteq type sound. I also use and love Noir and other sampled pianos, but use Pianoteq7 about 70% in the studio.
Be sure to check the default master EQ. Not sure if the 2.0 comes the same way, but my Numa came with the Midrange jacked up- which of course is where things can get metallic. I pulled the master mids back a bit. As I do with Pianoteq, I tend to roll off the top end on the individual piano patch zone to warm things up a bit too. Unless it's Rock band setting, I favor longer reverbs rather than short rooms to smooth things out.
And turn down the pedal noise- also not sure if 2.0 fixed this- but it's comically loud on all the pianos (EP's etc. )
Is there a way to share patches/presets here? I've done some tweaking to that Foster as my go-to solo piano sound- and happy to share.
I'm using the Vintage and Yamaha as my group pianos also with tweaking.
After updating firmware, I'm positively loving the onboard mixer. Been prepping for an upcoming vocalist & piano wine bar gig Friday. I assigned that programable knob to external input level. Using Ipad for some light drums loops via soft drummer. Loved being able to control (or mute) the Ipad from that knob. So easy to pop into the mixer for tweaks too. I'm seriously considering also running the singer into the Numa to get some delay/reverb; since we use my Bose compact which has no FX on the XLR channel. Would love to hear anyone's experiences doing vocals into the Numa.
I'm primarily a pianist, and practice on a real piano. Most of what I do in context is ensemble oriented. I've not used the Numa on any solo gigs yet- but I will.
Of course I'd always prefer the real thing. My solo gigs are typical cocktail jazz-pop, ceremony, etc.
After just booking some upcoming solo corporate Christmas gigs with crappy load-ins, I'm looking forward to using the Numa. Even with 73 keys. Versus using my Yamaha 88 slab piano - it's been a joy not having to use freight elevators and loading docks, and going through the front door of Hotels and Event places- just like my vocalists and horn guys do.
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That sounds awesome! What a very great thing to do.
Did some oldies and corporate gigs in the Caymans in 2010-2011. Still have some friends there. I still laugh that half the island folks last name is "Banks". Sounds like things are better for backline there now- I think my first time I used some local guy's personal Juno.
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Renting is worth it- especially if the people you're working for/with will cover or help with the cost? I always bring some easy to lug emergency essentials like a switchable sustain pedal.... and volume pedal if you use one. Can't tell you how many times those get forgotten or sent broken by backline places.
Half the expense with backline companies is setup and delivery. If feasible, check on picking it up yourself. You can also try a local music store, and many GuitarCenters rent too. Never hurts to also let folks here or on facebook know where you're gigging.? I've been saved by fellow forum people in desperation on a few Europe, Island gigs, and remote domestic places. I've also (cheaply) rented out some of my gear. Safe travels!
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Flying is miserable. Really depends on the airline, how crowded the flight is, time of day, and the mood of the gate agent- I greet them extra cordially.
I still carry a printout of that thing from the Musicians Union with me. TSA is usually clueless, so that's your first hurdle to educate them before you get to the Gate Agent.
I've flown with a Nord Electro 61 in its honking red softcase. Luckily it's more compact than most guitars. The Gate Agent can still can just tell you to take a later flight, or ask you to gate check. That said, I've found gate checked gear arrives in better shape than bagged checked, but I wouldn't fly with anything I really care about. For that reason, 99% of the time I backline everything, even if I have to go out of pocket on some or all of it- and always bring Mainstage.
I'm sure you already know this: If possible, Tuesday is always a better day to fly- that day and early morning flights are less crowded and you stand a better chance. I despise a.m flights - but promoters are cheap and cruel, and will routinely book 6 a.m flights even if the band played the night before in to the wee hours- but at least chances of bringing stuff on board are better.
Here is the pertinent paragraph from the DOT/FAA printout.
§ 251.3 Small musical instruments as carry-on baggage.
Each covered carrier shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other small musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable carry-on baggage, if:
(a) The instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat, in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the FAA; and
(b) There is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft.
Good luck!!
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Sweetwater has the 73/88 also American Musical Supply/ZZounds (with EZ pay too..)
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Not sure if this has been posted here before? I think it came from Brian Eno and a Facebook group
. Great directory of service and user manuals.
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That Roland looks very nice-that would be a great studio piece. I'm with Woody, shame they couldn't just include a basic piano sound onboard.
Have you considered a lightweight slab piano such as the Yamaha P121 or any of the Casios? You'd still have to use some sort of controller thingie to get sliders etc.- but you'd have a bare bones compact weighted controller that can make nice EP/APs on it's own. My original plan was for a P121 to replace my p255, but they were backordered so long, I went for the Numa. Yamaha has USB Midi, but doesn't have normal midi 5 pin. Not sure about the Casios.
Re: Novation Launch key or Nektar Impact. The Novations have wonderful feeling semi weighted waterfall keys. Ton of assignable stuff. Work well with Mainstage.
I have the 61 note Novation Impulse (same keyboard as Launchkey). Got it to use w/ IK BX3 organ, Mainstage, and occasionally act as 2nd keyboard to the Nord Compact or Nord 88. It's one of the few semi-weighted keybeds I can actually play piano on- I like it better than the Nord Compact action. Worth noting because these things always pop up very cheap used or open box.
As to the 16 program change limitation: You probably know this already- you can always nest one of your concert patches to call up a new bank, or concert. Also through judicious use of aliases, you can do patches that contain multiple layers (inactive) and enable-disable layers as needed to get more mileage out of single patch.
Yet one more time: quick clarification wanted about Mini Vent II and half-moon switch
in The Keyboard Corner
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Thanks Bill. I'm on the road right now and can't look at it, but think my Leslie switch was set up as just an off-on thing. perhaps as just two-way.
Doesn't look like a normal one- I think it's labeled as Chorale or something. I vaguely remember something about those being used with 122s? I used to use it on my Nord Electro's wired to a stereo plug- but would sometimes not always work.. Soon as I get home, would love to get some feed back on it.