Kawai James
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Posts posted by Kawai James
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1 hour ago, Montunoman 2 said:
Anyways, I think this Kawai E110 should be fine, especially if I can use some sort of module/ alternative sound sources, so I start looking into that.
I would recommend a Quiccosound mi.1 II (Bluetooth MIDI adapter) and an iPad - a killer combination.-
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Thanks JR!
3 hours ago, Jr. Deluxe said:#1 You can set the octave range so the preset keys aren't on the keyboard.
Really? When I tried yesterday, the octave range buttons just controlled the onscreen keyboard, and my Nord was still changing the presets when hitting those lower notes. I'll have to try it again.Cheers,
James
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Hello folks,
I found some time to unbox my new iPad yesterday (it's just the base 9th gen model), so installed B-3X and spent a little time playing. I had purchased the app a while ago and tried it on my ancient 1st gen iPad Air, which obviously struggled to produce a smooth sound, but hadn't really taken much of a deep dive..
I also received the Roland Rubix 22 audio interface that I plan to play the iPad through, however the Lightning USB adapter has not arrived yet, so I skipped the interface and controlled B-3X from my NE3 SW73, with the mi.1 II BT MIDI adapter. I was able to set the buffer to 64ms, and found everything extremely responsive - I honestly couldn't perceive any latency, despite the wireless connection.
I have a few queries regarding B-3X:
1. It seems that there is still no way to disable the bottom-most preset keys, despite requests from users, correct?. I wonder if this is a contractual obligation with Hammond? I'm used to playing organ on my Nord, so have never experienced these preset keys. Depending on the song I'm playing, I set-up a lower/upper split in order to make full use of the available 73 keys. I guess, I'll have to do this on B-3X, or Camelot Pro once I start to dig into that app.
2. On my Nord, I use the switch pedal to trigger slow/fast Leslie, and have assigned the CC# to also work the same way in B-3X. However, on the Nord, the brake can alternate from stop<-->fast using the same switch pedal. Is this possible in B-3X also? I saw CC# assign settings for a separate Brake pedal, but would like to be able to use the existing switch pedal and toggle between stop<-->fast as I do on my Nord.
3. Similar to #1, is there a way to allow the top-most C#/D/D#/E keys to trigger a sound? Even if these are outside of the "real" playing range of a real Hammond, it would be desirable to be able to trigger notes, again especially when using an upper/lower split in order to make full use of the keyboard.
Thanks guys!
Cheers,
James
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9 hours ago, Stokely said:
Anyone know how any of these work in mono?
Right, this is the question I'm curious about too.On my Nord, I gravitated towards the Black Upright sample, partly because I grew-up playing an upright and have some nostalgia for that sound, and also because the tonal character works well for the late 60s funk and soul music that I enjoy. I also found that this piano sound held up reasonably well when playing in mono.
My new iPad arrived yesterday (haven't unboxed it yet...), so am keen to start transitioning over from the Nord sounds to iOS apps. I'll have organ and EPs covered with B-3X and NeoSoul Keys, but I'm wondering about acoustic pianos - specifically an upright.
The other day I stumbled upon the "Platinum Upright" in-app upgrade for the free Pure Synth app, produced by Gospel Musicians. Jamal obviously knows his stuff when it comes to iOS virtual instruments thanks to his great work on NeoSoul keys, so I'm hoping this could be a good replacement for the Black Upright on my Nord - it's just a question of how well it holds up in mono.
Demo playing starts from 16:37 (I don't particularly care for the beats he's playing along to, but I dig the piano sound itself):
Cheers,
James
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6 hours ago, Al Coda said:
AFAIR,- smaller sound palette in MP11se because it´s focus is PIANO,- hence higher quality action for the pianist.
MP7se,- larger sound palette, different action (but not bad at all), focus is "allrounder", less weight = better portability.
IIRC, acoustic pianos in MP7se and MP11se are identical.
A.C.
This is a good summary.
The panel interface of the two boards is also different, with the MP7SE adopting the "classic" zones approach, and the MP11SE going for the "sections" route.
Cheers,
James
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Thanks pj!
26 minutes ago, pjd said:So, I'm currently using an unpowered Sabrent USB hub and a SoundBlaster USB adapter. The extra USB ports go to a MIDI controller, USB MIDI expression pedal, etc. The hub connects to iPad (Lightning) through an Apple USB camera connection with Lightning charge port. It's AC powered from an adapter, having bad experience letting the iPad provide power. I also experimented with a Griffin Rockstar instead of the Apple camera connection adapter. A long Lightning extension cable keeps everything out of harms way; the cable on the camera kit adapter is waaaay too short.
I'd like to avoid using a hub, if I can...although it may become inevitable.
I'm not a fan of the Apple camera connector either. I know it's frowned upon (and possibly unreliable), but I may try to look for a 3rd party alternative that integrates the Apple adapter into a single cable.
29 minutes ago, pjd said:If you're looking for a USB mixer from Yamaha, you might consider either the AG06 or AG03. I'm using the AG06 with a desktop and it's rock solid. Only a few channels, but it's versatile and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Yamaha pitch the AGs at podcasting, although the AG06 is essentially a Steinberg I/F and a mixer in a mixer-like format.
Yeah, I stumbled upon the AG06 after eventually realising that Yamaha does not produce an MG06U. For some reason (the popularity of streaming/podcasting?), the AG devices are a fair bit more expensive than the MGs over here - the AG03 is twice the price of the MG06, and a little more expensive than even the MG10U. I'm sure it would be a reliable device, but I still like the idea of having 5-PIN MIDI, so it seems the Roland (or cphollis' Tascam) ticks the required boxes.
Cheers,
James
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6 hours ago, Reezekeys said:
I've been using the headphone output of my MacBook Pro for about five years, no issues. I wrap the cable around a handle of my SKB case to act as a strain relief in case someone - like a stage tech in a hurry, something I see a lot - manages to trip or pull on the cable.
Similarly with my iPad, I have a featherweight 1/8" extension cable that presents no weight at all on the headphone jack. It's wrapped around my iPad holder. The cable that goes to my two K8s plugs into the extension. Anyone tripping over that cable would most likely disconnect it from the extension, and the multiple wraps would protect against any force reaching the jack itself.
Thanks ReezeKeys, that looks very secure.
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10 hours ago, cphollis said:
Yes, it's a desktop-style interface that can be externally powered. I like it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MFMFYBP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks!
That's another potential device to consider.
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14 hours ago, erik_nie said:
Thanks for the quick reply.
I have two Nords that are midi-connected to each-other, so no free midi port. (Use the organ-section in the Stage 3 to be played from the Wave 2)
Could you point me to a small ground loop filter?
Something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ground+loop+isolator
I don't have any personal experience of using these, however I know some folks have had success with them, typically when playing VIs on a laptop controlled via USB-MIDI, then routing the sound back into a digital piano via an instrument's Line In connectors.Regarding the QuiccoSound, I have both the original mi.1 (as in the very first Indiegogo backed device) as well as the latest mi.1 II, which has even better latency.
I haven't used it for gigging yet, but this is ultimately what I intend to try once my new iPad arrives. I'm hopeful that it will work for playing (the latency playing VIs on my Mac is pretty acceptable), so should be absolutely fine for just sending PGM# messages.
Cheers,
James
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8 hours ago, Mighty Motif Max said:
Yes, the midi in/out should work fine with whatever you have connected. One feature I do like of the Rubix is that it can be powered separately OR via bus power. Any of these interfaces can drain an iPad fairly quickly, so having that option is good.
Cool, thanks for confirming the MIDI.
Could the Rubix be powered by just the iPad itself, or would I need to add additional power via the micro USB?I even wonder if I could adopt the Electro's USB port (which can only be used to communicate with the Nord Sound Manager tool - no USB-MIDI on the old NE3) and use that as the power source for the Rubix?
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Hi Stokely,
8 hours ago, Stokely said:Probably not the solution for you, since it involves a different keyboard, but having a built-in audio interface is probably the best feature (IMO) of the Yamaha Modx. One usb cable, with camera connection kit, handles midi and audio back and forth between ipad and keyboard, and there is a dedicated volume control on the Modx.
Yeah, that would be the cleanest solution of all - in the future, that might ultimately be the direction I take, however if I'm going to go all-in on the iPad as the sound source, it's probably overkill to use board that has loads of built-in sounds and additional functionality I'll likely never use.I think I posted this a little while ago, but I'd love to see an iPad musician focussed 73-key MIDI controller with USB audio/midi interface, pedal inputs, *and* 1/4" outputs. Something like the Numa Compact 2x, but with less keys, and without any sounds.
Cheers,
James
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Hi Reezekeys,
9 hours ago, Reezekeys said:IMO having a headphone output is a huge advantage for an iDevice running virtual insrruments - less dongly stuff hanging off the iPad.
On my old iPhone SE (2016) with headphone jack, or my iPad Air 2, I only need the CCK to connect my keyboard and a power source. On my newer iPhone SE 2020 I need that plus a USB hub plus an audio interface. Quite a mess I have going there. I have one of those tiny $8 guys for audio in/out and it's worked fine when I've needed it (which is not often), but it still looks like crap and adds multiple potential failure points to the rig.
Yeah, using the iPad's headphone out would work, but...I dunno, maybe I'm just not confident in that 1/8" connector - with musical instrument related stuff, especially plugging into an amp or speakers, I feel more comfortable with regular 1/4" jacks, you know?It's a similar case with those $8 interfaces - maybe they do work fine, but I cannot imagine the circuitry inside being up to much for that price...and yeah, the look doesn't inspire much confidence either.
Cheers,
James
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Hi cphollis,
8 hours ago, cphollis said:I had been using an inexpensive USB to audio interface, which was also sending along midi and audio from my hardware boards for processing.
Do you recall which device you used?
8 hours ago, cphollis said:If you don't need to do that extra bit, any mixer that can handle USB audio input is handy (no audio interface req'd), as the iPad presents as a pair of stereo audio inputs.
Yes, a small mixer with support for USB audio input would do the job. As I mentioned in my first, I could pick-up a used Behringer Q502USB for around $40~$45, assuming it's still in the thrift shop. However, I like the idea of having MIDI IN/OUT available also, which is why the Roland Rubix22 ticks a lot of boxes.Cheers,
James
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12 hours ago, Jr. Deluxe said:
Sabrent usb audio adapter. About $8. And a camera kit with a charge port and USB port.
Thanks for the suggestion. That would certainly be a nice, compact solution, however I'm also seeking the ability to control the output level with a knob/slider.
I should note that the 9th gen. iPad still has the 3.5mm headphone jack, however I'd prefer not to use it.
Cheers,
James
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Two other options to consider:
1. Use a USB to MIDI IN/OUT adapter (e.g Roland UMone etc.) to connect the Nord to the iPad.
2. Use a ground loop filter in between the iPad and the amplifier.
Cheers,
James
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Thanks Max!
Yeah, I quite like the look of the MG mixers. The MG06 would also be a suitable candidate, however there is no U (USB) variation of that model.
As I say, I don't really have an intention to mix lots of audio sources, so it would be difficult to justify all the connectivity of the MG10XU just for outputting sound from one device.
Regarding the Rubix, am I correct in thinking that when connected to the iPad via USB, whatever is connected to the MIDI IN/OUT ports (my Electro in this case) would be able to control the VI app that's running?
Cheers,
James
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DovJ, thanks for your reply.
Okay, I see. Interesting that the behaviour can vary depending on the developer.
I don't have the new iPad yet, so will no doubt have to spend a little time experiment with everything (including getting to grips with Camelot Pro) once it arrives.
Thanks again!
Cheers,
James
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Hello folks,
The band I play with wishes to resume practising after taking an extended break due to Covid.
I decided to use this resumption as an excuse to buy myself a new iPad (the standard 9th gen. model), which I intend to use as the primary sound generator, eventually replacing my trusty but crusty Nord Electro 3. I purchased B-3X a little while ago, and intend to add NeoSoul Keys Studio, and hopefully other apps for Pianet and crunchy New Orleans piano (maybe soundfonts would be my best bet?), then control everything via Camelot Pro. Well, that's the plan, anyway.
Currently, my setup consists of the Electro, outputting to an ART Studio V3 tube pre-amp, and then connected to whatever amp or speaker is available to plug into. I like having the pre-amp as I prefer the tone through the tube (yeah, even if it's purely a placebo...), and the knobs to control input and output volume are also very handy for getting a little extra drive or volume.
While waiting for the iPad to arrive, I'm researching how best to integrate this into my current setup. I'm actually wondering if I can replace the pre-amp with a small external mixer, audio interface, or DI box. I would like to connect the iPad via Lightning/USB cable (rather than the headphone output), so am looking at products that can accept USB.
There is a Behringer Q502USB mixer at a local thrift shop which will probably do the job, however I also like the look of the Roland Rubix22, which I can probably pick-up for around twice the price. I intend to control the iPad from my Nord via Bluetooth MIDI using a Quiccosound mi.1 mkII, however the Rubix would also facilitate connecting via wired MIDI if desired.
I don't really need a mixer, nor an audio interface, as I don't intend to connect any additional sound sources (although I guess it could be handy to also connect the Nord's audio output, to use as a fall-back, or to ease the transition over to a fully iPad-based system). However, it seems that in order to get USB audio input, 1/4" (or XLR) output, and still have an easily accessible output volume knob, those are only options.
I wonder if there are any other interesting, viable options for getting sound out of the iPad (without using the headphone jack) that I may have overlooked?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
James
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Sounds great, thanks miden!
I have a bunch of other questions on a similar theme, but will probably save them up and make a new thread after playing with the new iPad for a little while.
Cheers,
James
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5 hours ago, DovJ said:
As always, AnotherScott gives a great explanation!
I would clarify that the way to get the sounds that Scott refers to is to download Auv3 plug-in VST’s from the App Store, and to load them into Camelot Pro.
In theory, Camelot Pro will host all the B3 emulation apps Scott mentioned. I say in theory, because until you try a given combination of software in your environment, I wouldn’t trust it (long time in the computer industry = skepticism about untested hardware and software).
There are many great-sounding Auv3 synth apps that should work quite well in Camelot Pro.
DovJ, if I may hijack cassdad's thread briefly...
I recently purchased a 9th gen iPad (should arrive by the end of the month) with a view to using it primarily as a tone generator, and eventually replacing my Nord. I already own B-3X and am eyeing Camelot Pro to manage set-lists and sound settings.
My question is: how are sound settings managed in Camelot Pro? Do I first create the organ sound I need in B-3X, then save it as a new preset in that software, or are all these presets stored and controlled from within Camelot Pro?
Cheers,
James
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9 hours ago, The_Star_Guy said:
Any chance of a 7x key lightweight version of the MP7se down the road for pro giggers? My ES-920 has become my centerpiece home piano so I prefer not to move it, if possible. I even purchased a wooden piano shell to make it resemble a DG30!
I'd love to see an 7x key version of the MP7SE, however I'm afraid I don't know if this is mechanically possible.Kind regards,
James
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On 7/3/2022 at 1:04 AM, Konnector said:
The only way to access the extra sounds used by the auto accompaniment feature as far as I can tell is if you setup the ES-920 in multitimbral mode (16 MIDI channels available for additional voices) and select them via MIDI commands.
Yes, that's essentially it. Those additional MIDI sounds are primarily intended for the Rhythm Section auto-accompaniment feature, as well as for playing back MIDI files.
If a customer really wishes to play those sounds, it should be possible to select them by sending the relevant PGM Change no. to the instrument via MIDI. This can be from a DAW, and it might even be possible to send the message from the ES920 to itself, by bridging the MIDI IN/OUT ports with a single cable. I recall PianoManChuck had a video about this for the MP7, and it may also work for the ES920, although it's not something I have any direct experience with.Another option might be to use the PianoRemote app to send the PGM Change message, then store the sound as a User sound within the app (or a Registration on the instrument itself). Again, I haven't tried this myself, but it could work.
Kind regards,
James
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Hello gravy_no_g,
4 hours ago, gravy_no_g said:I'm noticing a weird phenomenon with my ES520 where, after using it for an hour or more, I'll press the power button to turn the board off, and everything will essentially freeze - the screen will go blank and no sounds will be produced, but all the lights will stay on. This doesn't happen every time I use it, but has happened a good half dozen times since I've had the unit.
Anyone experiencing a similar glitch?
That's not something I've seen/heard about before.
My recommendation would be to raise this oddity with your Kawai dealer and/or the Kawai distributor/subsidiary in your country.If you require any further assistance, feel free to send an enquiry via the Enquiry Form of the Kawai Global website.
Kind regards,
James
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2 hours ago, 16251 said:
If you own or buy a ES110, then you can easily add a module with better EPs, etc. cause of 5pin Midi.
That's true, although I would argue that an iPad and something like NeoSoul Keys will sound better than most (all?) hardware modules.
USB-MIDI facilitates that, as does the relatively low-latency Bluetooth MIDI onboard, if you wish to pursue the wireless route.James
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e-instruments Upright Pianos for iOS
in The Keyboard Corner
Posted
I've been getting into iOS VI apps recently, as I transition over from my Nord Electro.
I really wanted to like the Pure Synth upright, but I'm not 100% loving it yet... It might just be that I'm so used to my "go-to" Black Upright sound in the Nord, that things will take time to adjust to. I like the audio demos though - presumably they're from the desktop version?
This e-instruments upright sounds pretty good from the above demo video, and the filesize is much larger (1.3gb compared to something like 200mb for the Pure Synth one...not that filesize necessarily means it'll sound good - the Nord sounds are tiny in comparison).
Thanks for the heads-up Elmer!
Cheers,
James
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