The other thing I did not mention is the need for a good control surface. Now some things are happening but again they are happening for the studio (Cubase & Sonar) where the hardware is being built to match up with these sequencers. We need something like that for our style players and soft synths.

There are some choices out there that have everything in a keyboard (Windows, soft synths, HDs, soundcards, etc.)....but still way to expensive. I guess my preference would be to have some company build a keyboard that has nothing in it but the operating system and all the keys, knobs, faders one needs to get the job done. This could at minimum meet or exceed the GM2 standard. In this case the customer goes out and buys the soundcards, HDs, soft synths and anything else needed to get the job done. This bare GM2 based keyboard should be costed at somewhere around say $1k. With another $1k you could get the rest for a total of say $2k. What's wrong with that....it is flexible and completely satisfies customer needs.

Alternatively, build the same keyboard but don't include the operating system and rather buy an external computer to do the rest. This would be my favorite approach...very flexible....cost effective???

Fran, I agree with you that HyperCanvas is great out of the box but once you tune up Bandstand it does not do so well. Bandstand has higher quality samples and effects, e.g., convolution reverb, etc. However, it costs more and is harder on the CPU. If you want to use soft synths for live performances then something like HyperCanvas or SGM180 are good alternatives. I still think you need something better for lead or melody voices. I find even Bandstand is not good enough for this and will continue to use kontakt and sample libraries such as GPO, GJ&BB, Colossus, B4 and so on.

I think NI will solve major sound and operating issues with Bandstand and it will become the go to sampler for things like style or midi files. We shall see. I currently use Bandstand and have converted my most commonly used styles to the GM format with the great help from M. Bedesem's MidiPlayer II.


[This message has been edited by Frank L. Rosenthal (edited 01-16-2006).]