Rikki, Vquestor's suggestion is a good one. I will go toward that approach once I upgrade my music computer. Here is an example:
http://sys.us.shuttle.com/

Bachus, your knowledge about controllers is likely much more than mine. I have heard only good things about the CME and the company's newer version controllers. There may be other controllers of even higher quality, for example:
http://www.viscount.it/products.asp?idcat1=-250368922

Tom, I am envious of all your libraries and associated software. You are well positioned with a first class studio for everything music....say it again....wow!!!

Thank you Frank,
I'll do some reading. Only problem may be, what's actually available here in Aust.
We don't always get the same great stuff you do in the USA.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Frank L. Rosenthal:
[B]

As a wannabe member of our little softsynth group, I am glad about Frank's report of steady, albeit slow progress.

I am steadily learning the Receptor, and how to configure Colossus and B4ll. I chose the Muse Receptor mainly for live gigs, and am happy with it. As you all know, the quality is readily apparent when compared to even high end keyboards.

One thing I am learning is that, eventhough the samples from Colossus are great, one has to shape the envelopes for their own purpose. Kontact seems to handle that easily. The software products coming out is breathtaking, and in view of the above reports, live applications are fast forthcoming.

I am sure my decision to go to software was the right one, although I am running a hybrid system with my KN7000 until I and the industry come up with accompaniment suitable for live use.

Thanks for the threads.
Bernie

Rikki:
Here are a couple of Australia links that will get you started. The new small Apple unit would permit BOTH Windows and Apple software to be used (this is a brand-new situation). http://www.apple.com/au/macmini/
(Apple gear is expensive but sexy)

Dell is one of the most popular "build to suit customer" operations in the U. S. http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/desktops_au?c=au&l=en&s=dhs
(Dell PC gear is competitively priced)

I build and program my own computers (PC) but this takes a few (LOL) years of practice to get it done and keep your sanity. Let me know if I can provide more useful information. I want to know more about OMB from you (soon I will ask the questions).

Rikki,
I am no expert, but was recommending something
like the mini tower size listed here: http://www.xoxide.com/buy-computer-cases.html

Frank suggested the small form factor(6 pack)
size, which is excellent, but,I think, is
more expensive and limited than the mini tower. http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/01/05/casing_out_microatx/

Either one is still small enough to be practical for live gigs. You would, of course,need a nice, small flat panel monitor.

[This message has been edited by Vquestor (edited 04-10-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Vquestor (edited 04-10-2006).]

Thank you Vquestor,
way beyond my understanding of computers.
If you're no expert, can't imagine where that leaves me ( haa haa)
I was having enough trouble trying to configure a new dell laptop.
2 years ago I had 3.06 ghtz? processor
now they've dropped back to 1.66 as an average with duo processors. That has me confused enough.
Thank you anyway. Unless it's idiot proof, I'll get myself in a mess.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Vquestor:
[B]Rikki,

Hi Cajun,
just had a quick peek. The mac mini sounded great, till I got to the moniter part ( I was configuring one of the systems) the moniter was more expensive than the mini mac, ( 20 inch monitor) do you happen to know if other types of monitors will work, like the dells.
I don't want to delve too deeply, the monitor price just put the the mac way over my budget( hubby set me a limit) and I don't want too get too excited about something I can't afford.
I've been keeping an eye on the dell site for the last few weeks, waiting for the right configuration to pop up on special. If I do get another dell, it will be another laptop, not a tower, they're just too bulky.

The only thing that's got me totally confused is the duo processors. I noticed the macmini has it also.
I don't want to end up with a slower computer than my last 2 year old dell laptop which had a 3.06 ghz processor & 512mb memory.
Any help would be appreciated.

I'll only be too happy to try & help with OMB.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by cajun100:
[B]Rikki:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rikkisbears:
Thank you Vquestor,
way beyond my understanding of computers.
If you're no expert, can't imagine where that leaves me ( haa haa)
Thank you anyway. Unless it's idiot proof, I'll get myself in a mess.
best wishes
Rikki


No, Rikki, I was not suggesting you build
your own mini tower, but only gave you the
links as FYI. I went to a Costco today, and
almost all the PCs there, were of the
mini-tower size(approx. 14"x7"x14"), and
had 3 PCI slots. So this size tower is becoming very popular.

Rikki:
Regarding the MacMini -- the info from Apple says you can "use any industry standard monitor, mouse, keyboard". This gives you an enormous world of choices for monitors, for example. Those Apple monitors "recommended" on the site are VERY high end and high tech, and thus very expensive. My advice on monitors: go to a good computer retail store, LOOK at the monitors for a bit, change colors, etc. (or get a demo from sales force). Go back more than once. Find one you really like. Excellent LCD monitors have come WAY down in price in the last 2 years. Samsung, LG, Sony, MAG, others make a number of competitive models.

"Dual core" processors are the latest thing. You should get some more input from a real knowledgeable Apple user (I am not) -- but I suspect that the MacMini would be more than ample for what you want to do. If you decide to use Mac.

The neat thing this year is that finally Apple has a partnership with Intel and a neat new software package that lets you use Apple AND Windows software. Maximum choice. I think it will be a big seller.