Child's First Sound Module

[cornjchob2]

Well, I finally want to add some real midi to my studio--and by finally add some real midi, I mean work for midi for the absolute first time. I somehow managed to get my Casio WK-1630 to play the midi that comes from my computer via my Motu 828mkII. In fact, I'm listening to a midi of the entire 42 minutes of Thick as a Brick, however I digress. As I'm assuming everyone here knows, 90-1340% of all Casio samples rate right between recieving a ball point trachectomy and having a briss when you're in your 30's. So what I think I'm looking for is (assuming this is the right term) a sound module--something that I can hook up in my midi chain and it'll convert that to a sound output of some type. An old cohort of mine had a rack mount one that was upgradable and everything; if someone could steer me in the direction of a reasonably priced piece like that, I'd be much obliged. Also, correct the hell out of me if need be. Thanks, and I hope I'm posting in the right place lol.

[adam_in_audio]

well it depends on what sound you're looking for. I've heard good things about the Korg modules (tritons, tribes etc..) the Planet Phatt module from E-mu is pretty pimp, and the Akai samplers are always good. By the way, all of those are rackmount pieces. Being that this is computer based, have you looked into the world of soft synths/soft sampling yet?? There's some really good stuff out there such as Reason and Gigastudio.

Adam

[cornjchob2]

Being that this is computer based, have you looked into the world of soft synths/soft sampling yet??

I had given that a little thought, but sonar doesn't like to play nice with software synth when you're using the ASIO drivers (which I have to because none of my other drivers support 24-bit), and my computer is strained from my MOTU as it is--I need about all of the processor cycles I can get.

I'm just looking for a good all around sound--just a module that will give me at least quasi-authentic sounds. And besides--rackmounts just look cool 8-)

I'll check out the products you mentioned, thanks a lot

[bat63]

Not a module but here it is-

http://www.ke-musik.dk/Upload/HtmlAr...XRKE_musik.mp3

Roland EXR-3
$495 from Sweetwater

[cornjchob2]

Hey, that sounds pretty damned good--could I expect the same sample quality from other Rolands as well? like if I were to go out and buy a rack module? And are they upgradeable?

[bat63]

Yes you could expect the same and better,sample quality corn,because,believe it or not,that demo you listened to was Rolands ARRANGER line of keyboards,not the "Pro" stuff.

Arrangers,home keyboards,"funstations" are generally frowned upon by most people on any set of message boards because they probably like spending a few thousand just to justify the fact that they are "serious musicians".

To that I say bullshit,because all of the serious musicians that I know of shop for items that give more bang for the buck,because their budgets are somewhat,if not,totally limited,myself included.

Besides which,they are still living in the "dark ages" because Arrangers have come a loooong way in recent years,blurring the line between "Pro" and "Amateur" stuff.As long as the Arrangers don't go beyond $1000 dollars(and those that do,like the "Tyros",from Yamaha,are just kidding themselves)
then you can rest assured that you are getting real value from your instrument for years to come..


Of course you could pay *more* for the "Pro" stuff,but why?

[tedluk]

Corn-

Bat63's endless pimping of the Roland EXR series aside, there are many choices available to you, both new and used. Before choosing anything, you need to think about the kind of music you want to create and what you want to do with it.

Contrary to Bat's ideas, people choose "professional" modules because of the qualities of their sounds, the unit's abilities to interface with other professional gear (for instance, a lot of pro gear will offer balanced outputs), their versatility and the ability to control more aspects of the finished product (i.e., programmability).

Arranger keyboards certainly have their place and it might be possible to use them to produce some good tracks. If your interest is to just to make some music and have some fun, I'd say go for it! Bat is correct that arranger 'boards have come a long way.

OTOH, I think you'd be hard pressed to find ANY successful, composer, arranger, band, solo artist, producer, studio owner, engineer or studio musician using an arranger keyboard in their work. It's not simply snobbery.

And, one more thing, don't EVER buy anything based on the demos. They ALL sound amazing. You've got to try to spend some time with the unit and see if it inspires you and fills your needs.

Ted