Groove On

Yes I'm using one of the older iPad Airs (not sure which one). It runs the bread and butter sounds great. But it can get overloaded on some of the synths.

That's a very good point - it's why my iPad setup is based around a powered USB hub. It's less elegant - but it's so much more flexible when dealing with different iPad connectors or adding other USB/audio/MIDI peripherals. For my live rig I I already budgeted 2x powered USB hubs (one as backup). The core of the live rig will be [iPad + CCK + Powered Hub]. Or if I get a newer iPad Pro I can ditch the CCK and connect straight to the powered USB Hub. In either case - the iPad will be charged.

Yes, I've seen a small amount of similar comments - on the stability of running B3-X, Neo Soul and Ravenscroft. That's why I'm holding off on those 3 specific apps. I will re-visit these apps after I upgrade to one of the newest iPads.

The Mackie MDB-USB DI is powered by USB. In my setup, it's connected to the powered USB Hub - which is plugged into the iPad/CCK. The Mackie DI box outputs the audio to 2x XLR outs, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring. Radial Engineering also makes one called the USB-Pro. But the Mackie DI box is US$120 vs. US$230 for the Radial.

Here's my home hardware setup. Any changes or additions you recommend? My goal is to keep it USB only.

What apps have you been using for live performances? Bread and butter sounds for pop, rock, soul, latin etc? Notes: Been balcony gigging with these apps: Korg Module, iLectric Piano, and assorted Lumbeat drum machines (Afro-Latin Drum Machine, Soft Drummer, Jazz Drummer, Rock Drummer, Brazilian Drummer, Funk Drummer). Also AUM, Forscore and iReal Pro. Still waiting to pull the trigger on Ravenscroft 275 and Hammond B3-X.

1. Roland Go Piano (61) - light-weight, luggable, 61 full-sized but spring-loaded keys, I dislike the micro-USB connector but so far it's lasted 2 years. 2. Yamaha CP - my favorite travel piano, but only 37 mini keys. a big plus+ it fits in your check-in luggage or a large backpack, sounds great with small built-in speakers and whole bunch of MIDI & Audio connectors

It's in the range of okay to good depending on your expectations. I totally understand the mixed reviews. Personally, I found it to be a crowd-pleaser and a fun/light summer afternoon movie. One warning - the basic premise is a bit of sci-fi music fan fiction (think Bruce Almighty). Don't expect Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman, this is a different type of movie.

OT question - any chance you guys team up and host a Gear Review Forum here on MPN? Kinda like a one-stop shop for pro online reviews. Maybe partner with some of the sponsors. Between the two of you, you guys have some of the best gear reviews on the net.

Have been using GarageBand, then Logic & FCP for 5 years (when I switched to the Mac). Never been thrilled with the interfaces - sure they are usable, filled with features and stable. But even now that I know the software well, the interfaces still kludgey to me, they feel like they were created by someone who is more of a programmer than an artist. 5 years later, Im still wistful for the slickness of the Sony Vegas and Acid Pro interface. Its too bad they never ported them over to the Mac - I honestly think they would have owned the Mac.

Congrats! The Go keyboards are fun pieces of kit, I hope Roland continues to develop them further. Interesting about the octave buttons - Roland gave the Go Piano dedicated octave buttons; so another difference between the Go Piano and Go Keys. FWIW on the Go Piano, theyre really easy to accidentally brush against while playing because theyre so near the keys. But theyre are one of the features that I use the most (even if its accidental). Re: Reface CP Perhaps replace it with an older iPhone (with the headphone jack). There are many apps that might provide interesting sounds and features. Ive got an older dedicated iPhone velcrod to mine.

http://forum.pianoworld.com//gallery/42/full/10986.jpg

Nothing currently available with 61 keys has a decent weighted action - so its really a matter of deciding if you can live with that compromise. The two keyboards with the correct travel form factor are the Roland Go Piano and the Hammond SK1. They are also almost the exact same size - around 35 inches in length. Outside of those two the pickins get worse. I think its also important to note that while many pianos are portable its not the same thing as a travel piano.