obxa
-
Posts
520 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Blogs
Events
Articles
Downloads
Gallery
Store
Posts posted by obxa
-
-
Don't want to hijack the thread- but regarding program change via the Nano- Reezekeys is correct- you can't do it directly within Mainstage which is plain stupid.
You can scroll between your set list/concert using the nano- that's about it.
However, there are workarounds using something like Keyboard Maestro or other programs that will remap keys or midi presses. Often encountered this situation in the past, where I just wanted to use the numberpad on my Macbook to select my presets. I use an external USB numberpad thingie to control Abeton, also occasionally to control Mainstage. it's convoluted, so won't go into it here but it can be done. I've also done it using an Ipad app to send the changes- by the time you bring all those extra pieces or do remaps, it's a PITA.
If your using an app like Forscore or Igigbook they can easily do program change from within the score/charts- which is what I do now.
I think the OP said he was using a headless Mac( Macmini?) Mainstage can be run that way if you've done your (heavy) programming ahead of time, but I think there's much more comfort in seeing the screen. Allows for last minute change and feedback. Even a tiny USB monitor would be helpful.
I think a lot of this depends on the type of gig and music you do? Whenever possible- I enjoy NOT bringing a laptop if the gig is simple bread and butter sounds.
I will say the more I use the Numa X 73, the more I really like it- and it does have buttons that could easily do program changes. As Noah mentioned, plenty of real estate to hold a Nano and laptop. Its modeled piano sound reminds me of Pianoteq's and I really like the tweakablity on board.
Regarding latency, plugins etc: After living on the bleeding edge, my gig rig is now "hybrid" to cover just about anything. I use Nord Stage2, Numa X piano Crumar Mojo Classic, and Mainstage. But not all of them at the same time - end up using some combination depending on the gig. I treat Mainstage like a module. Regularly use it for EPs/ APs using Pianoteq 7, but only when its occasional parts. Even with low latency, I personally feel a better (and safer) finger to brain connection using something that makes its own sound for any crucial primary part. Same reason mostly gave up on Ipad- great for non-critical aux sounds, but won't trust it for main sounds.
That said, Mainstage has saved my butt on backline and travel gigs where the gear was sub-par.
-
If you must have sliders- I would simply add a Korg Nano Control. Then you can use any keyboard. Even old ones, as long they have midi . Great if you're ever in a fly- date or backline situation. The Nano is more or less the standard for Mainstage. Can be mapped to anything. Cheap and works great. I also occasionally use a Behringer X touch.
The Numa X piano is great for the money and amount of USB control. Or you could go with a Studiologic S73 controller - weighted and 73 keys. But as a long time Mainstage user, my advice is to always use something that can make noise on its own in case your system goes down. I know others here are much braver. I do mostly pit band, artist gig and ministry stuff. I've had one crash in many years of using, and it wasn't actually Mainstage's fault A stage tech pulled my power out on mac book by mistake and it died mid service. Couldn't make a sound until it rebooted.
-
1
-
-
Can we swap- Do I have yours?
i have hundreds of end caps, they just don't seem to fit any of the gear I own.
This past Saturday: posh solo piano gig at a mansion where the LR was bigger than my entire house. Used their lovely piano, but totally trashed the place with my scratched up Quick-lock piano bench- the one with black gaffers covering the side tears, which also wobbles because it only has 3 end caps. Terrified I'd scratch the marble floor.
-
I always liked Wakeman's use of it. First starting out, I had a horrible knock off with one of those Hohner-Univox Italian piano thingies.
-
1
-
1
-
-
What are you using to control it?
If the actual changes are that specific, could be your (Midi) controller is sending some kind of conflicting volume or expression message.
I haven't fired up my V5 in a while, but do remember having some weird stuff that needed to be filtered depending on what I was using to drive it.
-
Reading this with great interest. Lifelong insomniac, and I share your issues.
On EST, I used to say it was because I was wired for California time. But when I briefly lived there, it didn't take long for me to have the same issues. I can easily go days without sleep, but force myself to take something because it's not great to do that after 50. Wacky road schedules would trigger that for me. I used to sit in the front of the tour bus and hang with the drivers (partly insomnia, partly because I could never sleep in those bus beds).
I just went to a Doctor couple weeks ago, because my current sleep was usually no more than 5 hours. My doc echoed many of the things Jampro said. But it's also recommended to make sure you don't have any other underlying health issues.
My Doc has me considering going to a Sleep Disorder Specialist- something I didn't know about. But trying a few things in the meantime that have been working.
I've been told consistency is the key- i.e. going to bed and getting up same time. I set an alarm for going to bed. But that goes out the window gigging. Perfect example is Saturday night gigs or shows: My church gig has me up at 5 a.m. So I take OTC sleeping pill ( doxy family basically antihistamine). That will knock me out cold. But do have to take a 30 minute power nap after that service if I have another gig or church service in the evening.
I 've been taking Melotonin or Valerian during the week and that helps. Sleep with an air cleaner, and when in a hotel room I sleep with a white noise app. My Doc offered to write me a script but I'm holding off for now.
-
1
-
-
7 hours ago, Steve Beach said:
then start looking for an IOS piano/rhodes app.
Rhodes: Neo Soul Keys Studio 2, or for a cheap fix Scarbee rhodes eP-88 on Korg Module.
-
1
-
-
One word of advice: Much as I hate to fork over money for more overpriced dongles from Apple- their camera kits have proven to be the most reliable. Don't be tempted (As I have) to get those knock offs- they either get bricked by IOS updates, or they're unreliable. I have found genuine Apple open box deals on Ebay that are priced nice, and those have usually worked reliably across updates both on USB C on my Macbook and lighting for my ipads.
RE lighting adaptors going obsolete. Haven't used my Plugkey in a while- have the latest IOS revisions completely killed it? I wonder if the most current Ipad is always needed? If you're running something like Korg Module, or even B3x - on a dedicated lean (late lighting) Ipad with good memory can probably still handle it.
It's a shame USB C to lighting adapters won't work with Plugkey for newer Ipads.
I have a crazy Ipad setup I still use with my quartet. It uses an Apple lighting to VGA dongle (with charger port) that feeds two cheap slim 12" VGA monitors. One for my bass player and other for drummer. The monitors mirror my Igigbook screen. We tried all kinds of ad-hoc wi-fi, apple TV, and other wireless solutions, but the hard-wired VGA setup has always worked great. Use an older ipad for that setup- for just reading charts it's fine.
-
Hi Randy- we were talking about adding (cheap) piezos to the Hohners, AFAIK they don't offer a model with pickup.
The Hammond/Suzuki has built in pickups, and is a better crafted instrument. I've only played the 37 but not the 44. So I'll defer to those that own one to give us their thoughts.
Hohner Airboards ($50-99) are basically glorified student models. They have alternate mouthpieces, and some funky colors (Reggae, paint splash, all black or red etc.) I will say, I've got several old Hohners going back to the 60's that cost more, and I think they did a great job with the newer ones. Easy to play, in tune, rugged, and good volume. I've played the smaller Yamahas and always liked them.
I personally prefer that slightly "imperfect concertina type charm"- at least for the type of projects and gigs I use melodica on.
I think that guy developed that bending Melodica himself- he's got some other videos. There is a room mic for the whole band, but he's using the Meyer pickup system into an amp- so I think it's combination of the acoustic and amp sound you hear. BTW They crosslink from their website to him.
-
Hohner student with both piezo and mic- you can hear the key noise, but this is what convinced me to give it a whirl. This guy has some great comparison vids, and great player.
-
1
-
-
I saw Pianoman mention those clip on condensors, there's a boutique Meyer pickup and clip on (vid below) , but I also notice they've got big honking Condesor picking up the band, but still sounds pretty cool- and for a trio, pretty cool vibe.
I think the Airboards are a good value. Again, be warned those piezos are more blunt force trauma than hi fi
. but if you can find the least offensive place to put it, it's good. BTW. in case it's not obvious, in my pic I found the pickup best on the top 1/3 (below LH bass side). But might be different with your pickup. I mentioned I bought a super cheap 37 key ($12.00) because needed a case for my older Hohner, and was also able to also use the mouthpiece. I have another piezo for that one- going to experiment with installing inside. Feel better taking that apart.
I really wish Suzuki would do a 37 key with pickup. It's weird that beside the large one, they have an alto, and a bass one. I checked 44 current prices- though I'm sure it's very nice, $500 plus is a bit steep for me for something I use on one or two songs.
-
2
-
-
Something worth passing on with mildew and such: Every time I get electronic gear I collect those large silica packets. I put them in all my melodica cases, and also a few in my harmonica box. Helps a bunch with moisture.
You can also put those tube mouth pieces in the dishwasher. I ran a mouthpiece from a 60's Hohner found in salvation army store in the dishwasher as well. Hohner sells mouth pieces for most of their stuff- even the vintage ones. I've also bought a few super cheap melodicas on Ebay just to cannibalize the case, mouthpieces etc. Was going to take one apart to see how a piezo would work internally.
-
1
-
-
Been shopping the Hammond/Suzuki 44h for a while and will eventually grab one. I have a few Hohners - some vintage and a newer airboard that tends to be my go-to.
I like the Airboard because It's compact, easy to take (fly) most anywhere. Not being not overly expensive. I feel better taking that one out on the road. As Joe said, the newer ones play better and hold up well.
If you just want to experiment, those piezos are a cheap investment. Totally agree about the ciick-clack thing when using an external pickup. I tend to run mine either into my little Fender Harp amp or a mixer with touch of echo/verb. I cut the low EQ and it's serviceable.
I bought this $20 ish. stick-on pickup on blind faith on Amazon only because it had a volume control and detachable cable. I don't turn it up until I'm ready to blow. Not incredible, and noisy if I move around too much, but works better for me than using a stationary mic. Took a bit of trial & error to find the sweet spot (and place of least physical noise) but has worked out well until I find a Suzuki at a decent price. I use a similar one with dual pickups on my concertina. Most recent gig I used them on, I asked FOH guy how they sounded in the house- He smiled - "Great! .. just don't move".
-
2
-
-
I guess in a race to the bottom, I'd still take the Roland over those Peavey KB amps I used to get as backline.
For anything that's with drums at combat volume, I think it's always losing proposition to amplify keys and have it sound good. Especially AP sounds. Which is why I use IEMs.
But I can out-shame you, I have the Behringer clone of the Roland. I use it with IEMs and it's built in stereo mixer with DI- that part actually works great. I only turn on the speaker when a band needs to hear me without going through the monitors.
-
1
-
-
3 hours ago, David Emm said:
There's nothing quite like having your automation lanes suddenly appear at the size of real bricks to test your patience.
LOL. I use tons of custom key commands, plus macros via Keyboard Maestro. To this day I still spend half my time redrawing the screen and resizing tracks/windows that never seem to fit the way I want or set..... or having to tell Logic to chase the playback head even though I've clicked it to do so 50 million times.
-
1
-
-
2 hours ago, allan_evett said:
Next time I ran into Ableton was when a church leader I worked for expressed surprise that I didn't utilize that DAW live. I offered to mock-up special backing tracks if needed - in Logic or Cubasis, though I preferred a true live musical setting, even with varying numbers of available talent. The prior MD has used an iOS app (similar to Ableton), and always had an exact number of players - no matter who showed.
It's amazing how much it's de facto standard in Worship- and not really the way Live was intended. . Logic has never been really good at playing multiple songs in performance in spite of that loop thing they added... I saw the writing on the wall. But because I was "Dis-Abelton"
, I had to be humble enough to take a couple of lessons with a 20 yr old worship leader to get up to speed. That and some Udemy courses, got me comfortable enough to put it on my resume, but still can't really create raw content in it. Nor do I want to.
I'm with you on true live setting. After prior years at a Mega church that went full hog on performance tracks, I've come full circle with the plight of missing players and parts. I'm fortunate enough in my main Church to have some very A-list players. My Pastor/Boss luckily shares the same belief that if you have great players you can take up the slack. And I think congregates instinctively know it's more authentic. Besides click track and cues, these days I mostly just use little arpeggiator loops, shaker, and transition-static pads. That also allows some freedom from the arrangements if a WL wants to go off the written page. Conversely, I also still work at a huge well known church that's televised- they've got full orchestra, plus band, plus choir. All paid, all exceptional musicians. Yet every time I hear the TV mix, I scratch my head that it's predominately tracks heard in the mix.
-
1
-
-
I think I confused Allan's post with Marks regarding Cakewalk which is why I mentioned it-sorry for any confusion!
I have always appreciated Cubase, but have never been able to totally bond with it. Long story: as "next chapter " in life: I'm phasing myself out of live music and back into scoring. I've used Logic on a couple of corporate videos in the past, but have never done anything longer than 15 minutes. I know most of my friends that do heavy visual stuff are on Cubase or DP. I think whatever works.
I concur with Johnchop on how quickly you can get around. Much like using any synth or virtual plugin for the first time. . I will also add you do what you need to do with what you have. I worked at a Music library/Jingle house in the early 80s in NYC that used Midi Paint (Mark of the Unicorn!) and Vision on a Mac and loved it. But I couldn't afford a Mac for my home rig back then. So I used Dr T, Sequencer Plus by Voyetra, and Cakewalk on DOS... sadly that's all there was for PC. Yet somehow I got a ton of music done.
I'm fully vested in Logic X at this point. But still have a love-hate relationship with it. When I dusted off old files in Sonar I was amazed how much music I did (and actually finished). With client music sessions and my other part time job (VO,) I've been forced to learn a bunch of other DAWs. Strangely, Premier is hugely popular in a lot of post houses, at least the ones down here I work at- more than ProTools.
Should also mention because of my Church gig, Ive used Abelton live for 8 years... but only for putting together performance tracks I first create/edit in Logic. I fully get what it does, but not the way I write or create.. Don't use it for loops on demand feature, just as glorified jukebox and click track machine- and so does most of Ministry.
-
Not sure if you're aware- Bandlab has resurrected Cakewalk (it's basically Sonar 8 without the bugs and a few of the 3rd party plugs...).
https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk?lang=en. It's also free.
I'm also a longtime Logic user. Recently needed to pull up some old Sonar projects- I bought a cheap refurbished Win7 box on Ebay, stuffed it with 32 gb memory and internal SSD and was very pleasantly surprised how well Bandlab ran.
How is the memory situation in your Imac? I will say in the studio, I still run a 2012 Mac I7 Mini with with Catalina and 16gb and internal SSD. . Other than maxing it out with some track counts in Logic and Omnisphere occasionally choking it- it runs fairly well. I'm updating to a Mac Studio in a few months, but still waiting till they get all the M1 chip compatibility issues fixed, and I finish up some projects.
I also gave up on Studio one. Dabbled with Cubase on OSX. since I was a Nuendo user on PC- but didn't totally bond with it. If I didn't have so much time invested in Logic, I'd switch to DP.
I would also suggest you also take a look at Reaper. There are legions of folks using it. I have to use ProTools for some client stuff, and the midi stuff isn't nearly as bad as it used to be.
-
1
-
-
I've usually had good experience with the Forscore Dev responding in a few days.
I know this almost sounds comical to say; but have you tried completely rebooting (powering down and back up) the Ipad?
There's always some voodoo stuff happening with the IOS cache and midi stuff. I've had a similar prgrm change Midi issues with Forscore, and some of my other apps after doing updates.
I know no other way to clear it- but it's always worth a shot.
Also under Ipad settings, Scroll down to the apps ( you'll see all your installed apps below "TV provider"). Click Forscore- Then check if there are any access permissions - "allow Forscore to access...." that need to be re-enabled, (i.e local network, media, and background app-refresh). That one has screwed me up a couple of times. Forscore used to also have a "work around" button on various releases that may need to be enabled if you see it.
-
2
-
-
The Korg Module expansion pack: KApro "Dreamy Synth's Expansion". has tons of stuff, plus it's easy enough to roll your own from its analog synth and strings presets.
FYI the demo is horrible- Search YT for better ones.
https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/korg_module/modules.php
That and the Triton pack are the two I use most when I use Ipad.
They also have a nice Melotron expansion pack that goes on and off sale for free, or cheap. I'm not doing prog- rock, but it's been more useful than I thought. Use it filtered and layered under other pads/string sounds.
-
This is right on time. Haven't done them in a while but recently had an hyper-extension accident with my left hand (ironically catching my falling piano bench out of the car......).
Went to a hand specialist last week, who said nothing is broken; but going to take a couple of months to fully heal and actually said along with PT, repetitive motion would be beneficial.
I've got all books in PDF form. I like to do them in variations (thirds, other keys.). Also with a drum machine, also the Jazz Hannon book. I really love this guy's suggestions. (Hanon at 8:54), and have been following for a fresh take last couple of days.
I also love Bach's Anna Magdalena notebook, but sometimes prefer the "wax on wax off" mindless aspect of Hanon. When touring constantly they were the only thing I could do to keep up my playing without falling into the same set list every night syndrome
Funny story: many years ago, came back from a week's vacation with my wife where we rented a beach house. I bragged to my professor/mentor how I did Hanon and other stuff for 4-5 hours a day while she went without me. He promptly said "You're an absolute idiot to leave a pretty girl at the beach... there's a time & place for everything". Lesson learned!
-
1
-
-
I own a couple of those fairly inexpensive Sony recorders that hold a bunch, can use micro SD and work great. Great for on the spot live recordings.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XTX2S2N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That said, check your phone? I've had great luck just using an iphone ( and it's voice recorder app) for some simple recordings. During lockdown used it a bunch with an external stereo USB mic for video recording and also some VO demos while away from the studio.
-
1
-
-
I still use a PC88 in the studio it's a CR2032. I made myself some notes and made a copy of this below because I have to do mine every couple of years. Some of the instructions on the web tend to make it more complicated than it is.
The PC88 internal battery (CR2032) can be replaced MUCH easier than in the
previous posts, with far less screw removal and no ribbon disconnection.
The top cover of the PC88 removes very easily! You can do this entire
repair without even taking it off the stand.
Unscrew the screws along the back seam of the PC88 (the intersection of
the top and bottom casing). Also unscrew the two rear screws that keep
the side caps attached to the keyboard (2 per side, 4 total).
The top of the PC88 (where all the buttons and display are) is held in
place by 2 strong clips that clip it to the side caps. While sitting at
the keyboard as if playing it normally, push the metal top away from you
until the top slides off the clips. If you need more wiggle room, you can
unscrew a couple more of the side-cap screws (the ones on the bottom of
the case) to give you more play.
The top will then slide off and you can flip it over like the hood of a
car to replace your battery. No dealing with dozens of screws,
disconnected ribbons or unscrewed controllers.
To put it back together, slide the top cover back onto the clips and screw
everything back.
-
1
-
-
On 9/8/2022 at 5:25 PM, bjosko said:
The guitar bug again, is there a cure ? 😜
Might try that little tube amp on some off my e-pianos 🤔
Awesome guitar- but I have to ask, is that thing in the back a: Wood-burning stove, Rotisserie chicken holder, furnace????
. 
New Studiologic Numa X Piano
in The Keyboard Corner
Posted
Welcome!
The good news IMHO this is one of the best designed interfaces I've ever seen. I had a busy month with other gear and got away from the Numa for few weeks. The night before a show: I programmed 15 presets - some with intricate splits and layers, upgraded firmware, loaded the new piano, and then used their librarian to organize and rename patches. It only took about 5 minutes to reacquaint myself with the UI. (e.g. I had forgotten how to turn down the pedal noise...)
The little card they include explains the hierarchy perfectly, and you don't need to go very deep to get the essentials you'd need. The color coding keeps you on point. The split/ layer editing is wonderful- coming from Nord, or my Kurzweil days, it's a walk in the park to do complex splits and layers. I'm using the mixer for the first time myself this weekend, so can't attest to combat use -but many folks here have had mostly positive experience with it-and I'm sure they can weigh in.