Does anybody use a computer to playback midi files at a gig? I have a SD1 and use it for midi file playback, but was looking for something seperate for volume andother issuses.

I was thinking of alaptop and a Roland SD-20 for playback.

Any suggestions

A laptop would be a good idea. I had a laptop before and it was very handy on music making and recording. I had to buy a desktop computer because I need a lot of processing power, big hard disk and huge screen for video editing.

Micco

At times I use a laptop with backing midi files to accompany myself when I play an acoustic piano. An external sound module is a good idea but can be a hassle dealing with the power/midi/audio cords. If you have a late model laptop with plenty of horsepower then you could consider using a software synthesizer such as the Roland Virtual Sound Canvas (VSC) or the Yamaha SYXG-50, and just hookup your computer to a speaker system. Both Roland and Yamaha have downloadable trial versions of these programs.

What do you think about a MC-80?

How about recording your midi sequences into your VS2480 and making audio CD's ?
Jam along with the recording or get a smaller HDR for gigs . Less expensive than the MC80 .

I am going to use my hard disk recorder on my next gig . I need it for original's exclusively .

dano

Hi

I think the laptop is a good idea,
You can add a sound module like the SD-20 or SD-80, you can also use a Soundblaster Extigy and load soundfonts, todays soundfonts sound pretty good, even the free ones.
I don't recommend the Virtual Soundcanvas or the SYXG-50, they sound real bad IMO.
I also have a trial version of the new Hyper Canvas, but it doesn't sound good either.
If you wanna use big soundfonts you need a lot of RAM, at least 256 MB, and maybe even 512 MB.
Here are some links:
Soundblaster Extigy info: www.soundblaster.com

Soundfonts: www.hammersound.net www.thesoundsite.net www.samplebanks.com www.sonicimplants.com

Greetz ,
Marcel

To follow up on what Dan said, you could also consider using MP3 files on stage. I know several people who do this currently. Portable CD players that are MP3 compatible are under $100 and pretty common now, and you could possibly get enough MP3 files on one CDR to do an entire gig. Also MP3 players with a hard drive would work such as the Creative Labs Nomad (http://www.nomadworld.com). I use one for practicing.

I disagree that the softsynths sound bad - I currently use Yamaha's latest version 4.0 of SYXG-50 on my Windows 2000 laptop and it sounds pretty good - maybe not as good as my normal keyboard rig, but good enough. Helps if you know how to tweak midi files to get the most out of it, of course.

Dan, I like the idea of using a HDR rather than laptop on a gig... possibly more reliable? If I remember, you're using the new Zoom, right? Can it be programmed to stop at the end of each song? I there a juke-box or song chain feature that allows you to group together a song list?

I haven't checked into a jukebox mode on the zoom . It does take maybe 15 seconds to load a song ( maybe less ) . I recorded all the songs myself , so there is no mystery as to when they end .

I think Uncle Dave is the master of using MP3's and audio files . Maybe he can pipe in on this subject . Dan

Marcel, something is wrong .The Hyper Canvas is absolutely great.. I bet the demo version is not playing the new wave table..Check the midi device, it is probally using your old sound source.. If you guys want to get knocked off your feet, go to www.edirol.com and download the Hyper Canvas "Jazz" MP3...and let me no what you think...Fran