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proteus9
New member
it was just a general comment about the layout.. But yeah.. the module does.. I knew, i probably just muddled the point.
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layer7
New member
OK ... now I'm leaning towards the SL-990 because it has 88 semi-weighted keys... and it's the same price as a Roland A-37 (which has 76 keys).
Of course all is dependent on how it plays when I visit the store.
Gunther ... what kind of monitors are you getting? Are you buying them just to hear your keyboard or for recording?
Of course all is dependent on how it plays when I visit the store.
Gunther ... what kind of monitors are you getting? Are you buying them just to hear your keyboard or for recording?
Flo' Dolo
New member
Layer 7,
if you wanna go the used route, check ebay for something like a Fatar Studio 90 - you can probably get one for about $300.00-350.00. Save you a bit of change vs the sl-990. You may have to watch a bit, as they go pretty quick when they list, but it's worth the wait if you got the time, for sure.
diendolo
if you wanna go the used route, check ebay for something like a Fatar Studio 90 - you can probably get one for about $300.00-350.00. Save you a bit of change vs the sl-990. You may have to watch a bit, as they go pretty quick when they list, but it's worth the wait if you got the time, for sure.
diendolo
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layer7
New member
Just got back from Guitar Center where I played some Midi controllers. Didn't like the feel of any of them. I don't think I'm going to go the Motif Rack route now ... and instead go with an S-90.
My reasoning for going the S-90 route:
- I absolutely love the feel of the keys. Much better than any of the midi controllers I played (even the weighted fatar).
- Seems easier to buy one unit ... as opposed to buying rack, cables, controller.
- I'm a nubie at this ... and I want to keep it simple.
- Looks like the sales guy is going to try and get the price on the s-90 about the same as the rack and the controller together.
- Figure if another rack unit comes out that I want, I can always use the S-90 as my controller. Am I right about this?
My reasoning for going the S-90 route:
- I absolutely love the feel of the keys. Much better than any of the midi controllers I played (even the weighted fatar).
- Seems easier to buy one unit ... as opposed to buying rack, cables, controller.
- I'm a nubie at this ... and I want to keep it simple.
- Looks like the sales guy is going to try and get the price on the s-90 about the same as the rack and the controller together.
- Figure if another rack unit comes out that I want, I can always use the S-90 as my controller. Am I right about this?
Flo' Dolo
New member
The S-90 is way dope. If you've got other means of sequencing, and the polyphony won't be a problem for you, then go for it!!!
I almost bought one of those, too...
diendolo
I almost bought one of those, too...
diendolo
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layer7
New member
Why would the polyphony be a problem? Please explain.
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Logo
New member
If you'll be doing all your work in the computer, have you considered using a softsynth (or two, or three)?
The Yamaha S90 is just fabulous, but even it has limitations on the strings and other big, complex sounds. With a software based system, you can have tons and tons of sounds, all very big and detailed, for a lot less money than hardware. Add a controller, or even a cheap 88 key synth (Alesis QS8.2) or piano (Yamaha P60), and you've got a lot more power available to you. Plugins also avoid re-conversion (DA out of keyboard/module, then AD into DAW) during tracking and/or mixdown.
Mind you I would never, ever perform live with such a rig... for that, the Yamaha S90 is still the best thing currently available. Then add a Proteus orchestral module to really flesh things out for your needs...
-Lorenzo
The Yamaha S90 is just fabulous, but even it has limitations on the strings and other big, complex sounds. With a software based system, you can have tons and tons of sounds, all very big and detailed, for a lot less money than hardware. Add a controller, or even a cheap 88 key synth (Alesis QS8.2) or piano (Yamaha P60), and you've got a lot more power available to you. Plugins also avoid re-conversion (DA out of keyboard/module, then AD into DAW) during tracking and/or mixdown.
Mind you I would never, ever perform live with such a rig... for that, the Yamaha S90 is still the best thing currently available. Then add a Proteus orchestral module to really flesh things out for your needs...
-Lorenzo
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Logo
New member
layer7 said:
The S90 (like many, many other synths) is cited as "64 note" polyphony - what they aren't telling you is that they really mean "64 voice" polyphony. In the case of the S series, a voice is a single sample, and many (most?) of the "patches" (these are what we would consider a voice!) are composed of more than one. So a typical two-voice patch limits you to 32 "note" polyphony, and these can be eaten up really fast. (Two, such patches, 16 "notes" max - you get the idea).
Got a reasonably good PC or Mac? Software, I tell ya!
-Lorenzo
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layer7
New member
I actually have a good computer (new G4) ... but I want to keep this synth thing simple. The S90 route just seems more simple. I don't like the feel of most of the midi controllers out there so I think the S90 might be a good starting point.
Also ... if I ever do need to play live, it's reassuring to know that I can w/ the S90.
I guess if I decide to, I can always go the computer route... and use my S90 as my controller.
Also ... if I ever do need to play live, it's reassuring to know that I can w/ the S90.
I guess if I decide to, I can always go the computer route... and use my S90 as my controller.
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Gunther
New member
The truth is that the rack mount motif has 128 note polyphony, compared to 64 note on the motif keyboards and the S90.
Will this matter to you? Depends on what kind of sequencing you do. If you use the best piano sound and keep the sustain pedal pressed you can suck up half your polyphony capacity right there...
For the most part, except in really complex stuff or really heavy sustain abuse, you will not run into problems with 64 voice polyphony. When you run out of 'voices' like on the 65'th note playing at once, what happens is the oldest note played shuts off.
I still think you will be better off with the S-90. The lack of 128 note polyphony is nothing next to the advantages of having a nicley layed out keyboard with nice feeling keys. The S90 is just a sweet thing.
Will this matter to you? Depends on what kind of sequencing you do. If you use the best piano sound and keep the sustain pedal pressed you can suck up half your polyphony capacity right there...
For the most part, except in really complex stuff or really heavy sustain abuse, you will not run into problems with 64 voice polyphony. When you run out of 'voices' like on the 65'th note playing at once, what happens is the oldest note played shuts off.
I still think you will be better off with the S-90. The lack of 128 note polyphony is nothing next to the advantages of having a nicley layed out keyboard with nice feeling keys. The S90 is just a sweet thing.
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alfalfa
New member
If you are using a computer to sequence then polyphony is not an issue at home.
You can (and probably will) record each of your midi tracks to their own audio track on separate runs/takes - ie the synth will only be playing one instrument at a time when recording audio so polyphony isnt an issue when recording.
If you notice notes dropping off while midi sequencing then record some of your midi tracks to audio to free up polyphony.
My partner uses an XP-30 and is thinking of buying an S-90 for its full sized, weighted keyboard and great sounds (though we liked the orchestral sounds on the roland probably more). She gigs a lot and is a little computer phobic so she feels a lot more comfortable (and creative) using hardware synths.
You can (and probably will) record each of your midi tracks to their own audio track on separate runs/takes - ie the synth will only be playing one instrument at a time when recording audio so polyphony isnt an issue when recording.
If you notice notes dropping off while midi sequencing then record some of your midi tracks to audio to free up polyphony.
My partner uses an XP-30 and is thinking of buying an S-90 for its full sized, weighted keyboard and great sounds (though we liked the orchestral sounds on the roland probably more). She gigs a lot and is a little computer phobic so she feels a lot more comfortable (and creative) using hardware synths.
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Jack Hammer
New member
In the most recent kyboard magazine, the bakc shows the setup of some keybaord freak from FLA I believe. Dude has over 80 keyboards. If nothing else, this guy has had the opportunity for much hands on comaparisons. For his controller he is using the Kawai MP9000. I also use the same keybaord and for piano like feel, there is nothing better. The Yamaha does not make it IMHO compared to the Kawai. The MP9000 has ben replaced by the MP9500. For piano feel and sound, this is one great keyboard. The MP95000 is quite similar to the original MP9000 only with a few additional piano sounds and some other additional sounds too I think.
I also believe you can still pick up an MP9000 for an unbelieveably good price. Originally, the MP9000 was about $1,500.00. That is the current price of the 9500 and the 900 can be had, I have heard, fro about $800.00.
Now only do you get a great piano sound, a reall good string pad sou nd, a great Rhodes or two, great wurly sound and great clav sound (Organ sounds just okay) but it is also a great midi controller with excpetional keyboard feel.
Add a proteus module or, pick upan EMU E6400 which are being blown out for about $600 (original price $2,000.00) and a Proteus for $599.99 or Motif rack for $999. and you will be set.
The point is, after the Kawai, you can get any module you want, have grat control and an exceptional piano sound and feel.
Check ou back of Keybaord mag. You will see what I am talking about and then go check ou the Kawai.
BTW, the Kawai is an oft overlooked keybaord and possibly severly under rated. This keyboard needs to be considered more by folds on this site.
I also believe you can still pick up an MP9000 for an unbelieveably good price. Originally, the MP9000 was about $1,500.00. That is the current price of the 9500 and the 900 can be had, I have heard, fro about $800.00.
Now only do you get a great piano sound, a reall good string pad sou nd, a great Rhodes or two, great wurly sound and great clav sound (Organ sounds just okay) but it is also a great midi controller with excpetional keyboard feel.
Add a proteus module or, pick upan EMU E6400 which are being blown out for about $600 (original price $2,000.00) and a Proteus for $599.99 or Motif rack for $999. and you will be set.
The point is, after the Kawai, you can get any module you want, have grat control and an exceptional piano sound and feel.
Check ou back of Keybaord mag. You will see what I am talking about and then go check ou the Kawai.
BTW, the Kawai is an oft overlooked keybaord and possibly severly under rated. This keyboard needs to be considered more by folds on this site.
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layer7
New member
Good to know Jackhammer ... I'll look into the MP9000. Wish it wasn't so expensive! But who knows ... maybe I can find a good deal on a used one.
I noticed it received rave reviews on Harmony Central.
Anyone bought a Motif rack yet? I'm looking for a review.
I noticed it received rave reviews on Harmony Central.
Anyone bought a Motif rack yet? I'm looking for a review.
Flo' Dolo
New member
I could never afford new kawai boards when I started buying gear, and by the time I could afford a used one, I already owned other useable stuff. I did once own a kawai table top sound module. I can't remember the model number, but I still hate I sold it (years ago) cause it was pretty groovy on the synthesis tip...
Layer 7, I don't think the mo racks are shipping yet. Gotta call today and get a status check. If nobody posts about one before I get one, I'll fill you in. You may wanna chack the forums here:
http://www.motifator.com
diendolo
Layer 7, I don't think the mo racks are shipping yet. Gotta call today and get a status check. If nobody posts about one before I get one, I'll fill you in. You may wanna chack the forums here:
http://www.motifator.com
diendolo
fluxburn
New member
I am trying to compare the kurzweil pc 2 vs the kurzweil k62000 well not for controller, more like sonic capablities. I have a yamaha ex5 as a controller. You can pick one up via ebay for 600 bucks.... pretty decent sound module and controller for that price.
Everyone rants and raves on Kurzweils, I demo'd one at the store and was damn impressed on the sound it was pumping out. I don't think digital gets this good
Everyone rants and raves on Kurzweils, I demo'd one at the store and was damn impressed on the sound it was pumping out. I don't think digital gets this good