I am using this quote from another thread because it pains me to see that so few have actually commented on the Frank Sinatra song that Dave recorded this week on his SD7 ( see link above).The thread gets carried away by other circumstantial stuff such as the streaming performances, ukeleles etc.etc. but very few have actually commented on his performance here.
I still think that this song and his rendition as well as the use of the SD7 is truly wonderful and would like to emphasize that, hence my new posting. I hope many will concur and if not point out where they think the performance, the vocals or the instrument are lacking.......

regards,
John

Astonished???? John, in case you hadn't noticed, a global pandemic is in the process of killing hundreds of thousands of people and causing unprecedented hardship, pain, and suffering. Despite Dave's good efforts, I think it's perfectly understandable if it's not everybody's first priority right now. Personally, I'm more surprised that there wasn't more of a response to DonM's PERSONAL plight with his immediate family and the potential VIRUS threat posed to them. Perhaps because it was noted in MY post and therefore ignored by many or for whatever reason, I think it should have garnered more concern....especially on a forum such as this. This is not a reprimand or a minimalization of Dave's work; it's just that at a time like this, we need to keep things in perspective. JMO.

chas

Chas,

In this time of suffering and untold hardships it is hard to keep a bit of perspective. Personally with my age and underlying condtions I am very much at risk myself but have been spared so far.

We can go on endlessly about the suffering that is going on all over the world but it won't change anything. I agree that we should take notice and offer support to those of us here on the forum who have been hit or who have relatives who have been subjected to these sufferings and losses. Don knows that I will think of him and his regardlessly...

To keep some perspective of sanity in all this madness all I can do is take refuge with my music. I will post a new video tonight here. In this train of thought I made my remark as to Dave's performance. I would appreciate you seeing it in the right perspective, please.

kind regards
John

Wow, there is room and need for every bit of it, but why start a negative discussion on my important holiday? What purpose could there be?

It’s my very special day, Easter Sunday,
PLEASE respect what this day means me, John C.

chas ... perhaps some of us had the opportunity to speak with Don personally ...

Despite what is going on around us, I wish all a peaceful day ...
Be Safe, Be Well

I think tensions are high right now, and understandably so, but let's all try to be supportive of each other's feelings, and stay as positive as possible. We're all aware of the surroundings. No one has a different situation anywhere, so let's embrace the friendships we have here, and share some comfort where and whenever needed.
That was nice of you to say John, thanks. I know we're all hurting, in some way, but as keepers of the music we have the power to soothe. I'm busy as a bee taming this SD7, and looking for a buyer so I can upgrade to the SD60 as soon as one is available. My new perspective on this ever changing business has led be back to the Ketron camp for my live performances. Nest time I'm on stage, I'll be behind an SD7, and probably holding my Godin Montreal triple play midi guitar ... with a huge smile on my face. Maybe something like this .... but with sleeves on. lol

+++1

I guess it's sunny in PA ... Suns out, guns out ...

Oh yeah, baby.

what is NEST TIME?

Hee, hee .... typing with the mittens on again, I guess. I'm glad your/you're on duty to catch these things.

Maybe we're getting spoiled by Dave's music posts, because they are ALWAYS excellent!
I'll steal a little of the thread to report GOOD news. My daughter-in-law did NOT have the covid. Apparently it was good old-fashioned flu. Never been so happy to hear a loved one has the flu!

Whoo Hooo ! That's great Don!

Oh, answered prayers, Don ...

Must be a great great relief for all of you Don and something to be very grateful for in these trying times. Keep safe,

regards,
John

I for one would love to have more Sz people post some of their music Now's the Time when there's nothing to do...

Don, I'm happy to hear your DIL had the old fashioned flu and not the corona virus.

Dave, you are one talented musician!

Here ya go Donny ... recorded in "bassist" mode, so that means LH manual bass, and RH triggers acc and harmonies.

Thanx for that great song .....
but I wanna hear some of the great sounds on the SD7 aside from EP
....am I alone in that request?

NO !!! ... bring it on Dave ...

Have only been checking in sporadically as it's been more about spiritual time than forum chat time for me this week as John C alluded to. And as Chas said, there are other things grabbing my attention. However I appreciate John S pointing out Dave's song. I thought it was really well balanced, and Dave, you seemed a bit more relaxed and in touch with the piece after spending more time with the new board. So I find myself more or less in agreement with everyone mentioned.

Too true Don ( Dave’s music posts)

Don , brilliant news about the daughter in law having flu.
What a relief to family and friends.

Brilliant version Dave.

Weeeeeeeeeeeel, you know I'm a Rhodes guy, and don't use many RH sounds, but here's a medley that much more arranger heavy than I normally do ..... if you need a quick Ketron Fix.

https://app.box.com/s/amyrxve5val6a6xzqjh9poqxxsu2wep9

Boardwalk-Manual bass
Save Last Dance-full arr
Survive-full arr
All of Me-this style was made for it ...intro and all

Glad you got Box.com working now..

When I found the free version - I jumped on it. No way I'd buy it.

so much easier for the listener

Sounding great as always SuperDave!

Thanks Randy! ..... next thing is to work the sax, flute and clarinet back into the act. Last time I played clarinet was our Mardi Gras party.

Ketron SD60 ?
YOu sure you wanna spend all that dough on it ? Man this sounds absolutely great,seems to me you are making up for lost years here
Looking forward to your weekly streamings, hope you will be able to come up with a solution for direct sound and audience contact.
Good luck,

John

John,
I know me ... and I know that in the heat of a live moment, I will start pushing buttons, tweaking settings, and I want the fastest, most powerful processor available for high stress moments. I don't expect it to sound much different - maybe the live guitars will impress me, but TBH - I'd be happy if it sounded just the same as the SD7, but with more horsepower. For a more casual, or more predictable player - the SD7 is well above average. I just know that it's like putting a 4 cylinder engine in a sports car ... it's working at maximum too much of the time. I want power. I want headroom, and I want the best available in any chosen category. My fans deserve it, and I deserve it. I have chosen to work in this industry, and using the best tools available is the most effective way I know to hone my craft.

I have no regrets on getting the SD7. In fact - if I didn't, I wouldn't have had this rebirth to the Ketron Kamp, so it's all a matter of serendipity. This is a serious beast, with wonderful features, and sound, but as someone who pushes the limits of an instrument, I need something that I can redline without crashes. I'm an odd duck, and I know it ... but I want what I want when I want it. Meg Ryan taught me that in When Harry Met Sally.

Me again ... John Smies sent me an email asking me to share a more pristine (direct) recording, and the vocal settings I'm currently using on the SD7, so here goes.
First let me say - the vocal is no where NEAR where I want it to be. I'm just not fussing that much as I learn the OS better. Mic settings need to be made in the environment used anyway, so ... I'll never know how I want it to sound on stage - till I get back on a stage. For now ... it's fine. I'm using a slightly modded trio setting for my harmonizer because it behaves the best. Ultimately, I'd like to set up a duo and a single if I can find setting that follow me as well as this trio does. So much to do .... when will I ever find the time?

I'll link the audio file in a reply -I have 4 items in the file manager already.

... and here's the song file.

https://app.box.com/s/cq5d0iscn1igbvjm2pbqihb5xaqx1tkx

After listening to this - the audio seems a bit hot, but I swear - it was NOT as I played it. I used headphones and all levels were terrific. Any inconsistencies are from the built in audio recorder. This is why I haven't done may studio recordings in the past ... I always mix from a live perspective. Still .... it's fun to do.

I like the style, ....
but sounds like the vocals are clipping and a bit distorted during the VH parts....

Just for fun - I went back to the KB, and without changing the settings .... lowered the default record level ... and did it again - which one sounds better?
It's funny how much interest I've lost in doing the song already ... with no audience, and already having done it - my heart's just not in it. This is what I mean by letting the audiences energy fuel me. My mind is so NOT in the moment ... and shows in the riffs.

https://app.box.com/s/8x8rdiyaepcbb0v1gehe9bti9o23j1ou

good luck ......meanwhile on the news now on TV
they are discussing reopening plans in NY,NJ,CT, etc,...

Enjoyed the recording Dave. Mix wasn't bad, except some of it was pretty hot. If the SD7 were shorter and key touch lighter I would have kept it.
Tried SD40, but I prefer all-in-one setup. Sure sounds good though.

I hear ya Don .... I really believe the hotness is the record level, and not the output I hear.

While playing this song I found a little item that I miss - the ability to repeat the "break" with a double press of the button. A song like this can really use such a feature. It was clumsy toggling it. AJ - listening?

I too wish it were shorter, but I DO like the keys (a lot). I have come to the conclusion that no one makes what I want, so I've decided to make a pro/con list of all the most important things I want at my fingertips ... and it's the SD60. If there were NO SD60, I'd make myself happy with the SD7, but since the turbo model is out, that's the holy grail for me ... for now. If Korg puts a true 4x engine with the same keybed, in a cabinet with speakers .... I'll have to make another P/C list.
For now ... this is me

so what does the sd60 give you that the sd7 does not?

Dave,

Much appreciated and although indeed somewhat hot on the vocals it is definitely a great song rendered in a great way. Guess it is part of your regulars ?
At the risk of over asking, when you are in either Mike or Voicetron mode where you get to Equaliser, it there says VIEW and then gives the EQ settings you have been using. Could you do me a screenshot of those too please ? Much obliged !!
Looks to me that the SD60 is just a matter of time before it gets to the Boyd place, I guess it sure is the right place to go to. Perhaps Don you should consider one as well ???!!!

regards,
John

Too long, keytouch too heavy, too expensive, not working right now, happy with EA7 for now.
When we get through all this, I'll look at the new Korg, which will probably be out after Italy returns to work. But I most likely won't like the keys on it either. Actually, it's not that I don't like them; it's that they hurt my fingers and wrists after a few hours.
If I were to return to Ketron, it would have to be a module, and I prefer all in one arranger.

... in a word - Horsepower. That's the main reason. I want the best operating system available for such a complex beast. I haven't heard the live guitars, but I'm guessing they will be a welcome addition as well. I plan to push this instrument to it's limits on stage, so I want he strongest tools available. The SD7 is operating at, or very near it's maximum potential - I want headroom.

That makes a lot of sense Dave. I know it's not your "bag" but those new Country styles AJ did are really good. I helped, by the way.

Sure - as you can see, the Main mic is a stock preset (hi fi), and I mostly just reduced the bass on the vocalizer to thin it out a bit.

Dave, your mic e.q. is totally flat. Most people overuse the e.q.

Yes - I remember changing a few Q values, but the levels are all at 12 O'clock. I've only scratched the surface of the mic settings. I think I changed the values, and resaved it for future tweaks.

I have a keyboard stand that slides under a custom table to maximize space. This is exactly the reason I don't have an SD7 (other than I don't need it). The extra 6 inches makes it too big to slide under (no dirty jokes please :)).