From jconli1@gl.umbc.edu Wed Jun 26 14:32:12 2002
Subject:workstations, impressions, cashflow

Hey folks -

been outta the loop for a while.

I'm considering a strange backwards career move (no more web/video work
for NASA... burned out... considering selling BMW motorcycles instead)
that would require me to do more freelance stuff on the side, and I
haven't ruled out sound- and music-for-film. I've been thinking lately of
getting a new workstation (or some good midi/audio hardware on my computer
and a good rack... always a toss-up). I know many of you can help with
some insight. Essentially, I really like Roland's sounds and
expandability... but have heard that the quality of D/A converters in the
Fantom is substandard. Any truth? Anyone living with a Fantom and have any
strong feelings about it?

I've owned an SY99 and the MOTIF just seems too similar to it. Nothing
really bad about that I guess, but if I'm dropping a few grand, I'd like
something that feels and sounds new to me.

If anyone could ping me offlist on this slightly offtopic topic I'd
appreciate some insight. I might consider a 3080 rack with ProTools LE &
breakout box... but despite the drop in value, the sheer convenience of a
workstation with built-in sequencer is a nice perk.

I tinkered with an Electro the other day and wasn't too happy with it. I
think my concept of "Hammond sound" is being colored far too much by my
XB2/KBRM setup these days. :) Nice to have all things funky on one
board... but the sounds just didn't have me convinced.

Also tried the VK8 and had mixed feelings. Has much changed since the 7,
or is it just a new layout? The switchgear felt quite odd, too.

I could tear myself away from a CX3, though... seems to be the best I've
come across lately. Sat and really thought about it, though, and in a live
setup... my XB2/KBRM suits me just fine after all these years. I just wish
I had something that I could play through headphones and still be somewhat
convinced. Isn't it funny how completely unfulfilling it is to play a
quasi-Hammond sounding instrument vs. a simulator that is 90% there?

Ugh. Why can't I have any cheap hobbies?

Keep 'em spinnin'... or... umm... keep that DSP crunchin'.
--
Jeff Conlin
Beltsville, MD
http://jeff.desi-9.com