From p.alexander@ecu.edu.au Thu Sep 05 23:04:19 2002
Subject:Re: A Better Clone? - In praise of the B4

May be true..

However, I use my laptop for everything in the studio. This means
that it covers a whole range of functions besides being an emulated
instrument; and that amortises the costs across all functions. Also,
as the new range of sampled virtual instruments comes into vogue
(eg. Ableton Live) things will get interesting in only the way
computers can make them.

Having said that, I also have my fair collection of specialist midi
boxes and do see the attraction in B3 clones (because of the 1-piece,
customised, right look, right feel approach). But until the $3,000+
AUS price tag at least delivers THE sound (which they don't currently
without outboard gear), then I do think laptops now have a place on
stage (they are moderately shock resistant, and if carefull placed,
are also drink and theft resistant). As it is, when I gig with the
B4, I put one cable direct from notebook to keyboard midi, and one
cable from audio box (Egosys U24) to amp, turn on keyboard and PC,
wait 1 minute until the PCs operating system (Win 98 SR2 - my
favourite; if left in a partition on its own with the only B4
software and no OS network, modem, or other fruit - then perfectly
stable). Then I close the Notebook's lid and forget there's a
Microsoft monster on stage with me.

Now - put a laptop in a nice protective case, and a frame to suspend
it from your typical x-stand, underneath your favourite
synth/controller - and you've got a pretty practical gig rig I think.

Regards,

Paul
--- In CloneWheel@y..., Mark Zyla wrote:
>
> > Factor in the $$ for the laptop and the external USB
> > and you are still less than a new Korg CX-3.
>
> A laptop with all the horsepower to run a program like B4 is not
cheap.
> Running a laptop full of virtual instruments is still not an
economical or
> practical idea. Certainly in the future, yes, but a new CX-3 is
the cheaper
> way to go. Or an Electro.
>
> Mark
>
> --
> Mark Zyla
> Northshore Marketing
> 16 West Harrison Suite 205
> Seattle, WA 98119
> (206) 284-9699
> (206) 285-9412 fax