CME's new VX controllers may have some kind of style/arranger system built-in along with a new type of plug-in synth architecture. Release date is May. I'm keeping an eye on that.

While I intend to be on the forward edge of the softsynth arranger frontier, I also intend to have parachutes galore.

For the moment I am concentrating on turning my large library of MIDI files into MP3's and finding ways to play them back conveniently so I can pull off gigs with the least amount of equipment and hassle. To create the MP3 files I am using a combination of my Yamaha 9000 Pro and Colossus at home, which sounds awesome. I have bought a Music Pad Pro with v4.0 (it now plays MP3's as well as displaying music) and a new Kawai ES4 piano... I intend to gig with just these two primary components plus amplification in the next month or so, reducing my cartage and setup time to scant amounts. From there I can add my Acer Ferrari laptop, which would give me the option of using Reason live and/or using softsynths and OMB for a live arranger system. If the CME VX controller turns out to be a hot item, I can add one of those later too.

The live softsynth-arranger system, or combination of components that equates to that, that I would feel comfortable with on stage isn't quite there but I feel it is close, so I am developing a stage system that can grow in functionality while giving me rock-solid live performance options and presenting the lowest equipment profile. On top of that, it's gotta look good too!

Best wishes Frank... your efforts in softsynth arrangers are creating a legacy.