Moonglow Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Well folks, here it is. My new gig rig. A Nord Stage 88 on top of a PC3X. I know, I know, two weighted-action 88-note keyboards....I plan to eventually replace the NS88 with a NS Compact. The rack consists of a Furman power conditioner, Rane SM82 mixer, Korg TR-Rack, Yamaha Motif ES-Rack (loaded with the Vintage Keys Voice Bank), and my beloved Roland D-550. The rack is a six-space SKB Roto Rack. The stand is a.....well, err, sorry Moe! I do have my (usual) Invisible stand available, I just need to reliably secure the NS to the upper tier. I may just end up waiting for the Stage Compact before I change stands. In terms of MIDI connections, Im using a MIDI Solutions MIDI Merge box to merge PC3 and NS outputs, so that either keyboard can function as a controller and trigger any keyboard/module in the rig. The PC3 has uber MIDI controller functions, while the NS has just enough to meet my needs (e.g., Extern MIDI channels that can be programmed at the patch level, layers/splits, initial volume settings). I probably have about 40 hours of programming into this rig, just to get it gig ready; some configurations involve splits and/or layers on both keyboards. It took me about 15-20 minutes to completely set up everything at practice; Im sure once I become more comfortable with the connections, I can trim at least five minutes off of this time. As can be noted from the rear view of the rack, Im running mono, with a single DI going to the FOH. 90% of the time Ill be using IEMs; the remainder 10%, I plan to run the other line out to a self-powered monitor (yet to be determined). The only other addition will be a Ventilator, which of course, will involve dedicating one of the NS audio outputs for the organ section. A huge thanks goes out to brother Tony (i.e., tonysounds) who gave me some much needed, no-nonsense advice, especially in configuring the rack. And I would be remiss if I did not give a shameless plug to my guy Keith at AMTECH (Hammond, Indiana) who elevates wiring a rack to an art form. You guys (i.e., Tony, Keith) are awesome! http://mysite.verizon.net/resvht4v/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Newrig1.JPG http://mysite.verizon.net/resvht4v/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Newrackfront1.JPG http://mysite.verizon.net/resvht4v/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Newrackrear1.JPG "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darc68 Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Very nice!!. Love the set-up. Have a blast using it!! Motif ES7 Korg Triton Pro76 Roland Fantom X8 CP -33 Custom B-3 Chop w/ 145 Leslie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanS Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Nice setup man, enjoy. What we record in life, echoes in eternity. MOXF8, Electro 6D, XK1c, Motif XSr, PEKPER, Voyager, Univox MiniKorg. https://www.abandoned-film.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 That is TIGHT my man! Looks great, easy to hook up and tear down. Now about that Xstand: I'll help you velcro your Invisible stand so that even with the two weighted boards its secure and stable. I'm about to redo my rig as well: shrinking it down to one keyboard and a rack (or maybe 2 racks). Soon as I figure out how to solve a couple midi issues. Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Wow that's Schweet! Very nice indeed. I hate you Mr. Moonglow. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yannis D Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Very nice and very heavy! Be grateful for what you've got - a Nord, a laptop and two hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Very nice and very heavy! Not at all: the rack is SKB roto molded (if I remember correctly). Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay da cop Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Hats off to Keith - that rack wiring is definitely something. Nice and neat, and easy to hook up. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Now that's how you wire a rack!!!! Man that's sweet!! Great rig. I have a similar sounding rig in that the PC3x and a NE2 Rack are 2 of the main sound sources. With the PC3 and NS alone you're covering all the bases. Add the rack and you're in synth heaven! I'm jealous. Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I have seen some great racks in my day () but the back of that one is extremely sexy and very well stacked! I do find it interesting that you are limiting your ability to go stereo, even if it may be a rarity live. That might be a drag if you want to use any of this gear in the studio, but I'm sure you know what you need. Man, I can't stop looking at that picture of the back of the rack! Great work. Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Man, I can't stop looking at that picture of the back of the rack! We are a strange lot 'round here methinks. Had Bobby said that he can't stop looking at the front... Ummmmm, never mind. Where's that picture of Mariah? "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhodaway10 Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Awesome! I couldn't even fathom beginning to program a setup like that. Have fun and good luck! www.brianho.net http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianho www.youtube.com/brianhojazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mogut Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 That is the most organized cable dressing and routing I have ever seen! Very impressive. Thanks for posting that. Makes me feel shameful. I was a rack user for many years, and I dreaded opening the back up for any reason. -Greg Motif XS8, MOXF8, Hammond XK1c, Vent Rhodes Mark II 88 suitcase, Yamaha P255 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYKeys Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Your rig is very nice. Clean and well Organized. MY Toys - Kurzweil PC1X, Roland A-90, Yamaha KX88, Yamaha CS1x, Novation 49SL MkII, Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2, JBL PRX615M My Music Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluMunk Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I wonder what it says about me that the back of that rack is some of the hottest gear pr0n I've seen. Very impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrdman Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Did you mod the case to get rack rails at the back or did it come that way? If the latter, what model is it? I am only familiar with the SKB racks with front rails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toad Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Hell, I'd swap ya your 88 nord for my compact, then I'd send my damm SV-1 back to musician's friend before the 45-day trial is over! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhodaway10 Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Toad, can you post your details on the sv-1 on the sv-1 post? I'm just interested why you would prefer a nord stage. www.brianho.net http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianho www.youtube.com/brianhojazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Did you mod the case to get rack rails at the back or did it come that way? If the latter, what model is it? I am only familiar with the SKB racks with front rails. I don't use them, but my SKBs have front and rear rails. I've got a brand new mint 8space if you're looking for one (with front and rear rails). T Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toad Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 There just dosen't seem to be much there for 2100.00. 1500.00 maybe. you know the action feels like a worn out rhodes, they got that right! It's not multitimbral, no splits, not too many different sounds, a couple. Pianos, electric pianos. All the patches jump in volume between each other. The less you adjust, the better it sounds. Keep the amp sim off. the tone knobs off,ect off. Limited internal midi. Always hittin' the buttons by mistake while playing. The only thing I like is the size! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Is it an illusion, or is the Nord quite a bit shorter than the Kurz? If it is how it looks in the picture, that is surprising to me. I would thing two 88-key keybeds would be roughly the same length. I guess the Nord keys are a bit smaller than actual piano keys? Looking around the room, all my keyboards appear to have the same size keys - all the 61's are the same length, and they line up with the 76ers. I don't have any 88's except my piano, and it's downstairs. The only one with smaller keys is my Casio CZ-101, but that's obviously a mini keyboard. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JpScoey Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Is it an illusion, or is the Nord quite a bit shorter than the Kurz? If it is how it looks in the picture, that is surprising to me. Dan - the Kurz has pitch/mod wheels tagged on to the end John. some stuff on myspace Nord: StageEX-88, Electro2-73, Hammond: XK-1, Yamaha: XS7 Korg: M3-73 EXpanded, M50-88, X50, Roland: Juno D, Kurzweil: K2000vp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Dan - the Kurz has pitch/mod wheels tagged on to the end That and middle C's aren't aligned. Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanL Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I like that jumper panel on the back of the rack- where did you get that? OK- next post, everyone post pr0n pics of the back of their racks! Live: Korg Kronos 2 88, Nord Electro 5d Nord Lead A1 Toys: Roland FA08, Novation Ultranova, Moog LP, Roland SP-404SX, Roland JX10,Emu MK6 www.bksband.com www.echoesrocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I like the big ole FOH out! Nice rig! "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I'm just talking about the keys: A to C. Looks like the A's are lined up at the left but by the time you get up to the C, the Nord is shorter. But again, it could just be the camera playing tricks. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 OK- next post, everyone post pr0n pics of the back of their racks! OK. I'll start... http://local.yodle.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hairy_back.jpg "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Yeah, the NS88 is shorter: it will fit in an SKB 76 case (the puzzle fit version, not the new Velcro Cleat version) with the all the puzzle foam removed and only the glued in foam shell in place. Its a little longer (5inch?) than their 73. Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mogut Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 itgitc should be on geico commercial. OK- next post, everyone post pr0n pics of the back of their racks! OK. I'll start...http://local.yodle.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hairy_back.jpg -Greg Motif XS8, MOXF8, Hammond XK1c, Vent Rhodes Mark II 88 suitcase, Yamaha P255 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted February 6, 2010 Author Share Posted February 6, 2010 Did you mod the case to get rack rails at the back or did it come that way? If the latter, what model is it? I am only familiar with the SKB racks with front rails. The case did not come with the rear rails, Keith installed these. From what I understand, SKB sells kits for the installation of rear-rack rails. Is it an illusion, or is the Nord quite a bit shorter than the Kurz?..... The NS is about 4-5 inches shorter than the Kurz, due to the absence of the pitch/mod wheels. Fits perfectly in the anvil case for my Triton-Pro. I'm just talking about the keys: A to C. Looks like the A's are lined up at the left but by the time you get up to the C, the Nord is shorter. But again, it could just be the camera playing tricks. Interesting observation. Unfortunately, my rig is at our practice space at the moment, but I will look into this at our next rehearsal. I never noticed the keys on the NS being appreciably smaller. Im thinking this may be a camera/angle/lens/refractory-based optical illusion. I like that jumper panel on the back of the rack- where did you get that?..... Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that too. Not sure where he obtained this. Hit me off-line and Ill be happy to provide AMTECHs/Keiths number. We are a strange lot 'round here methinks. +1 Thanks for all of the compliments on my....err, rack! "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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