Beagle
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Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
is there any functionality that you don't get with a rack module that you do when buying the keyboard itself?
For example, I'm interested in the Yamaha Motif ES or XS and I'm wondering if I were to buy the rack module instead of the keyboard itself I would save a lot of money, but what would I be sacrificing?
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R!Soc
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 13:06:50
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Depends. I've seen it both ways. Sometimes the rack module will have more features (roland R-8 vs R-8m) and where the keyboard will have more features (Kawai K1-II and K1r-II - the rack mount has no onboard effects)
Need to do a side by side comparison from the spec sheet of each to determine for sure.
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Beagle
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 13:11:42
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That's exactly what I needed to know, thanks, Jared!
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kwgm
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 14:19:05
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With yamaha synths, the rack module does not have the sampler. The synths you mention also have great weighted keyboards (in the full, 88key models). But they both have the complete ROMs of their more expensive keyboard workstation models.
What I miss about racks are all the controls. I find it a lot easier to twiddle a sound sitting at the full-blown workstation than using the rack model.
Fortunately, both these Yamaha synths have excellent DAW based tools for editing and programming from the DAW is easy. If you buy one of these synths, lookin into John Melas' editing tools.
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NeuroRon
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 15:10:58
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Neither the ES or XS rack has a sequencer (probably not important to you) but also, tyhey don't have RAM so you are stuck with the ROM for startting points on patches. Neither of the racks ahave A->D inputs so you can't use them as Fx and more importantly on the XS, you don't have the vocoder. The ES keyboard has 3 PLG slots, while the ES rack has two - nopne of the XS units have PLG slots. The XS rack can have mLAN installed (as can both the ES and XS keyboards) but not the ES rack. I have a Motif ES7 with 512 mB RAM, 2 PLG cards (VL and AN) and mLAN so have been thinking this through for a while. The XS in general sounds a bit better than the ES (listening to presets), but I still really like my ES7 and still use it's sound sin finished producs. Check motifator.com for more questions. Good luck - Ron
The RT Project i7, 16 gB RAM, 4 X 1.5 - 3 Tb HDs; Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 audio/MIDI interface;Sonar Platinum; Komplete Ult 10; Superior Drummer 2; Various synths, guitars, basses, ukes, etc.
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Beagle
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 15:42:58
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Thanks very much guys, great info. ron - you're right, I did assume that the rack modules wouldn't have the sequencer and no, that's not important to me. I don't think I'm concerned about using it for FX from Audio inputs, either, I'm mainly looking at using it for gigging and the Audio FX would be coming from other equipment the band has. thanks for your input, i'll check out motifator! kwgm- when you say that the rack modules don't have the samplers - I am not sure I follow you there. EDIT: I figured this out by looking at the motifator site. thanks. thanks for the tips on John Melas' tools - I'll look into that. I'm leaning toward trying to get a used ES7, but was considering a rack to save money and space. thanks I'll keep researching.
post edited by Beagle - 2008/09/16 15:58:52
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Bonzos Ghost
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/16 15:54:50
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No ram on the Motif racks which means no sampling option if you like to roll yer own. No sequencer. Editing is tricky using the front panel's limited buttons, but the software available works just great. If you're just looking for a great sounding rompler, it's packs a lot. I have an ES rack. I like it.
post edited by Bonzos Ghost - 2008/09/16 15:57:19
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ohhey
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/17 20:24:18
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Beagle
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/17 21:32:46
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Thanks Frank! I tried to respond to your PM, but it wouldn't let me. I appreciate this link - I haven't decided what to do yet, but this will help!
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lhansen
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/18 09:34:27
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Reece, I just bought the Yamaha XS rack a few weeks ago and love it! The sounds are fantastic! A friend of mine let me borrow her ES rack about a year ago, and the sounds are good to. However, I think the XS has improved on them a little... I use my Yamaha MM6 keys strictly as a controller for the XS. I don't think you'll be dissapointed with the XS rack at all. Bill Davies (ToneCarver) is drooling over the samples.... 
Slow Marching Band Win 7 x64, Sonar X1E x64, Studio One v2, Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP Pro, Genelec 8030a, True Systems P-Solo, Focusrite ISA One, FMR RNP, GAP-73. "Someone to watch over me".
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Beagle
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/18 09:57:21
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hey, Larry! Thanks for that report! Now I just have to convince "the boss" to let me spend that much money! 
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lhansen
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RE: Rack Modules vs. Keyboards
2008/09/18 12:13:17
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ORIGINAL: Beagle
hey, Larry! Thanks for that report! Now I just have to convince "the boss" to let me spend that much money!
Hypnosis????? 
Slow Marching Band Win 7 x64, Sonar X1E x64, Studio One v2, Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP Pro, Genelec 8030a, True Systems P-Solo, Focusrite ISA One, FMR RNP, GAP-73. "Someone to watch over me".
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