Quote:
Originally posted by abacus:
You say you are prepared to go to high end arranger Keyboards, well although more expensive then the boards you mention, consider the Wersi Ikarus & Lionstracs Media station, as these are software based and you can install VST plug-ins (Soft Synths etc) of which there are many available for all the types of music you require.
Media station probably has the edge at the moment, but with Wersi OAS 7 software due out soon, they will probably be similar, both (Wersi with OAS 7) can also use Giga samples.


I'm with Bill on this one, the Wersi and Lionstracs are easily the top contenders available right now for arranger/workstations and they both offer more features than any competitor bar none. If you don't need arranger features then the Korg Oasys is also worth considering. The Wersi has by far the easiest to operate GUI but with each Lionstracs update the Mediastation is getting closer and closer to Wersi. The Wersi is damned difficult to beat though as its interface, sounds, features, and build quality are top notch.

Both Wersi and Lionstracs can play GIGA files and until you've heard a multi gigabyte sound played back you don't know just how awesome they sound. Whereas competitors such as Yamaha, Korg, and Roland use only a few hundred Megabytes of sound ROM for all their sounds, Wersi and Lionstracs can play back single sounds that are 3-5 GB or more! In addition to GIGA sample playback the Wersi and Lionstracs both feature Native Instruments B4, definitely the best B3 modeling program available, and VST support so you can load your favorite soft synth, sequencer, and recording programs.

If you have a dealer near you give both of these keyboards a look and see and hear for yourself what they can do. I think either one will amaze you.