That's true Bill, so I stand corrected on that, but even GM 2 is kinda limited considering the advancements in technology since 2000 and more than a few ( post 2000 ) modules and apps out there still don't utilize it or use their own varations anyway.

Drum apps and the unique mappings from manufacturer to manufacturer are probably the most difficult obstacles to overcome.

Drum mapping aside, it is pretty much impossible for me to write a song on an arranger and then transfer each midi part to a different module without having to do a large amount of tweaking. Even with the most common effects, reverb and chorus, and common controllers, each module varies enough that I prefer utilizing an arranger for very basic ideas to get a start ( chord progressions, basic rythyms etc ). Once I have an idea where I want to go, I find it's more productive for me to simply start from scratch in FL or Sonar.

On the other end of it, it took quite some time and effort to be able to make my soft arranger work for me on stage. It does indeed work, and well enough that I could use it any time if I really had the need to. That said, I find it to be simpler and therefore relaxing to just play off of the Tyros 2 or PA80 live. Much less to think about and while perhaps the lead instrument sounds aren't quite as "authentic", they are close enough that it I'd rather be relaxed and more focused on the music itself and entertainment. Much of that goes right back to the complexity of making Yamaha ( or Korg ) styles sound excellent on other modules.

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 05-08-2007).]