Re: edirol mini solution...
>> but like everybody who looks for advice, I expect the advice to guide me to something I like... and the 2 octave Edirol keyboard... I can not say I like it...
- all I can say is that you don't think like most travelling musicians.
- I am also not omnipotent like God and cannot second guess what you like.
- I recommended the Roland because it has
a. nice sleek design (smaller than most if not all portable keyboard)
b. has a built in 24/96 interface (if you get a "normal" keyboard, you would have to get a separate audio interface, otherwise you have to sacrifice using softsynths because built in audio interfaces in laptops are not meant for ASIO use - there is a generic driver for this but it may not work though).
c. it is powered by USB - no seperate transformer needed. And not need to worry about Voltage incompatibility.
d. Midi interface through USB - don't have to get a separate interface
e. with the appropriate softsynth/softsampler, you can sound like a grand piano, violin, a Minimoog, an Oscar or whatever you fancy instead of being limited by the onboard sounds.
>> I am more looking for something more mature... may not make a lot of sense, but buying is also a question of attraction... and I must say, I am presently attracted with something like the Korg X5D, Yamaha CS2X or the Alesis 6.2
- you should preferable get something with serial or USB interface for Midi; otherwise, you will need a separate Midi Interface, adding on to the cost and bulk.
- not all new laptops have a serial port so watch out for this. But if your laptop is older, it may have this and you can interface the laptop and synth directly. Hint : look for synths with PC to host connections
(nope, the QS6.2 doesn't have this)(Yes, it's on the Korg X5D and the CS2X)
- there aren't many low end synths with a USB interface.
I am not sure I can comfortably travel with that... but travelling with a 32 key midi controller does not excite me much...
- then I hope you will get excited with a 61 key key board
- even the small Korg is 900.0 (w) x 254.2 (D) x 83.4(H) mm with a weight of 4.5 kg. Naturally it is very fragile so you will need to add a flight case and the weight would be easily doubled. A SKB flight case weighs almost 8kg by itself. I would not recommend the padded keyboard case if you are checking in your keyboard.
Total weight of keyboard + flight case = 12.5kg (before your luggage). I hope you are travelling in business or first class where they have high luggage weight allowance
- make sure that the AC power supply has universal capabilities (ie runs at 110/220V) otherwise you need to get a transformer.
- don't forget to factor in
a. insurance for the keyboard
b. travel insurance for yourself in case you sprain your back handling the keyboard.
- ps if you get an ordinary keyboard, you may need to get an audio interface.
- don't forget headphones unless you can put up with sounds from a laptop speaker.
jk
