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Post by jackothescot on Mar 23, 2008 16:19:29 GMT
hi Y'all. I'm currently using a harware sequencer (Yamaha QY7000) for live stuff, which is fine. However, it only lets me load songs by floppy disk, which is a real pain. I'm considering buying a Roland DisCover 5 module,as it has Smart Media, in addition to a floppy drive, but I'm wondering if a laptop is the way maybe to go? Any thoughts? I would need to be able to send MIDI to my guitar and module - can I buy a USB to MIDI converter? What is the best software to run MIDI'S live? I'd lke to be able to make up set lists and play them automatically - is this possible? Many thanks! Jack.  |
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Post by thingyy on Mar 23, 2008 23:36:22 GMT
Yamaha has the converter. All you need to use is an operating system eg win 98 without all the unwanted programes . You can use cakewalk[version 3 is easy and user friendly] It allows you to set up lists and play them with nominated time delays between them.You can display lyrics.Use the media player during breaks.
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Post by charlie on Mar 24, 2008 21:43:19 GMT
I also use a Yamaha QY700 and load some files by floppy. However, I purchased a GM software sequencer called Showplay about 3 years ago, and it plays the sounds in the QY700 also. That way, if I still have songs I have not loaded in to my laptop for the software to play, I can always load them in to the QY700 and play them. Showplay does all you want....set lists, save key and tempo changes while midi file is running, edit sound patches, karoake style lyrics or plain text, too many features to list here. Try this website...www.pride-corp.com
I believe that is the site where Showplay is offered. Never had laptop or software to crash...gig almost every weekend...very stable. Running on win 98SE...very fast and footswitch controllable on start-stop. If you want more info, just write me back and I will tell you more.
Charlie
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Post by jackothescot on Mar 28, 2008 7:25:51 GMT
Thanks for the advice, guys. You've both been very helpful. Jack.
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skiday
Guest Member
When people call me ?Bohemian? they may mean as a criticisisum, but I take it as a compliment.
Posts: 9
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Post by skiday on Apr 15, 2008 23:42:30 GMT
As a singer/guitarist I use a laptop (sometimes 2) for backing. From my point of view I can't understand why, as a guitarist, you would want to use a midi file live at all! I edit my files how I want them with 'Connects', play on my KORG i40m and record to .wav or .mp3 and link them to a PowerPoint slide show and have the words AND CHORDS come up on screen. It's fast to access and I know it will be spot on, and I don't have to lug a module arround.
Cheers
Andrew
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Post by charlie on Apr 16, 2008 18:18:53 GMT
Wow...Andrew...that's a pretty cool setup...haven't thought about running Powerpoint..but you're exactly right. When you say "Connects"...what is that? and do you use GM files or Korg proprietary files? Anyway, cool set up...let me know more.
Charlie
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skiday
Guest Member
When people call me ?Bohemian? they may mean as a criticisisum, but I take it as a compliment.
Posts: 9
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Post by skiday on Apr 16, 2008 22:53:06 GMT
Charlie, send me your e-mail and I'll send you a demo. MIDI connects 5 is a midi file edit programme - you can download a demo version here www.carillonstudios.me.uk/midi_connections.htmYou have to buy it, but has been worth it's weight in gold. Andrew |
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skiday
Guest Member
When people call me ?Bohemian? they may mean as a criticisisum, but I take it as a compliment.
Posts: 9
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Post by skiday on Apr 16, 2008 23:01:55 GMT
Correction:
It is 'MIDI connections Light 5' rather than 'Connects'
Oh, and the other cool thing my way of doing things gives you is the ability to have backing vocals on the track, which, of course, no midi module or keyboard can give you.
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Post by dave on May 24, 2008 21:33:28 GMT
hi guys have laptop and plugged small jack plug to headphone socket front of laptop and big jack plug into front of pa nothing but buzzing and humming no music playing any Ideas need to use laptop for performing live its easier for me so need to be able to hear this music loud without humming and buzzing baffled by it all cheers Dave.
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Post by thingyy on May 24, 2008 23:23:00 GMT
Earth {ground hum} remove earth from power plug. Check thru tech help messages on this forum.Has been answered before.
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Post by charlie on Jun 17, 2008 18:24:59 GMT
Hey Skiday,
My Email is cthorne13@yahoo.com. The ability to backing vocal tracks in addition to the midi file is very intriguing. Sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you about Midi Connections Light 5...but I'm ready now! Thanks!
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Post by souwalker on Jul 4, 2008 1:34:53 GMT
My friend and I both play the guitar. We use laptop using vanbasco file player then via Edirol SD80 sound module into a PA system. We mute all guitar parts basically only leaving drums and bass sometimes piano if it calls for.
Looking for an alternative though as the last gig back in June, on the second song we got no midi backing tracks sound and had to reboot laptop :-(
Pat
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Post by Steptoe on Jul 4, 2008 2:35:23 GMT
My friend and I both play the guitar. We use laptop using vanbasco file player then via Edirol SD80 sound module into a PA system. We mute all guitar parts basically only leaving drums and bass sometimes piano if it calls for. Looking for an alternative though as the last gig back in June, on the second song we got no midi backing tracks sound and had to reboot laptop :-( Pat Hi Pat and welcome aboard  I've been using the same setup (Laptop, Van Bascoe) for nearly 4 years now and have never had a problem, and thats gigging 2 - 3 times a week! I would suggest having your laptop seen to to see why it crashed, running midi files takes up very little resources so I'm guessing another programme running has caused the crash. Turn off any programmes not needed ie virus protector, anti spyware etc. A couple of alternatives are a Mini Disc Player, which can be time consuming loading your music to disc or a stand alone sequencer, both which are quite expensive. At the end of the day though I'd get the laptop serviced and continue with it..... ;D Cheers John |
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Post by souwalker on Jul 4, 2008 3:46:19 GMT
Thanks John
Are you using a soft syn in the laptop? I use the Edirol SD80 sound module.
Only thing I think was load was the anti-virus software. I might disable it next time.
Pat
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Post by thingyy on Jul 4, 2008 4:03:04 GMT
All you need is an operating system like Win 98 without all the misc programes like internet explorer,outlook express,picture it,calculator etc etc.
Keep the defrag and systems tools.
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Post by souwalker on Jul 4, 2008 4:42:29 GMT
All you need is an operating system like Win 98 without all the misc programes like internet explorer,outlook express,picture it,calculator etc etc. Keep the defrag and systems tools. I can't do that. It's my office laptop. I only use laptop when I travel but I can't remove mention programs. pat |
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Post by tradman on Jul 17, 2008 21:33:53 GMT
Interesting stuff here folks. Like the thread. I have a GM w2k HD sequencer and want to lighten the load a bit. Leaning towards laptop with XP Showplay, but still in research mode. Would love to hear more opinions.
Tradman
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Post by thingyy on Jul 17, 2008 22:48:38 GMT
Check with the folks here re laptops and models that dont need modifications and gizmo's to prevent earth/ground noise when using transformer.
Also I would get one that can have a monitor attached to allow other members of the group to see lyrics etc.
Have surge protection and your sequencer for back up.
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