Quote:
Originally posted by Fran Carango:
You want an honest report on the MS...just ask!!!

The reboot problem that Dennis mentioned, originated from a update of Linus programs and a combination of incorporating a quad core CPU...The culprit was the kernel..Dom recently released a beta test kernel that seems to fix the problem of the "Jack" connection..

The Mediastation's ability to play Yamaha styles via LiveStyler/Lionstracs...solved the problems of yesteryear...The arranger play runs as smooth as most top arrangers, with dedicated buttons and sliders to handle "live play"..

What is missing currently, even with the Qranger...the possibility to edit live ..styles and sequence parts....in real time while performing...but you Yammie guys are use to that..

Roland users are spoiled..

What is unmatched...VST use..loading , playing...and the volume of quality Giga library sounds..

The dual player is also unmatched...It will play audio/ and midi files..with transpose of any file..smoothly..It has an easy search dial or type index..

CDG support is forth coming...And the lyric screen can be as large as you need in the 8" screen..

The Internet connection works great..uses Firefox..

The video play is also excellent...you can watch a video on break..

The assortment of patch capabilities is SUPER..allows you to work without the need of any mixer....The 2 mic inputs (low impedance), have their own effects , eq, and volumes...and there are a pair of audio inputs too (although you won't need a laptop to plug in)..Another keyboard can be plugged in..if you are with another band member...


Diki, you are right, I have not gigged with the MS, but use it all the time in the studio...Yes the few bugs that come up with the changing of OS and Linux updates can be disappointing....but as DNJ said....Dom is right there and solves the problem..even our own individual problem...either immediately..or within a short period of time..


Recap:

The Mediastation is decently stable...as of 2 days ago the new kernel has corrected some of the issues.. Initial boot up is perfect 9 out of 10 times..

The sounds are unsurpassed...For those of us that are lucky to have the boards to A/B them..it is evident the MS shines here...

The style play stands on it's own...with Livestyler..and the Qranger is the master at creating styles...

VST use is simply the best..

The combi mode is great..allowing the use of 8 patches to create the perfect user program...


I hope this enlightens some folks here..that mat be considering the MS...

Support..is simply unmatched by any company...Dom Rules...


Now maybe Dom will send me a check..


Some clatification, although I don't think it is necessary..

My statement that the MS arranger stands on it's own...stands!!!

It has the meat and potato features..Key start, intros, endings, fills and velocity activated fills...That is enough to stand on it's own..

My friend Dennis must be having a bad day..

Getting on my case because I use lyrics.. I already mentioned a while back that was my crutch...so what..

And Dennis , i was just passing the CDG info on..in fact it was not "my gotta have." features at all...
In fact I never use MP3's when I perform as a solo...only for break tunes...

With the band, we rely on MP3's..

As you may be aware the CDG feature had to be completed before the "new" performance feature could be completed...to save Dom extra work..

I stand behind all my comments mentioned...and the comments I am expressing now....

Spalding if your remark is for my behalf...speak up.. [img]http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/biggrin.gif[/img]

I have not painted a rosy color on the MS, but you can bet there will be a rosy color in it's future...

James we have MS owners that also have a Neko...I am sure you can buy it from them...they prefer the better keyboard (in their opinion)..the MS...

Any questions that need to be asked...just ask, but don't beat around the bush... [img]http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/smile.gif[/img] [img]http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/smile.gif[/img] [img]http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/smile.gif[/img]
_________________________
www.francarango.com