From deke@dekethegeek.com Fri Jan 17 11:32:53 2003
Subject:RE: Softsynth PC: Notes from the road

<<- Security is an issue. I wouldn't leave a laptop unattended for
even a second in most clubs. That can be a problem if you
soundcheck or need to run out of sight to grab a cable or drink.>>

Mine is semi-permanently mounted in a road case. When I get a new one it will be physically bolted down and / or locked in place.

<<- Cognitive overload. Sure you can do a lot w/the computer, but
does that help in a live performance setting? For most conventional
music I would argue that setting up your laptop is still too much to
worry about vs. dedicated hardware. And I'm a computer guy... >>

I can surrender this point. It is a lot more to worry about.

<<- Really small! No denying the weight/space savings of a laptop
vs. a rack of gear. >>

Ditto. Except that mine is in a DJ's dual turntable road case, so it's not nearly as portable as the laptop by itself. Of course the advantage is that most of the cables stay hooked up all the time, and it would be a lot harder for someone to "grab and go" with the laptop.

<<- Audiences like it. People asked questions and were interested in
what I was doing w/the computer (beats dancing on stage...)>>

Ditto to this too. It is such an attraction that I have had people come out to gigs just to see it, by word of mouth or mailing lists, etc.

<<- Cheaper in the long run. After the initial investment in a
laptop + audio + midi interfaces, you can step up to a world of
free/almost free softsynths for peanuts... $300 for an Organ +
samper + analog synths @ 24bits?>>

Ditto again. Another poster mentioned that with this type of rig you can upgrade individual pieces at will, which is my planned course of action. Newer controllers will "revolutionize" my rig, but I don't have to buy the whole shebang all over again.

<<- Time sychronization is key. Most of the cooler things you can do
w/softsynths involve clock-synced LFOs and effects. You need a good
tap-tempo source for this in a live context.>>

I don't use these features, but my merger will set either of the two inputs as the time source. Also, the Behringer FCB-1010 has a MIDI note function per patch, so you could use it to send the time sync... this foot controller becomes more valuable the more I think about it... a steal at $119.

Concerning manipulation of the effects, LFO's, etc. on soft synths... I assume you have seen the Evolution products? Pretty cool stuff IMO, although the keys on their keyboards seem a little weak. But they have a knob unit by itself without the keys... check 'em out.

Deke The Geek