So, short version:
I'd love a simple, compact keyboard that is easily editable and upgradable for gigging with cover/pop-rock bands.
Long version:
I'm not sure that the thing I want exists. I'm looking for real-world solutions, so feel free to recommend things that aren't exactly what I'm describing, but would get the job done without breaking the bank.
I currently have a Kurzweil PC2X - it's an 88-key fully weighted monster that sounds awesome, and I've used in the studio to great effect. But now I'm gigging a lot more, and it's an absolute PITA.
I'd love to have something simpler and lighter - like a semi-weighted (or even just velocity sensitive) midi controller, except the idea of using a computer live seems like disaster waiting to happen - and indeed, I have seen it bring live shows to a screeching halt. Loading up a VST onto a keyboard without a computer seems like something that is not yet technologically feasible.
I've been out of the keyboard game for a few years - when last I took a keyboard on stage, USB ports were only on computers. Seeing their ubiquity now, I expected to find that synth players had abandoned the idea of built in sounds - after all, with USB connectivity, we can just upload whatever sounds we want, right? Maybe a keyboard comes with some sounds to get you up and running on unboxing day - but ultimately we'd be reaching for our favorite sound library....only it doesn't seem to be that way. For reasons I don't understand yet.
Is there a keyboard that makes this easy, and is there a commonly-agreed-upon "best" sound library - or perhaps two or three argued-over libraries?
Ideally, I'd like something compact and simple - controllers beyond a pitch and mod wheel being entirely optional - that I could edit to my own desiring and put just what I need on it in terms of sounds for a given gig. A good interface for said editing - perhaps in the form of PC software - being preferable.
I'm intrigued by the new AKAI Advance series - but it would involve using a laptop live, which I am loathe to do. If anyone could speak to the stability of using a laptop live, I'd love to hear that as well.
I'd love a simple, compact keyboard that is easily editable and upgradable for gigging with cover/pop-rock bands.
Long version:
I'm not sure that the thing I want exists. I'm looking for real-world solutions, so feel free to recommend things that aren't exactly what I'm describing, but would get the job done without breaking the bank.
I currently have a Kurzweil PC2X - it's an 88-key fully weighted monster that sounds awesome, and I've used in the studio to great effect. But now I'm gigging a lot more, and it's an absolute PITA.
I'd love to have something simpler and lighter - like a semi-weighted (or even just velocity sensitive) midi controller, except the idea of using a computer live seems like disaster waiting to happen - and indeed, I have seen it bring live shows to a screeching halt. Loading up a VST onto a keyboard without a computer seems like something that is not yet technologically feasible.
I've been out of the keyboard game for a few years - when last I took a keyboard on stage, USB ports were only on computers. Seeing their ubiquity now, I expected to find that synth players had abandoned the idea of built in sounds - after all, with USB connectivity, we can just upload whatever sounds we want, right? Maybe a keyboard comes with some sounds to get you up and running on unboxing day - but ultimately we'd be reaching for our favorite sound library....only it doesn't seem to be that way. For reasons I don't understand yet.
Is there a keyboard that makes this easy, and is there a commonly-agreed-upon "best" sound library - or perhaps two or three argued-over libraries?
Ideally, I'd like something compact and simple - controllers beyond a pitch and mod wheel being entirely optional - that I could edit to my own desiring and put just what I need on it in terms of sounds for a given gig. A good interface for said editing - perhaps in the form of PC software - being preferable.
I'm intrigued by the new AKAI Advance series - but it would involve using a laptop live, which I am loathe to do. If anyone could speak to the stability of using a laptop live, I'd love to hear that as well.