Live Keyboard guys....using a laptop with what software?

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skullsession
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2011/03/30 10:09:17 (permalink)

Live Keyboard guys....using a laptop with what software?

I've got a friend who's wanting to go live with keyboards....he's looking for the best solution.
 
Personally, I would assume using a laptop and going the soft-synth route with a midi controller would be the best option these days if you could have a soundcard with good ASIO drivers.  But that's all a little bit out of my realm...not sure what to tell the guy.
 
So...is this what you live keyboard guys are doing these days?  What software are you using just to interface between the controller and your VSTi's?  What soundcard?
 
Thanks for your input!

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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:Live Keyboard guys....using a laptop with what software? 2011/03/30 13:39:38 (permalink)
    So...is this what you live keyboard guys are doing these days? What software are you using just to interface between the controller and your VSTi's? What soundcard?

     
    These are currently the two most flexible live (keyboard player oriented) hosts
    • Brainspawn's Forte'
    • Top Ten Software's Cantible 2 Performer
    I use the RME Babyface... as it allows me to effectively use a 48-sample ASIO buffer size (super tight timing), it's rock-solid, and it's small.
     
    I no longer use a laptop for gigs...
    Instead, I built a custom mini-ITX machine (mini wireless keyboard/glidepoint and small LCD). 
    Blows most laptops completely out of the water... and the whole lot fits into a single rolling case (including cables).

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
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    skullsession
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    Re:Live Keyboard guys....using a laptop with what software? 2011/03/31 07:47:36 (permalink)
    Thanks for the tips, Jim.

    HOOK:  Skullsessions.com  / Darwins God Album

    "Without a doubt I would have far greater listening and aural skills than most of the forum members here. Not all but many I am sure....I have done more listening than most people." - Jeff Evans on how awesome Jeff Evans is.
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    jeffb9363
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    Re:Live Keyboard guys....using a laptop with what software? 2011/03/31 13:28:50 (permalink)
    I used Forte for a couple of years with no problems whatsoever. Absolutely bullet proof.

    I swapped over to Cantabile Performer about 18 months ago when I went 64 bit. It's been equally solid in that time.

    I would recommend either for serious live use but some things to note:

    1) 64 bit version of Forte is still in beta (that's why I swapped over to Cantabile).

    2) If you want to address external MIDI hardware with Forte you need to buy Ehco separately. (Cantabile includes this functionality)

    3) Cantabile has a slightly steeper learning curve.

    Hope this all helps!

    Studio:
    X1P on Q9550 @ 3.4Ghz P45 8Gb DDR3. W7 x64. MOTU 1296, 2408 Mk3. TC-Helicon Voiceworks. BCF2000. 
    Stage:
    Cantabile Performer 2 on E8600 @ 4Ghz P45 8Gb DDR2. W7 x64. 2408 Mk3, TC-Helicon Harmony-M.
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