I like to work up old and new mostly rock songs I like and share them with friends. I sequence them in real time one track/instrument at a time. The intro might be one sequence, the verses, chorus, break and outro others, strung together as a song. At least that’s the way my old Ensoniq VFXSD works, and I like it. I believe that is what may be called linear sequencing, although it seems like every brand has its own terminology. I don’t have this capability now but I’d also like to add vocal and guitar via the workstation w/ effects and vocal correction. (I'm no singer!) I’m not interested in the DAW route, nor anyone else’s beats or accompaniment, although the latter might be fun just for kicks. I am not into sound programming so just a good onboard selection of reasonably accurate instrument and drum sounds. Considering what I do, I need adequate polyphony and storage. I am open to any make, current or past (to a point), new or used, but I prefer a 61 key due to space limitations. There may well be other features and functions that would be beneficial to me that I am not even aware of. A side question for conversation: what is the best workstation of all time?
Which Workstation Will Do What I want to Do?
- Thread starter bldn10
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happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
How much ya got to spend?
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Roland - Fantom-X8 | Workstation Keyboard
Fantom-X8: Workstation Keyboard - Powerhouse Workstation with an Ultra-Friendly Interface
Megabucks.
Yamaha Montage, Roland Fantom, Korg Kronos (new model, 61 key £2649).
More affordable.
Yamaha MODX, Roland O series, Korg Nautilus.
Mute point……A side question for conversation: what is the best workstation of all time?
I would say a Korg Kronos.
Yamaha Montage, Roland Fantom, Korg Kronos (new model, 61 key £2649).
More affordable.
Yamaha MODX, Roland O series, Korg Nautilus.
Mute point……A side question for conversation: what is the best workstation of all time?
I would say a Korg Kronos.
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Yes, you're probably looking for a linear sequencer (one that is multitrack and editable), and few boards have that these days. (Yamaha and Roland have largely abandoned that functionality in favor of pattern sequencers and DAW integration.) To make matters worse, there's this...
I think you're only real options here are Korg Kronos and Nautilus. (And even then, I believe you'll need an external device for your vocal correction.) Yamaha Genos 2 (pricey!) and some Korg arrangers might also do it (PA700, PA1000, PA5x), though I think with only 2 tracks of audio.
You also mentioned "adequate storage" but how much is adequate? Again, I'd suggest Kronos/Naultilus because their built-in SSDs give them the greatest capacities.
If your budget is lower and you're willing to sacrifice the audio track part, you can look at Korg Krome and Kross, I think some lower model Korg arrangers (PA600, PA300?), and maybe Kurzweils.
As for used stuff, on a budget, a Roland Juno-Gi might do what you need, a lower end model with more audio track orientation than most. For higher-end used stuff, my choice might be a Fantom-G.
One thing to consider is that the interfaces on these things vary tremendously. Seeing that a board can do something doesn't mean it can do it as easily as something else.
Inclusion of analog tracks (i.e. from a microphone) is even more rare.
I think you're only real options here are Korg Kronos and Nautilus. (And even then, I believe you'll need an external device for your vocal correction.) Yamaha Genos 2 (pricey!) and some Korg arrangers might also do it (PA700, PA1000, PA5x), though I think with only 2 tracks of audio.
You also mentioned "adequate storage" but how much is adequate? Again, I'd suggest Kronos/Naultilus because their built-in SSDs give them the greatest capacities.
If your budget is lower and you're willing to sacrifice the audio track part, you can look at Korg Krome and Kross, I think some lower model Korg arrangers (PA600, PA300?), and maybe Kurzweils.
As for used stuff, on a budget, a Roland Juno-Gi might do what you need, a lower end model with more audio track orientation than most. For higher-end used stuff, my choice might be a Fantom-G.
One thing to consider is that the interfaces on these things vary tremendously. Seeing that a board can do something doesn't mean it can do it as easily as something else.
Thanks, everyone. I'll have to do more homework now. 
Ideally I'd like to spend around $1500 but would go to $2000.
The Kronos always comes to mind but everything I read is that it is pretty complicated. Of course, I'm not going to be using many of the more sophisticated features in any board. Nautilus was supposed to be the newer, cheaper, simpler Kronos but many reviews think it was over simplified - not enough front panel control, too much page diving.
The Fantom G gets good reviews for the kinds of things I want to do but I will look into it vs. the 4 year older X. I believe the Juno Di has an audio recorder but does NOT have a sequencer.
No one has mentioned the Akai MPC Key61. Linear sequencer, audio, and AIR Vocal Suite.
Ideally I'd like to spend around $1500 but would go to $2000.
The Kronos always comes to mind but everything I read is that it is pretty complicated. Of course, I'm not going to be using many of the more sophisticated features in any board. Nautilus was supposed to be the newer, cheaper, simpler Kronos but many reviews think it was over simplified - not enough front panel control, too much page diving.
The Fantom G gets good reviews for the kinds of things I want to do but I will look into it vs. the 4 year older X. I believe the Juno Di has an audio recorder but does NOT have a sequencer.
No one has mentioned the Akai MPC Key61. Linear sequencer, audio, and AIR Vocal Suite.
Rayblewit
Love Music / Love Life
I think you need to re-adjust your budget
Kronos are way above $1500.
Korg Kronos series offers advanced music workstations with various models and configurations, leading to a range of prices in Australia. Here's an overview of current offerings:
Korg Kronos 3 61-Key Music Workstation
Priced at $6,527.00 AUD, this model is available through Awave.
awave.com.au
Korg Kronos 2 88-Key Music Workstation
Found Sound offers a used unit for $3,299.00 AUD.
Korg Kronos v2 61-Key Music Workstation
A used model is listed on Reverb Australia for approximately $4,001.13 AUD, plus shipping.
reverb.com
Korg Kronos 2 61-Key Music Workstation
Derringers Music offers this model, with pricing available upon inquiry.
Used Korg Kronos 88-Key Workstation
Available on Gumtree for $2,999.00 AUD.
gumtree.com.au
Happy shopping.
Keep in touch and let us know which way you end up going.
Cheers
R
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Oh, right! Never mind about that one. ;-)
Probably worth looking at too. I don't know much about that one, it didn't seem well-suited for the kinds of things I need (live performance rather than sequencer/production related), but it might work for you.
If he's in the U.S., he should be able to find a used Kronos 61 in his $1500-$2k range.