Julius D Majestic Studios

July 26, 2022

Ok, so everyone knows that if you plug or unplug a keyboard, guitar, etc... from a hot channel, there will be a loud pop in the system, speakers...

Is that concept the exact same when plugging and unplugging using a patchbay? I got cables in the mail today and was finally able to connect my patchbay and the Radial JD6. On some of the channels of the patchbay, I'm able to plug and unplug with no issues, but other channels of the patchbay you get the same loud pop that I initially referenced. Like unplugging an instrument without telling the sound man to mute.

It is bothersome, because I'd like to leave the channels hot at all times and just patch in whichever instrument is being used. But it wouldn't be so bothersome if all the channels were doing the same thing. A couple are doing it and a couple are not.

Would the instrument connected to the channel have anything to do with it? (like a balanced instrument vs an unbalanced instrument)

July 17, 2022

I'm planning to do a video soon showcasing a workflow concept with the system I use in this video.

July 17, 2022

22 hours ago, GovernorSilver said:

I did the math for MPC Live 2 plus $500 (US) for MIC Bundle

vs.

MPC Key 61

In our country, option 2 looks like the better value, simply because the cost is lower.

However if you buy just the Stage Piano and Organ plugins, you'll pay $300, which combined with $1300 for MPC Live 2, should total $1600 which for some might be better value than the Keys, assuming you already have a great keyboard controller.

If you don't want those piano and organ plugins, I suppose you could try shopping for 3rd party piano and organ sample libraries for MPC - no idea which ones are good though.

The desire to downsize to just one MPC device and one keyboard controller is admirable but without those two paid plugins or another keyboard with built-in piano and organ sounds, your options are quite limited.

Or just buy a used MPC LIVE 2...(or 1)

Also, if the prices are even close to being the same, I think the non MPC key option is still better because you can customize your parts and get more out of it that way.

Sum of the parts it's greater than the sum. Lol isn't that what they say?

July 14, 2022

59 minutes ago, zeronyne said:

The Integra still has that many outs (which used to be pretty standard on big multitimbral synths) because you can place each sound in a surround plane. It needs 5+1 or 7+1 to do so (not sure about the +1...maybe the Integra doesn't sum the bass frequencies to a sub out). It's really underrated in that regard although I admit it's a relative edge case.

That's cool. But Roland was even doing it on their old rack synths.

What's relative edge case mean?

July 14, 2022

Just wanted to drop this bit of info for everyone reading and participating in this thread...

The Roland Integra 7 module has 8 EIGHT outputs. The main L/R PLUS 3 sets of stereo or 6 mono... That's kinda CRAZY!!!

The XV family (5080/3080 for sure) have the same set up. So they been on this tip for ever.

But the Korg Triton Rack has 6. Main L/R PLUS 2 sets of stereo or 4 mono.

While the Motif Racks all only have 4. Main L/R PLUS 1 set of stereo or 2 mono...

Roland is killing them in this area.

Especially considering the sonic potential of the Integra... Having 8 puts is kinda insane. Consider the drum samples and set ups that are in there... 8 mono channels for use as a drum module. Crazy.

July 14, 2022

23 hours ago, Jim Alfredson said:

I have used the B outputs on the Kurzweil Forte to send the KB3 organ to a real Leslie (after turning off the internal Leslie effect of course) as well as using them to send a bass guitar sound to a bass amp for more realism. I have also used the individual outs on my Andromeda to pan the sound in both stereo and 5.1 surround on the first THEO album. Super fun!

How is the forte? Overall compared to other top end flagships? (Maybe a topic for another thread, but since we are here😊)

July 14, 2022

9 hours ago, AUSSIEKEYS said:

Yes you replied to me i was the one said cheers from down under i think that name you mentioned was the other guy.

The above was some good old Aussie "ribbing" (joking around) bouncing off that name you mentioned and my predicament.

Something done with a straight face around an Aussie Barbie (BBQ)

Edit: just incase Aussie ways dont cross oceans well. Basically i was treating you as a new mate at my BBQ to some good ol aussie joking around because you helped me and corresponded to me on your video. In other words thanks mate youre now one of my mob at my BBQ if that makes sense.

Thanks sir!! BBQ it is!!! That's a universal language! Lol

July 14, 2022

10 hours ago, Jim Alfredson said:

I have used the B outputs on the Kurzweil Forte to send the KB3 organ to a real Leslie (after turning off the internal Leslie effect of course) as well as using them to send a bass guitar sound to a bass amp for more realism. I have also used the individual outs on my Andromeda to pan the sound in both stereo and 5.1 surround on the first THEO album. Super fun!

How is the forte? Overall compared to other top end flagships? (Maybe a topic for another thread, but since we are here😊)

July 14, 2022

Just now, AUSSIEKEYS said:

No..

But funny you should say that its more like I was DropBearAgoggo till the Fauciflu bullcrap hit here.

Now there is no money in Taking American Tourists to see the local Drop Bears (they flourish in our bush down here as our particular area hadnt got burnt out in the last bushfires). There is no or few overseas tourists visiting Australia sincecthe lockdowns. Hence no income.

I live in an eco rich area and Drop Bears are numerous but its true once one falls on your head it scratches the living daylights out of you so a tour operator is best to keep tourists out of harms way.

Although the droppings from the drop bears still attract good money in local restaurants (sort of the Aussie equivalent of truffles) they still dont transport well and cant be exported. And as restaurants dont have tourists then they arent buying Drop Bear Droppings(Truffles).

Im going to keep an eye on your content as i enjoyed that video and advise you that Aussies can "spin a good yarn" when prompted.

Oh ok. I wasn't sure. There was only a couple of comments. Maybe it hasn't shown up yet.

July 14, 2022

27 minutes ago, AUSSIEKEYS said:

Hey Julius i just subscribed after watching this.

Ill add to my comment i left on the video in that i too have previously been dissapointed with the keyboard action on an Akai product. So it worries me what the keybed action is like.

Back in the 80s Akai released a decent but basic 4 zone controller. MKS73 controller keyboard possibly their first keyboard?

Although basic it had everything a Pub (Bar) performer needed for gigging at that time. ZonIng was adequate and perfect for my needs so i loved it but the keyboard felt like i was playing on 73 squishy slugs. Needless to say i sold it only because of the keybed. It worries me this new keyboard has a cheap keybed. Where i live there is no where to try this out.

Why do i care...well ill paste below what i left on your comments.

"Ive been eyeing this keyboard but I was looking this way too although my wife said sell off all your vintage gear and get the 61. Wow she so pro computer type recording shes in on the 61 over my old school recording. Im anti computer recording. But a daw in a box is ok by me.

But as we are struggling in "saving the ranch" i think if i sold off my vintage gear most would go towards the mortgage and id go this cheaper way being I'dd already have a keyboard or two. Cheers from downunder."

So basically ive been thinking of letting a lot of my gear go if someting inspired me to do that.

First priority is feeding the mortgage which Ive earmarked some gear to do anyway if it comes to that but I'd still want/need to replace a lot of my "sold off" vintage stuff with a single replacement for recording. I thought perhaps the MPC 61 but if the keyaction is "not good" would I be better with this option or similar as I'd already have a keyboard.

Its great my wife is onboard when she sees something that makes sense but I know its tough selling old gear and is very time consuming plus covering the mortgage could mean I may end up without anything to replace whats lost but hey i prefer my house to gear.

Secondhand stuff is difficult to locate where I am hence an MPC may be hardish to find though being small it is postable.

Anyway enjoyed your thoughts which were akin to what i was thinking but you pointed out someting I didnt think of that I would need an Audio interface which I had not equated into the idea as I thought the MPC already had one.

Are you TeddyBearAsaurus?

July 13, 2022

38 minutes ago, ProfD said:

When switching between certain sounds on the MPC Key 61, the load time is noticeable but not too bad.

However, once live performance setups are stored as projects, there is no load time when switching sounds. The MPC Key 61 functions like any other KB workstation/ROMpler.😎

But then don't you have to load the projects themselves?

July 13, 2022

4 minutes ago, ProfD said:

I will use the MPC Key 61 as a live performance KB sitting atop my Rhodes. 😎

Cool!!! So are the load times not as bad as people are saying? (Patch changes)

July 13, 2022

1 hour ago, ElmerJFudd said:

I think you’re quite right. You get a great deal of the MPC workflow at a very small comparative investment to the MPC 61.

Some additional thoughts.

There are surely to be MkII/MkIII MPC Live type boxes. So price for these previous units will continue to fall.

The MPC X is still the flagship, but short some things that the MPC 61 has. Half the RAM, half the CPU cores, half the SATA connectivity. But 4 times the QLinks, 4 Midi Outs, 8 Audio outs, and more buttons, 3 inches bigger screen too.

So adding an audio interface to previous models is also a pretty savvy way to keep up with Jones’s for a small investment.

That said, the MPC61 is pretty slick for live use. They should have predicted the desirability of a better quality action at $2k, however.

One common complaint I keep seeing though is the load times would be deal breakers in a live situation.

I just see this as a "permanent" install in a studio (of course it can be transported)... But I don't see it as a live performance tool at all. Maybe for playing back tracks but not as an alternative to boards like the Motif, Fantom, Kronos, Nautilus etc...

July 13, 2022

1 hour ago, EscapeRocks said:

Cool ideas Julius!

Also, I don't know why, but I didn't realize this was "you" when I'd scroll thru the topics here.

I've been subscribed to your YouTube for a while. Always good stuff!

Thanks sir!! Yep it's me. Just sharing some info/content/ and ideas.

July 13, 2022

1 hour ago, ProfD said:

The MPC Key 61 is more portable than dragging that three (3) piece meal consisting of an MPC Live, a 61-key MIDI KB and interface. 🤣😎

Oh yeah for sure.

But I wasn't meaning that this alternative was portable.

I don't think the MPC key was meant for or really marketed toward portability at all.

1 hour ago, ProfD said:

The MPC Key 61 is more portable than dragging that three (3) piece meal consisting of an MPC Live, a 61-key MIDI KB and interface. 🤣😎

The MPC Live/2 alone is extremely portable. Especially considering it's power requirements.

July 13, 2022

21 minutes ago, ProfD said:

The MPC Key 61 is primarily aimed at those who for many years had that alternative setup of an MPC plus a ROMpler/workstation KB and other pieces.

The MPC workflow when it comes to music production is legendary. IMO, very few KB workstations and hardware sequencers can match the efficiency of an MPC when it comes to banging out a track.

Now, a music producer or a musician can travel with ONE KB filled with sounds, samples, sequences and whole songs on the MPC Key 61.

Even cooler is being able to travel from DC to LA with a thumb drive filled with MPC data. Pop that thumb drive into a rented MPC key 61 and get back to work or a gig.

The MPC Key 61 consolidates gear and provides portability and access in a single package especially for diehard MPC users. 😎

You think it's "aimed" for portability?

I def think the MPC live would be a better option then because it doesn't require outside power (for a certain length of time...). You can charge it and go. That's what I'd call portable. Lol

4 minutes ago, ElmerJFudd said:

So he’s saying use your own keyboard as a controller and sound source, pickup any MPC Live second hand and beef up its IO with a class compliant audio interface.

Yeah basically. Thoughts?

(And he is me 😊😁)

July 13, 2022

Of course y'all know I don't mean literally poor...

It's just a catch phrase.

But definitely a lesser expensive extremely similar workflow alternative.

July 13, 2022

Thoughts?? Advantages and Disadvantages?

July 13, 2022

16 hours ago, DovJ said:

@Julius D Majestic Studios how would you set levels of timbres within an aggregated track, if you couldn’t split out the timbres to separate outputs (rhetorical question)?

Further, do you really want multiple timbres adding to the levels of a track (another rhetorical question)?

I guess you could just track timbre by timbre and sync start times like Julius said…but who has time for that?

You would mix them BEFORE they left the keyboard. So the track in the keyboard would come out as a "bounced" 2 track... Ready for mastering if possible.

(Hope I'm understanding your question)

July 13, 2022

9 hours ago, Delaware Dave said:

I use separate outputs on my Kurzweil for a couple of things:

send KB3 organ out dry to an external Leslie (Motion Sound, Trek pedal to 122, Neo Vent, GSI Burn)

send Bass patch to a bass amp separately

send KB3 w/ its internal leslie to separate out to balance the organ patch with the non-organ. all non-organ goes into a mixer channel and organ/leslie into another mixer channel which I can then adjust volume, set EQ to match the cabinet I'm using and add reverb as necessary.

Nice man. You def are using them in a nice way!

July 13, 2022

11 hours ago, DovJ said:

@Julius D Majestic Studios how would you set levels of timbres within an aggregated track, if you couldn’t split out the timbres to separate outputs (rhetorical question)?

Further, do you really want multiple timbres adding to the levels of a track (another rhetorical question)?

I guess you could just track timbre by timbre and sync start times like Julius said…but who has time for that?

Wait a minute:

Refresh me on which comment you are referring to so I can try to answer correctly. Lol

Even though they are rhetorical, I feel like I should still respond.🤣🤣🤣

July 11, 2022

42 minutes ago, MathOfInsects said:

Nice video!

Echoing others: I have used separate outputs for LH bass, for sending organ to Vent, and for triggered samples. Very handy in all those situations.

I can't personally imagine using them to mix layers after the fact, but I can see how someone doing EDM or real-time wave-/soundshaping could make use of that. It still feels little bit "engineery" as opposed to "playery," but could be a nice approach for some folks.

A downside I can think of is that not all patches or sounds come from a single board or source. So it's sort of a question mark to me what you'd send where, that would make it adjustable very quickly on the fly.

On the Nord, for example, I can have a patch with a two organ components, two keyboard components, and two synth components. So what's going where? If synth is universally routed to outputs 3-4, then I don't really have independent control over the two layers. And if I'm also playing a synth on a second board, which itself is layered, are those in the same output on that board as well? And are they going into the same channels on my mixer, or different ones?

If different ones, with a one-board set-up, ignoring a laptop rig for a second, I would potentially need L+R for two different keyboard types (4 inputs,) L+R for organ input) (+2), and L+R for two different synth inputs (+4). That's 10 just for that board. Adding a second board doubles that, or at least complicates it.

So when I chase that logic down, I land out on thinking it could be really cool as a studio option, and not terribly practical as a performance tool, short of the contexts already mentioned.

Well in church we layer sounds on the fly. And adjust layers as we move through the service. Or.... Bringing various elements in and out during a song. (So that could be used in alot of places outside of church)

Like for example, a

piano and string or pad. Or a piano with a synth layered on top. Then you just adjust the faders for whichever sound you need more or less of. Make sense?

As I mentioned, Keyboards like the mox, MOXF, Nautilus, etc.... Don't have faders so they don't allow "fader" control of sounds in your set.

In your example with the Nord, you would route all the sounds out of the different outs. But if you only have 2 sets (or stereo, so four outs), you won't be able to be as flexible as the keyboard that has 6 sets (or 3 stereo pairs of outs).

With a setup like you mentioned, it may be beneficial to uses busses out of the mixer.... So after everything get to the mixer, you then bus it out accordingly... So like synths on a bus, organ on a bus, etc ... And only saying that since your setup is so complex and sounds are coming from so many different sources.

July 11, 2022

43 minutes ago, eric said:

Since 2011 I have used output 3 on the Nord Stage 2 and now Nord Stage 3 to send my organ sound into a Ventilator, which is then output in stereo to my mixer. It is so nice to have the organ on its own separate channel to adjust the volume independently, plus gaining the goodness of the Vent sound.

I send my Nord Stage 2/3 output 4 into my mixer and use it on rare occasions for sound FX/loops where it's helpful to be able to control this sort of thing independently.

Outputs 1/2 from the Nord are serving up stereo pianos, EPs, synths/samples.

The only other time I remember using a separate output longer ago was my Yamaha S90 - during my band's show, we tried to give the drummer a break and so I had a drum loop for the song Canteloupe Island that I fed out of a separate output, so the soundman could mix/EQ that drum loop separately from my piano or other sounds.

Yes sir!!! This guy gets it! Definitely some great benefits to the concept!!

July 11, 2022

3 hours ago, DovJ said:

I use the 6 outputs of (each) my Access Virus TI2 and 1010Music Blackbox for recording purposes. I’ll sequence multiple tracks, then record them all at once into separate DAW tracks.

This workflow just plain wouldn’t work without multiple outputs on these instruments.

Yeah man and it would be a pain trying to line up start and stop times for each track in a daw BY HAND.....🤦🏾‍♂️

3 hours ago, analogika said:

I only have one project (Ivy Flindt) where I use output 3 from the Nord Stage 3 as a dedicated keyboard bass channel. The drummer and I split keyboard bass duties, so the FoH requested that I make it available separately for easier balancing.

Drummer playing key bass??? How lol!!?

July 10, 2022

4 hours ago, jarrell said:

What would be nice is if you programmed, say the bass to go to the alternate output(s), but when your synth detected nothing was plugged into those outputs, it would default to routing the bass out of the main outputs. Sometimes I want left hand bass but on a quiet gig, so just out of my main speakers; other gigs if they require more volume and a separate bass amp, then I want the bass to go out the alternate outputs to the bass amp. What I don't want to do is have to duplicate all my multis just so I can have versions with the bass routed to the alternate outputs.

That's a great idea. About the synth detecting something being plugged in.

But if you own a Korg keyboard one thing that you may be able to do it program just the bass sound to go out of the alternate output then add that bass patch to your multi/combi. If something is plugged into the out then it's ready to go. If nothing is there then the sound doesn't go anywhere. You would just go in an turn off whichever bass program you would not be using using the that song/sing (either one routed to main LR or alternate out...) So it wouldn't eat up polyphony.

Or maybe some variation of this method...

If that makes sense.

Profiles

Forums

Blogs

Events

Articles

Downloads

Gallery

Store

Posts posted by Julius D Majestic Studios