What is everyone's favorite performance set up? I've got just the controller and amp for now, I was looking to expand in new directions.. What is the first step and what does everyone else like to use in their performance set up?

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Keysrage X

I use a A-70 and an Oberhiem Xk controller.For my sound's I just have a Korg N1-r and a VE-jv1 installed in the A-70.My amp is a sampson powered S-83 and a Carvin 832(Full range 15" & horn. I went this route instead of a dedicated keyboard amp mainly for portability and diversity. Two effects loop's on the mixer. Mixer is racked in a SKB 4 space with the N1-R. I use a totally different setup for my solo act. This is for my band.

Since you asked about a "solo" set up:
I have used almost every major brand of gear over the last 30 years of performing and have found out these few simple hints:
1)Portability is vital if you move around alot. Try to limit your rig to one keyboard or controller. Lots of stages don't have the room for a "concert" setup. Lots of venues don't even HAVE stages!
2)Keep the pieces small so you can add to the sound system as needed. I would never bring in a pair of 15" speaker cabinets if I was playing in someones living room! A better plan is to use smaller speakers and bring a powered subwoofer for larger jobs. That way you can always get a good sound - no matter how large or how small.
3)Be aware of the "drunk factor" if you plan to work bars and weddings. Make sure youe rig is stable and "BUMP PROOF" nothing gets me like a bump in the teeth with a microphone, because someone lost their balance on the dance floor! For that reason, I never use a mic stand that isn't attatched to my keyboard stand. It can't move too much that way. Better protection for your gums and quicker set up time with a smaller footprint on stage.
4)Versitility - do you use sequences? Drum patterns? CD's? MD's? All of the above? make sure you have a neat way to organize all your performance media within reach. Don't make it possible for a box of disks to fall over and cause you to stop the show to "pick up" the band!
5) Lastly - make sure YOU CAN HEAR! A good moniter is vital to your health and the performance. It is very rare that the main sound source is positioned at a convenient location for the artist. Most times the best spot for a sound system is very inappropriate to hear from stage. That's why you need a good way to moniter your performance. Don't rely on room acoustics and bounce as your gauge for levels. Adjust the house and then listen to your monitor for pitch and cues. Loud bands are a big reason why most brides want DJ's at their weddings, these days. Put the ego in check and put out a high quality sound with a classy performance from the heart - and you can work till you can't walk anymore! People love live music if it's performed well. Don't become too automated or dependant on electronics for your sound. Give the crowd a piece of your self, and you'll be a hit.
WHEW! That was a mouthful! Now - go buy some gear, and get to work!

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Uncle Dave

Dave,

Nice Post ! Very helpful to solo performers. Besides Solton X1 and your laptop PC and vanBasco's MIDI player software, I wonder what else you use to accomplish your performance and your principles of setup?

Thanks,

Paul Ip
from Texas

SOLO ACT
Ok. I gave you my live rig. Now here is my solo act setup. My sequencer is a roland mc50 mk11.(I'm considering an mc80).I carry three keyboard's cause people like to see keyboard's from a solo keyboard act??? Go figure. Anyway Alesis QS-7, EMU Proteus mps plus,and my XK controller. In my 6 space skb rack I have the following.2 space sampson s62 6 ch. mixer@150w.,behringer feedback destroyer and ultrafex(an enhancer)ART FXR (reverb)and a dbx mic processor. In my 4 space rack I have..Roland JV-880 Roland Vintage synth, and Emu Esi-32 sampler.Allthough I haven't yet I plan to use the sampler mainly for triggering backround vocal's. The speaker's I use depend on the situation I'm in. I have a pair of off brand sattelite speaker's that will handle 300w.I can EQ them up enough with the feedback destroyer that they sound OK. For any type of a crowd though I like to carry my 15's with horn's. The smaller one's just won't move the air. I use an oberhiem drummer for my rythym part's and it work's great. I use the mc50 cause my stuff is in the basement and my computer is upstair's It would not be fair to my familly to have my stuff gathered around the computer anyway. I like the mc50 anyhow. It's easier for me. In performance mode I can load 1-2hrs. of material off 1 disc. I only have to carry 2 or 3 of them(and allway's a back-up) I also write all my own sequence's from scratch.

Unk Dave
Your post should be in Keyboard Mag.
Damn, I mean, Damn good advice.
Majik

Majik, Paul - Thanx for the kind words!
As for my set up secrets - there are none, really. I believe that the setup time and space factor is almost as important as the performance itself. How many times have you been loading in gear and someone remarks "I hope it's not too loud?"** You have to win them over before you play a note! I make it a rule to make EVERY room tell me to turn it UP, before they tell me to turn down. I start way low, just to make them want more and force them to listen more closely.
Since I got the X1, I havn't brought the laptop on a gig. No need for it. I play about 50% with live manual bass, 25% sequences, and 25% arranger stuff. It's a good mix and I never get bored or stale. My best advice to you soloists is : Play as much as you can! People aren't stupid - they know about midi files and sequences. Lots of folks don't think we do anything but push buttons and sing. I MAKE them see my hands move, and I turn off all the rhythm a few times each set so they see me just bangin' on the keys. It helps the whole "live" image.
I just found a used Barbetta 22c - what a cool little amp! 165 watts (bi-amped) a single 12" woofer & a horn. Very small, very loud and very clean! I just may get a second one and use these for a while. I need my stereo spread. Mostly for the drums and vocals. (harmonies are panned wide) Again, thanx for all the kind words and I hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far. I have plenty of work, and my gear is holding up great - What more is there?
(Maybe lunch with Molly Ringwold? hmmmmm ?)

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Uncle Dave