Steinberg has released Hypersonic 2. It's an expanded library with 1.7 GB of sampled sounds. For my use, as a midi file playback machine and a sound module for One Man Band, it would be most useful if it responds to patch and bank changes.

Still, this isn't going to be a GM only based app, so I'm not sure how the actual GM set will sound in it. I did think that the original version ( Hyp 1 ) overall sounded better than Hyper Canvas, and in fact, gave the Motif ES a good run for the money soundwise. Hyp 2 is supposed to be much improved, so if nothing else it could possibly provide me with a general software workstation in one easy package. I had already considered selling my ES, but decided against it at for now at least, as it's still the best controller option I've used to date.

I'm interested in Hyp 2, but if it doesn't work well with OMB, and I keep the ES then I don't really need it.

AJ

Hi AJ,
sounds pretty interesting.
I was going thru the system requirements, any idea what the "Steinberg Key" is??

My old Cubase software ( 3.7) used to have a dongle that had to be connected to a serial port, in order to use the program. My current laptop doesn't have a serial port only USB ports, I'm hoping that the "key" may actually be the equivalent of the old dongle, but now plugs into usb instead of serial?? Do you happen to have any idea?
Been trying to find a good excuse to update my old cubase.

On the other hand is the key actually required to run Hypersonic 2 ?? ie have I misread something.

Could you actually use your Korg as the controller if you did decide to sell your ES.

I ended up getting a Ketron SD1 plus. GM based styles , so I'll definately be changing my omb styles over to gm instead of xg.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[b]Steinberg has released Hypersonic 2.

[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 12-29-2005).]

Rikki,

Yes, the dongle is a USB hardware device, and because it's a copy protection scheme it is required when using the software. That doesn't appeal to me all that much, but if the software is that good I'd live with it. One of the main problems I've heard from others is that some companies balk at sending a replacement key if you lose the original. Not sure of what Steinberg's policies are.

I could use the Korg, but with only one assignable slider, it's a rather poor controller for soft synths. I would want something that has at least as much as the ES has, preferably more, which allows for a lot of real time control, especially with analog modeled or hybrid synths.

One thing I like about the ES is the key feel though. I know there are supposed to be dedicateed controllers with good feel as well, but I just haven't played on one yet.

I always wanted to try out an SD1 Rikki. I bet it's a heck of a board. Enjoy.....

AJ

Hi AJ,
actually the dongles are a bit of a pain,
( especially the old serial one on my old laptop ) but also a good form of protection. Can see why companies would be loath about sending out replacements, be hard to prove it was lost & not given away.

Actually the sd1+ is quite an interesting keyboard. I don't think I've ever seen so many dedicated function buttons before.
Takes a while to work them all out.
Has an inbuilt sampler.
Luv the drums. Has a normal set ( channel 10 ) plus something they call " Live Drums " channel 9. Gives them a bit more realism. Plus I beleive audio loops can be incorporated into a style via the (Live Drum midi channel) if that's the case, I may hunt around for some audio loops ( .wav files) of drum rhythms. Found a great cd online the other day on Brushes http://www.bigfishaudio.com/4DCGI/detailWhatsOn.html?840
Just want to make sure it does what I think it will, before I order anything.

Actually it's nice to just have something to switch on and play.

Certainly not the end of Rikki2006 softsynth arranger, just gives me more to play around with.

Are you still planning on updating your keyboard, or are you sticking with your korg?

best wishes
Rikki

I used to frequent the Steinberg forums quite often and always heard that they won't replace a lost dongle. Basically, if you lose it you're screwed and have to buy the software again!

Also, if it gets damaged, you have to post it to Steinberg and cannot use the software until the replacement comes. I would be very leery gigging with that flimsy thing sticking out of my laptop. I have never gigged with my Cubase software yet have managed to break my dongle.

One thing you could do is build some sort of tiny but solid casing for the dongle and plug it into the laptop with a USB extension cable.

Carrie

That's why I like to avoid software with dongles if possible Carrie.

Rikki,

Sounds like you're getting along well with the SD1. I've heard before that the drums are very good.

I'm still looking for a hardware solution for playing out, but since I don't play out all that much, I'm not sure I see the justification in spending what a new Tyros 2 or PA1x will cost. Neither of those will be the best choices for me for composing my own stuff. I'm messing more and more with synth oriented stuff, with a touch of progressive rock and jazz / modern fusion, and some of it features odd time signatures or abstract drums / rythyms, some stuff that no arranger does all that well.

Perhaps whatever follows the PSR 3000, probably due this summer, would suffice. Also, it appears that my laptop is fried, and a laptop is kinda a must have for me. Ironically, I was about to upgrade my PC, as it is almost 3 yrs old. It's got 2 gigs of ram, but the Athlon 2400 ( 1.6 GHZ in the real world ) is getting kinda long in the tooth, although it seems to perform as well as my laptop with a pentium 4 2.8 GHZ processor did. Whatever I get, Athlon is definitely going to be in it. My music apps always seemed to perform better on them, especially when the processors are near the same speed as a Pentium.

AJ


[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-31-2005).]

Thanks Carrie,
had a feeling that would be the case.

Hi AJ
I must admit I'm quite enjoying it.
Have you ever considered a Ketron Midijay module. It's an interesting piece of gear. I nearly bought one instead of the sd1 because it would have been great for travelling with, plus I could have midied to the piano. But, I was told in no uncertain terms I wasn't allowed to take anything musical with me on holiday trips, so I opted for the sd1+ instead, it has some extra arranger functions etc

The Midijay seems more suited to the live performer. Had some functions I would not have really used ( not being a performer). Had a couple of drawbacks for me in that you can't create styles in it ( but it does load SD styles apparently), either way I would have managed a way around it by upgrading my EMC Styleworks program to Ketron. In the end, the sd1 was more suited to my needs.
Meanwhile for holidaying I'll just sneak the laptop into the luggage instead. haahaa

If it's of any interest to you, I'll give you some of my links.

Bit of bad news about your laptop.

Happy New Year

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[B]

Rikki,

I'm not at all familiar with the Midijay, other than I've browsed a few of the threads here when it was discussed. Sure, I'd like to take a look at it.

As far as the laptop is concerned, I have mixed feelings. I'm pretty much out of the money since it's beyond warrantee. Ironically, due to known defects in a few of their laptops, there was a ( successful ) class action suit filed against Toshiba, and my model was mentioned on the list, but the deadline to file has long since passed. I stood to receive at minimum 500 USD. Naturally, the company didn't advertise it, and I only found out recently when I was searching the net to see if others were having similar problems ( excessive overheating, irq issues, audio driver problems, etc ). The overheating appears to have killed it. I had it in the repair shop before, but again, no mention of the known problems.

OTOH, I'm actually a bit relieved to be ridding myself of it. I usually found workarounds, but I suspected something wasn't right. Right now I'm using a family member's spare laptop until I get a new one, and what a difference. Same processor ( P4 - 2.8 ), less memory, and much better performance.

I like to take my laptop on vacation trips and other places as well. I have brought the PA80, and my wife likes it when I do, as she accompanies me on harmonica, but space becomes an issue with 2 grandkids and all of our gear riding along.

AJ

Hi AJ
that's not terribly good news on the laptop, how old is it? I've still got my old win 98 laptop ( NEC) must be about 7 years old by now & still working ok( except the battery doesn't hold much charge anymore).
Must check with my son, I think he may have a Toshiba. My xp laptop is a Dell and so far it's been pretty good.

Hubby not wanting to take along a keyboard on holidays, isn't lack of space in the car , as much as my brain going off into space, I sort of become oblivious to my surroundings (haahaa).

Here's a couple of the Ketron sites, there's also a large Yahoo User group ( still very active).

It's still personal choice whether the sounds appeal, or whether the styles suit.

http://www.ketronus.com/midjay.htm
(comparison song demo's of the different models)
http://www.ketron.it/home/
(found a manual on site here somewhere?)

Don M did a reveiw of one http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/012050.html

Brochure ( takes a while to load up on screen) http://www.fjogstad.no/ketron/MIDIJAY%20brochure.pdf

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[B]Rikki,



[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 01-01-2006).]