Tweet
Everyone,
I am having great success migrating from a traditional keyboard to a midi controller keyboard using Mainstage software on my Mac for the sounds.
I thought I'd share because maybe this set up would benefit others.
It is a benefit to me compared to my old set up because I was using an aging synth (Alesis QS8). For $220, I picked up an M-Audio 88es, which is a full sized semi-weighted USB keyboard controller and am hooking it up to my Macbook which is running Apple's Mainstage software ($30). The sounds in it are amazing and are up there with any modern traditional synth in my book. Plus it is easier to organize sounds on the Mac. I run all of this out to an M-Audio Fastrack USB audio interface that cost only $50. The most expensive piece of gear is the Macbook itself.
The midi controller is a fraction of the weight of my Alesis and is a breeze to take to gigs. The one down-side I see is that this locks me into the Apple hardware (I haven't found anything close to Mainstage for the price in the Windows world). Should my Macbook ever die, I'll have to buy another one unless Ipads come up with USB interfaces for use with my midi controller.... Perhaps they already exist?
Greg
I am having great success migrating from a traditional keyboard to a midi controller keyboard using Mainstage software on my Mac for the sounds.
I thought I'd share because maybe this set up would benefit others.
It is a benefit to me compared to my old set up because I was using an aging synth (Alesis QS8). For $220, I picked up an M-Audio 88es, which is a full sized semi-weighted USB keyboard controller and am hooking it up to my Macbook which is running Apple's Mainstage software ($30). The sounds in it are amazing and are up there with any modern traditional synth in my book. Plus it is easier to organize sounds on the Mac. I run all of this out to an M-Audio Fastrack USB audio interface that cost only $50. The most expensive piece of gear is the Macbook itself.
The midi controller is a fraction of the weight of my Alesis and is a breeze to take to gigs. The one down-side I see is that this locks me into the Apple hardware (I haven't found anything close to Mainstage for the price in the Windows world). Should my Macbook ever die, I'll have to buy another one unless Ipads come up with USB interfaces for use with my midi controller.... Perhaps they already exist?
Greg
Comment