Sonic Reality

sax_fan · Post by **sax_fan** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 5:42 pm

What keyboard is being used as the controller for ST2 in the demo videos on sampletank.com? I'm looking for an 88 key controller and it looked pretty good. Thought I would check it out.

Farren · Post by **Farren** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:53 pm

Just a recommendation for this: http://www.cme-pro.com/

It's the best controller out there, IMO, and very inexpensive.

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:52 pm

I tend to use Yamaha keyboards like the S90 or Motif ES8 at trade shows and live. That's my favorite action personally. But, there are a lot of good ones. It all depends on your budget and how it feels to you.

sax_fan · Post by **sax_fan** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:08 am

Thanks. How would the Yamaha P90 work as a controller for use at home? I know it doesn't have all the knobs and sliders, but I like the feel and also like the idea that it has a few onboard piano sounds, just in case I feel like leaving the computer off.

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:27 am

sax_fan wrote:Thanks. How would the Yamaha P90 work as a controller for use at home? I know it doesn't have all the knobs and sliders, but I like the feel and also like the idea that it has a few onboard piano sounds, just in case I feel like leaving the computer off.

Probably pretty good. I forget if that one has a pitch and modwheel though. If not then... hmmm. I also did the piano sound for the new M-Audio keyboard controller that is coming out. It's good value for the money if you like the feel of it. I do, even though I prefer my Yamahas. But, different price point as well to take into consideration.

sax_fan · Post by **sax_fan** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:25 am

Thanks. Unfortunately, no, the P90 doesn't have a mod or pitch bend wheel. I have those on a synth-key keyboard, but it would be better on the weighted board, no doubt.

I'd like to see the M-Audio. Is there any info about it on the web yet?

I'm not really a piano player, but I've got a Yamaha upright at home and I really am partial to the feel of their keyboards. I'm also checking out the Roland RD-700sx, which is really more than I'd like to spend, but if I look at that, I can also look at the S90 -- they're in the same ball park. I suppose another good option might be the Yamaha S08 -- about half the price of the S90, has a mod and pitch wheel and the great Yamaha keyboard. Only downside is that the sounds aren't up to par with the S90 or Motif -- but then again, if I'm using SS2 and ST@, that shouldn't be an issue, right?

zai · Post by **zai** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:14 am

I'm actually checking out the same thing as sax_fan...I have a Roland Fantom X6...I'd like to get an 88 key controller/keyboard. One can never have too much! But it's kind of overkilling the purpose if I'm only using the X6 as a midi controller (I do bring it out to Gig where I have no access to a computer).

I AM a piano player...having said that, I'm still trying to find a keyboard (weighted) that actually feels right. Actually, if there's a unweighted 88keys keyboard, that would be perfect. I am use to playing "piano" on a synth anyway.

Roland RD-300SX, RD-300SX, Yamaha's S90...these are the 3 that I'm leaning toward.

Hey Mr. Squids, how's the quality of the S90 compare to the Motif? I quite like the touch and feel of the keyboard. I don't care what kind of sound it came with, as long as the keyboard feels tight and right, I'm all for it. Well...having a good set of sounds built in is a plus.

I can see what my gigging setup is like already.

A S90/RD-300SX/RD-700SX, with a laptop and have ST2 and SS2 loaded...and way I go. I think I've read somewhere that one can store "favorite" within ST2 so that one can retrieve favorite patches quickly. Does the S90 have aftertouch? :p

OK, enough for tonight.

Zai

Farren · Post by **Farren** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 4:55 am

If you want a controller that feels like a real piano, check this one out: http://www.doepfer.de/pk88.htm

Look at the action on it.

Here's a more featured version with the same action: http://www.doepfer.de/lmk4.htm

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:52 am

I think the S90 is the same keyboard as the Motif ES8. Just different features inside. Some of the sounds are the same as well. For instance, Sonic Reality contributed programming on the main triple strike piano in the S90 and that got carried over to the Motif ES.

I highly recommend the S90. Possibly the S08 to cut corners cost-wise. The Motif ES8 if you have the funds is the best choice imo.

Have you guys noticed that I am in the Yamaha/Steinberg ads? I don't really have an artist endorsement deal with them or anything but we have a bunch of Motifs because we're one of the outside programmers for Yamaha patches in these workstations. The interesting thing about the ad is that it shows Motifs, Sonik Synth, HALion and Cubase all happy together! This was a proud moment for us at SR to see Sonik Synth 2 along side one of the most popular hardware workstations of all time and in THEIR ad! Not a bad endorsement the OTHER way around is it?

telebunke · Post by **telebunke** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:18 pm

Squids wrote: This was a proud moment for us at SR to see Sonik Synth 2 along side one of the most popular hardware workstations of all time and in THEIR ad! Not a bad endorsement the OTHER way around is it?

Cool. Can we see it in the www somewhere or is it magazines only?

tele

zai · Post by **zai** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:12 am

How about Alesis' Fusion 8HD...brings back memory of my first keyboard...the QS6.1.

Zai

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:19 am

zai wrote:How about Alesis' Fusion 8HD...brings back memory of my first keyboard...the QS6.1.

Zai

Nah. Stick with Yamaha for weighted action keys. I still have my beat up QS8 but I don't enjoy using it really. The only thing I like about it is that I don't mind if someone spills a beer on it.

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:20 am

telebunke wrote:
Squids wrote: This was a proud moment for us at SR to see Sonik Synth 2 along side one of the most popular hardware workstations of all time and in THEIR ad! Not a bad endorsement the OTHER way around is it?
Cool. Can we see it in the www somewhere or is it magazines only?

tele

I don't think it is on line. It is in Keyboard, EM, Remix, EQ, FM and also some of the Buyer's Guides too which go all year round. I think the ad goes for one more month. Oh well. My 10 seconds of fame are up!

telebunke · Post by **telebunke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:27 am

Squids wrote:
I don't think it is on line. It is in Keyboard, EM, Remix, EQ, FM and also some of the Buyer's Guides too which go all year round. I think the ad goes for one more month. Oh well. My 10 seconds of fame are up!

You could ask Yamaha, if it's ok for you to scan it and put it up on the SR or esoundz website for PR purposes. They shouldn't mind, sice it also advertisement for them.

tele

zai · Post by **zai** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:51 am

I saw the ad! You look..."handsome"! You were in the top left corner...right?

What keyboard was that right beside ya? Not a Yamaha is it?

Zai

Sonic Reality

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What keyboard is being used ...