why the pa4x?
d a sx900 and a sd7... and next a sd60 too?
Good questions. I'm running a small, but professional studio that is open to musicians, singers, and voice actors. I like the variety that different manufacturers offer, so I have my separate "corners" with specific areas of expertise. The Korg Korner is set up for a quest keyboardist to walk in, sit down, and play 2 high quality keyboards that are built to withstand the rigors of the road .... and heavy handed playing. Most keyboard players have played a dual setup at one time or another, and the SV1/PA4x combo is perfect to satisfy almost any sonic choice a player needs to make. The SV1 has fantastic pianos, EPs, and such - feels solid, and a short reach up to the 4x gets you drawbar organs, synths, manual bass and auto arranger parts. Again - solid keybed that I don't worry about under heavy fingers. The added bonus of a tremendous mic/harmony processor, and the onboard live recorder makes this a great option for a fast live demo of a singing keyboardist, or keys/vocal duo. It's my favorite place to play when I'm by myself.
The Control Corner, where I sit, has all the recording gear - my Mac, Akai controller, monitor speakers etc .... a quick turn to the left, and I'm at the SX900 to lay down a fast demo track, or drum pattern to start, or "sweeten" a project. Having the studio all wired, and ready to go when I walk in is paramount to my work flow, so none of these instruments go out on the job, except in very rare occasions. A typical session for me with a small band has me at the controls, a drummer at my digital Roland kit, a kb player in the Korg Korner, and a guitarist at the amp wall. (bass, Electric and acoustic amps) There's room for the 4 of us without stepping on one another. Adding a separate vocalist in real time means using my bedroom, or living room (or BATHROOM!) to isolate the signal. If the vocals can be added after the instruments, then another room is not required. The studio is tiny - about 8x10, so a trio plus me is all that fits comfortably.
The SD7 will be replaced by the SD60 if that works out my way, and that's my road rig. This will never be home much, as it will live on the stages where i WILL perform at again. (emphasize the "WILL") After many, many hours of intense exploration with the SD7, I have settled on Ketron as my best choice for all the things I need in one package. 1 keyboard, 1 guitar, 1 mic and I'm ready to go. Small footprint, great sound, terrific flexility - I have at least 3 pro sound systems, and monitors that will handle any size room, and provide backup for doubles, or multiple room scenarios.
I'm not as fickle as many, and even though I run through my share of instruments (and mics), my live performances warrant the choices I make, and for the most part - I never loose money in a trade deal, or outright sale. I buy smart, and sell smarter. Never on impulse, and never without at least SOME research as to the usefulness of the product. As a retiree, your mindset is most likely shifting, and that can lead to a restlessness that I cannot afford. As someone who aspires to at least another 10 years of regular performing, I want to forge ahead with the best possible combination of gear and tenacity that added to my preparation, and God's grace will afford me a means to continue my living in a field that I still very much love. That was a lot of words to say "it's not about how many things you need, but how will you use what you have". I honestly don't think I have that much redundancy in gear. Every instrument I own has a specific strength that can be capitalized upon, and I intend to continue to do just that.
Maybe when things calm down ... we can get the "Breakfast Club" back together, and resume those fantastic roadtrips we used to take.
Right now ... "some" of us gotta work to eat. I envy you sometimes. Count your blessings, and enjoy your choices!
.... Fran?.
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