Conference napalm::commusic_v1

2120.0. "Consumer/Pro distinction blurring?" by FGVAXX::LAING (Soft-Core Cuddler*Jim Laing*282-1476) Mon Sep 18 1989 12:43

    In reading the KEYBOARD and ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN review of new gear
    at the latest show ... it seems that both reviews mention the ever-
    increasing "blur" between consumer and "pro" keyboards.  For example,
    the Technics KN-S800 (I think that's the model #) is a 16-bit sample
    player with *some* ability to modify sounds; it has built-in 8 track
    sequencer, drum "machine", all in all it seems somewhat similar
    to other "workstations" like the D-20 or M-1.  Then there's the
    Yamaha X-4500 that seems a little more like a "home" oriented keyboard
    yet it too has sequencing, plays samples (and FM sounds), etc.
    
    I see another note in here about pricing changes that may be going
    on in the MIDI/keyboard world ... certainly we're seeing more and
    more capability in the so-called "home/consumer" keyboards, and
    the prices of these units seem to be going down.
    
    When I tried out a Technics KN-S800, I was surprised to find that
    "I could gig with this ... and it makes a decent all-in-one (work-
    station?) too" ...
    
    	-Jim

    
    I think the distinction is already meaningless. Most of the 'pro' gear
    relies on amateurs (or at best semi-pros) for its market. Look at the
    sort of gear bought by contributors to this conference -- most of it
    is used at home, and most of it is well beyond the 'home keyboard'
    market.
    
    Richard.
    

    
    
    re -2
    
    Now a keyboard that can display All-IN-1 (or is that ALL-IN-ONE?)
    would be really usefull multi-tasking of sequences and mail would
    make better use of my brain.
    
    					Paul.