CS-80/Vangelis/Toto Sounds on Zebra ?

[bmrzycki]

Thanks, guys!

Note to self: Buy polyphonic keyboard with aftertouch. Acquire ribbon controller. Grow beard.)

There is that new kid on the block, though, all in red, with a folding case...can't remember the company...

I think you mean the VAX77

http://www.infiniteresponse.com/t/?n=Products/Vax77

Pair that with this:

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/11/a ... ontroller/

And you'll be making spacey futuristic dreamscapes in no time!

[himalaya]

Yes, that's the one.

[Howard]

I tried out the VAX77 several times earlier this year. Got sent back, new OS. Sent back, returned with updated OS that didn't fix any of the fundamental Poly-AT problems. Verdict: That machine is a catastrophe...

[pdxindy]

I sure would like a poly AT keyboard! I looked at the specs on that one, but have not had opportunity to play it. Anyone here have one? Even supposed high quality controllers generally feel dull and not like an instrument.

Here is a flute I just made in Zebra. Would like to have a breath controller for it. No breath control input on the Vax

http://draigathar.org/sounds/flute.wav

I wish the Vax77 had a few knobs and more than just a modwheel, but I could add that stuff if the feel and action were great. The folding part kinda puts me off. I'd pay the price if it felt great. Everything I have tried has been disappointing. The high end synths make good controllers but no poly AT and one is paying for the sounds. Kurzweil could do it.

Anyway, would like to hear any hands on experience with the Vax77...

[pdxindy]

I tried out the VAX77 several times earlier this year. Got sent back, new OS. Sent back, returned with updated OS that didn't fix any of the fundamental Poly-AT problems. Verdict: That machine is a catastrophe...

Too bad... Thanks for the feedback... The search continues. Are there so few musicians who would pay premium for a serious controller with poly AT that was solid and reliable? Kurzweil should do it.

[Howard]

Eigenlabs should do it!

[pdxindy]

Eigenlabs should do it!

Hmmm... interesting idea... Have you tried their controllers?

[himalaya]

I tried out the VAX77 several times earlier this year. Got sent back, new OS. Sent back, returned with updated OS that didn't fix any of the fundamental Poly-AT problems. Verdict: That machine is a catastrophe...

That's a shame.

I personally don't like the mod/pitch wheel arrangement and have commented about it some time ago. How did you find it? I'm used to controlling pitch and mod at the same time using my Roland's combined pitch/mod lever, but looking at the way they designed pitch/mod on the VAX77 makes me think they can't easily be accessed at the same time.

[Howard]

looking at the way they designed pitch/mod on the VAX77 makes me think they can't easily be accessed at the same time.

Indeed not. Ridiculous.

[JackD]

Forget the VAX77. If you want poly aftertouch, this is your best bet

http://www.rhodespiano.com/rhodes_am_series.htm

Makes me drool.

[himalaya]

Good find! I didn't know about it.

Drool indeed, the price at Thomman.de is a cool 4700 Euro for Mk7 (RRP 6499!).

[fas1piano]

thanks for the update on VAX77 howard! was seriously thinking about getting one - what a deception if you spend all that money, order it from Europe and it doesn't work as expected.

the pitch/mod thing is due to size restraint to keep it aircraft-compatible i think...

so you how did you find normal dynamic response?

i currently use a roland a50 with modified poly AT to make it a little lighter but neither polyAT nor dynamic response is perfect.

mark 7: yes, very cool but heavy for quick live/rehearsal use.

[bg]

I tried out the VAX77 several times earlier this year. Got sent back, new OS. Sent back, returned with updated OS that didn't fix any of the fundamental Poly-AT problems. Verdict: That machine is a catastrophe...

What were the P-AT problems? I've read on other forums--admittedly few owners out there--that the P-AT is well implemented and feels natural. Just curious what you found.

[fas1piano]

What were the P-AT problems? I've read on other forums--admittedly few owners out there--that the P-AT is well implemented and feels natural. Just curious what you found.

yes indeed, me too. that instrument sounded like it's the (almost) perfect controller for me.

[Howard]

What were the P-AT problems? I've read on other forums--admittedly few owners out there--that the P-AT is well implemented and feels natural. Just curious what you found.

Oscillation (I'm guessing at the scan rate), AT calibration impossible, multiple crashes per hour. TBH I can't remember all the gripes I had with it - I tend to forget things I don't like!

Perhaps we had bad hardware and they have fixed everything in the meantime - certainly worth another look, because they are built like tanks!