cassdad
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Posts posted by cassdad
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I always thought the cover was to protect the pedal surface from being scratched or damaged during shipment / transport. (Heck, I would not be happy if I paid for a new pedal, and it came all scratched up.).
I remove it once I know the pedal works, then scratch it in my own unique way as I use and transport it!
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13 hours ago, Jim Alfredson said:
That sounds cool but how do I get the MIDI program change data to actually change a program on a hardware synth? I assume I need some kind of MIDI interface for the iPad?Yes - apologies, I thought you already had that setup. It depends on what you want to “drive” with MIDI. If it’s a modern keyboard, all that is needed is a cable connected to the “out” of the iPad / tablet to the USB “In” of the keyboard, then set the keyboard to send / receive MIDI via USB. I use a simple cable like this (USB “C” onto my iPad to USB “B” to my Yamaha keyboard): https://www.amazon.com/MeloAudio-Controller-Interface-Electronic-Instrument/dp/B08JYH26TP/ref=asc_df_B08JYH26TP/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475864050416&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10852647000673430113&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031561&hvtargid=pla-1144910500990&psc=1
If you want to use the old standard MIDI DIN cables, then yes, I have a simple MIDI “dongle” like this:
that transmits the MIDI signal (2 ways) between the computer / iPad and the controlled device (keyboard or other).
I’ve also read that you can do it wirelessly via the appropriate wireless MIDI transmitters/receivers on each end, but I have no need to even try that, so haven’t.
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9 hours ago, Jim Alfredson said:
Wait… forScore does program changes?!? What hardware do I need to integrate that into my rig?Yes, sir. No additional hardware needed. Just open any song in forScore, then click on the upper middle section (where the name is), go to "MIDI", and hit the + (plus) sign. You then have the choice of adding just about anything, including Program changes (on whatever MIDI channel or instrument you want) and including Hex Codes (which I have to use for older MIDI devices (like my Beat Buddy), etc. Try it, it's beautiful, and saves SO much setup time! Set it up for each song, one time, then never have to do it again. Call up the song, and everything is instantly ready. You also know that forScore also plays audio if you wish, right? (Like backing tracks you make or record, MP3, etc. Again, you tie it to each song.
P.S. I'm using forScore version 14.0.3, but the prior versions also had it.
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Well, now that the concept of using a tablet has been broached, let me just throw in how I do it: Using forScore on my iPad, I simply add any needed MIDI messages (especially Program Changes) with each song. Thus, when I call up any song, it immediately sends out my desired MIDI messages to the instruments I’m using. Really quite simple. Add that I also use the forScore “Set Lists” capability, and I’m always the 1st guy ready for whatever the next tune is!
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I find this Variable Voice Control very interesting, as in my old Rhodes days (I had an early suitcase, and later a stage). I was always moving the pickups around to try to get the sound I wanted. But the mechanical movement of the VVC I’m seeing here seems to be moving the pickups only in the vertical plane (up and down). Now, I understand that will indeed change the distance from the end of the tine to the pickup. HOWEVER, the effect that I always loved and used, simply moved the pickup in and out (on the horizontal plane). When I’d move the pickup very close to the end of the tine, man, could I get the most WONDERFUL raspy, almost distorted sound, that sounded glorious when the key was struck forte (hard / loudly)! In listening to these demos, I do not hear that “raspy attack” changing at all, just really the overtones. Perhaps it will do what I’d want, but I’m just not hearing it in these demos. And wow would I be upset paying that kind of money and not being able to achieve my desired sound. Anyone else understand the sound I’m discussing, and not hearing it here?
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Yes, if the board has external “Inputs”!
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Actually, you already have a mixer = on the MOXF! Plug the 1/4 inch output of the Phantom into the inputs of the MOXF8 labeled “A/D Input”….. on the MOXF8, simply turn on the button labeled “A/D Input, On/Off”…. turn it on, it will glow red, then use the volume control next to it to control it’s mix volume with the internal sounds of the MOXF. The MOXF “Master Volume” will control both instruments. Then plug the outs of the MOXF into whatever speakers / amps you desire.
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9 hours ago, Reezekeys said:
AUM is the brain - where all your instruments live. And as far as what "plugins" are, you already have at least one: your Hammond B3X. Most iPad instruments run as standalone applications (what you've been doing) and as a plugin inside a host program like AUM or Camelot Pro. As BF said, there are lots of youtubes explaining the basics of AUM (I think one very good one was posted in this thread). It's really not as hard as you seem to think! You just need to figure out which B3X parameters you want to control, and which hardware controls on your keyboard you'll use to control them. Use "midi learn" to link them, and from then on you shouldn't need to have the AUM screen open at all. It will run in the background, and you can use your entire iPad screen to display your music.
My organ needs are simple. I only use two VB3m presets - and one of those rarely. So, I have one button programmed to toggle between those presets. I have another button to toggle the Leslie speed from slow to fast, and another to turn percussion on and off. Three buttons - that's all I need. (Of course, my expression pedal is mapped to VB3m's swell pedal, but I think that's the default - I didn't have to do anything there).
[edit- I lied! Forgot I mapped a knob on the A800 as an organ "master volume", and another button that mutes & unmutes the AUM channel the organ is on - a general "on & off" for the organ.]
Thank you, Reezekeys, very appreciated. I will give it a try! (I’m just an older dog, hard to teach new tricks!)
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OK, I just purchased and received the new Motion Sound KP-612SX. Here’s what I think I know:
First of all: Yes, on the back it does specifically show: “Key Pro 612SX”. (with both the “S” & “X”). This would lead me to conclude that, if your amp does not have the “X”, it is the “S” previous model.
Regarding “S” versus “SX”: Yes, the prior posts basically are correct. The old “S” models used one channel (of the two stereo channels) to feed a sub slave. If memory serves me, MS stated the power as 250W + 250W UNLESS you connected a slave sub, which would then receive 150 Watts, thus they advertised it as 650 Watts capable.
The new “SX” models (KP-610SX & KP-612SX) amps are apparently different. I personally think of the “X” as standing for “Extension Speaker Capable”. When used as the main speaker / amp full-range cabinet, the woofer & tweeter / horn, left & right, receive 250W each channel (500 Watts total). Now they have come up with a new “model” that rather than the previous sub-woofer slave, are full-range speaker cabinets, which are nearly identical to the main powered version cabinets, except are just full-range slave cabinets, each channel with the same woofer & tweeter/horn as in the powered main unit - but without the mixer or amp. When the full-range slave units are plugged into the KP powered units, they state that the power is then 1000Watts (Main Unit 250 left +250W right, PLUS the slave (passive) speakers each get 250W left + 250W right = 1000 total watts when used in this manner). In other words, in my day, we called it an extension speaker. The full range matching extension cabinet(s) have identical speakers as the main powered unit, but in passive form (no amp or mixer). These are Motion Sound Model numbers “SL510” and “SL512” (designed to be the extension speaker, ostensibly for the respective KP-610SX and KP-612SX. I think of the “SL” as standing for “Slave” (passive) speaker cabinets.
The 408SX wattages are slightly different, and as it does not have its own “matching” slave (passive extension speaker) they don’t seem to rate the slave output as left + right values (leading me to conclude that MS likely only intends for the 8-inch model to power a slave subwoofer). Thus, I also agree with Delaware Dave’s recommendation.
That’s my understanding.
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10 hours ago, Reezekeys said:
The capability is in AUM (and I assume Camelot Pro) and is dead simple to do. It's called "midi learn." Yes, your keyboard must have some controls on it. If there are any buttons to push, you should look in the manual to see if they can send midi control changes. If they do, you're all set. For example, to turn an instrument on & off in AUM, you tap on the "Channel Controls" for that channel, select "Mute", tap "Learn", then just press the button on your controller - presto, done. AUM links that control to the function. You can do this with many of the controls of AUM - but you do need to have these physical controls present on your keyboard and they must be capable of sending midi when manipulated.
I understand you're already using controls on your keyboard to work the internal sounds. That's a problem, if you can't dedicate a few of them to the iPad. I would recommend something like a Korg NanoKontrol, but from your posts it's obvious you want to keep things simple. It's not always easy to do that, depending on the tools you have. In my case, I use a dedicated midi controller (Roland A800 Pro) which has no sounds at all, just a bunch of buttons, sliders, pads, and knobs, all freely assignable to whatever I want in AUM. It sounds like you may want to just forget using your iPad for anything but reading charts.Thank you, excellent explanation / help. Yes, of course I can dedicate some otherwise unused controls to controlling “AUM”, whatever that is. I went to their website, and really, there’s not enough info / lessons to get me started, and I have no knowledgeable person that I know to help me learn. Yes, I’m sure, like most things in life, it’s simple once one knows how to use it. You’ve spurred me on to try… but it will be hours and hours of reading, watching YouTube videos, and trial & error. I get that the sounds are a “plug in”, but I don’t know what the heck that means with AUM, or how to do it. Yes, I’m sure I can figure it out, given enough time. I do not want to just forget it…. certainly, it could be useful having additional sounds, sound tracks etc., acknowledged.
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7 hours ago, AnotherScott said:
Apple's Stage Manager feature (clumsy as it is) might be able to address that. It works on these iPads:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (5th generation)
Thank you, Another Scott, it does work on my iPad Pro. However, due to my poor eyesight, I really need the full screen to use each app, so it’s not really a solution for me (but, yes, it does work).
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14 minutes ago, HammondDave said:
I think the OP’s question was that he was looking for a SIMPLE way to move into iPad performance rigs. I get AUM. I tried it and would use it if my memory was still strong after all these years. But I need charts to remember parts, and my screen real estate on my iPad Pro is dedicated to that, and not muting and unmuting instruments.That is why I use Module and its excellent instrument library, coupled with my MODX and other iPad apps controlled by it.Thank you, Hammond Dave, for finally raising this point! I need to use my iPad for reading my music! As I’ve been reading the numerous posts in this thread, I’ve been thinking to myself “How can all these musicians be using the iPad for such complex set-ups and still use it to read music (using only 1 iPad)?!”. I tried using my iPad for just Hammond B-3X, but need to adjust controls for the Hammond sound while I’m trying to read the music - ugh, I can’t do it. Yes, I saw Reezekeys excellent explanation that he does so by assigning functions to knobs / buttons on his controller - thus I assume he never has to actually view the sound module apps he’s using, and he can still look at music. I, frankly don’t know how to do that, and not sure that my keyboard even has that capability. Although, I’m sure I could add another “MIDI” app which could convert sends to whatever I want them to be. But 1) I’m already using many controls on my keyboard, real-time, to just control its built-in sounds (which I like), and 2) it just sounds way to complex to satisfy the flexibility I need for live performances. YMMV.
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Early in Joey does some great Rhodes playing (of course, incredible organ later). Not to be outdone, Larry Carlton does an incredibly tasty solo. Then other solos by the other phenomenal players.
Sharing simply because this was a side of these 2 players I’d never heard before. Maybe I’m living under a rock, but I thought worthy of sharing.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=8VYRka3jTeI
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I received the new Motion Sound KP-612SX last week, and wanted to play with a band prior to posting a brief review. Now having done so, I am very pleased to report that, in short, I am initially very pleased with this keyboard amp!
Disclaimer: I am in no way compensated or associated with this manufacturer. I paid full price, and these are my personal impressions, solely for the purpose of sharing with fellow professional keyboard players.
Background:
For years, I was carting two (2) Bose L1 Model 2 w/B2 subs as my keyboard amplification. They are very good, although keys are not their sweet spot (vocals and acoustic guitars are). Add some 100+ pounds each, six hard cases, the stage real estate required and transport was a bear. To lighten the load (among several other reasons beyond the scope of this post), I tried several powered speakers, and in that price range, the Yamaha DXR-10’s were, IMO, the best sounding and value. Accordingly, I have been satisfactorily using them for quite some time. But they have draw backs also, of course, which include having to put them on poles in order to get the needed sound level, which was blasting my bass player’s ears, etc. As well as the “boxy” sound associated with this type of amp/speaker, and they would run out of steam at high volume levels (plenty “loud”, but at the sacrifice of a full-range quality sound). Plus I’m getting old, and am looking for less total weight and greatly reduced set-up/tear-down time, and reduced complexity in general. All I really want is, to the maximum extent possible, for both myself and the audience to hear the best live keyboard sound possible, in stereo. Accordingly, the new Motion Sound KP-612SX is my latest attempt at achieving these goals.
My Impressions:
The MS 612SX comes with casters (the 610 with 10-inch speakers does not), making transport that much easier, (along with handles on the top and sides). And at a total weight of 49 pounds (which includes its own 2-channel on-board mixer), it accomplishes for me a real reduction in weight, complexity and set-up time, while still retaining a high-quality full-range tone, in noticeable stereo, with plenty of power (my goals). Carting only 1 relatively light box, plugging my keys directly into it, and still having an excellent STEREO sound, with a huge “stereo sweet spot”, is like a dream come true for me. This is the amp I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid! I am very pleased with the sound quality. I was spurred on by the Al Quinn comparison video comparing the RCF TT08As vs a MS KP-610. I’d have to say that, with the 12-inch speakers, I think this MS KP-612SX sounds even better. Very respectable bass response and high end. I’m sure it’s not as balanced and clear as the RCF TT08As. But I dare say it’s respectably close. And in its own way, it’s a really good sound for a piano keyboard (as well as all the other voices). I’m still experimenting with the “stereo expander”, deciding if I like it or even need it (it’s effect varies greatly upon the source’s stereo separation). Still trying to decide if it’s just a gimmick, or really value-added. On certain sounds, wow, it really does expand the audible stereo separation, but definitely changes the tone response. Probably very subjective. But the on-board tone controls are very effective and responsive, IMO. BTW, I closed my eyes and listened to the sound quality as I turned each of the mixer knobs, stopping at where I felt is the best achievable tone balance…. to my surprise, it sounds best at all controls set nearly “flat” (ie. 1/2 way). Regarding overall tone output for piano - I’ve found it to be very good, from high to low. It is the 1st keyboard amp where I’ve found placement to be less important. I’ve moved it all around my rehearsal room, in front of me, behind, to the left and right - and I’m amazed at still how consistent the sound quality is, and how well I hear the “stereo” effect. Playing with a rock band, I was able to gauge its effective volume level (aka “keeping up with the screaming guitar”). And It does just fine, has plenty of headroom while still maintaining great sound quality. Motion Sound recommends raising it 2 feet, but the amp stand I ordered did not fit this amp due to the caster and power plug socket locations. So my listening to date has been with the amp sitting on the floor on casters. I have owned other keyboard amps (e.g. Roland KC-500’s and KC-990), and this one is, by far, much, much better. It does not come with a cover, so I purchased one from “Le Cover”, and am also very pleased with it. I also tried using the “slave” speaker outputs (with no amps), and it works great, but more than I’ll usually need. And last but not least, in response to some past comments - I found the overall build quality, including the feel of the pots (dials/knobs), to be completely satisfactory.
I am on a quest to reduce the amount of gear and transport weight and time, while maintaining a pro sound for live gigging, at a reasonable price. I think this MS KP-612SX is the closest I’ve yet come to “ideal”. Until the next new big thing…. 🙂. YMMV.
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19 hours ago, The Piano Man said:
Totally agree!
Two questions…
1. Do you carry a spare power adaptor for the Yamaha?
2. Do you carry a backup keyboard with you, just in case?
Yes to both. (I actually have four (4) Yamaha MOXF8 identical keyboards, 2 on the east coast, 2 on the west…. just in case of a failure). However, to date, I’ve never had a hardware keyboard fail on me. Knock on plastic!
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For me: Hardware beats the software sounds I’ve heard (so far). I’ve not personally heard Keyscape, but to my old ears, Hammond B3X, Pianoteq, and Mainstage voices, do not sound nor “play” as well as the one simple old 88-note keyboard I use (Yamaha MOXF8) which with piano-like action, still only weighs 31 pounds. And that’s all I bring. Come on, with some 1200 quality, responsive voices on tap in one keyboard, I thus far have been able to find whatever voices I’ve needed to date for live band performances.
For me, “sound” is not just about what comes out of the speakers - it includes the player to instrument connection, expressiveness, ease of choosing & changing sounds, and the set-up and tear-down. And, as a professional, “dependability” has to be job one. I only use 1 board, and plug it directly into a new Motion Sound KP-612S (which has it’s own mixer and tone controls). Keep it simple. There’s enough other problems to worry about at every venue and performance. At least limit the ones over which I have control.
IMO, plugging in the keyboard power and then plugging it into the amp is just about as straight-forward and dependable a set-up as one can get. All my controls and sounds are ready at the touch, and it has never failed me yet (including summer heat and beach winter-time condensation). I find using a computer for sounds to be a nightmare for live, real-time control, riddled with tenuous connections and adapters.
I want to join the computer revolution, but someone has to make it a lot easier, more expressive/responsive, and more dependable before I will feel comfortable doing so. I know, old school, apologies.
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9 hours ago, Theo Verelst said:
I found this interesting, probably a few more people will, piano melody given simple chords, and considerations about perception of tones sitting a bit away from the piano:
https://chat.openai.com/share/6cbe622f-0956-4111-8446-97c36e0aa059
(this is ChatGPT's recording of my input and it's response, on their own server no editing or special preparations)
T.
Wow. I have to say, the Chat GPT response is simply amazing. I dare say, for standard, not overly-creative efforts, this will replace humans. I’m not trying to be draconian, just realistic.
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So…. non-issue or not? I really would appreciate some thoughts on this. I have a real “uncomfortableness” with both In-Ear-Monitors (IEM) and ear plugs. Perhaps it’s simply from not forcing myself to use IEM’s enough (I know the general consensus is that is the best way to go for many reasons). But I’ve still spent major bucks fueled by the hype of magical ear plugs that supposedly keep all the frequencies at the same balance, just less ear-damaging volume (I haven’t found one yet that simply does that well). All the ear plugs to date, to me, still sound “muffled” to some extent.
Regardless, my old-school self just likes to hear all players in the band, and myself and how I mix with them, which always pushes me back to ear plugs in the hope of doing so, but saving my ears.
Forgive me if this has already been discussed to death. But unless you’re at the pro concert level, I’ve been hard-pressed to find a sound man adept enough to provide me the balance I need…. or someone paying the cost of all the “personal mixers” required to let me dial in exactly what I want to hear…. and then, still, it doesn’t sound “live” to me. And then having the luxury of the set-up time, live, to adjust it to my satisfaction. Ugh. I’m not backing for Taylor Swift. I have to make do with “simple”. Any thoughts?
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Apologies if not applicable, but I can’t easily find info on the Kawai ES110…. but if it has USB out, what I do is do both the MIDI in and sound out via USB by simply connecting the USB out of my keyboard to the USB connector on the iPad Pro. Pianoteq works great for me that way. Just an idea.
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12 hours ago, RebeccaColeman said:
Soundcloud is awesome for sharing your music and connecting with fellow artists and listeners. Personally, I've posted some tracks there, and it's been a great platform to get feedback and grow my fanbase. One thing I've noticed is that getting more plays can really boost your visibility and make your music stand out. I was actually browsing online and came across a website where you can buy Soundcloud plays. It's tempting to try it out and see if it can help increase my popularity. What are your thoughts on that?
I think that is unethical. Period.
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I also want to know what you did with the floor! (My “studio” has a travertine (stone) floor - is treating the walls and ceiling enough?)
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omg…. I tried to follow the entire video…. but at 22 minutes in, I just couldn’t take any more…. God Bless the mathematicians! I’m glad they worked it all out so I do not have to.
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20 hours ago, Anderton said:
You can always just do a lyric video, or even just a background graphic with the song title(s). I did that for my Simplicity album, and it didn't seem to affect clicks adversely.
Acknowledged - but you’re Craig Anderton (& I’m not)! (Fame helps!)
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I use Soundcloud, no complaints. I don’t have video, just audio, thus I don’t post it on YouTube (which I feel is meant for at least some video).
Slightly OT - Friendships and Collaboration
in The Keyboard Corner
Posted
Well - it’s a well-known fact that “dependability” is an absolutely critical personal trait necessary in life for most successes (in both business and social circles). Dependability can even win out over / make up for a lack of technical skill or other short-comes. IMO, there is little excuse for lack of it. And certainly no worthy excuse to not give as much advance notice as possible if you cannot live up to your commitments.
Your friend did try the “nice” route by, as you explained, contacting you a couple of times (“you’re behind” messages) - which you blew them off and chose not to respond. I’m sorry - but IMO, your behavior was inexcusable and wrong. Just my opinion.