From deke@dekethegeek.com Wed Feb 05 14:56:49 2003
Subject:RE: Ideal home rig

> So, what would you do to jump-start the sound quality of my home set-
> up?

Amplification:

I get good results at home with an el cheapo home audio amp and a pair of
bookshelf speakers that go down to around 50 Hz. The leslie sim really is a
lot better in stereo. I will add a subwoofer to mine the next time I see one
on sale. BTW, I just picked up some KLH 125 watt bookshelf speakers with 8"
woofers for $9.99 apiece at Best Buy last week. If you like the sound you
get from your headphones, you will like the transparent sound of a home
stereo... just make sure the speakers are decent quality. The home audio amp
won't be as loud as a Mackie SRM-450, nor will it likely handle nearly as
much power, but to get stereo out of those Mackies you'll definitely spend
at least $1100 for the speakers alone.

Keys:

I would highly suggest a second keyboard to use simply as a MIDI controller
for the lower manual... having a second manual really adds to the playing
experience and gives you more dynamics. Even a 61 key Casio (w/ MIDI out)
would do, so pick one according to your budget.

Do you have the expression pedal for the Korg? IMO this is an integral part
of any organ rig.

Also, I don't know what your computer status is, but desktop PC's that are
capable of producing low latency sound are getting cheaper and cheaper to
build. If you were to build a PC for your music space, you could use it for
other things, too. And it could host things like B4, emagic's EVP73, etc. It
would be cool for layering and experimentation.

Mixer:

This is another optional piece, but a decent Behringer 6 or 8 channel mixer
will only cost about $60-80. If you do choose to buy a lower keyboard, and
it happens to have internal sounds, you can control which sounds come out of
the speakers from this mixer. Also, virtually all the mixers on the market
have at least a 3 band EQ. I personally couldn't imagine performing or
practicing without mine.

Deke The Geek