I'm trying to explore using the EA7 as a part of my regular rig, and so far - the biggest snag is (as usual) the lack of expert vocal processing. The mic input has basic reverb, but nothing else, so I'm forced to use outboard gear if I want to incorporate this into my stage gear.
I've been very spoiled with the TC harmonizers in my Korgs, and even my guitar rig is centered around a TC Voicelive3, so there are large vocal shoes to fill.
I have 3 of the mic stand units - Perform V, VG, and VK, and each has something to offer, but I'm not quite there yet.

In theory, the VK should offer the most flexibility using MIDI to generate harmony when playing the KB, and the iPad, fed into the aux in, sends chord info that way.
Remember, I like to use my keyboard speakers as a personal monitor, so I need to feed this processed signal back INTO the Roland. I do this by plugging the headphone output of the VK into the mic/line input on the Roland - this gives me a dedicated volume knob for the vocals and tracks. Cool.

There's a rub - the VG has new features that allow 6 harmonies that can be assigned to the footswitch, adding more versatility, but at the cost of loosing the midi in. This means that I'll need to send the audio out of the kb INTO the gtr input, and pass out the thru to the amp/PA so I don't get a feedback loop from the HP out that coming BACK IN to the Roland. Again - in theory, this should work. We shall see.

My gut is telling me that I won't be satisfied unless I buy another VL3, and set it up to take voice, tracks, and guitar and feed them into the EA7.

There may be a few Perform Series harmonizers available tomorrow!

Thanks for listening. It helps me decide my path when I say the words to someone else.
I'll fiddle with these two a bit this morning, take one to work tonight and let you know my thoughts after using it live.

The immediate question that came to mind - "Is the venue such that the difference in 6 different harmonies is going to be appreciated, and therefore is it necessary?" ... I know as performers we want to please ourselves, but I always ask "Is it worth (whatever) - fill in the blanks ...

ditto!

Harmony styles I use frequently:
1-up - Everly Brothers
2-up - Beach Boys
1up-1dwn - Eagles
8va up - (falsetto)
8va up & 1up-1dwn - 4 seasons
8va dwn - Barry White/Darth Vaderish - comic relief

Sometimes, all you need is one above - other times, you need that fuller, up and down choir effect ... and everything in between.
If I do "Let's Hang On," or "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (4 Seasons) I need the octave up, (plus a full vocal group above and below my lead note to get the most realistic affect. Same thing for "Betcha By Golly Wow" ... I need that 8va blend to get me out of the basement.

so ....... yes, the people notice.

Dave, I’m impressed with your knowledge in setting up what appears to be a sophisticated setup. Are you using the guitar processing along with vocal processing on the vl3. Some have noticed latency in doing so. Any issues?
Mitch

Thanks Mitch, When I use the VL3, it's always my guitar/tracks/drum machine set up, and nope - no latency issues that I've noticed. With all harmonizers, there is a mild chorusing that is noticeable in naked passages, but for the most part - counting crowd noise, added effects, natural reverb of the room ... there is no adverse sound that bothers me. In a studio setting, there may be things that you notice more, but playing live; I doubt I'd have the brain power to even acknowledge any such anomalies - IF in fact they even happen. Some people hear "things" that they're listening for. Know what I mean?

I've since modified the rack that holds my VL3, but here's a peek at the set up from a few months ago. DJ mixer blends iPhone and iPad and sends the mix to the aux in of the VL3 for chord recognition. The guitar triggers the CR directly. I set the whole pedalboard on my KB X-stand, and trigger effects from a 6 button FS on the floor.

OK - test drive is done - time to pack up, and load the car!
I've decided that the Perform VG works the best in this scenario. I plug the HP out into the mic/instr IN on the KB, and send the trax from the DJ mixer to the aux in on the Harmonizer. If I bring the guitar, or banjo - there's a dedicated input for that, too. Putting my "roadie" hat on first ... then I hit the showers.

Did you try that accordian style keyboard stand yet?

OK, ... knock 'em dead ...

Dave, why aren't you using the sx900 live?

Two reasons - well, three really.
1) I got the EA7 insanely cheap - I have to try it
2) The Yamaha is bigger, and especially on my Wednesday nights - space is at a premium. YES - the extra 4 inches of depth counts here. People walk right in from of me.
3) Roland chord recognition is more to my liking

This is all a test phase - I'll likely be fine with either one, but one will stay home, and the other will hit the road with me ... unless I go back to guitar.
(which I might)



Not yet - still messing with that one

Test Drive Over.
Last night went pretty well, except we were rushed out of the building because of a plumbing issue, and they turned off the water ... so, there's that.
Musically, it was nice. Had a bunch of interested people, who were very generous, and towards the end of the night, we got into some deep cuts from the 80s, and had some fun with a few songs by Styx ... not my regular material, but fun!
The EA7 did OK. I was not as comfortable with the drum/bass balance as I wanted to be, but it sounded pretty good. My main thought is that compared to the SX900, the sound coming from the KB speakers is boxy, and shallow. I'm taking the SX to my regular spot tonight, and see if the sound suits me better.
I really rely on solid monitoring for my comfort zone, so this is an important pursuit for me.

Summary - no real complaints about the EA ... just looking for a fair comparison on the job. The EA will do nicely in the studio, and be available for one nighters, and the winery, should it all work out that way. Stay tuned!

Dave.... Maybe a monitor alternative is to be reassessed.. That would open up a new world setup wise
and kb choice wise too...?

Nope. The keyboard has to have speakers to stay on my stage. It s an integral part of the sound.
I set up the SX today and it sounds sooooo much better than the EA in my application - lots of that has to do with the speakers.
So, the SX is on stage, (and off the market) and the EA is in the studio ... and we’ll see what else .....

Wise decision. Haha,

(Sorry, just being cheeky.)

Well at least you tried the EA7..good luck with the sx900 for now .

I like them both, but to be honest, if I didn't get such a great deal on the EA7, and it wasn't SO light - I'd never have one.
I DO like the feel of the keys, and it'll be a great in/out instrument for the winery, or a 1 hr senior job, but after last night - I know it's not going to be my main board.
I need something in the studio to work in tandem with my SV-1, so for now - that's where it'll stay.
BUT - (there's always a but...)
if someone wants a nice deal on a barely used EA7 with the Gator G-PG-slim case (modified to fit like a glove) ... give me a call. 215-284-1328