How do you use your workstation?

Bachus · Post by **Bachus** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 9:19 pm

With all the discussions about workstations and their future, we are trying to find out how people use their current workstations..

Thats why we hope every workstation user will take the time to answer the poll question on our boards at :

http://keyszone.boards.net/thread/46/use-workstation

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 9:37 pm

Other questions you might consider asking:

1. Do you design / programme new sounds?

2. Do you use a workstation in isolation or as part of a multi keyboard setup

3. Types of music creation you use your workstation 1) media music 2) art / pure-music compositions 3) gigging 4) worship 5) theatre ..

4. Are you a solo artist or in a band

5. Are you a synthesist, EDM artist or DJ?

6. Do you upgrade your instruments with the latest versions over time?

7. Do you consider using a workstation with a DAW important?

8. Do you regard a workstation as a valid kind of keyboard for the future

9. Which is important to you for for a new workstation release: a) new and innovative features or 2) an evolution and improvement of existing features

.....

Bachus · Post by **Bachus** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 9:48 pm

Kevin Nolan wrote:Other questions you might consider asking:

1. Do you design / programme new sounds?

2. Do you use a workstation in isolation or as part of a multi keyboard setup

3. Types of music creation you use your workstation 1) media music 2) art / pure-music compositions 3) gigging 4) worship 5) theatre ..

4. Are you a solo artist or in a band

5. Are you a synthesist, EDM artist or DJ?

6. Do you upgrade your instruments with the latest versions over time?

7. Do you consider using a workstation with a DAW important?

8. Do you regard a workstation as a valid kind of keyboard for the future

9. Which is important to you for for a new workstation release: a) new and innovative features or 2) an evolution and improvement of existing features

.....

. Thanks for the input... i will definately do something with this in the future...

The current poll, kind of hangs, its impossible on proboards to allow guests to vote in a poll, and i can understand people not signing up to a forum just to answer a poll...

So i do need to rethink my strategy to get some answers... but finding out what kind of people and how they use a workstation will answer some questions..

Post by **Sharp** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 10:04 pm

I don't get it.
Seems to me like your asking our members on this forum to go elsewhere and register on your forum so they can take part in a Poll you could have posted here in the first place.

See anything wrong with that?

Sharp.

Bachus · Post by **Bachus** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 10:59 pm

Sharp wrote:I don't get it.
Seems to me like your asking our members on this forum to go elsewhere and register on your forum so they can take part in a Poll you could have posted here in the first place.

See anything wrong with that?

Sharp.

Sorry about that.... i tought i guest could vote in my poll... sadly they cant..

I asked the question on quite a few forums, not just here... otherwise it would have indeed been easier to create the poll overhere..

Somehow a good idea just didnt work out... as i said, i never meant to make people sign up, just answer the poll... to get me my answers.. and maybe a little to learn about the excistance of the keyszone boards.. but definately not to trick them in signing up

---------

I created those boards as a shelter for people when synthzone was down... but then the moment the boards where online, synthzone luckilly returned... and so i tought to give the boards another use...

Currently we have 2 main goals, first we plan to keep our news section updated with all keyboard news, so people have one convennient place where they can read about all the news, and discuss it. On top of that we plan to provide forum boards for all the smaller brands of keyboards, where owners can discuss and hopefully get into connection with representatives of the manufactorer. Not every brand has top knotch user forums like yamaha and Korg. In the distant future, we hope to become a place for all keyboardists. However we also realise that you can not create a new community over night, so we hope for your understanding that building a community takes time and dedication..

If you check for example the Korg forum, you will see it directly links people overhere, as there is no use for having another board to discuss Korg products as this one works very very well..

For smaller brands this is a different story, and thats where the forums are aiming at..

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:02 pm

Well I will pipe up because am in caffeine overload, hahaha
I use the Kronos for the synths using the loaded sounds and making my own
I enjoy making programs and combis
I do not use the sequencer at all but maybe I should a least look into it. I prefer logic pro x because it is the one I am most familiar with.
I use an audio interface and just record audio no midi.
I love the organs and have to be careful all my combis don't turn into organ sounds.
I use Karma, I have Karma software but have not created my own GE yet.
I do at times use Kronos to play logic instruments and my minitaur or iPad apps but now use the Roli Rise predominantly for that.
I am not a pro, I have beginner level playing skills and just mess around for the fun of it!

Hope that helps.

Mr_SamDoogie · Post by **Mr_SamDoogie** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:53 pm

I have the Korg microstation which is a slim workstation.
Usually I'm starting from scratch for new fresh sounds
and fiddle around to create something instead of using
plain stock sounds sometimes I just go with them.

I'm not used to edit or program single programs sounds
or combi's and have them more as template. I don't
memorize things like adding LFO , Vibrato , ADSR and
other AMS stuff which is very useful to know.

When I hear them from programs or combi's I'll copy
and use them there is so much so hard to keep this
and that in mind I'll memorize the favorite ones which
are like me sounds.

The sequencer plays a big role, I'm not so fast accurate
steady on the fingers so step sequencing patterns and switching
scene's is a joy with external sequencer.
(the Microstation does no pattern scene switching ).

Yeah I like having my workstation its quick to create
something and can be intimidating to go to the deep
programming sounds lots of AMS, DSP option which
is a pro in time its getting used to so.

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 5:09 am

My primary use for a workstation, is as a composition tool.

I do not use it as my main performance keyboard - I have a different master device. The most valuable aspect to a workstation is hands down a full, linear sequencer. The more flexible and accessible it is, the better it is. Step sequencers, phrase sequencers, audio sampling are all OK, but none of them are the equivalent of a full, linear sequencer and cannot replace it.

To answer Kevin's posted questions:

1) Yes, although I do use presets for conventional instrument sounds as well, sometimes with some tweaking.

2) In composition, in isolation or driving desktop synthesisers. In performance, it's part of a larger setup, and I use it for delivery.

3) 1, 2 and 3. Mostly 2.

4) Solo (with the occasional collaboration).

5) None of those really fit. I'm kind of a synthesist, but more a composer who uses synthesisers. I'm not a synthesist in the sense of putting on the wizard's hat and the cap and wowing thousands with my dazzling display of virtuosity.

6) Yes, as cash permits.

7) No. If I'm using a DAW, I'm using a DAW. I am quite capable of using a DAW and then using a keyboard workstation for sounds, or something similar, but DAW integration is positively subterranean in my list of priorities. Requiring a DAW to get the most out of it puts the device firmly in the DO NOT WANT category.

8) Yes. Mind you, it doesn't have to have a keyboard to be a functional workstation - that's merely a note entry convenience. A MIDI in port is fine. A Linnstrument or Continuum or Eigenharp type interface could work just as well.

9) 2). I'm way more interested in a really solid, fast, flexible interface to put down music, which is effectively a development of what's out there, rather than anything wild and new.

JPROBERTLA · Post by **JPROBERTLA** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:11 pm

I use the Kronos for live performances in three different ways:

(1) live with setlist and no sequences.
(2) live with a 7-9 piece band with some sequences in 50% of the songs as supporting tracks
(3) live with 100% sequences duo/trio

It works well is all applications. The sequencer may be not enough for some, but for over 25 years I have been using Korg sequencers in this method without any problems.

I am sure that dedicated software sequencers are faster and have more functions. But if you actually play the parts in, the Korg sequencer works just fine. And it sounds like a player and not a sequence.

JPROBERTLA · Post by **JPROBERTLA** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:12 pm

I use the Kronos for live performances in three different ways:

(1) live with setlist and no sequences.
(2) live with a 7-9 piece band with some sequences in 50% of the songs as supporting tracks
(3) live with 100% sequences duo/trio

It works well is all applications. The sequencer may be not enough for some, but for over 25 years I have been using Korg sequencers in this method without any problems.

I am sure that dedicated software sequencers are faster and have more functions. But if you actually play the parts in, the Korg sequencer works just fine. And it sounds like a player and not a sequence.

ErnstDabest · Post by **ErnstDabest** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 5:10 pm

Korg Triton Classic is the best that's what I have and it's what I use.
Don't like the Kronos much because I don't have a Kronos; I have a Triton Classic.

1. I do not use a PC at all to make tracks. That stuff is useful for watching pron only or the occasional websearch when looking-up info on newly discovered pron actresses.

2. Loop base (pattern) recording drives me nuts my mind doesn't work that way. Too robotic!

3. Linear recording is the way to go for me. I don't fix things I will do it over-and-over as many times necessary till' I get it right. No quantize during and no after quantize to correct timing mistakes; my timing is what goes. I will however make sure that my drums are tight (through step-recording and some varying 16 and 32 tiplet groove-quantize)

spaceman3 · Post by **spaceman3** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 7:40 pm

I use my KRONOS workstation sequencer, and built in daw for
everything.
I do have SONY ACID PRO software in my VAIO, as well as CUBASE, and
i tried using software for recording, but with all of softwares features,
software just slowed me down, and killed my workflow.
KRONOS sequencer gets a bad rap, but if you have some musical skills
you can do anything with it.
KRONOS also controls my MX49 and my MININOVA perfectly.
I have waited a long time to get something that works the way KRONOS does, so i do not ever see myself buying another workstation.
KRONOS is the synth they will bury me with.
In the future, if i should feel the need for more sounds, i still have a GB of ram in KRONOS
and i could purchase more EXS expansions.
As a songwriter, and guy who likes to create his own sounds, KRONOS
workstation delivers what i need.

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Tue Jan 24, 2017 6:00 am

I also gave up using a PC for music, not that there's inherently anything wrong with it, but just find the workflow with hardware more satisfying.

I think if you can have a PC dedicated to music, and you keep everything frozen in a state where everything is working, then a PC can be a great option. But inevitably, some component will need to be upgraded (whether software or hardware), which cascades.

Case in point: I recently updated my wireless router because I moved house and needed a model with stronger wireless. The new model seemed to be incompatible with the USB WiFi adaptor I had connected to my music machine, so I updated that. The new wireless adaptor drivers seemed to suffer from high Deferred Procedure Call locks, which meant that my music software would freeze up for around .05 seconds every minute or so.

Five hours later, investigating different wireless drivers, OS updates, WiFi chipsets, I hadn't made any music. Running offline also isn't an option, as so much music software requires internet access for authorisation.

A friend had a similar issue where he bought a VST, only to discover that it wasn't compatible with his ancient version of OS X (10.6). So he upgraded that to discover that his ancient version of Abelton Live didn't seem to play with the new Mac OS X, so he had to upgrade that. Days of stuffing around later, he had achieved very little.

Hardware? It's usually much easier to upgrade one component without affecting the rest.

sutekh · Post by **sutekh** » Tue Jan 24, 2017 7:55 am

The way I use my workstation has changed over the years. I used to use my Triton for lots of composing and for the various original bands I was in.

Now I have the Kross, but I'm not composing much. I use it in a cover band and a tribute band- it's great for matching sounds almost exactly and for splits/layers to cover all the changes. It's great for programming sounds.

But I still come up with ideas, so that's where the sequencer comes in handy.