[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

2702.0. "Want to play samples on K1" by FASDER::AHERB (Al is the *first* name) Thu Aug 22 1991 23:58

    I have read many notes on sampling but it all confuses me. All I want
    is a module I can hook up to my Kawai K1 using MIDI. What straight
    foward simple sampler is there that will do this? How much will it
    cost?
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2702.1Whatcha want?TLE::ALIVE::ASHFORTHLord, make me an instrument of thy peaceFri Aug 23 1991 08:4521
Re basenote:

You say "module;" you mean you don't want another keyboard, right? When you
say "confused," *how* confused? IOW, does it have to be a sampler, as opposed
to a different kind of SGU (i.e., based on synthesis)? You can connect *any*
type of SGU to your K1 with nothing more than MIDI cable(s)...

If the answer to the last question is no, there are so many possibilities and
prices that it's ridiculous- let's say $200-$2000 as a reasonable range. If the
answer is that you definitely *do* want a sampler, that's a bit different.

Most of what I've seen aren't rack-mount units, but then I haven't looked real
hard at samplers per se. I think I did see some stuff on sale at Daddy's Junky
Music (Nashua, NH) yesterday- Ensoniq Mirage or EPS, I believe, I'm not certain.
If you're local to that or another MIDIporium, my suggestion would be to go
have a look and a listen, and see what your bucks can get- then shop around.
I'm sure some COMMUSICer who's more into samplers can give you an idea of
current price ranges.

Bob (who has a K1-II as well, though that doesn't matter here...)

2702.2Lots Of Stuff To ConsiderRGB::ROSTFart Fig NewtonFri Aug 23 1991 10:0027
    Most samplers are pretty pricey.  In brand new (and still in
    manufacture) gear in the under $2000 range, there are really only two
    things around, the Ensoniq EPS-16+ and the Roland W-30 sampling
    "workstation".  Roland's new S-7XX series is really big $$ as are the
    Akai units.   
    
    As far as used, you can go from the cheesy Akai S-612 for a little over
    $200 to a Mirage rack mount in the $5-600 range to various oddball
    machines from Roland (MKS-100 and MKS-220), Casio (FZ-10M) or a used
    EPS-M at a little over $1000.
    
    There are far fewer sampler manufacturers than synth manufacturers. 
    Kawai, Korg and Yamaha make none (although the latter two used to).
    Samplers in general are more complex to program and prepare for live
    performance.  Most are disk-based, so until you boot a disk, they won't
    make a peep.  That's why the low-end market has shifted to sample
    *players* which trade off a limited pallette of samples for ease of use
    and lower cost (no disk drive or editing software needed).  As a
    result, the sampler makers have shifted more to address studio users
    who typically have bigger budgets and are willing to pay for lots of
    gee-whiz features like hard drives and visual editors.
    
    To pick a good unit depends on what your final application is.  If you
    want hyper-realistic acoustic instruments you may want a different
    unit than if you want to create rap tunes or industrial music.
    
    							Brian
2702.3Akai S-612 at Daddy's: $299.99TLE::ALIVE::ASHFORTHLord, make me an instrument of thy peaceFri Aug 23 1991 13:301
That was the price (new) when I dropped in today at luchtime... (Nashua)
2702.4first in the hearts of their countrymenSALSA::MOELLERJust paint a bullseye around itFri Aug 23 1991 18:333
    E-Mu Systems of California still exists, I believe...
    
    karl
2702.5?FASDER::AHERBAl is the *first* nameSun Aug 25 1991 02:202
    Why is the Akai cheezy?
    
2702.6Save yo' money...MANTHN::EDDHe's an artist, a pioneer..Sun Aug 25 1991 12:0211
    > Why is the Akai cheezy?
    
    Firstly, it's 6 year old technology. And sounds it.
    
    The biggest booger is that it doesn't support multisampling, invariably
    causing munchkins and trolls. I believe it's only 8 bits.
    
    How bad is it? I considered one, but bought a Mirage instead...
    (actually, the Mirage was the only game in town at the time.)
    
    Edd