I think it was last week when Donny made a post to a thread describing his occasional setup without his keyboard (G-less?). He'd play his SMF's through his laptop and on to his sound system.

I wanted to ask if that setup works for him but immediately answered my own question, "Duh, of course it works for him. He's the one getting paid for this, not you!"

My point is, my IBM laptop's soundcard just doesn't cut it for playing midi files. I've tried. Very tinny, very electronic sounding. So I proceeded to check out the web for the latest in external midi sound modules and came across some samples that you might like to hear.

The Edirol SD-80 and SD-90 sound modules.

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/sd80.html#mp3

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/sd90.html#mp3

I was so impressed with what I heard that I sent the Edirol folks an email confirming that these were midi files only being played and recorded. In the case of the SD-90, midi files being played along with a vocal track. Here's their response:

Hi there,
Those are MIDI files played through the SD-80 & 90 & recorded to the computer. The SD-90's files are then further supplemented by audio recorded directly in on the SD-90. Vocals & I think a didgeridoo in one case. Kindly,

Chris Douglass
Edirol Corp
Audio Product Manager
360.594.4273x213
fx. 360.594.4271
http://www.edirol.com


Looks like Roland is helping out with the distribution. I've seen prices in the 7 to 8 hundred range.

So if ya gotta go keyboard-less, these modules might be worth a try.

mike

msutliff,

I only use the LT SMF songs as backup to my KB,....Only once I forgot my KB at home and had to use the LT solo to get thru the gig which worked flawlessly. It was like doing a Karaoke job, Singing thru the PA to SMF, Mp3's, and custom backing tracks, plus all my lyrics if needed are on the LT also. It works great and is a fantastic backup without haveing to carry extra Kb's.

As far as the Sound card....I have the Roland Sound canvas SC88h wave table installed on the LT this provides a great sound just like your KB would when playing SMF songs. The LT is a Must for todays giging arranger KB musician to fill the needs of so many different venues

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www.donnypesce.com

I'm also headed in the laptop direction. Altho I still have some homework to do, I can vouch for the SC88 sounding pretty good. Also the Roland SC-D70, which sounds even better and gets both MIDI and audio in/out of your laptop flawlessly.

My plan is to use the laptop not only for Mp3s and SMFs, but also for the B4 (which I don't have yet). The B4 "B3s" much better than any AK... and I gotta have that sound!

Glenn

Hey Donny,

Thanks for the info. Ya know, with all the stuff I do with computers around here, I've never dabbled in soundfonts or a sound canvas. I've been listening to some samples and I'm very impressed.

http://www.pgmusic.com/dare_to_compare.htm

I might try some soundfonts from Sonic Implants for my SB Audigy in my regular computer. My laptop has a SoundMax integrated into the motherboard. Maybe I'll try a Roland sound canvas on that one.

Thanks again.

mike


[This message has been edited by msutliff (edited 05-13-2003).]

I use a laptop for all my MIDI files too. I port them out to either a SC88 or and EM100 sound module, then on to the amp. My LT also has a "GS Wavetable" sound driver which comes with Windows 98 and higher. It is basically a virtual Roland Sound Canvas and sounds pretty good when amplified properly. Of course I always play live, as do my sax and guitar partners, BUT in a pinch I could get by with just the LT, especially since I already rely on the backing tracks for drums, bass and filler.

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Cass Pawlowski - Motown
PSR2000, SC88, Cakewalk

Another one to look at for laptops is the M Audio Quattro.
http://www.midiman.com/

Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html