Fran, you got a great sense of humor, but instead of talking anchors and toys maybe you could give a little tutorial on how to use a VST. You certainly seem to know lots about them. Sorry, I don't and would like to learn a little more about VST. If you're not up to a tutorial maybe you could point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated.

Pacesetter, the anchor thing was poking fun at my self..I use a Roland G-1000..

Also , I am poking fun at DNJ..he is my buddy...no harm is being done..

Check out Lionstracs..and search here at SZ for any Frank Rosenthal posts..Both should be a help.

I use Soft synths including B4 with my laptop..I use Forte as my host program[you will need a hosting program].
I also use MidiYoke[soft midi interface]..The two allow me to play my collection of Roland soft synths , M Audio's Key Rig, and Native Instruments B4..
I can also play my SGM180 sound fonts set..

This set up also allows me to use One Man Band and JammerLive[arranger software]..


Hope this helps ..There are many here that can help with any questions.

Do I always use the VST set up when gigging? No, but that may change when I start using a Media Station keyboard..

From our very own Synthzone
http://www.synthzone.com/softsyn.htm
http://www.synthzone.com/cubase.htm

There are 3 main options to usingVSTs

1. A Computer and controller Keyboard/Arranger
2. A Hardware Unit and controller keyboard/ Arranger
3. An Arranger Board that has the computer inbuilt. (So that you only need to carry 1 item around)

All the above types are used by various members, so just post any questions in the General Arranger and/or the Softsynth Forums.
Hope this helps

Bill

I have a Receptor and a KN7000. I use a hybrid setup, with the KN7000 providing rythm, and my Receptor the lead voices from B4'2,K2,and Collossus. You really cannot beat the quality of these voices.

If I were as advanced as Fran and Bill, I would probably go their route,and probably will.

Yes, there is a learning curve, but I am through buying $3500 keyboards every couple of years, and the Receptor is only a double rack space module. Sound is the name of the game, and I demand the best,period.

Bernie

If money were no object,however, Wersi or Liontracks would be what I would get.

Its great that we are discussing VST's and alternative ways to make music....because lets face it, all this High Tech stuff is just in it's Infancy & the future awaits us with open arms and it will continue to do so & progress with what we wishing for at this time, & dream for ahead of us much more beyond our wildest dreams in musical gear.....but it all means squat if we dont know how to make it all work......so I guess we need to take note, keep our eyes & ears open, try to absorb what is out there now & whats coming out learning along the way.....& who knows someday we all may be playing VST, Open Architecture, PC driven, Super Keyboards very very soon, or even somethings we dont even know exist at this time !!!! I really believe that for sure just wait & see!!

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-06-2006).]

Fran and Abacus thanks for the giving me a starting place, I'll have to start doing some reading on the VSTs. Right now I understand a bit of what's going on, but I need to make the connection on how it all ties in together

Fran I read some of your posts before I figured you may have been bustin DNJ

[This message has been edited by Pacesetter (edited 11-06-2006).]

What??

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I am afraid that the price penalty in using Wersi or Mediastation to trigger VST's is what is primarily keeping me away from them. I thought my G70 and the T2 were expensive enough, but here are instruments that easily double or triple that financial burden. Add to that the virtual impossibility of affording a spare if these rare instruments go bad on you (Wersi is a proven road-horse, but only time will tell if Mediastation's build quality is up to the price they ask) and you are seriously jeopardizing your career if you put your gig in their hands.

Essentially, you are paying 8-10 grand for something that a good laptop can do in conjunction with the arranger you already have, and gambling that technology doesn't leapfrog it before it has payed it's way.

I use VST's extensively for studio work (I would rather use Ivory than the studio's Steinway where I work at!), but I think that I may have another two or three year's wait before the all software keyboard isn't a 'work in progress' and finally lives up to the promise we all know it holds.

Diki
I don't think that the Mediastation X-76 Standard 32Bit is so expensive, cost only 2600 euro.
IF you like spend less, we have still some X-76 Standard DEMO ( with 24Mb GM soundbank) but cost only 1600 euro, LESS than buy one complete PC music setup.

Of course IF you like have the full power of the 64bit technology and the full acessory that we include, the price will be different.

Is like that you will buy one Porsche but you will pay the price of one simple Ford.

Both the cars will arrival in the same destination, but with a different time and luxury performance..

I think you have understand what I mean
cheers