zephonic

Ok, I missed that addendum, thanks.

I see that the pads can be configured as a numpad; presumably, that would work to change internal tones or studio sets, but would it transmit program changes as well?

I have renewed interest in this keyboard, but one thing is not entirely clear from the user's manual, how do you get it to transmit Program Changes over USB/MIDI? The only part of the OM that refers to it is the sequencer section, but I'm thinking more of changes patches/performances on external instruments or a laptop. Can any owners here chime in? Thanks.

I'm a longtime Cubase user, but I am not enamoured by the latest iterations, and I really dislike Steinberg's annual update policy. I've been using Studio One Prime for remote recording stuff lately, and really like it. I used the full version trial last year and if I were to start over now, that's the one I'd pick. I'm still thinking I'll purchase the crossgrade at some point.

GHS is weird, it really depends on how it's implemented. Feels better on the MX88 than it did on the P-85 or KX-8. I really like the piano and string sounds on the SP6 demos. There is a certain musical quality to it, vibrant with a good sense of space. Even the old Kurzweils had that, they were just getting a little long in the tooth. Hope the action will be good.

I asked Dave Weiser about the difference between the SP6 and Artis SE, and he replied:

I'm not sure I understand Kurzweil's marketing; there seems to be a lot of overlap between this and the Artis SE. Or is the Artis SE on the way out?

Sweetwater's site says "In Stock": https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FA07

Interesting. I have my Fantom X7 and Jupiter 50 side by side here, and they feel really similar? Almost identical, although the Fantom is older and has like a million miles on it.

The keys on the 7 look longer than on the 6 in that photo. Maybe just an optical illusion, but in conjunction with the different designations I'm optimistic the 7 will have a different action. If it is what's in my JP-50, it's great.

Well, at least the boards are still pretty different, in their sound sets and their ergonomics/interfaces. But if it was mostly the "reasonably priced, lightweight board with 76 decent feeling keys" that pushed you to that purchase and you just wished there had been a 76-key FA instead... yup. If indeed this has a different action from the 06, which is still a bit ambiguous. I bought the JP-50 as a controller/audio interface for my laptop rig. If the FA-07 has the same action, the lower weight and better DAW integration would make it a more suitable solution for me. But I'm not that mad, as I got my barely used JP-50 (with flight case) for $1000, which is a good price. Still, the traditional 16-part workstation layout and more powerful MFX make this a far more comprehensive package than the JP-50 is. With aftertouch and a built-in PSU it would have been a perfect replacement for my Fantom X7. I think an FA-07 on top with a Yamaha MX-88 on the bottom makes for an incredibly versatile and lightweight combination at just $2500. Amazing.

Figures. Why wouldn't they introduce this? After all, I purchased a Jupiter-50 less than two months ago. Since I bought Logic last week, now it's all but guarantueed Apple will release Logic 11 within the next two months... BTW, they also introduced the SE-02 analog synth: https://www.roland.com/global/products/se-02/ Collabo with Studio Electronics, apparently.

Right now I can't stop listening to Marvin Sapp's 2015 album "You Shall Live". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Shall_Live [video:youtube]m30hgYdoPpU I understand this is not for everybody, but even if Gospel doesn't float your boat, you could still appreciate the arrangements, production, and the stellar musicianship.

Funny you should say that, as my dad bought a 1970's Bechstein and I felt it was never as nice as the old 1890's Bechstein my mom has. While the tone is good, it lacks dynamics. And the action is superlight, too.

My experience is different. Both my mom and dad have Bechstein grands, and they always felt more gentle and romantic than the Steinways/Bosies/Yamahas I encountered.

Maybe that's why he excels in Roy Haynes' and Billy Hart's groups? They provide the energy and spunk and make him soar. I am not that familiar with his work as a leader. Gonna get more into that now.

Odd about the video? Anyway, It's a Kikoski tune called "Dirty Dogs", performed by the Billy Hart group, from the album "Amethyst".

Because this a keyboard forum and there has to be a David Kikoski thread. I hadn't listened to him in a long time and then this came on the radio: [video:youtube]pkeSgJ82-VA Magnificent composition, superb playing. And this is the tip of the iceberg. I first heard him with Roy Haynes in Amsterdam. Blew me away then, still wipes me out now.

Around $50 for this: http://www.herculesstands.com/multimedia/DG320B.html And it makes life easier. http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeup/750-DG320B_detail3.jpg

Thanks, Lindaru! It's not a famous song or anything like that. It is a friend of mine, and I liked it so I asked if I could have the vocal track to do a remix.

I realize this type of music may not be very popular with this forum's demographic, but I did this remix of Plush Toy Zombie by Cyan DAnjou. I havent done this kind of music in a while, and it was refreshing and a lot of fun! I think I got too deep into the whole Smooth Jazz thing, and theres nothing wrong with that, but in a way this was liberating! Finished the whole thing really quick, too. Spend practically zero time on mixing it, just nudging the levels up or down a little, and some Alloy2 on the beat. That was it.

I like the keyboard at piano height with the desk a little higher. That's how most studio furniture companies do it, too: http://www.zaorstudiofurniture.com/wp-content/gallery/miza-z/miza-z-oak08.jpg http://www.zaorstudiofurniture.com/wp-content/gallery/miza-z/miza-z-oak09.jpg This is fairly expensive stuff, but there are more affordable options out there. Argosy also makes them: http://www.argosyconsole.com/images/argosy_opus/Opus_88_closed.jpg http://www.argosyconsole.com/images/argosy_opus/Opus_88_open-full.jpg Sorry for the giant photos! They don't come any smaller...

Nice to know a bit about KC's history! But what about its future? DB, can you share what was discussed with NewBay at NAMM?

Waves API 2500. Pretty good buss compressor. http://www.waves.com/1lib/images/products/plugins/preview/api-2500.png edit: Actually, no. My last music-related purchases were 48 batts of Roxul Safe'N'Sound, assorted lumber, fabric and construction materials for my home studio. And a pair of IsoAcoustic speaker stands.

Not really my music, but I did a session for Soultone Cymbals a while back. It was a fun hang. I had played with Derrick before, but didn't know the others. Still, there was a vibe and I think it came out reasonably well, considering we hadn't played together before. From setup to driving off we did the whole thing in about 3 hrs. [video:youtube] [video:youtube]