Great breakdown Darrick! For the purpose of clarity, one thing that keyboard players who are looking to buy should be aware of when figuring out what keyboard is best suited for them, is that the Yamaha Montage (or MODX/MODX+) in the digital 'Synthesizer' category is essentially the same as a 'Workstation', except for how/where you do your sequencing & sampling. Yamaha decided to change from their Motif 'Workstation' classification when they released the next generation flagship keyboard to the Montage 'Synthesizer' because they noticed many musicians were either not using the onboard sequencer & utilizing their Motif as a stage synth instead of a workstation, or they were just utilizing a DAW for the sequencing & sampling in their favorite computer software (Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton Live), so they offloaded those "workflows" to the computer and changed the category. The Yamaha Montage (& MODX/MODX+) synths come with Cubase free, so if you have a computer with a USB port (which most people do), it is quite easy to do the sequencing on a big 20+" screen with much more detail, and more quickly than on the synthesizer or workstation. Also, you get SampleRobot sampling software for free. So aside from doing my sequencing & sampling on a computer DAW instead of on the synthesizer itself, I can do anything on the Montage 'Synthesizer' that can be done on a 'Workstation'. I sequencer all songs using Pro Tools and most times I use all 16 PARTs/voices. On average I sequence about 10 to 12 of the PARTs/voices while playing 4 to 8 PARTs/voices myself live on the keys (there is sometimes overlap where a PART/voice will be both played and sequenced for a song). I haven't even tried the new 'Pattern' sequencer that they added to the Montage in OS update 3.0 because DAW sequencing is too powerful, efficient & easy. And for sampling, the DAW based recording/editing and the SampleRobot software are perfect for my needs. I took my favorite VST piano (C7), sampled all notes in 8 different velocity layers, edited/adjusted them as needed, then saved as a library file and imported into the Montage user memory as a brand new piano. It sounds and plays exactly like the VST piano. The sound design options are also endless on the Montage like they would be on a Workstation. I also have an awesome Steinway grand piano library always loaded as well, and the Bosendorfer Imperial grand that comes for free on the Montage. So, if you prefer to do sequencing (& sampling) on the keyboard itself and not on a computer DAW, then the Montage (MODX/MODX+) might not be the fit for you, and you would be better off with a Workstation type synth. If you don't do much sequencing or prefer a DAW for it, then the Montage might be a better choice. That is really the only difference between the Montage Synthesizer and a Workstation. Five years ago when I was researching what new Workstation/Synth to buy, my two main criteria were (1) awesome pianos (2) lots of polyphony for playing + sequencing at the same time using multiple sound engines. My favorite pianos are rock so the CFX sounded & played perfectly awesome for that, so my decision came down to a Montage or a Kronos. While on the Kronos Forum, they were very helpful and suggested that the Montage was the better choice since it would likely have more polyphony since the Montage's 2 sound engines (AWM2 sample based & FM-X) each have 128 stereo 'additive' polyphony for a total of 256 stereo notes, whereas they told me that on the Kronos, when using more than one sound engine, it becomes the polyphony of lowest common denominator. Meaning that if you are using a sound engine that has 100 note polyphony (SGX-2 Piano) + another sound engine that has 40 note polyphony (AL-1 Analog Synth), your polyphony is then limited to 40 notes on those engines... That was my deciding factor in choosing the Montage over the Kronos, as there are times when all 16 PARTs/voices are playing at once (sequencing + playing the keyboard) using both sound engines and I am likely coming close to the 256 stereo note limit, but I have yet to hit that polyphony wall! Best thing is to list what you need and what you want from the new Synth/Workstation in order of importance, then do a lot of research on the various available options, such as videos like this one, Yamaha Forums, Korg Forums, Roland Forums, etc. Ask all the questions you have and most importantly, if you can demo the top options at a music store, definitely do so. Before it came down to just the Montage & Kronos, the Yamaha MODX was also an option...until I played the pianos on the MODX8 (I wanted an 88 key regardless) and it didn't trigger the piano velocity layers properly or evenly across the keybed (graded action). Now knowing more I could tweak all the pianos' dynamic velocity settings enough for live play, but not for home enjoyment or studio. (Note that the MODX6+ & MODX7+ don't have this issue)
Wow thanks for that breakdown! How about use with a band that does all analog to usb recording? Is it better to use audio outputs into their 24 channel mixing board or do everything in pro tools on USB? On like a MODX 8+ ?
If one is on a budget, the Yamaha MX88 is a great keyboard. A majority of it's sounds come from the Motif. It's affordable, light weight ( about 35#), decent action, easy to do splits and layers, and very user friendly with edits etc. Try one. The price is a little less than $1100. I bought the MX88 and then bought a used MX49. I paid around $1500 for both keyboards. You should hear the layers i can get.
@@kj3887 I currently play an MX88, and while the piano sound is fantastic, I find it lacking hard in the synth and organ abilities compared to the Korg N264 I played previously.
In addition to synthesizer workstations , it is very good to have an arranger workstation as well . The arranger allows you to quickly start the process of implementing a musical idea .
This is a little off topic but I have come to a realization about music production in the contemporary world. I reached an intermediate beginner level on acoustic piano decades ago when I had access to college practice rooms and I got perhaps a little more advanced than that on acoustic guitar. Let's just say keyboard is my thing and guitar is not. Thanks to a friend who took me to karaoke and vocal class at the local senior center, I decided to take up my music studies again. I got a bought a Roland FP-30X keyboard for its acoustic piano emulation capabilities. Then I decided I wanted to get a smaller portable keyboard for one thing to bring to the vocal class so I could play chords. The portable keyboard I got was a barely used Casio CT-200. The cost was $80. I would call the keys and keyboard action surprisingly decent. The sound is, of course, poor though it is better on headphones. I found out, though, that this instrument has MIDI capabilities. I have not used these, nor am I interested yet, nor do I know how, but what I realized is that with MIDI, someone who knew how could arrange some complex music even from a $100 keyboard. What the digital revolution of the last 40 years has brought about is shocking. I realized a couple of decades ago that the day would come when a lone individual working on a home computer could make a movie that matched the best Hollywood could do without another human being involved. I never quite thought about what was going on in music. In music, as in other endeavors, the digital revolution is both enhancing and bypassing the individual human being.
Great vid Darrick. Long time no see! As for the FANTOM confusion, it is a expandable synthesizer platform and not a workstation. Roland's marketing team and big store retailers (sweetwater, guitar center, etc) didn't clearly understand what this keyboard was and because it had the Fantom name, they presumed it was a workstation even though Roland made killer workstations (Fantom-X,S,G) and they themselves know the standard of what a new workstation should be. Roland clearly understands the pros & cons of both hardware and software. Hardware for the integration of features and software for the sounds. That's why they don't do workstations anymore and put DAW integration and audio interfaces in almost all their new products. They aren't trying to compete with computers anymore. If you want to get the idea of FANTOM, think of it as the new V-Synth, Jupiter 80, V-Piano, VK organs (all these engines have been updated), with more engines on the way, strapped with a pattern clip sequencer, sampler, multiple effects sections, DAW integration, analog filter and many more features. It clearly aims to be the best synth with DAW integration so that people can use their VST's. Imo, this is the way that companies should start building boards. Best sounds and features with great computer integration. FANTOM also has excellent D/A converters. With just one USB B to A cable, FANTOM becomes an audio/midi interface, midi controller, keyboard and sound generation system in conjunction with your laptop. No need for extra components. You could just take FANTOM, your laptop and a usb cable and do an entire gig with the most flexible and easiest setup. Same goes for the Montage and MODX, but they don't have the level of integration that FANTOM does but they're still great. I 'm a bit surprised that you had and used arranger keyboards. You've talked about them but I've never seen them much on your channel. Thanks for the vid Darrick. Great having you back on youtube. God bless you brother.
Yup I am back at it. My only confusion comes in with the marketing team saying it's a "workstation. " People like Ed Diaz call it a workstation all the time. He is probably just slipping and using "old language." But now that I know it is a synthesizer with some "workstation like" features, it makes much more sense.
@@darrickkeels6387 Roland made the Fantom-G (128 midi tracks, 24 audio tracks), so they know and understand the workstation concept better than anyone. Korg bested them and Yamaha with the Kronos and due to the limitations of the Fantom-G hardware and its architecture, it was never going to beat the Kronos. Ed has used these older Fantom's for years and has always stuck by and understood the Fantom concept and name. Roland dumped the workstation concept after the Fantom-G and started working on an all new board and the FA was an idea of that new concept. Mode-less, all in one, easy to use, DAW integration, simple sequencer and sampler to get down ideas, best sound engines and more, but not a workstation. The new FANTOM is the evolution of that concept but on steroids. Literally. The idea of being offered everything and full integration with your computer is what keyboards should be capable of. I like this idea of being able to use and control my VST's, plugins, sound modules and everything else from one main keyboard without a hassle. The concept and idea is great. If they could just put the price down a bit, that would be better.
@@ablesam Yeah hardware just cannot compete with the power of the computer/DAW based systems. I like Roland's and Yamaha's approach to the new landscape.
@@darrickkeels6387 Have y'all even ever heard of Kurzweil or V.A.S.T. ?!..lf it weren't for them IMHO I believe the big 3's fantoms, kronos's or montages never would have been... (& this hardware workstation definable DAW & plug-in integration talk is kinda caustic) They all had a wake up call & a fire lit under their arses when the K's came out and it all started with the 250 which was more on par with the NED Synclavier or CMI Fairlight (yet somewhat more affordably even professionally) than anything for that matter that K, R or Y ever made (when they did they were able to because of their clout & size and made them accessible semi-professionally to the masses)-same goes for nord who most think came up with VA well there's was a V & a A in V.A.S.T. before virtual analog was even coined folks.[P.S...granted DX7, D-50 & M1 were the forerunners that subsequently K2k put all of those in one box and became legend as companies like the two aforementioned & notably EMU & Ensoniq ceased to be and faded away-among others] thanx dudes
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021 Yes, I actually mention Kurzweil about 40 minutes in when talking about workstations. I am quite familiar with V.A.S.T (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology)
Indeed it has. I've been doing so much playing lately I haven't had time to upload videos. But now, I've figured out a way to get back to doing what I love. Talking tech. Thanks showing up Toortog. Always a pleasure!
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This was a good breakdown. I actually just bought the Nautilus. I don't know exactly why, but the format of sound design on this keyboard is so great to me. I don't know that I'll EVER use the sequencer/song format, so I wish they'd save space or money and just take that part out haha. I love the programs and the combination mode, though. And the pianos/Rhodes are the best I've personally had. I'm sure the sliders of the Kronos would be great, but I'm just gonna plug in a Nanokontrol. Also, I have the MODX7 and like 4 years in I still hate programming sounds from scratch on that keyboard haha.
Congrats Darrick on the success of this video. This has far outshined anything I've done to date in terms of views/success in such a short period of time. Keep up the good work - sounds like you found a winning combination and have the magic touch!
Thank you so much Marc! That means a lot coming from you. This was my first video in awhile, I wasn't sure how it would do. But ultimately my goal is to give accurate information. I want to be a resource to those in the keyboard community. Your channel, which I view as highly successful, was so pivotal to my Nord Stage 3 purchase. Much of my blueprint comes from you my friend. Thank you for your support. P.S I know the guys at Nord know you. I'm sure Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Akai, and Nord have no idea who I am😂.
If really serious with a 1200+ page parameter guide(not the standard manual) the answer is Kronos. If not into deep programming then these are very capable. One area of concern is if you are serious on organ sounds then really need to try a few to hear the differences on them. Everyone has their preferences like piano samples. I always analyze the Operating System and what it offers for programming. If the board only has an 60 page manual that would not be for me but might be fine for others that do not plan to program.
The Nord Stage 3 does have a sampler section as part of the synth section. I have a Kawai MP6 which has 256 preset sounds (but the effects etc on each of these can be edited). I considered a Stage 3 but decided that the MP6 was more accessible, with a 3 button combination for every sound. There are also 256 "setups" which are user-defined combinations of sounds. For example, I have a Setup called "Rescue Me" which has all the sounds I need for that song split and layered across the keyboard. The MP6 has been replaced by the MP7SE, which is very similar, and if anything, easier to use. The Kawai keybeds are among the most piano-- like on the market, but not the best for fast synth-style playing, so I use a Novation Impulse 49 for rapid playing. It can control MIDI channels 5 to 16 while the MP6 controls 1 to 4
Yes, the Nord contains samples in the synth section. What I was saying (or trying to say 😄) in the video is that there is no on board sampler on the Nord pianos. In other words you cannot plug a mic into it or a line in from a guitar or another keyboard and capture samples. There is no way to cut, splice, loop or edit raw audio files in any way on the keyboard itself like you can with the Korg Kronos Workstation. I agree, as far as realism is concerned Kawaii makes some of the best actions in the business. I regularly recommend their products they are stellar! Thanks for watching and sharing about what you have!
Great video. I didn't hear you talking about about using MIDI keyboards with mainstage on stage. It becomes more and more common, mostly because the power of computers these days. I think it is much more bang for the bucket than using a traditional Nord. great video again. thanks!
True, I did not mention MainStage specifically but I did say if all you use is soft synths, all you really need is a MIDI keyboard. And of course if you do everything in the studio a MIDI keyboard will probably suit your needs. In the video I am speaking in broad terms. I however do not believe a Mac running MainStage along with a MIDI controller is going to give a person more bang for their buck if you are comparing it to a Nord Stage 3. A 15” M1 MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM will cost $2500. If you are going to match the number of outputs a Stage 3 has you will need an audio interface with 4 outs. A “budget” Focusrite Scarlett Interface with 4 outs is about $250. If you are going to get a MIDI keyboard that matches the build quality of a Nord you cannot buy a cheap $100 M-Audio controller. The smallest Stage 3 has 73 keys...meaning to match the number of keys you will likely need a controller with 88 Keys. An Arturia Keylab MKII is $1000. If you want to match or exceed the quality of pianos, organs, EPs, Clavs etc of the Nord you cannot simply use the stock pianos in MainStage you will have to buy 3rd party plugins like Keyscape for $400 but you won’t have any organ sounds, or an abundance of gritty leads, pads and so on. You could just purchase something like Komplete by Native Instruments for $600. But now you will probably want more than the 512gb hard drive that comes with the base MAC because 320 of it will be used up by your software. It’s a $200.00 upgrade for the 1 TB hard drive. You are now literally up to $4550 for you soft synth setup with MainStage. That isn’t buying the highest MacBook Pro, audio interface, or the highest soft synth package. Komplete Ultimate can run $1600. Omnisphere can run nearly $500. I did not include these. A Nord Stage 3 Compact runs you $3800. But you could get a Yamaha YC-73 for $2500 and have everything you need to play live. One easy to learn keyboard rather than fooling around with a laptop, controller, interface and the learning curve of the MAC OS system, your audio interface (have to be able to troubleshoot issues like latency), as well as learning your soft synths software. Now, you can buy cheaper computers and software but now you will run into sound quality issues and more importantly reliability issues on stage.
@@darrickkeels6387 I agree with your calculations. The thing is that in my place (Israel), a Nord Stage 3 88 costs 5100$, while I paid 3310$ for the plugins direction: Macbook Pro M1 (16G + 1T) costs in Israel 1600$ + Motu M4 (280$) + Roland Fp30 as a controller (950$) + Korg NanoKontrol2 (50$) + Keyscape(400$) + Mainstage(30$). My Mac is very powerfull - I have the freedom to run patches with 4 keyscape in parallel (Yamaha C7, 64polyphony, no thining, Rhodes with stereo effect, MKS20, Amped rhodes), 2 mainstage plugins (Organ, Alchemy) + backing tracks. And, IMO, Keyscape C7 piano sounds MUCH better than the most Nord's White Grand/Royal 3D sounds. The another aspect I've not mention which might be a bummer, is the ease of setup. Here Hard Synth ofcourse wins. about Reliability, Mac is a rock solid. I had no issues with that. We can talk about the flexibility of using 88 controller, and the next day using a lighter 61 keybed, with the same sounds..In the end of the day, there are Pros and Cons for any direction, I understand that. But keyboard player should be aware to the available options.
@@meaviad Israel! Wow! I would LOVE to visit there. No hardware beats the power of a controller with plugin. I know "hardware only" people sometimes try to argue the contrary but to me there is really no comparison. As you stated Keyscapes sounds better than the Nord, well at least more realistic. The samples are bigger, hence they contain more digital information. This is why I use both hardware and software. I do know a fair amount of keyboardists that only play basic piano sounds, EP sounds and organ. They have an occasional layer here and there with strings and pads. They are live players only. They don't know how to use DAWs like you and I. They know next to nothing about computers but they are awesome musicians. They can play circles around me. Their musical vocabulary is massive but they are not "tech" people. If they plugged a controller into a Macbook, started up MainStage and pressed a key and got no sound, they would be lost. If they had to go to a website to download drivers for an audio interface connected to a PC they'd be lost. They are the kind of people that would upgrade the MAC's operating system too early rendering all of their 3rd party plugins useless because of compatibility issues. For those musicians buying a Yamaha CP88 for $2500 (US😄) is simply a better option. Because when you have a MAC (or PC) you must know how to check how much room is on your HD. You have to be able to monitor RAM usage. You have to know which audio interfaces are compatible and which ones are not. You have to know how to turn off notifications and auto update options so that you don't have an issue in a show. All of these things that I do easily without thinking appear very laborious when I am talking through my Ableton Live setup that's controlling words on a screen, lighting, MIDI, audio backing tracks etc. Or I will get a call from a musician asking me why they have no sound. Someone convinced them that a software based setup was better and now they are on stage trying to figure out how to turn up the "highs" to make their piano brighter because the default setting sounds muddy on stage with an entire band surrounding them. Or they have an error message that says something like "plugin not found" because they accidentally moved a file to the wrong place and now their computer isn't working. If people like that are shopping, their money would be better spent on something more user friendly, especially considering all of the detail found in a Keyscape C7 grand will be lost in the PA system anyway. But wow! Israel! Had no idea my videos made it over there! Thanks for watching AND commenting. I really appreciate it.
I just got a Yamaha DJ x and it's a good little work station it does a lot of great stuff and you can record and layer tracks..it's great in midi too... the sampler is rubbish but fun...I'd recommend them pretty vintage now but great machines
Nice overview. I would add a few comments: 1. Newer keyboards such as the Fantom and Montage have excellent DAW integration both of internal and external sounds. So there is no real sacrifice getting one of these compared to a MIDI controller (except for price!). This is true of the RD-2000 to a lesser extent. 2. DAWs and sampler apps (like Kontakt) can replace the "workstation" parts of a workstation (which is why the Montage originally omitted them). So you really have to want the integration in order for it to be important. 3. Sound. feel and layout are more important than features or number of presets. So try to actually play an instrument and get a feel for it before deciding. The Kronos beats the Montage on features, but, personally, I prefer the sound and action on the Montage. 4. Arrangers tend to appeal to a different category of performers than the other instruments here. If you're a one-man band, playing full arrangements in real-time (at a restaurant or bar, for example), than you might want one. A band or recording artist probably would look elsewhere. The closest competitors are not instruments like a Kronos, but home organ instruments like a Yamaha Electone, Wersi or Lowery. 5. Stage Organs are a slightly different category than stage pianos. If you're looking for a piano replacement, then you'll want an 88-key hammer action and touch sensitivity. If you want a Hammond replacement, than you'll want full drawbars and all of the Hammond controls (Leslie, Vibrato, etc.) with light waterfall keys. Some performers might buy one of each. 6. The Montage and Jupiter X can also serve as stage pianos and general instruments (piano, organ, strings, etc.), but there are plenty of Analog (and some Digital) synths that are specialized as polysynths like the Waldorf Quantum or Dave Smith Prophet. If sound design is your main interest, these might be what you really want, rather than a more general instrument. 7. VSTs are very powerful these days. Even the Fantom is largely replicated by the Zenology Pro VST. So, especially for studio and DAW use, you might be better off spending your money on software rather than hardware. However, the best stage pianos have better actions than the best MIDI controllers. So it's worth getting a good quality keyboard, even if your sounds are computer-based.
PS Do you know why they call them "Workstations"? Where does a Bus stop? The Bus Station Where does a train stop? The Train Station Where does your work stop? ...
@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th The Kross is a good entry-level option for general use. It's one of the oldest instruments in its class though, and the keyboard action is fairly cheap. If yo're considering one, you should try to compare with an MODX+ and Fantom-0 model and see which one you like best.
You missed some cattegories, the analogue synths, the stage organs , and quite a few ofher more niche types of keys.. but all in all a great video for beginners to watch.
Oh yes for sure it is for people who can play but aren't very "techie." The amount of people buying Moog, DSI, analog Novations, and super niche keyboards pales in comparison to those buying the categories in the video. Walk into 90% of the churches in the US and you will find a digital stage piano, digital synthesizer, MIDI controller, or workstation. In a concert with a keyboard player(s) you will always see a category listed in this video. Analog synths, modular gear, portable digital organs, etc are much more rare and are typically sold to a crowd that knows their gear inside and out. Practically no one is undecided on whether to get a Prophet Rev2 by Dave Smith Instruments or a Montage. But I do get asked regularly which keyboard has a better sequencer, the Nord Stage 3 or Korg Kronos lol! If people knew what the Nord was they wouldn't ask such a question lol!
@@darrickkeels6387 Lol I have seen a post on a forum (Gearspace I think?) of a guy complaining he bought a JD-XA and he couldn't find a piano sound or it was not good enough, so, yeah, some people really are clueless and do no research before buying something.
I know musicians who follow the path of analog and modular instruments. I see a common problem for them : endless fiddling with wires and settings, instead of composing music.
Fantastic explanation, exactly what I was looking for. Helps bring a lot of clarity to all the keyboard choices that are on display at music stores. You provided such precise knowledge that I wonder if I go to Guitar Center now and say I want a stage piano not an arranger piano if the sales rep will even know what I'm talking about, and will I have to educate him on it, which would be kind of funny. Very helpful. Thanks.
God bless you sir. That was the video and the info I was really looking for some time and just couldn't get until I watched this. Keep us the good work!
Good to see you back! How about some more MPC One videos? I find it difficult for a newb to get into how to use the MPC. Ambient and Berlin School music is what I would like to do using the MPC. Happy Holidays!!
Great video Darrick! I'm looking for a keyboard that can play on its own with lots of sounds and instruments but also might want to compose music on my pc. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars. Is there any you recommend that is between $800 and $2000? Thanks!
Don't feel bad... I've already gone through a Korg Triton, a Yamaha Motif, a Roland D50, Roland jd-xa, Yamaha mx61. And I currently own a Roland fa06, a Roland fantom x6, a Yamaha modx6+ and a Yamaha psr-sx900. I don't play that well. Knowing a bunch of chords and reasonably moving my right hand across the board seems so cool. But I definitely enjoy the sounds one can create and mix from those sound machines.
Thanks Darrick. Great video and wonderful skills. I probably saved tons of time and money with this video, by understanding the differences between the various categories of keyboards as I try to put together my home studio kit. Cheers
Thanks a lot Darrick! That video was very enlightening. I am very inclined to purchase a RD2000; I have watched a lot of videos of it. The only thing I am affraid, wanna get your oppinion is about the sounds. I understand that it wont have all options sounds like Motif or others synthesizer; But does Roland RD2000 have good ones? Pads? Synth sounds? More then a coventional piano stage? Nowadays I play in a band with a Juno DI (outdated) - but it works for what a need. At home I have a Clavinoa CVP 505 (old) and I love the sounds - a lot of good ones. So I am thinkng a lot of buying a RD 2000 so I can play with the band and maybe, also, at home conected to Clavinova sometimes. Watching your video I got confuse about "would be batter for me a workstation instead of a piano stage"?
+Darrick Keels Do you think it's possible for someone to take the best of all these high end keyboards and put them in one board? I think the fear of not getting ROI is there, but I think if someone did do that, it'd be so many people's dream board that they'd do extraordinarily well.
Personally, as far as what kind of keyboard to guy. It depends on what kind of effects etc, you are looking for. Also, how much you do want to spend on a keyboard. How, much of a budget you are on.
Definitely a great video. Next is how to choose the right keyboard in these categories. 😃 I’ve learned I’m more of an arranger guy but try to adjust my playing and synthesizer to mimic the arranger or find the right combination of cheaper keyboards as the higher end are a little more than I want to spend. I have been moving more to iPad/midi controller/synth combo. Best would be 76 key midi controller with iPad workstation/arranger software for me but that sorta does not exist in a stable version. 88 key midi controllers a little to long or doesn’t have the controls in a 73/76 key version. Takes a little more work getting that arranger feel on an iPad app. And a lot to figure out with a laptop. 😃 Getting there. I’ll figure it out.
I look at arrangers more from the standpoint of the name. They arrange the music for you. All you have to do is play the chord sequences. There is a lot of overlap in synthesizers, arrangers, and workstation but I may not know how to play drums or do fills on them. The arranger can arrange that for you. 😀 I may not know how to play with a band or know how the other instruments work in a band. As long as you know what chord progressions you want to play the arranger has a ton of preset music styles and generic arrangements of them. You could play the same chords patterns while you change music styles and the arranger will accompany you with its built in band in that style. Some arrangers allow you to record all of that in some form or another. I look as workstations as a something that gives you all the tools you need to create music or songs but you basically have to figure out all the details to how to put that together. I see the arranger like having a puzzle box with the picture and the pieces. A workstation you get the pieces but without the puzzle box. But again a lot has changed over the years so there is overlap. In simple terms do you want a keyboard with(arranger) without a band(synth/workstation). 😀
As far as midi controllers it's good to know there are plenty of options if I still want physical sliders and rotary controls. I can see how having all those controls could make music production and DAW integration a bit faster. Even though midi controllers can vary in cost generally they don't tend to be as expensive as the other types of keyboard.
For me I'll definitely try and buy a Kronos 2. It won't be brand new, but I've got to say, for me it's best in all aspects. I know it's a workstation and right now that's mostly what I'm looking for, though at some point a Nord stage 3 would be worth buying
Great video thanks for posting. I personally more or less know the differences by now (although the video was still helpful) but a video like this that goes into great detail was much needed. I was searching for something like this some time ago because most cover the subject very superficially. And some detail is needed since there starts to be more and more overlap as time passes (especially if you don't use each keyboard to their full extent and just play around with sounds and maybe tweak a little bit).
Thank you for watching. Yes, I often get asked, "Which keyboard is better? The Yamaha Genos or a Nord Stage 3?" My reply is typically, "Better at what?" One is an Arranger/Workstation while the other is a Stage Piano/Keyboard. They are technically catered toward different customers. So picking the right keyboard for you can be daunting if a person doesn't understand the differences in keyboards at least in a broad sense, because like you said there is a quite a bit of overlap. The Nord Stage will give you some synth-like parameters to play with like Oscillators, LFO's and Filter but no one should think it's "synth section" will match the depth of a full blown synthesizer like the Montage. Often I see people buy the wrong keyboard and then complain about "missing features." Hence I made this video. Thanks again!
@@darrickkeels6387 Exactly...! I was about to buy the wrong keyboard and my economy doesn't permit me this kind of errors... Uhuhuhu....! I'm saved again for a while... Thanks Darrick...!
hi The only thing missing from your studio is Roland Phantom 8. I had a Yamaha MODX 8 . Now I have a Yamaha PSR - SX900 . I want Roland Phantom 8. In my opinion, it is the most convenient in the mode DAWless. than Montage and Kronos .
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We are looking to upgrade our Motiff at Church, we use mostly piano, electric pianos and pads, but sometimes brass sounds, we are between maybe Nord Stage 3 or 4 and the new Yamaha Montage M series, what would you recommend? Great video by the way!
Hey Derrick, if you make a tutorial on how to play riffs of blues, rock or jazz or, some technique of "walking bass" on keyboard while improvising in different ways, I surely will pay good attention to it because you have the gift to explain systematically something complex and... With the playing skills that you have.... It'll be surely fine of course....! Thanx in advance...
Great video, very helpful. My issue is do I buy a weighted or semi, waterfall or piano keys. I was hoping to buy something light to carry, huge sound bank and playable for piano, organ and lead synth, but not £4K to buy! I've tried a few boards and will try a Fantom 07 next (loved the 08 that's weighted, not the best for organ though). Not sure everything will be in one board....
Very nice video Darrick, I saw the original Kronos at Namm went it was presented several years ago. I bought it about 6 months later & yes, it is totally awesome! My biggest concern was the weight. I took it out a few times & now it has a section where it has like a loud clanking noise when I play on those particular keys. Since then, I no longer take it out on the road worrying this will happen to other areas as well. This brings me up to this point- if you have the money, my suggestion it to add the Nautilus to your arsenal since that is compatible with the Kronos & is much more compatible. You can transfer the sounds between the 2 keyboards. I am currently doing that with both the Montage & the MODX. So, aside from the $$$$, you'll have the space to store the extra keyboard(s). This is just my 2 cents worth......
Thank you for your response.My setup will always have a weighted 88 key in the chain and a board to do other stuff.I was looking at the SL88 Grand,but hear too many quality control issues plus I rather have sounds to add with Keyscape.My keyboard of choice right now is the Yamaha Cp88.Should I consider adding the Arturia keyLab as I mentioned before instead of the Korg Nautilus?I was mainly looking at the versatility of the Nautilus .
What a great video. So much great information and demonstrations. I now understand why the Yamaha Motif ES8 that I got 15 years ago on a friend’s recommendation to tide me over while my acoustic piano was being rebuilt has been such a mystery to me. I just want the Steinway sound that I bought and loaded in. But no, the Motif presents me with an entire calypso band. Where is my Steinway sound, I ask it? Don’t know, my Motif says, but here’s a spacey vibey thing. It’s been 5 years since I played it, just hooked it up again and it plays (whatever it wants) perfectly, thing is built like a tank, but I’m going to have to read a book to figure out where that Steinway sound is hidden. It says Steinway FF on the little screen, but no sound comes out. I press a button and suddenly there’s a bunch of drum sounds. Anybody want a Motif?
Well Darrick,I'm sure you've heard about the Kronos and posibly the end.Maybe there is something else to come later,but cause NAAM is in June is that enough time for something new,hum?Should I invest in the Korg Nautilus 61 or 73 I've been looking at this board as a #2 Keyboard?I will also have a weighted 88 keyboard probably from maybe Yamaha.Thank you for your help!!!!!
I personally would not buy a Nautilus, unless of course you really need a #2 keyboard right now. It's basically a Kronos and will certainly excel in whatever role you put it in. However, I believe Korg is just looking to have the Nautilus as a "placeholder" while they work on something else. They don't want to exit the market and let Yamaha and Roland take all of the marketshare, so they came out with something "new." Roland did the same thing with the FA series. Their Fantom was aging but their "New Fantom" wasn't ready. They didn't want Korg and Yamaha to get all of the marketshare so they came out with a cheaper "Fantom" and called it the FA Music Workstation. Honestly it is reported that they started working on the New Fantom in 2011 or 2012 after Korg launched the Kronos. I however do not think Korg will launch the next "Kronos" this year. I'd be very surprised. IF (and that's a big if) they are working on something new, they've been at it for years now. The Kronos is a powerful, capable machine, but like all electronics eventually they age. The Kronos is almost 11 years old. The Nautilus is not really "new." The software has a new "skin" but it isn't a redesign. I believe the internal components are basically the same as the Kronos. They took away aftertouch, physical controls and KARMA (probably to save on licensing fees) and produced a powerful but profitable machine. But the Nautilus is just as old and dated as the Kronos. Given how well the New Fantom is selling, I think Korg is up to something. But when that will launch no one knows. Just like no one had any idea in 2016 Roland had been working on a New Fantom for 5 years. However, again if you have a need and the Nautilus fills it, buy it. I never buy stuff just to have the "latest and greatest." My keyboards are now a part of a larger system of equipment. I don't need a keyboard that can "do it all." But my keyboards have to be able to easily work with DAWs and other gear. As time passes this is where the Korgs lag behind. The Fantom is not trying to replace software but work with it. Hence it's easy to use interface, seamless DAW integration and easy to upgrade platform is really taking over in this segment. Roland just added an entirely new sound engine that looks as easy to use as plugins like Massive and Omnisphere. So Korg's interface needs to be redesigned from the ground up to compete. Otherwise they will go the way of Kurzweil. Kurzweil makes powerful keyboards but their V.A.S.T system is very hard to use. They lack any innovative DAW integration. So aside from a few diehard fans no one buys Kurzweil anymore. On most stages you see Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Nord. Thirty years ago, Kurzweil was in the mix. Not anymore.
Do you do lesson on Zoom? I'm trying to get lessons. It's kind of hard just using my left hand. But I am trying and I know you are a child of God. Gospel is what I do. So if you do let me know.
With the understanding that your time is the greatest gift you u can give someone, I am going to ask you for a min of yours. It's ok if you don't have the time. I Have been using Garage band for 2 years now. I don't use any live loops.. I produce everything myself. One thing I enjoy is having all the keys (notes) of any particular scale I choose being brought up into a digital keyboard and playing within that scale. Is this possible with-in the MIDI group of keyboards? The ability to choose a scale and play with-in it? I cant sing. Is it relatively easy / affordable to collaborate with those that can?
Very good overview of keyboards . That's why my last perches was Yamaha montage7 ! Best live gig performance keyboard , especially for composers! And as you say best workstation today is DAW software on wide screen monitor 😊. For this I still happy with my 88 key Korg M3 plus EXB Radias! Kronos is a wasting of money.
What about the Yamaha Modx 6, i have a Yamaha Psr sx700, i wanna buy a modx and i do live music in church. What is the best for me? Should i stay with the psr sx700 or should i go for the modx 6. I am comfused, please help me
I love your videos! Thank you for the valuable lessons on choosing a keyboard with excellent piano sound quality. I am having a difficult time deciding which 88-weighted keyboard to purchase. I want to play classical music like Chopin's polonaises and jazz. Would you please make a recommendation. I'd like build-in speakers, and to sing into the keyboard. Thank you🤟🥰
That is tough because most keyboards that have built in speakers and allow you to sing into them are arrangers. While arrangers are great they are not particularly known for their keybed quality. So you may need to get two keyboards to meet your needs. Like a Yamaha P125 and then select a Yamaha arranger to pair it with.
My previous comment I made on here over a year ago should be taken with a pinch of salt. At the time I didn't know any better claiming that "arranger keyboards are not just for one man band musicians you can also use them in midi music production". I agree it's very misleading that companies like Yamaha call Tyros 5 and Genos "Digital workstation" when they are clearly arranger keyboards. I very nearly or could have unnecessarily spent my hard earned cash on a Tyros 5 thinking it would be a better alternative to Halion 6 or using that as an excuse when really I probably acted out of jealousy which is the worst reason to buy a keyboard. If in the future I ever have problems with Halion working in the future ( I don't see how there should be any problams ) I would choose either a Yamaha Montage or Yamaha MODX as they have 4 op FM synthesis very similar to what Halion 7 has.
@@darrickkeels6387 My mistake I was probably thinking about the Yamaha DSR arranger keyboards from the 80s which are 4 operator FM synthesis whereas the PSR and PSS series keyboards were 2 operator. The DX7 is actually 6 operator. I can't remember weather or not Halion 7's FM Lab is 8 operator but I think it is.
TLDR: Does the Nord play software synths as well as the Keylab? (Dynamics) I ask I as bought a Yamaha P45 to use it’s midi out with software instruments, and it doesn’t output the full range (not full 127) so it’s useless and has no dynamic range or expression. I read the Nord had the same issues but it was fixed in an update? You can edit the midi curves now or something? Wondering if a Nord Piano 4 (it got the same update) would give me a nice weight action to play software synths via midi, with the full range and feel of a midi controller
I think a Yamaha arranger keyboard is possibly worth buying for the sounds alone, I don't think arranger keyboards are a niche market per say. At least with an arranger keyboard all your instrument sounds are permanently stored on a rom chip or maybe several rom chips plus you don't need a USB dongle for hardware sounds. You can also do multi part sequencing both on board or via a DAW with an arranger keyboard. Maybe a synthesizer like the Montage or Motif is better for producers.
An arranger is only "niche" in the fact that it is primarily designed for the "one man band" type of set up. The majority of its resources are dedicated to that style of play. Can you compose with it? Yes. Can you use it as a Stage Piano? Sure can. Do they have great sounds? Yup! Is it the best option for a live player that basically plays piano, organ, EP, etc live? No. Is it the best thing to buy if a person wants lots of sounds and the ability to edit them deeply? No. Are they the best at syncing with a DAW to create music that is 100% original? No. There are better keyboards for that. And vice versa you can get by using a Montage kind of like an arranger by programming the arpeggiator for various instruments. You can set up the vocoder to give you some harmony on your voice when singing through the Montage and work like a one man band, but if that's your thing a Montage is probably the wrong tool to be considering when trying to make a buying decision.
Devemos entender que o montage é um sintetizador, o nord stage é um piano compacto. São instrumentos totalmente diferentes um do outro; o que poderia ser comparado com o nord seria o YC da Yamaha.
I own the arturia but i rarely use it because I don't like to depend by the computer for the sounds and sometimes it also crashes ....I really don't like vst.
But workstation keyboards like KORG KROSS sounds amazing. Midi is better for using in DAWs. They support different DAWs. M AUDIO OXYEN PRO 61 KEYS is the best MIDI keyboard which is compatable with many high end DAWS like PRO TOOLS, FL STUDIO, LOGIC PRO X, STUDIO ONE, ALBELTON, NEUNDO etc. But other midi controllers just support one or two DAWS. ARTURIA even has its own VST pluggins. So M AUDIO is all in one MIDI CONTROLLER. Even it sounds natural. NAVATION LAUNCHKEYS MIDI supports only ALBELTON. Now they have made another midi for FL STUDIO. M audio midis are cheap and best. But if you spend just 3 times moren Go for korg kross. The best keyboard of choice.
That's such a tough question to answer because everyone has a different idea of what a good piano sounds like. I personally prefer Nord's acoustic pianos over the other brands.
Hey great video! Quick question if you don't mind. Im leaning towards an arranger or workstation, stage piano but not sure if its necessary. Priority for me is a great piano sounds with some other sounds that are acceptable and just easy to navigate (unlike Kronos 2 say) (MODX8? NORD..) but would love to have an easy way to jam over drums. Not sure which route to go. Stage piano have great sounds (MP88, Kawai, Nord, etc) but for jamming over drums like you said its not for that. Would a drum machine compliment a stage piano or somekind of app where it would be easy to just like the piano to it? Sorry for the newbie question, this is a bit overwhelming lol
Here's a few recommendations from each category. I'm keeping cost in factor so I'm looking toward the lower end to mid-range models. Stage Piano: Roland RD-88, FP-60X, Dexibell S-3 Pro (it has bluetooth audio so you can stream backing tracks from your phone), Nord Electro 6D. Arranger: Yamaha SX700 onward, Korg PA700 onward. Workstation: Nautilus 61, Roland FA series. Synth: Yamaha MODX series. Word of advice. Look for keyboards with built in audio interfaces. They come in handy for a soft-synth setup.
Great brand with great features and sounds in their boards. Often under looked because of their minor presence in the last decade. The K2700 seems promising. VAST is still one of the most powerful hardware synth engines to date.
The Modx was a thought to go with the Cp88,sounds are great but the keybed build is the biggest issue that I have!!!!If I could get past that I would have no problem with it,but this is why I do like Arturia,so I may reconsider putting the Nautilus on the back burner for now!!!!!Do you feel you have outgrown your Kronos?Any suggestions?This is primarily for the studio,I just like having a weighted keyboard at the root,even though it’s a stage board .
I do no feel I have outgrown the Korg Kronos. For now it is still my main go to board for playing live. Over the years I've just gotten used to it. It's still the most powerful workstation on the market. With that said because it has a pretty dated interface and no real DAW integration to speak of, I use my Roland Fantom a lot more when in the studio. I still use the Kronos in studio at times for its sounds but that's pretty much it. Eventually, my live main keyboard will probably be my Roland RD-2000 with my Fantom on top along with my laptop to run Ableton Live or my MPC One.
@@darrickkeels6387,Well I have made a decision to get the Kawai MP7SE as the 88 Key to start from,it has one of the better keybeds that I had once before and a Yamaha MODX 6 or 7 probably as the #2 .The sounds are incredible,I had the MODX8 ,keybed was not bad ,but not to my standards ,now if I can live with some of the negatives of the MODX 6 or 7 until I can get a Montage I'll be happy.Thanks for your help,I am very meticulous when it comes to keyboards,but reality says maybe a Montage will have to wait.Thank you sir for all of your help,all the best with your musical endeavors.
Agreed. I’ve used a studiologic SL88GRAND with pianoteq & NI Kontakt. Just recently added Roland cloud sounds since I’m an old XP & FantomX guy. When I want to add organ and additional keys, GSI VB3 & Nektar P6. This setup has worked flawlessly for me for quite a while.
Great vid, Darrick. A thought occurred to me…which board do most pros use? Or which board do pros use most? I think I’ve seen Yamaha much more than Roland or Korg over the years. Of course, it’s not only Yamaha, Roland and Korg now…Nord is definitely getting chosen by those who can afford whatever they want. I feel that, for the best pallete of really nice, actual useable voices, Yamaha wins. But I went with Roland because I like the joystick type controller better than the dual wheels
This is real fine...!!! I never understood quite well what a midi controller was in contrast with another keyboards... There were a lot of confusions about that... And the radical concept that it is deeply related with virtual sounds stored in a computer DAW or something external to the instrument itself that could provide high quality sounds at a very proper price And much more...!!! Now I'm in doubt of going for a keyboard workstation or maybe... a controller... Anyway thanx a lot...! (I'm subscribed now...)
😆 yes it will not only do everything I mentioned but also let me homeless. It cost 4.300 Eur here in Europe. But thanks a lot for your replays and keep doing videos , you a great teacher and explainer !
Yes but as it's an arranger you would only buy it if you specifically want an arranger keyboard and intend to use auto accompaniments. If your into sequencing/production but don't want accompaniments then a workstation like Korg Kross or Korg Nautilus is better for that purpouse as a workstation/synth tends to have more pristine sound quality intended for sound recordings plus Korg's workstations also have synthesis emulation something the PA-5X probably doesn't. However the on board sequencing capibilities on the PA-5X is still ideal for a songwriter to put a demo track together. Unless you play as a one man band or your a songwriter there is no point in buying an arranger keyboard. I know I used to think otherwise and very nearly fell into the trap of buying a Yamaha Tyros 5 just for music production but they are not intended for that sort of use.
ago I enjoyed your videos.I am thinking of using two keyboard controllers:The Studiologic SL88 Grand for that piano like keybed and touch,cause I have Keyscape,Ravenscroft,Omnisphere.I am also plannig to get the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk2 for that amazing keybed and fat sounds.The keybed is a big deal for me,which is my only issue with the Yamaha MODX 6 and 7.The items I mentioned will be for the studio,and maybe consider MODX in a live situation,cause it is light in terms of weight.Do you think there will be any issues with having the two keyboards SL88 Grand and Arturia acting independently as two keyboards playing their own presets by way of USB?Iam using Logic Pro X on an Imac.Thank you
Love love your AMAZING vids, especially the ones on the rd2000. I'm going with the Rd 2000. Can you please give me an idea of some great speakers or monitors to use. This will need my first stage piano and I don't know anything about amplification. Thank you so much
I personally use KRK Rokit 5's in my studio mostly. But the Yamaha HS7s are actually an excellent choice as well because the are less "boomy" than the KRK"s. For gigging I use the QSC K12.2 loudspeakers. They are rugged, lightweight for their size, and have a nice clarity for their price range. Any of the QSC speakers are am excellent choice in my opinion. And on top of that, they can get very loud without distorting when I need them to.
Great video! However I don't think you explained the Synths well enough... it's not about "having" a ton of sounds but creating them from scratch even. Nobody cares about the default presets, the whole point of Synths is that the sound is being made by "parameters" that you can understand and modify to create any sound you can think of, that's the magic of them. Sound is generated from waveforms after all, and those waveforms can be modified with oscilators even further, which can be used for arpegios and then used to modify the release or the attack of a sound, just as an example. There are also synths that use PCM samples as bases for the sound and then you can control further parameters from them. It's also important to note that Synths usually have their own strenghts and weakness, limitations if you wish: Mono, Poly, Parts, Sequencers, Oscilator counts, Filter types, and so on. So, let's say that Synths are for sound designers, you could probably use them for arrangements for sure, but it's to get that one sound you wanted or you had in your mind. Good Synth examples from the past: Yamaha DX7 (FM Synthesis), Roland SH101, and some modern ones: Roland JD-XA, JD-Xi, Yamaha Reface series (CS, DX), Roland System-8, Jupiters, some Juno's too.
You bring up an an excellent point. The term "synthesizer" is very broad. The Nord Lead A1 for instance is a digital synthesizer (virtual analog) in which no one is really concerned about "presets." It's all about designing your own sounds and morphing them on the fly. The same can really be said about the System 8, SH-101, Moog One, DSI Prophet V, or a JD-Xi etc. But those kinds of "synthesizers" were not covered in this short video. I would agree that those are all about sound design. However the Roland Fantom comes with 3500 presets and can be expanded to 3x that amount. The Montage comes with 2700 performances. That of course can be expanded. They offer pianos like the Bosendorfer for download. The Jupiter 80 had over 2500 presets and the Jupiter X gives you over 4000. These aren't simply basic waveforms but ready to use sounds with insert effects, fret noise, trills, slaps, plucks, growls and other various effects and articulations. Very few people are taking raw piano wav files and designing their own pianos, saxes, trumpets, or chimes from scratch. Now...you can. Professional synthesizers give you that capability but they also include tons of presets for a reason. Lots of people will tweak the EQ, Reverb, and Damper Resonance of the Yamaha CFX Grand piano. Much fewer go as deep as the oscillator level and run each element of the piano sound through different LFOs, envelopes and filters to create something truly unique that doesn't even sound like a piano. So I would say the kinds of synthesizers I am talking about are as much about an abundance of presets as they are sound design. If they weren't, manufacturers wouldn't include 1000's of them and go through the difficulty of adding all of the effects, articulations and sometimes previews to show them off. They'd simply give you a few raw PCM samples and a few basic oscillators like triangle, saw, and sine with a whole host of parameters and let you design to your heart's content.
Personally, I cant be bothered to 'create' sounds. I just want thousands of pre-sets created by others so I can see which I can utilise in my compositions.
I use the MPC One to do my sequencing/recording and sampling. I also use Ableton Live as well, along with Maschine at times. I rarely use the onboard sequencers and samplers on my keyboards. I find their interfaces rather dated and unintuitive compared to more modern tools.
I thought Korg is not making the Kronos 2 anymore? is that TRUE. If that is true can they be repaired and can you get parts? To bad they never came out with another version of the Kronos 2. Does the Kronos 2 have true after touch and does it work? Ive heard they had a problem with that and some people say theirs works fine.
I thought maybe I misspoke but I don't believe I did this time. Under the audio interface section on Yamaha's website, this is what it says "Sampling Frequency = 44.1kHz] Input: 6 channels (3 stereo channels),Output: 32 channels (16 stereo channels)"
The lip (the ending of the key) kinda looks like a waterfall. It's rounded and doesn't have a sharp edge like that of a piano key-bed. Waterfall key-beds are mostly found in Hammond organs and digital replicas.
There are so many differences between the Korg and Fantoms. Really too many to list. But here are a few. The Kronos has a linear sequencer while the Fantom has a pattern sequencer limiting the user to 64 measure loops. The Kronos' sequencer gives you 16 tracks of audio along with 16 tracks of MIDI. The Fantom's sequencer is MIDI only. Now you can use audio samples using the sampler in the Fantom to add audio to your sequences but they are technically not a part of your scene, hence it's not really a part of your sequencer. The sampler on the Korg Kronos has timestretching which allows you to change the speed of samples to match a particular BPM. I do not believe the Fantom currently has timestretching. The Kronos comes stock with a 62gb SSD and a slot to add your own additional SSD. You could technically add a 1TB SSD if you wanted. The Fantom uses flash memory and gives you a shared 2GB of room for expansion sound packs and multisamples. The Fantom-0 only gives you 256MB for expansion packs and multisamples. You get a total of 2GB for samples for the pads and 2GB of space to store samples. That's a massive difference. 62GB vs 6GB. The Kronos has dynamically allocated polyphony which takes voices from engines not using them and applies them to where you need them automatically. So I find in general I run into far less noticeable note stealing on the Kronos. And the Kronos seems to have a bit more extensive user adjustable settings for manually allocating polyphony as well. I find the Setlist Mode to be more robust overall than the Fantom's "scene chaining" feature. The Kronos allows for more insert effects to be applied to a single layer/zone than the Fantom. For example I can add a chorus, flanger, and delay to one guitar patch without it having to share any of those effects with other sounds in the combination. The Fantom only gives you 1 multieffect (the equivalent of an insert effect on the Kronos) per zone. The Kronos has Karma. There is simply no equivalent on Fantom. The Kronos has far more preset drum patterns. In reality they are very different from one another. But that doesn't make Kronos "better." The Kronos has a 2 in 2 out interface on board. The Fantom has a 32 out 6 in audio interface.(32 out 4 in on the Fantom-0) The Fantom has balanced combo XLR inputs with available phantom power. That is not present on the Kronos. The main outs on the Fantom are XLR outputs. No stage box needed. The Fantom's Ableton Live style sequencer is actually good for most popular music especially if you are playing live. If you want to repeat a chorus or jump straight to the ending of a song that isn't going well 😄 you can. The Kronos' sequencer is much like a tape player. You hit play and you are just along for the ride until it ends. There are some different things you can do with Karma and launching samples via the keys but it is much more complicated. The Kronos is discontinued so parts will be hard to find. The Fantom is new and constantly receiving updates. The Fantom has better DAW integration due to its superior audio interface and its seamless robust integration with Ableton, Logic, and MainStage. The Fantom has pads, TR Rec style recording, an analog filter, cv/gate, more USB ports, more inputs for pedals...etc. It really will depend on what you are looking for and then you pick a keyboard best fits your needs.
Still waiting for a MIDI controller with a quality action. I have the Arturia and it feels like ass. Would love to see a "controller only" keyboard that feels like an M1.
@@joelucayt Yeah they don't really get much "better" than the Keylab MKII. The Komplete Kontrol by Native Instruments is different but not really better. My best semi-weighted action is on my Yamaha Montage. They simply don't make MIDI controllers with that level of quality keybed.
Great breakdown Darrick! For the purpose of clarity, one thing that keyboard players who are looking to buy should be aware of when figuring out what keyboard is best suited for them, is that the Yamaha Montage (or MODX/MODX+) in the digital 'Synthesizer' category is essentially the same as a 'Workstation', except for how/where you do your sequencing & sampling. Yamaha decided to change from their Motif 'Workstation' classification when they released the next generation flagship keyboard to the Montage 'Synthesizer' because they noticed many musicians were either not using the onboard sequencer & utilizing their Motif as a stage synth instead of a workstation, or they were just utilizing a DAW for the sequencing & sampling in their favorite computer software (Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton Live), so they offloaded those "workflows" to the computer and changed the category.
The Yamaha Montage (& MODX/MODX+) synths come with Cubase free, so if you have a computer with a USB port (which most people do), it is quite easy to do the sequencing on a big 20+" screen with much more detail, and more quickly than on the synthesizer or workstation. Also, you get SampleRobot sampling software for free.
So aside from doing my sequencing & sampling on a computer DAW instead of on the synthesizer itself, I can do anything on the Montage 'Synthesizer' that can be done on a 'Workstation'. I sequencer all songs using Pro Tools and most times I use all 16 PARTs/voices. On average I sequence about 10 to 12 of the PARTs/voices while playing 4 to 8 PARTs/voices myself live on the keys (there is sometimes overlap where a PART/voice will be both played and sequenced for a song). I haven't even tried the new 'Pattern' sequencer that they added to the Montage in OS update 3.0 because DAW sequencing is too powerful, efficient & easy. And for sampling, the DAW based recording/editing and the SampleRobot software are perfect for my needs. I took my favorite VST piano (C7), sampled all notes in 8 different velocity layers, edited/adjusted them as needed, then saved as a library file and imported into the Montage user memory as a brand new piano. It sounds and plays exactly like the VST piano. The sound design options are also endless on the Montage like they would be on a Workstation. I also have an awesome Steinway grand piano library always loaded as well, and the Bosendorfer Imperial grand that comes for free on the Montage.
So, if you prefer to do sequencing (& sampling) on the keyboard itself and not on a computer DAW, then the Montage (MODX/MODX+) might not be the fit for you, and you would be better off with a Workstation type synth. If you don't do much sequencing or prefer a DAW for it, then the Montage might be a better choice. That is really the only difference between the Montage Synthesizer and a Workstation.
Five years ago when I was researching what new Workstation/Synth to buy, my two main criteria were (1) awesome pianos (2) lots of polyphony for playing + sequencing at the same time using multiple sound engines. My favorite pianos are rock so the CFX sounded & played perfectly awesome for that, so my decision came down to a Montage or a Kronos. While on the Kronos Forum, they were very helpful and suggested that the Montage was the better choice since it would likely have more polyphony since the Montage's 2 sound engines (AWM2 sample based & FM-X) each have 128 stereo 'additive' polyphony for a total of 256 stereo notes, whereas they told me that on the Kronos, when using more than one sound engine, it becomes the polyphony of lowest common denominator. Meaning that if you are using a sound engine that has 100 note polyphony (SGX-2 Piano) + another sound engine that has 40 note polyphony (AL-1 Analog Synth), your polyphony is then limited to 40 notes on those engines... That was my deciding factor in choosing the Montage over the Kronos, as there are times when all 16 PARTs/voices are playing at once (sequencing + playing the keyboard) using both sound engines and I am likely coming close to the 256 stereo note limit, but I have yet to hit that polyphony wall!
Best thing is to list what you need and what you want from the new Synth/Workstation in order of importance, then do a lot of research on the various available options, such as videos like this one, Yamaha Forums, Korg Forums, Roland Forums, etc. Ask all the questions you have and most importantly, if you can demo the top options at a music store, definitely do so. Before it came down to just the Montage & Kronos, the Yamaha MODX was also an option...until I played the pianos on the MODX8 (I wanted an 88 key regardless) and it didn't trigger the piano velocity layers properly or evenly across the keybed (graded action). Now knowing more I could tweak all the pianos' dynamic velocity settings enough for live play, but not for home enjoyment or studio. (Note that the MODX6+ & MODX7+ don't have this issue)
Wow thanks for that breakdown! How about use with a band that does all analog to usb recording? Is it better to use audio outputs into their 24 channel mixing board or do everything in pro tools on USB? On like a MODX 8+ ?
If one is on a budget, the Yamaha MX88 is a great keyboard. A majority of it's sounds come from the Motif. It's affordable, light weight ( about 35#), decent action, easy to do splits and layers, and very user friendly with edits etc. Try one. The price is a little less than $1100. I bought the MX88 and then bought a used MX49. I paid around $1500 for both keyboards. You should hear the layers i can get.
Is the mx61 better than the Roland 06?
@@kj3887 I currently play an MX88, and while the piano sound is fantastic, I find it lacking hard in the synth and organ abilities compared to the Korg N264 I played previously.
@@kj3887don't even put them in the same sentence
Korg kross is best keyboard.
There is no such review on UA-cam. Everything is simple and clear! Thanks for the review!
Thank you for watching! I appreciate it.
In addition to synthesizer workstations , it is very good to have an arranger workstation as well . The arranger allows you to quickly start the process of implementing a musical idea .
Absolutely! I thought to sell my PSR-SX700 when I invested into the Yamaha Montage. But now I'm happy to have them side by side.
This is a little off topic but I have come to a realization about music production in the contemporary world. I reached an intermediate beginner level on acoustic piano decades ago when I had access to college practice rooms and I got perhaps a little more advanced than that on acoustic guitar. Let's just say keyboard is my thing and guitar is not. Thanks to a friend who took me to karaoke and vocal class at the local senior center, I decided to take up my music studies again. I got a bought a Roland FP-30X keyboard for its acoustic piano emulation capabilities. Then I decided I wanted to get a smaller portable keyboard for one thing to bring to the vocal class so I could play chords.
The portable keyboard I got was a barely used Casio CT-200. The cost was $80. I would call the keys and keyboard action surprisingly decent. The sound is, of course, poor though it is better on headphones. I found out, though, that this instrument has MIDI capabilities. I have not used these, nor am I interested yet, nor do I know how, but what I realized is that with MIDI, someone who knew how could arrange some complex music even from a $100 keyboard. What the digital revolution of the last 40 years has brought about is shocking. I realized a couple of decades ago that the day would come when a lone individual working on a home computer could make a movie that matched the best Hollywood could do without another human being involved. I never quite thought about what was going on in music. In music, as in other endeavors, the digital revolution is both enhancing and bypassing the individual human being.
Great vid Darrick. Long time no see! As for the FANTOM confusion, it is a expandable synthesizer platform and not a workstation. Roland's marketing team and big store retailers (sweetwater, guitar center, etc) didn't clearly understand what this keyboard was and because it had the Fantom name, they presumed it was a workstation even though Roland made killer workstations (Fantom-X,S,G) and they themselves know the standard of what a new workstation should be. Roland clearly understands the pros & cons of both hardware and software. Hardware for the integration of features and software for the sounds. That's why they don't do workstations anymore and put DAW integration and audio interfaces in almost all their new products. They aren't trying to compete with computers anymore.
If you want to get the idea of FANTOM, think of it as the new V-Synth, Jupiter 80, V-Piano, VK organs (all these engines have been updated), with more engines on the way, strapped with a pattern clip sequencer, sampler, multiple effects sections, DAW integration, analog filter and many more features. It clearly aims to be the best synth with DAW integration so that people can use their VST's. Imo, this is the way that companies should start building boards. Best sounds and features with great computer integration. FANTOM also has excellent D/A converters. With just one USB B to A cable, FANTOM becomes an audio/midi interface, midi controller, keyboard and sound generation system in conjunction with your laptop. No need for extra components. You could just take FANTOM, your laptop and a usb cable and do an entire gig with the most flexible and easiest setup. Same goes for the Montage and MODX, but they don't have the level of integration that FANTOM does but they're still great.
I 'm a bit surprised that you had and used arranger keyboards. You've talked about them but I've never seen them much on your channel. Thanks for the vid Darrick. Great having you back on youtube.
God bless you brother.
Yup I am back at it. My only confusion comes in with the marketing team saying it's a "workstation. " People like Ed Diaz call it a workstation all the time. He is probably just slipping and using "old language." But now that I know it is a synthesizer with some "workstation like" features, it makes much more sense.
@@darrickkeels6387 Roland made the Fantom-G (128 midi tracks, 24 audio tracks), so they know and understand the workstation concept better than anyone. Korg bested them and Yamaha with the Kronos and due to the limitations of the Fantom-G hardware and its architecture, it was never going to beat the Kronos. Ed has used these older Fantom's for years and has always stuck by and understood the Fantom concept and name. Roland dumped the workstation concept after the Fantom-G and started working on an all new board and the FA was an idea of that new concept. Mode-less, all in one, easy to use, DAW integration, simple sequencer and sampler to get down ideas, best sound engines and more, but not a workstation. The new FANTOM is the evolution of that concept but on steroids. Literally. The idea of being offered everything and full integration with your computer is what keyboards should be capable of. I like this idea of being able to use and control my VST's, plugins, sound modules and everything else from one main keyboard without a hassle. The concept and idea is great. If they could just put the price down a bit, that would be better.
@@ablesam Yeah hardware just cannot compete with the power of the computer/DAW based systems. I like Roland's and Yamaha's approach to the new landscape.
@@darrickkeels6387 Have y'all even ever heard of Kurzweil or V.A.S.T. ?!..lf it weren't for them IMHO I believe the big 3's fantoms, kronos's or montages never would have been...
(& this hardware workstation definable DAW & plug-in integration talk is kinda caustic) They all had a wake up call & a fire lit under their arses when the K's came out and it all started with the 250 which was more on par with the NED Synclavier or CMI Fairlight (yet somewhat more affordably even professionally) than anything for that matter that K, R or Y ever made (when they did they were able to because of their clout & size and made them accessible semi-professionally to the masses)-same goes for nord who most think came up with VA well there's was a V & a A in V.A.S.T. before virtual analog was even coined folks.[P.S...granted DX7, D-50 & M1 were the forerunners that subsequently K2k put all of those in one box and became legend as companies like the two aforementioned & notably EMU & Ensoniq ceased to be and faded away-among others] thanx dudes
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021 Yes, I actually mention Kurzweil about 40 minutes in when talking about workstations. I am quite familiar with V.A.S.T (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology)
It's been awhile great to see you creating videos again. As always very informative thanks for making this overview of the keyboard types and uses.
Indeed it has. I've been doing so much playing lately I haven't had time to upload videos. But now, I've figured out a way to get back to doing what I love. Talking tech. Thanks showing up Toortog. Always a pleasure!
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The car analogy to keyboard is genial 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you for a very comprehensive and informative overview of the keyboard types.
Thank you for watching!
This was a good breakdown. I actually just bought the Nautilus. I don't know exactly why, but the format of sound design on this keyboard is so great to me. I don't know that I'll EVER use the sequencer/song format, so I wish they'd save space or money and just take that part out haha. I love the programs and the combination mode, though. And the pianos/Rhodes are the best I've personally had. I'm sure the sliders of the Kronos would be great, but I'm just gonna plug in a Nanokontrol. Also, I have the MODX7 and like 4 years in I still hate programming sounds from scratch on that keyboard haha.
Congrats Darrick on the success of this video. This has far outshined anything I've done to date in terms of views/success in such a short period of time. Keep up the good work - sounds like you found a winning combination and have the magic touch!
Thank you so much Marc! That means a lot coming from you. This was my first video in awhile, I wasn't sure how it would do. But ultimately my goal is to give accurate information. I want to be a resource to those in the keyboard community. Your channel, which I view as highly successful, was so pivotal to my Nord Stage 3 purchase. Much of my blueprint comes from you my friend. Thank you for your support. P.S I know the guys at Nord know you. I'm sure Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Akai, and Nord have no idea who I am😂.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you Darrick - appreciate the warm words. And wow, the video is now over 20K - look at it go! I"m excited for you!
If really serious with a 1200+ page parameter guide(not the standard manual) the answer is Kronos. If not into deep programming then these are very capable. One area of concern is if you are serious on organ sounds then really need to try a few to hear the differences on them. Everyone has their preferences like piano samples. I always analyze the Operating System and what it offers for programming. If the board only has an 60 page manual that would not be for me but might be fine for others that do not plan to program.
There are rumours that Kronos is actually a keyboard-shaped musical computer running special-tailored DAW on Linux
The Nord Stage 3 does have a sampler section as part of the synth section. I have a Kawai MP6 which has 256 preset sounds (but the effects etc on each of these can be edited).
I considered a Stage 3 but decided that the MP6 was more accessible, with a 3 button combination for every sound. There are also 256 "setups" which are user-defined combinations of sounds.
For example, I have a Setup called "Rescue Me" which has all the sounds I need for that song split and layered across the keyboard. The MP6 has been replaced by the MP7SE, which is very similar, and if anything, easier to use.
The Kawai keybeds are among the most piano-- like on the market, but not the best for fast synth-style playing, so I use a Novation Impulse 49 for rapid playing. It can control MIDI channels 5 to 16 while the MP6 controls 1 to 4
Yes, the Nord contains samples in the synth section. What I was saying (or trying to say 😄) in the video is that there is no on board sampler on the Nord pianos. In other words you cannot plug a mic into it or a line in from a guitar or another keyboard and capture samples. There is no way to cut, splice, loop or edit raw audio files in any way on the keyboard itself like you can with the Korg Kronos Workstation. I agree, as far as realism is concerned Kawaii makes some of the best actions in the business. I regularly recommend their products they are stellar! Thanks for watching and sharing about what you have!
The stage does the same thing. I didn't know it until 2 months into owning one. But I can't deny the Kawaii action and keyboard.
Great video. I didn't hear you talking about about using MIDI keyboards with mainstage on stage. It becomes more and more common, mostly because the power of computers these days. I think it is much more bang for the bucket than using a traditional Nord. great video again. thanks!
True, I did not mention MainStage specifically but I did say if all you use is soft synths, all you really need is a MIDI keyboard. And of course if you do everything in the studio a MIDI keyboard will probably suit your needs. In the video I am speaking in broad terms. I however do not believe a Mac running MainStage along with a MIDI controller is going to give a person more bang for their buck if you are comparing it to a Nord Stage 3. A 15” M1 MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM will cost $2500. If you are going to match the number of outputs a Stage 3 has you will need an audio interface with 4 outs. A “budget” Focusrite Scarlett Interface with 4 outs is about $250. If you are going to get a MIDI keyboard that matches the build quality of a Nord you cannot buy a cheap $100 M-Audio controller. The smallest Stage 3 has 73 keys...meaning to match the number of keys you will likely need a controller with 88 Keys. An Arturia Keylab MKII is $1000. If you want to match or exceed the quality of pianos, organs, EPs, Clavs etc of the Nord you cannot simply use the stock pianos in MainStage you will have to buy 3rd party plugins like Keyscape for $400 but you won’t have any organ sounds, or an abundance of gritty leads, pads and so on. You could just purchase something like Komplete by Native Instruments for $600. But now you will probably want more than the 512gb hard drive that comes with the base MAC because 320 of it will be used up by your software. It’s a $200.00 upgrade for the 1 TB hard drive. You are now literally up to $4550 for you soft synth setup with MainStage. That isn’t buying the highest MacBook Pro, audio interface, or the highest soft synth package. Komplete Ultimate can run $1600. Omnisphere can run nearly $500. I did not include these. A Nord Stage 3 Compact runs you $3800. But you could get a Yamaha YC-73 for $2500 and have everything you need to play live. One easy to learn keyboard rather than fooling around with a laptop, controller, interface and the learning curve of the MAC OS system, your audio interface (have to be able to troubleshoot issues like latency), as well as learning your soft synths software. Now, you can buy cheaper computers and software but now you will run into sound quality issues and more importantly reliability issues on stage.
@@darrickkeels6387 I agree with your calculations. The thing is that in my place (Israel), a Nord Stage 3 88 costs 5100$, while I paid 3310$ for the plugins direction: Macbook Pro M1 (16G + 1T) costs in Israel 1600$ + Motu M4 (280$) + Roland Fp30 as a controller (950$) + Korg NanoKontrol2 (50$) + Keyscape(400$) + Mainstage(30$). My Mac is very powerfull - I have the freedom to run patches with 4 keyscape in parallel (Yamaha C7, 64polyphony, no thining, Rhodes with stereo effect, MKS20, Amped rhodes), 2 mainstage plugins (Organ, Alchemy) + backing tracks. And, IMO, Keyscape C7 piano sounds MUCH better than the most Nord's White Grand/Royal 3D sounds. The another aspect I've not mention which might be a bummer, is the ease of setup. Here Hard Synth ofcourse wins. about Reliability, Mac is a rock solid. I had no issues with that. We can talk about the flexibility of using 88 controller, and the next day using a lighter 61 keybed, with the same sounds..In the end of the day, there are Pros and Cons for any direction, I understand that. But keyboard player should be aware to the available options.
@@meaviad Israel! Wow! I would LOVE to visit there. No hardware beats the power of a controller with plugin. I know "hardware only" people sometimes try to argue the contrary but to me there is really no comparison. As you stated Keyscapes sounds better than the Nord, well at least more realistic. The samples are bigger, hence they contain more digital information. This is why I use both hardware and software. I do know a fair amount of keyboardists that only play basic piano sounds, EP sounds and organ. They have an occasional layer here and there with strings and pads. They are live players only. They don't know how to use DAWs like you and I. They know next to nothing about computers but they are awesome musicians. They can play circles around me. Their musical vocabulary is massive but they are not "tech" people. If they plugged a controller into a Macbook, started up MainStage and pressed a key and got no sound, they would be lost. If they had to go to a website to download drivers for an audio interface connected to a PC they'd be lost. They are the kind of people that would upgrade the MAC's operating system too early rendering all of their 3rd party plugins useless because of compatibility issues. For those musicians buying a Yamaha CP88 for $2500 (US😄) is simply a better option. Because when you have a MAC (or PC) you must know how to check how much room is on your HD. You have to be able to monitor RAM usage. You have to know which audio interfaces are compatible and which ones are not. You have to know how to turn off notifications and auto update options so that you don't have an issue in a show. All of these things that I do easily without thinking appear very laborious when I am talking through my Ableton Live setup that's controlling words on a screen, lighting, MIDI, audio backing tracks etc. Or I will get a call from a musician asking me why they have no sound. Someone convinced them that a software based setup was better and now they are on stage trying to figure out how to turn up the "highs" to make their piano brighter because the default setting sounds muddy on stage with an entire band surrounding them. Or they have an error message that says something like "plugin not found" because they accidentally moved a file to the wrong place and now their computer isn't working. If people like that are shopping, their money would be better spent on something more user friendly, especially considering all of the detail found in a Keyscape C7 grand will be lost in the PA system anyway. But wow! Israel! Had no idea my videos made it over there! Thanks for watching AND commenting. I really appreciate it.
@@meaviad Well your insight is invaluable, nobody knows it all. Thank you
I just got a Yamaha DJ x and it's a good little work station it does a lot of great stuff and you can record and layer tracks..it's great in midi too... the sampler is rubbish but fun...I'd recommend them pretty vintage now but great machines
Derrick, an excellent exposition on a subject that is both a bit tricky and also is generally not well known nor understood. Thank you!
Nice overview. I would add a few comments:
1. Newer keyboards such as the Fantom and Montage have excellent DAW integration both of internal and external sounds. So there is no real sacrifice getting one of these compared to a MIDI controller (except for price!). This is true of the RD-2000 to a lesser extent.
2. DAWs and sampler apps (like Kontakt) can replace the "workstation" parts of a workstation (which is why the Montage originally omitted them). So you really have to want the integration in order for it to be important.
3. Sound. feel and layout are more important than features or number of presets. So try to actually play an instrument and get a feel for it before deciding. The Kronos beats the Montage on features, but, personally, I prefer the sound and action on the Montage.
4. Arrangers tend to appeal to a different category of performers than the other instruments here. If you're a one-man band, playing full arrangements in real-time (at a restaurant or bar, for example), than you might want one. A band or recording artist probably would look elsewhere. The closest competitors are not instruments like a Kronos, but home organ instruments like a Yamaha Electone, Wersi or Lowery.
5. Stage Organs are a slightly different category than stage pianos. If you're looking for a piano replacement, then you'll want an 88-key hammer action and touch sensitivity. If you want a Hammond replacement, than you'll want full drawbars and all of the Hammond controls (Leslie, Vibrato, etc.) with light waterfall keys. Some performers might buy one of each.
6. The Montage and Jupiter X can also serve as stage pianos and general instruments (piano, organ, strings, etc.), but there are plenty of Analog (and some Digital) synths that are specialized as polysynths like the Waldorf Quantum or Dave Smith Prophet. If sound design is your main interest, these might be what you really want, rather than a more general instrument.
7. VSTs are very powerful these days. Even the Fantom is largely replicated by the Zenology Pro VST. So, especially for studio and DAW use, you might be better off spending your money on software rather than hardware. However, the best stage pianos have better actions than the best MIDI controllers. So it's worth getting a good quality keyboard, even if your sounds are computer-based.
4: Arrangers => Yamaha Genos
PS Do you know why they call them "Workstations"?
Where does a Bus stop? The Bus Station
Where does a train stop? The Train Station
Where does your work stop? ...
I think korg kross best kb.
@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th The Kross is a good entry-level option for general use. It's one of the oldest instruments in its class though, and the keyboard action is fairly cheap. If yo're considering one, you should try to compare with an MODX+ and Fantom-0 model and see which one you like best.
You missed some cattegories, the analogue synths, the stage organs , and quite a few ofher more niche types of keys.. but all in all a great video for beginners to watch.
Oh yes for sure it is for people who can play but aren't very "techie." The amount of people buying Moog, DSI, analog Novations, and super niche keyboards pales in comparison to those buying the categories in the video. Walk into 90% of the churches in the US and you will find a digital stage piano, digital synthesizer, MIDI controller, or workstation. In a concert with a keyboard player(s) you will always see a category listed in this video. Analog synths, modular gear, portable digital organs, etc are much more rare and are typically sold to a crowd that knows their gear inside and out. Practically no one is undecided on whether to get a Prophet Rev2 by Dave Smith Instruments or a Montage. But I do get asked regularly which keyboard has a better sequencer, the Nord Stage 3 or Korg Kronos lol! If people knew what the Nord was they wouldn't ask such a question lol!
@@darrickkeels6387 Lol I have seen a post on a forum (Gearspace I think?) of a guy complaining he bought a JD-XA and he couldn't find a piano sound or it was not good enough, so, yeah, some people really are clueless and do no research before buying something.
@@lumer2b Yeah they just don't understand what they are buying.
I know musicians who follow the path of analog and modular instruments. I see a common problem for them : endless fiddling with wires and settings, instead of composing music.
@@СССРТВНижнийНовгород lol.
Fantastic explanation, exactly what I was looking for. Helps bring a lot of clarity to all the keyboard choices that are on display at music stores. You provided such precise knowledge that I wonder if I go to Guitar Center now and say I want a stage piano not an arranger piano if the sales rep will even know what I'm talking about, and will I have to educate him on it, which would be kind of funny. Very helpful. Thanks.
Nice to have you back. It's been a while.
Good to be back! Thank you!
God bless you sir. That was the video and the info I was really looking for some time and just couldn't get until I watched this. Keep us the good work!
Thank you for watching! I am glad you liked it.
Great explanation! I thought I know this topic, but learned a few new details. Thanks!
Good to see you back! How about some more MPC One videos? I find it difficult for a newb to get into how to use the MPC. Ambient and Berlin School music is what I would like to do using the MPC. Happy Holidays!!
I plan to! Thanks for watching.*
Great video Darrick! I'm looking for a keyboard that can play on its own with lots of sounds and instruments but also might want to compose music on my pc. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars. Is there any you recommend that is between $800 and $2000? Thanks!
Thanks Darrick... I own both Kronos II and Kurzweil 2500S the only problem is that I don't play keyboard well enough... lol. Thanks for sharing!
Don't feel bad... I've already gone through a Korg Triton, a Yamaha Motif, a Roland D50, Roland jd-xa, Yamaha mx61. And I currently own a Roland fa06, a Roland fantom x6, a Yamaha modx6+ and a Yamaha psr-sx900.
I don't play that well. Knowing a bunch of chords and reasonably moving my right hand across the board seems so cool.
But I definitely enjoy the sounds one can create and mix from those sound machines.
@@XregionalX your rich!!!!
Thanks Darrick. Great video and wonderful skills. I probably saved tons of time and money with this video, by understanding the differences between the various categories of keyboards as I try to put together my home studio kit. Cheers
Thank you for watching!
Roland Fantom or Yamaha Montage tied for first.
Thanks a lot Darrick! That video was very enlightening.
I am very inclined to purchase a RD2000; I have watched a lot of videos of it.
The only thing I am affraid, wanna get your oppinion is about the sounds.
I understand that it wont have all options sounds like Motif or others synthesizer; But does Roland RD2000 have good ones? Pads? Synth sounds? More then a coventional piano stage?
Nowadays I play in a band with a Juno DI (outdated) - but it works for what a need.
At home I have a Clavinoa CVP 505 (old) and I love the sounds - a lot of good ones.
So I am thinkng a lot of buying a RD 2000 so I can play with the band and maybe, also, at home conected to Clavinova sometimes.
Watching your video I got confuse about "would be batter for me a workstation instead of a piano stage"?
+Darrick Keels Do you think it's possible for someone to take the best of all these high end keyboards and put them in one board? I think the fear of not getting ROI is there, but I think if someone did do that, it'd be so many people's dream board that they'd do extraordinarily well.
Personally, as far as what kind of keyboard to guy. It depends on what kind of effects etc, you are looking for. Also, how much you do want to spend on a keyboard. How, much of a budget you are on.
Definitely a great video. Next is how to choose the right keyboard in these categories. 😃 I’ve learned I’m more of an arranger guy but try to adjust my playing and synthesizer to mimic the arranger or find the right combination of cheaper keyboards as the higher end are a little more than I want to spend. I have been moving more to iPad/midi controller/synth combo. Best would be 76 key midi controller with iPad workstation/arranger software for me but that sorta does not exist in a stable version. 88 key midi controllers a little to long or doesn’t have the controls in a 73/76 key version. Takes a little more work getting that arranger feel on an iPad app. And a lot to figure out with a laptop. 😃 Getting there. I’ll figure it out.
Whats the differnece between synthesizers and arrangers? I know their both keybkards. Are they both workstations ?
I look at arrangers more from the standpoint of the name. They arrange the music for you. All you have to do is play the chord sequences. There is a lot of overlap in synthesizers, arrangers, and workstation but I may not know how to play drums or do fills on them. The arranger can arrange that for you. 😀 I may not know how to play with a band or know how the other instruments work in a band. As long as you know what chord progressions you want to play the arranger has a ton of preset music styles and generic arrangements of them. You could play the same chords patterns while you change music styles and the arranger will accompany you with its built in band in that style. Some arrangers allow you to record all of that in some form or another. I look as workstations as a something that gives you all the tools you need to create music or songs but you basically have to figure out all the details to how to put that together. I see the arranger like having a puzzle box with the picture and the pieces. A workstation you get the pieces but without the puzzle box. But again a lot has changed over the years so there is overlap. In simple terms do you want a keyboard with(arranger) without a band(synth/workstation). 😀
Great video. I wish I saw this before buying the wrong keyboard four different times over the last 20 years. 😂
What ones? Help me avoid this pls 😂
As far as midi controllers it's good to know there are plenty of options if I still want physical
sliders and rotary controls. I can see how having all those controls could make music production
and DAW integration a bit faster. Even though midi controllers can vary in cost generally they don't
tend to be as expensive as the other types of keyboard.
Yamaha is my go to I still have moxf 6 still thinking about upgrading to the montage 6
I think Yamaha is getting ready to launch a new Montage. Getting a Montage right now is next to impossible.
@@darrickkeels6387 thanks for information
For me I'll definitely try and buy a Kronos 2. It won't be brand new, but I've got to say, for me it's best in all aspects. I know it's a workstation and right now that's mostly what I'm looking for, though at some point a Nord stage 3 would be worth buying
Great video thanks for posting. I personally more or less know the differences by now (although the video was still helpful) but a video like this that goes into great detail was much needed. I was searching for something like this some time ago because most cover the subject very superficially. And some detail is needed since there starts to be more and more overlap as time passes (especially if you don't use each keyboard to their full extent and just play around with sounds and maybe tweak a little bit).
Thank you for watching. Yes, I often get asked, "Which keyboard is better? The Yamaha Genos or a Nord Stage 3?" My reply is typically, "Better at what?" One is an Arranger/Workstation while the other is a Stage Piano/Keyboard. They are technically catered toward different customers. So picking the right keyboard for you can be daunting if a person doesn't understand the differences in keyboards at least in a broad sense, because like you said there is a quite a bit of overlap. The Nord Stage will give you some synth-like parameters to play with like Oscillators, LFO's and Filter but no one should think it's "synth section" will match the depth of a full blown synthesizer like the Montage. Often I see people buy the wrong keyboard and then complain about "missing features." Hence I made this video. Thanks again!
@@darrickkeels6387 Exactly...! I was about to buy the wrong keyboard and my economy doesn't permit me this kind of errors...
Uhuhuhu....!
I'm saved again for a while...
Thanks Darrick...!
hi
The only thing missing from your studio is Roland Phantom 8.
I had a Yamaha MODX 8 . Now I have a Yamaha PSR - SX900 .
I want Roland Phantom 8. In my opinion, it is the most convenient in the mode DAWless. than Montage and Kronos .
A3r
I didn't know that about organ keys! Thanks for the new info, that's dope 👌 (like button smashed)
Thank you!
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We are looking to upgrade our Motiff at Church, we use mostly piano, electric pianos and pads, but sometimes brass sounds, we are between maybe Nord Stage 3 or 4 and the new Yamaha Montage M series, what would you recommend? Great video by the way!
Montage for piano sounds. Alot of people prefer it over the nord.
Impressive overview packed with information. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Derrick, if you make a tutorial on how to play riffs of blues, rock or jazz or, some technique of "walking bass" on keyboard while improvising in different ways, I surely will pay good attention to it because you have the gift to explain systematically something complex and... With the playing skills that you have.... It'll be surely fine of course....!
Thanx in advance...
Great video, very helpful. My issue is do I buy a weighted or semi, waterfall or piano keys. I was hoping to buy something light to carry, huge sound bank and playable for piano, organ and lead synth, but not £4K to buy! I've tried a few boards and will try a Fantom 07 next (loved the 08 that's weighted, not the best for organ though). Not sure everything will be in one board....
Very nice video Darrick, I saw the original Kronos at Namm went it was presented several years ago. I bought it about 6 months later & yes, it is totally awesome! My biggest concern was the weight. I took it out a few times & now it has a section where it has like a loud clanking noise when I play on those particular keys. Since then, I no longer take it out on the road worrying this will happen to other areas as well. This brings me up to this point- if you have the money, my suggestion it to add the Nautilus to your arsenal since that is compatible with the Kronos & is much more compatible. You can transfer the sounds between the 2 keyboards. I am currently doing that with both the Montage & the MODX. So, aside from the $$$$, you'll have the space to store the extra keyboard(s). This is just my 2 cents worth......
Really nice video bro! Nice to see you back in the game! Still looking forward to us talking again off line! I’m just waiting patiently 🤣🥺 🎹
We shall soon! Definitely! Thanks for stopping by and showing love!
@@darrickkeels6387 here to support, Always👊
Thank you for your response.My setup will always have a weighted 88 key in the chain and a board to do other stuff.I was looking at the SL88 Grand,but hear too many quality control issues plus I rather have sounds to add with Keyscape.My keyboard of choice right now is the Yamaha Cp88.Should I consider adding the Arturia keyLab as I mentioned before instead of the Korg Nautilus?I was mainly looking at the versatility of the Nautilus .
What a great video. So much great information and demonstrations. I now understand why the Yamaha Motif ES8 that I got 15 years ago on a friend’s recommendation to tide me over while my acoustic piano was being rebuilt has been such a mystery to me. I just want the Steinway sound that I bought and loaded in. But no, the Motif presents me with an entire calypso band. Where is my Steinway sound, I ask it? Don’t know, my Motif says, but here’s a spacey vibey thing. It’s been 5 years since I played it, just hooked it up again and it plays (whatever it wants) perfectly, thing is built like a tank, but I’m going to have to read a book to figure out where that Steinway sound is hidden. It says Steinway FF on the little screen, but no sound comes out. I press a button and suddenly there’s a bunch of drum sounds. Anybody want a Motif?
Excellent video explaining this stuff man.! I get asked this all the time, i will now start referring them to this video. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Does the NORD have the bagpipe sound?
Well Darrick,I'm sure you've heard about the Kronos and posibly the end.Maybe there is something else to come later,but cause NAAM is in June is that enough time for something new,hum?Should I invest in the Korg Nautilus 61 or 73 I've been looking at this board as a #2 Keyboard?I will also have a weighted 88 keyboard probably from maybe Yamaha.Thank you for your help!!!!!
I personally would not buy a Nautilus, unless of course you really need a #2 keyboard right now. It's basically a Kronos and will certainly excel in whatever role you put it in. However, I believe Korg is just looking to have the Nautilus as a "placeholder" while they work on something else. They don't want to exit the market and let Yamaha and Roland take all of the marketshare, so they came out with something "new." Roland did the same thing with the FA series. Their Fantom was aging but their "New Fantom" wasn't ready. They didn't want Korg and Yamaha to get all of the marketshare so they came out with a cheaper "Fantom" and called it the FA Music Workstation. Honestly it is reported that they started working on the New Fantom in 2011 or 2012 after Korg launched the Kronos. I however do not think Korg will launch the next "Kronos" this year. I'd be very surprised. IF (and that's a big if) they are working on something new, they've been at it for years now. The Kronos is a powerful, capable machine, but like all electronics eventually they age. The Kronos is almost 11 years old. The Nautilus is not really "new." The software has a new "skin" but it isn't a redesign. I believe the internal components are basically the same as the Kronos. They took away aftertouch, physical controls and KARMA (probably to save on licensing fees) and produced a powerful but profitable machine. But the Nautilus is just as old and dated as the Kronos. Given how well the New Fantom is selling, I think Korg is up to something. But when that will launch no one knows. Just like no one had any idea in 2016 Roland had been working on a New Fantom for 5 years. However, again if you have a need and the Nautilus fills it, buy it. I never buy stuff just to have the "latest and greatest." My keyboards are now a part of a larger system of equipment. I don't need a keyboard that can "do it all." But my keyboards have to be able to easily work with DAWs and other gear. As time passes this is where the Korgs lag behind. The Fantom is not trying to replace software but work with it. Hence it's easy to use interface, seamless DAW integration and easy to upgrade platform is really taking over in this segment. Roland just added an entirely new sound engine that looks as easy to use as plugins like Massive and Omnisphere. So Korg's interface needs to be redesigned from the ground up to compete. Otherwise they will go the way of Kurzweil. Kurzweil makes powerful keyboards but their V.A.S.T system is very hard to use. They lack any innovative DAW integration. So aside from a few diehard fans no one buys Kurzweil anymore. On most stages you see Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Nord. Thirty years ago, Kurzweil was in the mix. Not anymore.
Korg is best choice to we to purchase 🙌👌👏❤
Thank you Darrick. I don't if I told you but I received a Korg Kronos last July. Thank God. Thank you for the tip. Great keyboard!
Congratulations! It’s a great keyboard!
Do you do lesson on Zoom? I'm trying to get lessons. It's kind of hard just using my left hand. But I am trying and I know you are a child of God. Gospel is what I do. So if you do let me know.
@@randalfields1991 Unfortunately I do not teach lessons anymore. I simply lack the time
With the understanding that your time is the greatest gift you u can give someone, I am going to ask you for a min of yours. It's ok if you don't have the time.
I Have been using Garage band for 2 years now. I don't use any live loops.. I produce everything myself. One thing I enjoy is having all the keys (notes) of any particular scale I choose being brought up into a digital keyboard and playing within that scale. Is this possible with-in the MIDI group of keyboards? The ability to choose a scale and play with-in it?
I cant sing. Is it relatively easy / affordable to collaborate with those that can?
I think some midi controllers have that function
Very good overview of keyboards . That's why my last perches was Yamaha montage7 ! Best live gig performance keyboard , especially for composers! And as you say best workstation today is DAW software on wide screen monitor 😊. For this I still happy with my 88 key Korg M3 plus EXB Radias! Kronos is a wasting of money.
Yeah the Kronos has now been discontinued so if I was in the market for a keyboard, I wouldn't purchase one.
Thanks for sharing. Great video.
Thank you for watching! I appreciate you.
What about the Yamaha Modx 6, i have a Yamaha Psr sx700, i wanna buy a modx and i do live music in church. What is the best for me? Should i stay with the psr sx700 or should i go for the modx 6. I am comfused, please help me
I love your videos! Thank you for the valuable lessons on choosing a keyboard with excellent piano sound quality. I am having a difficult time deciding which 88-weighted keyboard to purchase. I want to play classical music like Chopin's polonaises and jazz. Would you please make a recommendation. I'd like build-in speakers, and to sing into the keyboard. Thank you🤟🥰
That is tough because most keyboards that have built in speakers and allow you to sing into them are arrangers. While arrangers are great they are not particularly known for their keybed quality. So you may need to get two keyboards to meet your needs. Like a Yamaha P125 and then select a Yamaha arranger to pair it with.
My previous comment I made on here over a year ago should be taken with a pinch of salt. At the time I didn't know any better claiming that
"arranger keyboards are not just for one man band musicians you can also use them in midi music production". I agree it's very misleading
that companies like Yamaha call Tyros 5 and Genos "Digital workstation" when they are clearly arranger keyboards. I very nearly or could
have unnecessarily spent my hard earned cash on a Tyros 5 thinking it would be a better alternative to Halion 6 or using that as an excuse
when really I probably acted out of jealousy which is the worst reason to buy a keyboard. If in the future I ever have problems with Halion
working in the future ( I don't see how there should be any problams ) I would choose either a Yamaha Montage or Yamaha MODX as
they have 4 op FM synthesis very similar to what Halion 7 has.
The Montage and MODX actually have 8-Operator FM synthesis engines
@@darrickkeels6387 My mistake I was probably thinking about the Yamaha DSR arranger keyboards from the 80s
which are 4 operator FM synthesis whereas the PSR and PSS series keyboards were 2 operator. The DX7 is actually
6 operator. I can't remember weather or not Halion 7's FM Lab is 8 operator but I think it is.
TLDR: Does the Nord play software synths as well as the Keylab? (Dynamics)
I ask I as bought a Yamaha P45 to use it’s midi out with software instruments, and it doesn’t output the full range (not full 127) so it’s useless and has no dynamic range or expression. I read the Nord had the same issues but it was fixed in an update? You can edit the midi curves now or something? Wondering if a Nord Piano 4 (it got the same update) would give me a nice weight action to play software synths via midi, with the full range and feel of a midi controller
thanks ..i learnt basicals of keybords kinds ....anyway arranger is my target ....
Guitar sounds better with ID 4/14 MKII audio interface connected to your computer or laptop.
What do we call a Casio PX 5S or MZ x500?
Great work,thanks for share,keep going
I think a Yamaha arranger keyboard is possibly worth buying for the
sounds alone, I don't think arranger keyboards are a niche market
per say. At least with an arranger keyboard all your instrument
sounds are permanently stored on a rom chip or maybe several
rom chips plus you don't need a USB dongle for hardware sounds.
You can also do multi part sequencing both on board or via a DAW
with an arranger keyboard. Maybe a synthesizer like the Montage
or Motif is better for producers.
An arranger is only "niche" in the fact that it is primarily designed for the "one man band" type of set up. The majority of its resources are dedicated to that style of play. Can you compose with it? Yes. Can you use it as a Stage Piano? Sure can. Do they have great sounds? Yup! Is it the best option for a live player that basically plays piano, organ, EP, etc live? No. Is it the best thing to buy if a person wants lots of sounds and the ability to edit them deeply? No. Are they the best at syncing with a DAW to create music that is 100% original? No. There are better keyboards for that. And vice versa you can get by using a Montage kind of like an arranger by programming the arpeggiator for various instruments. You can set up the vocoder to give you some harmony on your voice when singing through the Montage and work like a one man band, but if that's your thing a Montage is probably the wrong tool to be considering when trying to make a buying decision.
Devemos entender que o montage é um sintetizador, o nord stage é um piano compacto. São instrumentos totalmente diferentes um do outro; o que poderia ser comparado com o nord seria o YC da Yamaha.
I own the arturia but i rarely use it because I don't like to depend by the computer for the sounds and sometimes it also crashes ....I really don't like vst.
Why not a Kurzweil ?
But workstation keyboards like KORG KROSS sounds amazing. Midi is better for using in DAWs. They support different DAWs. M AUDIO OXYEN PRO 61 KEYS is the best MIDI keyboard which is compatable with many high end DAWS like PRO TOOLS, FL STUDIO, LOGIC PRO X, STUDIO ONE, ALBELTON, NEUNDO etc. But other midi controllers just support one or two DAWS. ARTURIA even has its own VST pluggins. So M AUDIO is all in one MIDI CONTROLLER. Even it sounds natural. NAVATION LAUNCHKEYS MIDI supports only ALBELTON. Now they have made another midi for FL STUDIO. M audio midis are cheap and best. But if you spend just 3 times moren Go for korg kross. The best keyboard of choice.
Your Channel is very interesting! Subscribed 😀 I own the Montage6 .
Best wihes for 2022!
What would be the best stage piano for a church? Which has the best piano sounds?
That's such a tough question to answer because everyone has a different idea of what a good piano sounds like. I personally prefer Nord's acoustic pianos over the other brands.
Lots of samples for the Nord free and Nords are easy to use.
Hey great video! Quick question if you don't mind. Im leaning towards an arranger or workstation, stage piano but not sure if its necessary. Priority for me is a great piano sounds with some other sounds that are acceptable and just easy to navigate (unlike Kronos 2 say) (MODX8? NORD..) but would love to have an easy way to jam over drums. Not sure which route to go. Stage piano have great sounds (MP88, Kawai, Nord, etc) but for jamming over drums like you said its not for that. Would a drum machine compliment a stage piano or somekind of app where it would be easy to just like the piano to it? Sorry for the newbie question, this is a bit overwhelming lol
Here's a few recommendations from each category. I'm keeping cost in factor so I'm looking toward the lower end to mid-range models.
Stage Piano: Roland RD-88, FP-60X, Dexibell S-3 Pro (it has bluetooth audio so you can stream backing tracks from your phone), Nord Electro 6D.
Arranger: Yamaha SX700 onward, Korg PA700 onward.
Workstation: Nautilus 61, Roland FA series.
Synth: Yamaha MODX series.
Word of advice. Look for keyboards with built in audio interfaces. They come in handy for a soft-synth setup.
@@ablesam Nice! Thanks so much for the recommendations, will check them out!
@@peteypablo2081 I couldn't have said it any better than Able!
What about Kurzweil?
Great brand with great features and sounds in their boards. Often under looked because of their minor presence in the last decade. The K2700 seems promising. VAST is still one of the most powerful hardware synth engines to date.
The Modx was a thought to go with the Cp88,sounds are great but the keybed build is the biggest issue that I have!!!!If I could get past that I would have no problem with it,but this is why I do like Arturia,so I may reconsider putting the Nautilus on the back burner for now!!!!!Do you feel you have outgrown your Kronos?Any suggestions?This is primarily for the studio,I just like having a weighted keyboard at the root,even though it’s a stage board .
I do no feel I have outgrown the Korg Kronos. For now it is still my main go to board for playing live. Over the years I've just gotten used to it. It's still the most powerful workstation on the market. With that said because it has a pretty dated interface and no real DAW integration to speak of, I use my Roland Fantom a lot more when in the studio. I still use the Kronos in studio at times for its sounds but that's pretty much it. Eventually, my live main keyboard will probably be my Roland RD-2000 with my Fantom on top along with my laptop to run Ableton Live or my MPC One.
@@darrickkeels6387,Well I have made a decision to get the Kawai MP7SE as the 88 Key to start from,it has one of the better keybeds that I had once before and a Yamaha MODX 6 or 7 probably as the #2 .The sounds are incredible,I had the MODX8 ,keybed was not bad ,but not to my standards ,now if I can live with some of the negatives of the MODX 6 or 7 until I can get a Montage I'll be happy.Thanks for your help,I am very meticulous when it comes to keyboards,but reality says maybe a Montage will have to wait.Thank you sir for all of your help,all the best with your musical endeavors.
I need to say: great presentation.👏
Thank you!
I would do a midi controller and keyscape or native instruments, studio logic makes some good controllers with weighted keys 🎹
Agreed. I’ve used a studiologic SL88GRAND with pianoteq & NI Kontakt. Just recently added Roland cloud sounds since I’m an old XP & FantomX guy. When I want to add organ and additional keys, GSI VB3 & Nektar P6. This setup has worked flawlessly for me for quite a while.
Great vid, Darrick.
A thought occurred to me…which board do most pros use? Or which board do pros use most?
I think I’ve seen Yamaha much more than Roland or Korg over the years. Of course, it’s not only Yamaha, Roland and Korg now…Nord is definitely getting chosen by those who can afford whatever they want.
I feel that, for the best pallete of really nice, actual useable voices, Yamaha wins.
But I went with Roland because I like the joystick type controller better than the dual wheels
This is real fine...!!!
I never understood quite well what a midi controller was in contrast with another keyboards... There were a lot of confusions about that... And the radical concept that it is deeply related with virtual sounds stored in a computer DAW or something external to the instrument itself that could provide high quality sounds at a very proper price And much more...!!!
Now I'm in doubt of going for a keyboard workstation or maybe... a controller...
Anyway thanx a lot...!
(I'm subscribed now...)
hH, the Korg Pa5X can do all of the keyboards you mentioned in this video?
No, there is no one keyboard that can do it all.
😆 yes it will not only do everything I mentioned but also let me homeless. It cost 4.300 Eur here in Europe. But thanks a lot for your replays and keep doing videos , you a great teacher and explainer !
Yes but as it's an arranger you would only buy it if you specifically want an arranger keyboard and intend to use auto accompaniments.
If your into sequencing/production but don't want accompaniments then a workstation like Korg Kross or Korg Nautilus is better for that
purpouse as a workstation/synth tends to have more pristine sound quality intended for sound recordings plus Korg's workstations also
have synthesis emulation something the PA-5X probably doesn't. However the on board sequencing capibilities on the PA-5X is still ideal
for a songwriter to put a demo track together. Unless you play as a one man band or your a songwriter there is no point in buying an arranger
keyboard. I know I used to think otherwise and very nearly fell into the trap of buying a Yamaha Tyros 5 just for music production but they
are not intended for that sort of use.
Didnt like the keybed feel of the nords, felt very cheap and is way over priced. Most Keyboards really seem to neglect keybeds.
ago
I enjoyed your videos.I am thinking of using two keyboard controllers:The Studiologic SL88 Grand for that piano like keybed and touch,cause I have Keyscape,Ravenscroft,Omnisphere.I am also plannig to get the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk2 for that amazing keybed and fat sounds.The keybed is a big deal for me,which is my only issue with the Yamaha MODX 6 and 7.The items I mentioned will be for the studio,and maybe consider MODX in a live situation,cause it is light in terms of weight.Do you think there will be any issues with having the two keyboards SL88 Grand and Arturia acting independently as two keyboards playing their own presets by way of USB?Iam using Logic Pro X on an Imac.Thank you
Nope. No issue at all. That's a great setup.
Long term the setup would be SL88 Grand plus a Montage 6 an overall investment and to be happy.The Arturia for now is cost effective as a #2 board.
Love love your AMAZING vids, especially the ones on the rd2000. I'm going with the Rd 2000. Can you please give me an idea of some great speakers or monitors to use. This will need my first stage piano and I don't know anything about amplification. Thank you so much
I personally use KRK Rokit 5's in my studio mostly. But the Yamaha HS7s are actually an excellent choice as well because the are less "boomy" than the KRK"s. For gigging I use the QSC K12.2 loudspeakers. They are rugged, lightweight for their size, and have a nice clarity for their price range. Any of the QSC speakers are am excellent choice in my opinion. And on top of that, they can get very loud without distorting when I need them to.
@@darrickkeels6387 thank you so so much for the response. I thank you a million times.
Hello for new edm production journey which standalone hardware synt is to be selected
I would use an MPC Key 61 for sure. It excels in the EDM department. Also the Fantom-0 of Fantom. I am not sure what your budget is.
@@darrickkeels6387 sir budget is of korg krome or modx alikes
Great video! However I don't think you explained the Synths well enough... it's not about "having" a ton of sounds but creating them from scratch even. Nobody cares about the default presets, the whole point of Synths is that the sound is being made by "parameters" that you can understand and modify to create any sound you can think of, that's the magic of them.
Sound is generated from waveforms after all, and those waveforms can be modified with oscilators even further, which can be used for arpegios and then used to modify the release or the attack of a sound, just as an example. There are also synths that use PCM samples as bases for the sound and then you can control further parameters from them. It's also important to note that Synths usually have their own strenghts and weakness, limitations if you wish: Mono, Poly, Parts, Sequencers, Oscilator counts, Filter types, and so on. So, let's say that Synths are for sound designers, you could probably use them for arrangements for sure, but it's to get that one sound you wanted or you had in your mind.
Good Synth examples from the past: Yamaha DX7 (FM Synthesis), Roland SH101, and some modern ones: Roland JD-XA, JD-Xi, Yamaha Reface series (CS, DX), Roland System-8, Jupiters, some Juno's too.
You bring up an an excellent point. The term "synthesizer" is very broad. The Nord Lead A1 for instance is a digital synthesizer (virtual analog) in which no one is really concerned about "presets." It's all about designing your own sounds and morphing them on the fly. The same can really be said about the System 8, SH-101, Moog One, DSI Prophet V, or a JD-Xi etc. But those kinds of "synthesizers" were not covered in this short video. I would agree that those are all about sound design. However the Roland Fantom comes with 3500 presets and can be expanded to 3x that amount. The Montage comes with 2700 performances. That of course can be expanded. They offer pianos like the Bosendorfer for download. The Jupiter 80 had over 2500 presets and the Jupiter X gives you over 4000. These aren't simply basic waveforms but ready to use sounds with insert effects, fret noise, trills, slaps, plucks, growls and other various effects and articulations. Very few people are taking raw piano wav files and designing their own pianos, saxes, trumpets, or chimes from scratch. Now...you can. Professional synthesizers give you that capability but they also include tons of presets for a reason. Lots of people will tweak the EQ, Reverb, and Damper Resonance of the Yamaha CFX Grand piano. Much fewer go as deep as the oscillator level and run each element of the piano sound through different LFOs, envelopes and filters to create something truly unique that doesn't even sound like a piano. So I would say the kinds of synthesizers I am talking about are as much about an abundance of presets as they are sound design. If they weren't, manufacturers wouldn't include 1000's of them and go through the difficulty of adding all of the effects, articulations and sometimes previews to show them off. They'd simply give you a few raw PCM samples and a few basic oscillators like triangle, saw, and sine with a whole host of parameters and let you design to your heart's content.
Personally, I cant be bothered to 'create' sounds. I just want thousands of pre-sets created by others so I can see which I can utilise in my compositions.
Which keyboard should I buy? The one for $5,000 or the one for $2,000?
So iam using an mpc live to make music which is the best and most compatible for me far as loading my own sounds into it
I use the MPC One to do my sequencing/recording and sampling. I also use Ableton Live as well, along with Maschine at times. I rarely use the onboard sequencers and samplers on my keyboards. I find their interfaces rather dated and unintuitive compared to more modern tools.
Let’s Go‼️🔥🔥🔥
I thought Korg is not making the Kronos 2 anymore? is that TRUE. If that is true can they be repaired and can you get parts? To bad they never came out with another version of the Kronos 2. Does the Kronos 2 have true after touch and does it work? Ive heard they had a problem with that and some people say theirs works fine.
The Kronos has been discontinued. But yes the Kronos 2 does have true aftertouch and in my experience it works fine.
Super helpful! Thanks so much!👌
The Montage sends out 16 stereo midi out and 6 stereo in. You said Mono which was wrong as you can send out 32 mono out and 12 mono midi in.
I thought maybe I misspoke but I don't believe I did this time. Under the audio interface section on Yamaha's website, this is what it says "Sampling Frequency = 44.1kHz] Input: 6 channels (3 stereo channels),Output: 32 channels (16 stereo channels)"
16 stereo (32 mono) inputs and 3 stereo (6 mono) outputs at 44.1 khz 24 bit. 16x3 stereo audio interface only at 44.1khz/24 bit.
4 stereo (8 mono) inputs and 3 stereo (6 mono) outputs at 44.1, 48, 96 and 192 khz. 4x3 audio interface at any sample rate above 44.1/24 bit.
I have a modx 7 and yamaha psr sx 900 , both are superb in own away , cannot afford all three shown
You have great keyboards! I am sure there is nothing else you "need."
@@darrickkeels6387 yes happy whatever Jesus has given me ,and thank you for your great guidance and awesome knowledge
I thought the waterfall keyboard was because of the black keys in the front part?
The lip (the ending of the key) kinda looks like a waterfall. It's rounded and doesn't have a sharp edge like that of a piano key-bed. Waterfall key-beds are mostly found in Hammond organs and digital replicas.
MIDI controller and keyscape by spectrasonics.
That's a great setup! Keyscape is an amazing product.
How does the Korg Kronos compare to the Fantom and Fantom 0 series?
There are so many differences between the Korg and Fantoms. Really too many to list. But here are a few. The Kronos has a linear sequencer while the Fantom has a pattern sequencer limiting the user to 64 measure loops. The Kronos' sequencer gives you 16 tracks of audio along with 16 tracks of MIDI. The Fantom's sequencer is MIDI only. Now you can use audio samples using the sampler in the Fantom to add audio to your sequences but they are technically not a part of your scene, hence it's not really a part of your sequencer. The sampler on the Korg Kronos has timestretching which allows you to change the speed of samples to match a particular BPM. I do not believe the Fantom currently has timestretching. The Kronos comes stock with a 62gb SSD and a slot to add your own additional SSD. You could technically add a 1TB SSD if you wanted. The Fantom uses flash memory and gives you a shared 2GB of room for expansion sound packs and multisamples. The Fantom-0 only gives you 256MB for expansion packs and multisamples. You get a total of 2GB for samples for the pads and 2GB of space to store samples. That's a massive difference. 62GB vs 6GB. The Kronos has dynamically allocated polyphony which takes voices from engines not using them and applies them to where you need them automatically. So I find in general I run into far less noticeable note stealing on the Kronos. And the Kronos seems to have a bit more extensive user adjustable settings for manually allocating polyphony as well. I find the Setlist Mode to be more robust overall than the Fantom's "scene chaining" feature. The Kronos allows for more insert effects to be applied to a single layer/zone than the Fantom. For example I can add a chorus, flanger, and delay to one guitar patch without it having to share any of those effects with other sounds in the combination. The Fantom only gives you 1 multieffect (the equivalent of an insert effect on the Kronos) per zone. The Kronos has Karma. There is simply no equivalent on Fantom. The Kronos has far more preset drum patterns. In reality they are very different from one another. But that doesn't make Kronos "better." The Kronos has a 2 in 2 out interface on board. The Fantom has a 32 out 6 in audio interface.(32 out 4 in on the Fantom-0) The Fantom has balanced combo XLR inputs with available phantom power. That is not present on the Kronos. The main outs on the Fantom are XLR outputs. No stage box needed. The Fantom's Ableton Live style sequencer is actually good for most popular music especially if you are playing live. If you want to repeat a chorus or jump straight to the ending of a song that isn't going well 😄 you can. The Kronos' sequencer is much like a tape player. You hit play and you are just along for the ride until it ends. There are some different things you can do with Karma and launching samples via the keys but it is much more complicated. The Kronos is discontinued so parts will be hard to find. The Fantom is new and constantly receiving updates. The Fantom has better DAW integration due to its superior audio interface and its seamless robust integration with Ableton, Logic, and MainStage. The Fantom has pads, TR Rec style recording, an analog filter, cv/gate, more USB ports, more inputs for pedals...etc. It really will depend on what you are looking for and then you pick a keyboard best fits your needs.
good bagpipe?
The arranger showed in this video actually has a good bagpipe sound.
Loved this and learned alot .
Brother…you are the truth! Yessah!
Thank you!
Still waiting for a MIDI controller with a quality action. I have the Arturia and it feels like ass. Would love to see a "controller only" keyboard that feels like an M1.
Which Arturia do you have?
@@darrickkeels6387 61 Mk II
@@joelucayt Yeah they don't really get much "better" than the Keylab MKII. The Komplete Kontrol by Native Instruments is different but not really better. My best semi-weighted action is on my Yamaha Montage. They simply don't make MIDI controllers with that level of quality keybed.
Thank you bro, great video !
Thanks for watching!!!
Thanks Darrick ! ❤❤👽👽🌲🌲👌👌
Helpful comparison!