Korg Forums

I need some advice. I recently was offered the opportunity to play keys in a band that does extensive touring in the US. They play festivals, casinos, etc.

The dilemma is that they use backline keys at their shows. First question I have is whether it’s even likely that a backline company would have a Kronos available? If so, assuming I don’t need to load samples and EXs and just rely on a stock memory, how easy would it be to use my USB to upload my splits, layers and set lists?

I guess I can always just buy a laptop and go with Mainstage too. That way regardless of brand I have a portable rig.

Any input would be most appreciated...thx!

totally depends on your bands material

and to any or what degree the BL expects you to play backing tracks.
Or double on bass. Or send a click track to the drummer. Etc etc etc.

If I were you, I would ask for all the facts/requirements up front.
Get the entire song list, too. And if they play it in order or jump all over the place.

IMHO this is where the Kronos falls down when compared to many other industry standard synths. Transferring data from one to another is nearly impossible due to IP. Unless you simply use stock sounds with no splits you'll likely encounter issues if you spec a Kronos as your go to synth. Better off spec'ing an 88 key midi controller and bringing a macbook loaded with your show on Mainstage or similar.

couple questions re Mainstage. Does it come with a Mac or is it a standalone purchase? Is it loaded with useable sounds or do you purchase programs to load it?

What size Mac laptop would be appropriate? Ram, cpu...etc.
Plan to use it as a dedicated music laptop but want to be sure it has enough power to run popular programs.

Also, what brand audio interface should I use between the keybd controller and the laptop/PA?

I totally agree with Greg. What kind of material are they playing? Even though I only do cover tunes, using something less than my Kronos would be unacceptable. I just have too many customs combis that are a must. If they just want you cover piano and organ, that's something that might be doable with back line gear.

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I think the only really safe solution is to get a mac and load programs on MainStage, and then just order a generic weighted 88 key controller at the gig site. That way I can be sure all my patches/combis, splits/layers appear as they should.

It's too bad that one can't transport the Kronos IP easily. Love the board but traveling with one on a plane is just too cumbersome and risky.

Carbo wrote:I want to thank everyone for the advice. I think the only really safe solution is to get a mac and load programs on MainStage, and then just order a generic weighted 88 key controller at the gig site. That way I can be sure all my patches/combis, splits/layers appear as they should.

It's too bad that one can't transport the Kronos IP easily. Love the board but traveling with one on a plane is just too cumbersome and risky.

really safe would be 2 identical loaded Macs.

I don't what your gig will pay but think about sound redundancy. Simple would be an MX49.

too small a keyboard for my needs, really would need 88 to cover all the splits.

The only keyboards I would consider "backline" would be a grand piano, Hammond B3, and EP and maybe a clavinet. Think of keyboards like a guitar, especially if you have to do a lot of specific patches. Get a K88LS, load up all your libraries, patches, samples, etc and make 2 backup copies on a remote device, maybe even on a cloud.

Ron I hear ya, yes the LS would weigh less then lugging the SE on a flight, but I’d still have to deal with the cargo issue and if you think about cost, I think a loaded MAC laptop would be cheaper and so much easier to gig with.

Carbo wrote:couple questions re Mainstage. Does it come with a Mac or is it a standalone purchase? Is it loaded with useable sounds or do you purchase programs to load it?

What size Mac laptop would be appropriate? Ram, cpu...etc.
Plan to use it as a dedicated music laptop but want to be sure it has enough power to run popular programs.

Also, what brand audio interface should I use between the keybd controller and the laptop/PA?

I have a 2018 Macbook Pro. Mainstage is something you'd purchase through the App Store. I believe it's like $30. I also run Omnisphere and Keyscape, which are Spectrasonics programs. Well worth it, imho. Mainstage has many usable sounds onboard that are passable. I've got 32gb Ram I believe and a quad core Intel processor. There are many who use far less and I'm sure many who use far more in terms of processing power and ram. I have used my rig for fly dates and have a small Steinberg audio interface and a usb thunderbolt hub. All of which fits into my macbook briefcase. Easily fits as a carry-on. I LOVE my Kronos, but there's no way I'd fly with it either.

Replied to your pm.