From boris_burtin@yahoo.com Tue Apr 09 16:13:22 2002
Subject:Laptop setup for B4 and VSTi

Here's my setup:

* Dell Latitude laptop with a PII-400 processor,
running Windows 2000
* Griffin iMic

http://www.griffintechnology.com/audio/imic_main.html
* USB audio driver
http://www.usb-audio.com
* Midiman Midisport 2x2 interface
http://www.midiman.com/products/midiman/USB2x2.php

This setup allows me to get surprisingly good
performance from B4, or any other VST instrument. I
don't notice the latency difference between the laptop
and a dedicated synth module.

The biggest issue is not the hardware, but the host
software. If you want to only run B4, you can run it
in standalone mode and you're done. But if you want
to run other synths, electric pianos, etc. and effects
in one environment you'll need a host application.
I've tried FruityLoops, Orion, Cakewalk, Plogue
Bidule, and various other hosts. Every one of them
has at least one flaw when used for live performance.
Plogue Bidule looks like the most promising one, but
it's still in beta.

As far as stability, I've had really good luck. I've
played several gigs with VSTi's and haven't had a
crash yet. I use a Kurzweil SP76 as a controller, so
even if something bad did happen I could switch to the
sounds in SP76 instead of using the laptop.

For more info on VST instruments and hosts, check out

http://www.kvr-vst.com/

Boris

--- ggareth wrote:
> Have you found a laptop system with good audio
> quality and low
> latency then? I'd be interested to hear how you get
> on as I'd like
> to go this route myself but I don't believe the
> hardware is mature
> yet.
>
> cheers
> Gaz

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