From: bbs.ruscal@tsoft.net (Russel Mar)
Subject: Re: Looking for System Recommendations
Organization: The TSoft BBS and Public Access Unix, +1 415 969 8238
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 01:24:55 GMT

tapas@esri.com (Tapas Das) writes:

> 
> In article  <1io3cgINNke6@harpo.uccs.edu> Kevin Sahr writes:
> >
> A friend of mine is a pianist interested in experimenting
> with electronic music. He has about $3,000 to spend for a
> complete system (computer, software, keyboard, interface
> boards, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations on what
> he should/should not purchase?
> >
> 
> Kevin,
> 
> Here is my recommendation:
> 
> 1. You need a good, fast and reliable computer.
> 
> Buy the GATEWAY 2000 model 4SX-25             Price:  $1495
>                                               Phone: 1 800 523 2000
> This comes with
> 25MHz Intel 486SX Processor, Pheonix Bios
> 4 MB RAM
> Both 5-1/4", and 3-1/2" high density floppy drives
> 170 MB 13ms IDE hard drive
> 14" color non-interlaced monitor
> MS DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, Microsoft Mouse, MS works for windows and more.
> 
> This model gives you a relatively high price/performance ratio.
> It is far cheaper than going with Compaq, IBM, or Dell.
> You may find cheaper solutions if you care to dig in copies of PC Magazine,
> or Computer Shopper, but be wary of super bargains.  Many of these
> bargain companies do not last for long. 
> My friends have had good luck with Gateway.  Good performance, great price.
> 
> 
> 2. You will need a powerful, yet easy to use sequencer.
> 
> Buy Cakewalk version 4.0 for DOS (not the professional version)  $99
> 
> Call Soundware 1 800 333 4554
> 
> This is the perfect IBM PC sequencer for beginners.  Has 256 tracks
> and comes with a very simple user interface.  
> 
> 3. You need a GM (general midi) sound module that will capture
> all the generic instruments and drum sounds.  You would also 
> need an interface card so that your sequencer can talk via midi to
> your keyboard controller.
> 
> Buy the Roland SCC-1 GM sound card, bundled with Band-in-a-box
> software.
> It also includes the MPU 401 midi interface and necessary cables.
> 
> The price for this bundle is $499.
> Call PG Music at 1-800-268-6272
> 
> It is a good idea to have at least one GM sound module in your setup.
> A lot of canned MIDI files can be purchased with GM sound arrangements.
>    
> Band-in-a-box is an excellent tool for adding accompanyment tracks.
> All you need to do is specify the chords for your music.  Dont know
> the Chords?  No problem.  Just buy a 'fake book'.  They show you
> the melody line with the chord changes.
> 
> 4. Finally you need an input device to trigger the sound module.
> Since your friend is a pianist, he obvious choice will be a 
> keyboard controller.
> 
> Buy the Roland A 30 Keyboard Controller          Price: around $700
> Call Sweetwater sound 1 219 432 8176 for a quote.
> 
> The A30 has 76 weighted action keys and work specially well with
> their GM modules.
> 
> The keys on the A30 have a lighter touch than a standard piano.
> But this is good thing.  It may take a while to get used to this,
> but it will be less tiring on your fingers when you play for long
> periods of time.  Moreover the lighter touch and faster response
> allows you to better simulate other instruments like mandolines,
> guitars or strings.
> 
> The 76 keys come in handy too. The 5 octaves on normal synths may be
> too restrictive for a piano player.
> 
> So how are we doing so far?
> 
> 1. Gateway 4SX-25                            $1495
> 2. Cakewalk 4.0 for DOS                        $99
> 3. Roland SCC-1, Band-in-a-box, MPU401        $499
> 4. Roland A30 Keyboard controller             $700
> ---------------------------------------------------
>                                    Total      $2793
> 
> This is a solid setup in the sequencing/arranging category.
> 
> However, it lacks in sound quality.  Your pianist friend will
> not be satisfied with the piano sounds of the SCC-1.
> 
> I would suggest to buy the EMU-proformance piano module for around $350.
> The closest thing you will find to a real piano for this price.
> 
> Next, you may want to look at additional sound modules as future
> upgrades:
> 
> These are all rackmounts:
> 
> 1. Korg Wavestation SR
> 2. Roland JV880 
> 3. Korg O3R
> 4. EMU Proteus 1,2
> 5. Yamaha TG77 
> 6. Alesis D4 - drum module
> 
> You may also need a good multieffects processor
> 
> 1. Ensoniq DP/4
> 
> You may also want to add a powerful synthesizer/sampler 
> 
> 1. Kurzweil K2000R
> 
> You may also need a midi controlled mixer
> 
> 1. Fostex DM100
> 
> You may also need a programmable midi patchbay/processor
> 
> 1. Digital Music MX-8
> 
> Ask you friend to subscribe to Keyboard Magazine 1 800 289 9919
> if he is not a regular reader already.
> 
> Buy mail order to save sales tax and shop around.
> 
> (BTW, I too am a pianist turned midi hobbyist.)  
> 
> Good Luck.
> 
> Tapas Das.
> tdas@esri.com 

==========
Jeez...What an anomoly;  A musician with a big budget!
As I deal with some writers who do the daily soaps, for people who may be 
interested, but on a limited budget, get an Atari 1040ST or 1040STE. 
$600.  Believe it or not, there are 3 daily soaps that are sequnced on a 
1040 with Hybrid Arts SMPTE Track Gold and just the internal floppy.
SMPTE track Gold is probably not as good as the latest QBASE.

A decent sound module is a Roland U-220.  Lotsa high quality sounds for 
the price.  This Module is used in tandem with a Roland S-330 to write 
music for some of the weekend cartoons and soundtracks.  (Curiously, the 
cartoon folks are awfully critical of the music;  A tradition from the 
full orchastrations used in Loony Toons!).  Note that in this case, the 
writer prefers a Mac2 and Proformer.

-Russel
s



--
Russel Mar (bbs.ruscal@tsoft.net)