Redknife

An fyi, there are “three activation slots”, where all iOS devices with the same AppleID would occupy max one slot. I couldn’t tell how many devices in total you wanted to cover.

Thank goodness nobody got hurt

Bought a CK61 as a bedroom keyboard. My needs were lightweight (10-ish lb max), basic internal sounds, internal speakers a plus, batteries a plus, “playable” keyboard and this checked the boxes. I’ll be running a laptop/iPad with it for a broader sound pallet but also wanted a grab and go. I would have liked aftertouch but I ditched that requirement given the options on the market. Save for a few, 61 key keyboards with aftertouch get into the 15+ lb range. So far: Keybed: to me, very similar to a tp9/s. Noticeably sprung synth action. Even key response both in key travel and velocity sensitivity. It was important to me to have a keyboard with black keys that don’t die at the back and this design is fine. Sounds: Solid with a good assortment. Nothing blows me away but the sounds are very useable.i could use this board stand alone for a wide range of gigs assuming I didn’t need to dial in synth sounds or load samples. For an all-rounder I’d choose the 88. Workflow: Very intuitive. Would be a great gigging board. I have to get used to the concept of a Live set being the only sound construct. As I understand it, there are thre sounds which can draw from the predefined sound list. Splits, layers, and relevant controls are quick and intuitive, controller functions benefit from the appropriately spaced organ sliders (to me the slider vs drawbar isn’t an issue). Quick access: EQ, effects, Filter, layer/split, ADSR. Construction: Feels well built despite the plastic and overall weight. Sliders, knobs, buttons all have a good feel. Wall-wart par for course and weight. Sub-awesome: mostly “as stated” or as expected. This is a preset sound machine with some flexibility. The synth keybed is a bit tightly sprung for my liking but it is within my adaptable range. Although a competent controller, it pales in comparison to a Kurzweil for instance. Already mentioned lack of aftertouch. No sound expansion outside of firmware (yes, Soundmondo has downloadable live sets, but it’s the same tweaked sounds AFAIK), small screen although appropriate for the workflow. All in all, thumbs up. ETA: Internal speakers: pretty good! I had low expectations. I’m not sure that I personally would do any gig with internal speakers but the speakers are loud enough for solo practice. For context, I was worried I wouldn’t tolerate the speakers at all but not a problem.

I’ve been sleeping on this dude for too long.No more as RN listening to this: Apple Music: J3PO Mains on Apple Music Spotify: J3PO Mains on Spotify

Nice overview. I would like to add the concept of gigging as a driver of rig performance regardless of hardware vs software, Gigging forces you to troubleshoot quickly. That may be hardware or software. For example, I'm setting up a new W11 PC laptop and working through latency issues. I'm still working on it because I am not able to gig currently. were I to have a gig this weekend using software in my new W11 PC I would quickly go through every setting known to affect latency and scrutinize every plugin. It would even be in the cards to buy a different laptop. Without a gig, it will be a long process. Gigging, therefore, may not only affect your choice of gear, but also drive you to efficiently get what you need out of your gear.

Man the FDGP-50 is either very popular or released without a good supply. I’m seeing online retailers list availability of “several months” and “March 2024”. FDGP-30 appears to be available now but has the voice menus.

I successfully upgraded my 2013 iMac 32 GB 1 Tb to Ventura OS allowing me to get Logic 10.8. (I used Open Core Legacy Patcher as per my post 11/10/23) I’m happy. The system runs as well as it did but I have restored Apple cross platform functionality. Logic runs as smoothly as it had. I have run plug-ins like Omnisphere and Diva in Logic without problems. I like some of the changes in the new Logic that help my personal workflow. I don’t know which Logic upgrade to attribute each change, since it’s been a while since I could upgrade. I don’t run film scoring level plugin templates to comment as a super user but I’m pretty sure if I did I’d be running silicon as opposed to my 10 yo computer. Anyway, I hope to get some more time out of a working computer. Maybe this “Guinea pig run” will help others wanting to update their older Mac.

Korg native instruments @50% (199>99) https://korg.shop/software/natives.html?___store=english

Here is a Pianoteq 8 hack if you want to utilize the Pianoteq sympathetic resonance while using a different plug-in’s sampled piano sound. Some of the key steps: in this case Keyscape is the source tone and Pianoteq is limited to resonance route the MIDI turn velocity curve on Pianoteq to all “0” use an effects plugin that ensures no overlapping resonating frequencies watch video for any details. Sounds great

IF you have an “older” mac that is not supported by Apple to load Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, AND you want the ability to install those supported OS’s enabling Logic Pro updates, There is a free option: OpenCore Legacy Patcher The patcher developers have done the work of coding compatibility for older devices that Apple has not resourced. The link above has a link for supported devices. I have heard that it is best to go with Ventura over Sonoma in this scenario for best stability right now. Ventura and Monterey are said to be rock stable with the patcher.YMMV. In my case, I have a 2013 iMac 27 with a 1tb ssd and 32 gb RAM. I am locked out of things like syncing notes, reminders, etc because my iOS devices are current iOS but iMac is not current OS. As well, I can’t update Logic. The iMac is still fast with the SSD and RAM. I was going to unload the iMac for nothing but it makes sense for me to patch and install Ventura. These are contentious topics: don’t patch, patch, Logic update, don’t update. Do what’s best for you. Just be aware of this option if you have an older Mac that runs well and you want to experience the updated products that Apple doesn’t support. Be safe and backup, learn more if you choose to patch. Lots of Youtube videos on the process.

Keith Jarrett: Handel- Suites for Keyboard Apple Music: Jarrett/Handel Spotify: Jarrett/Handel

UVI Falon 3 ($199- last day for 150 discount today). 4 Falcon soundware products (2 for 1 also last day)

I believe the discontinued silver 49 key m-audio key rig, keystation, keystudio varied by software included. Throwing in the Roland a-49 at 5.6 lb

Now we have both streaming and ripping options so 👍

Sam Gutman (Lauryn Hill, Out of the Beardsacape) focusing on VA sounds on the m6:

Much if not all of this is now back on Apple Music and Spotify. I have been periodically checking and this is the first I’ve seen much of the library up. Chick’s catalog is huge so I can’t offer complete assurance that the album you seek is there. All of Elektrik Band appeared to be present along with Brecker and Weckl’s works that were absent. Enjoy.

Agree, love the new album. Too many highlights to list. That was a risky but worthy solo on the X stand!

New all playing video today from Anderson’s.

I am in a similar situation, and also frustrated with the price jumps on Mac mini RAM increases. I am leaning towards 16 GB ram and I’ll supplement the soldered internal SSD with external. I don’t have all the answers for you, but, here is more support that maybe 8gb is enough: I found this discussion of entry m2 vs entry m2 pro Mac mini particularly useful. If I go 16gb I’ll probably go with the m2 pro Gadd with 16/512 GB which is at your budget: