Any suggestions on my live gig solo setup?

[leandrusi]

Hello, Ive recently got some solo piano gigs at some weddings and fancy events. I have a little setup for live, Ive used it and it delivers, I dont have any particular problem with it, but I would like to hear your thoughts if you have any technical suggestion, opinions, hacks, whatever would help me sound better.
For the moment Im using:
-Midiplus X8pro (88keys midi controller thats light and easy to carry).
-Laptop with Ableton and a Scarlett audio interface (no perceived latency) and I use Noire and CFX pianos.
-2 Samson auro (6" 100 wats each) active speakers for amp.

I know there are better midi controllers as well as better speakers, you can speak your mind about it and I will consider it, but you might have also suggestions on what I already have (wich I will appreciate since Im slightly above broke currently lol).
THANKS!!

 

[Bouncingogre]

I wish you the best of luck with your bookings and future gigs .
I don't play gigs, but I'm sure you'll pick up lots of advice here

 

[BrianT]

If it's not broke, don't fix it! At least that's the thought that first popped into my mind.

I've actually not used a single thing on your list so have zero personal experience with it. I would find it interesting to see and hear (in person) but not likely.

How do you like the sound of the Samsons? I've never heard a pair of those. I have a set of Behringers (5.25", 150watts,) that are like playing a cheap radio (the only thing in my PA system I'm sorry I bought). Also a set of Alesis monitors (6", 60watts) that are heavy and bassy that I use for my keyboard monitors on stage. I would guess they'd put out enough sound to fill a small room with "background piano" pretty well. Adding vocals, I think I'd need more.

 

[mwtzzz]

The quality of speakers is one of the most crucial components when playing live, so whenever you can, try to replace your Samsons. In my band we use Electro-Voice PXM-12MP as floor monitors. A single one of these would also work for you as your main speaker, either on the floor or mounted on a PA pole.

 

[leandrusi]

If it's not broke, don't fix it! At least that's the thought that first popped into my mind.

I've actually not used a single thing on your list so have zero personal experience with it. I would find it interesting to see and hear (in person) but not likely.

How do you like the sound of the Samsons? I've never heard a pair of those. I have a set of Behringers (5.25", 150watts,) that are like playing a cheap radio (the only thing in my PA system I'm sorry I bought). Also a set of Alesis monitors (6", 60watts) that are heavy and bassy that I use for my keyboard monitors on stage. I would guess they'd put out enough sound to fill a small room with "background piano" pretty well. Adding vocals, I think I'd need more.

Thanks man, I wont need vocals. Samsons are surprisingly loud, clear enough and have nice bass for a piano sound. Trebble I find it a little harsh some times (just a little), I wish I could attenuate, soften or "muffle" it somehow, so that I get a more warm piano sound, I just lower the "trebble" knob a bit.
I think they kill at outdoor gigs, due to their power and clearness. But for an intimate piano sound indoors I might consider others. Another user suggested Electro-Voice PXM-12MP, wich is impossible for me to buy rn.

 

[BrianT]

Thanks man, I wont need vocals. Samsons are surprisingly loud, clear enough and have nice bass for a piano sound. Trebble I find it a little harsh some times (just a little), I wish I could attenuate, soften or "muffle" it somehow, so that I get a more warm piano sound, I just lower the "trebble" knob a bit.
I think they kill at outdoor gigs, due to their power and clearness. But for an intimate piano sound indoors I might consider others. Another user suggested Electro-Voice PXM-12MP, wich is impossible for me to buy rn.

Do your VST's have EQ settings that you can adjust to tailor your sound to the room you're in or the speakers you're using? The only VST I've ever used is Pianoteq and I can do quite a lot with the setting right in there, before it would ever get to the loudspeakers. (Have never really messed with that for live stuff as there are other EQ things readily available on the mixer we use. I'm usually playing with a 3-piece jazz group.)

One thing about solo piano type gigs, you only have to make one thing sound good.

 

[mwtzzz]

One thing about solo piano type gigs, you only have to make one thing sound good.

Yeah, the piano, that's all. When I hear "solo piano" I'm thinking piano and vocals, No backing tracks.

 

[mwtzzz]

Another user suggested Electro-Voice PXM-12MP, wich is impossible for me to buy rn.

Whenever you get to that point, look at Electro-Voice, RCF and high-end Yamahas. Those are the best quality you'll find in the $1000-$2000 range. Also they are built for gigging, you can abuse them, toss them around, without fazing them. The build quality is excellent.

As I mentioned, my band uses EV PXM-12MPs for floor monitors. For mains we use Yamaha DZR-12s. If we didn't have the Yamahas, we'd be looking at mid to upper range RCFs.

We're a busy SoCal cover band. I play keys. The great thing about the aforementioned speakers is the excellent flat frequency response, which is what you need for synths and piano. In addition to keys, we've also got sax, three vocals, and electric guitar going into the sound board. (Guitar is split between his own backline and the PA).