Remember that we are talking "bleeding edge" technology here so using softsynths live is still not something I would want to base my living on. It'll make a difference when a good softsynth desktop control-interface GUI rises to the top that makes it as easy to select/control midi channels and softsynth assigments from a computer as it is to select sounds with hardware synths.

Reason 3.0 is due out soon with many enhancements specifically for live use. This may be an important step forward for live softsynth use and would provide the interface/control GUI I just mentioned. I don't know if anyone else on this forum is into Reason like I am, but personally I am more interested in using sequences than arranger functions on stage and in using a softsynth studio rather than a handful of individual programs, so the new Reason upgrade is of particular interest to me. In hardware, the Open Labs nEko LE is around the price of most other workstations now so that's of interest. Also the newer Novation X-stations look interesting because they have real-world function names on their knobs/sliders instead of just letters and numbers, and they come with the audio interface built-into the controller - anything that simplifies the laptop/keyboard combo is of interest. They also have come down in price recently and are available in 25, 49 and 61 note versions (waiting for that 76'er!).

Like everyone else here, I am still more comfortable using an arranger on stage than a computer for the instant-gratification/control thing. But I'm open to using a laptop as an expansion and later when the technology progresses a bit further I may consider going totally with softsynths at some point. My best advice is to stand by - Winter NAMM is just a few weeks away and there's bound to be all kinds of new products coming that'll directly affect stage softsynth feasability.

FL Studio is my host of choice as opposed to Reason, but both are excellent apps and they both can do many similar things. Orion Platinum is every bit as good as FL. Both have proven to be totally reliable on my ( 2.8gig P4 1024 mb )laptop. Nary a crash or even a freeze up.. having used them many times already.

I am interested in both sequences and arranger functions in a live setup Pro. FL more than adequately covers the former, but understand that it is much easier and more comfortable when I make preset templates beforehand, similar to creating registration memories on an arranger. I don't mind.. My laptop, after all, is my synth, custom made for me.

Synth Guy.. I will say that going the soft route was not about saving money for me. It was about having what I wanted in my system. Over the past few years, also figuring in the cost of my laptop ( 1,200 USd ) I have probably spent the cost of a PA1x and a Motif ES combined. I didn't have to, and in hindsight a good bit of the stuff I have gets minimal use ( Band in a Box, Jammer Pro, even Sonar to an exent... for example ). Still I wanted an all in one solution, and here it is. Nothing like that exists (for me ) in hardware.

You already have a computer. There are several very good freeware softsynths and host apps available at KVR for you to download and try, to see whether you think software is the best choice for you. There are also some very decent soundfonts available at the Hammer soundfont site. Some of these are of surprisingly good quality, and you can get a very respectable system up and running for virtually nothing.

If you missed it, I think Tracktion ( a commercial sequencer / vst host app from Mackie ), is still offering their software ( their latest 1. something version ) for free, as they get ready to release a 2.0. here is the link: http://my.mackie.com/tracktionpromo.asp

If you want it, do it now. the promo ends at the end of this month.

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-27-2004).]

Wersi Ikarus and Abacus, Windows XP based. Any thoughts, seems to me they at least have the right ideia, but how dependable are they being base on a windows platform? Anyone ever fiddle with one of these?

Wersi Ikarus, how much? Anyone know?

Don't forget the Linix based Lionstracs. http://www.lionstracs.com/index.php?module=Static_Docs&func=view

I believe the Neko is WindowsXP based.

I agree that software based systems are the
way to go. With the prices of laptops constantly falling, (allowing 2 or 3 laptops for backups in case of problems), and tweaking the operating systems to the required programs, I think that crashing will be minimal.
The interface is completely open ended, such
as products like the Behringer BCF2000 for
programmable faders, etc.


[This message has been edited by Vquestor (edited 12-27-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Vquestor (edited 12-27-2004).]

http://www.organfax.co.uk/instruments/wersi/ikarus.html


21 kilogram = 46.2970751 pound

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-27-2004).]