at last!

dorremifasol · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 11:12 am Post subject: at last!

Yup, I just got the G2 engine. I will evaluate it for some time and then decide if I go for the G2 Keyboard with the expansion or continue witht the Engine. I noticed some differences in sound qualityt between the software demo and the real unit.

I have a Novation Remote Zero SL which should be one of the best controllers for the Engine, but I find the G2 keyboard really useful as a controller too, although not cheap. I am redesigning my "studio" (in a 3d program) in which the G2 Keyboard will be the main controller, and I wonder how the keys feel. What I will miss from the Remote Zero is the ability to send system exclusive messages, I am aware that the G2 Keyboard can not do it.

Cheers,
Albert

dasz · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 11:27 am Post subject:

http://www.midisolutions.com/prodepp.htm

This could do it.
/Dasz

mosc · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 11:31 am Post subject:

Congrats. I have a G2X. The G2 Keyboard and the X are supposed to have different keyboards, but I haven't noticed any difference. For a controller, you gotta have at least 5 octaves though.

The G2 is a mixed bag as a midi controller. It doesn't have any touch adjustments, but you can always modify the midi notes in a patch - so you can make anything you want. I hate to use a valuable slot for midi processing though.

I have been told by many piano teachers that I have a very firm touch, but on the G2 I find I have to multiply the velocity signal by about 1.2 to get the keyboard to be responsive to my touch. I wish this was a global setting.

The G2 does do two splits and the 8 knobs with changing labels are great. The pitch stick is fantastic. Once you get used to it you won't want to be without it.

Keysandslots · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject: At last!

I also have a G2X, amazing instrument, and I haven't even started fooling with it yet.

I'm a classically trained piano player so I really wanted at least one weighted, 88-key controller. I have an 88 Rhodes, and a few years ago bought a Yamaha S90. The Yamaha has a great keyboard, although heavy for some, but they made some very odd sacrifices in the architecture and samples. I also have a heavy touch, I've actually broken an acoustic piano and generally use the piano at church without the mic, even with a drummer beside me.

Think about your preferences, things like weighted/unweighted, aftertouch, number of keys, portability, controller options (MIDI transmission, extra faders and stuff) and then see what's out there. I'm not a big fan of controller-only keyboards because you can usually get something with some internal sounds for around the same price as a controller.

If you're thinking about the G2 with the expansion, you might as well just get the G2X. That way, at least you get the extra wheels and the bigger keyboard.

Randy

dasz · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 12:27 pm Post subject:

yes, the pitchstick lets you do fun patterns...
/Dasz

cebec · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject:

yeah, i'm not even a trained keyboard player but the pitch stick is one of my favorite controllers. it's so responsive and feels good.

dorremifasol · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 3:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the link, Dasz.

Well, I think that the lack of touch adjustment will not be a problem, as I will use the keyboard with Cubase, but it is true that there should be a global setting for it. All the keyboards have it, and one well above 1000 euro definitely should. I'm not a good keyboardist, nor even bad, just awful, but I enjoy playing the keyboard anyway.

I am more interested in the regular G2 because it will fit in on top of my table, between the rack modules and below the monitor. I already have a Motif ES 6 keyboard but it is located below the table and I have to move it out in order to play with it, which unfortunately puts me far from the computer keyboard and mouse. I think that the best option to play and edit the G2 at the same time is with the keyboard and the knobs.

By the way, I dream about playing such a powerful synthesizer from outside my room, for example in living room sofa or even in the balcony! This can only be done with the regular G2, I think.

Let me post a picture from my "ideal room studio". Smile

Cheers,
Albert

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dasz · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject:

intoxicat · Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:39 am Post subject:

no monitors dasz?

dasz · Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 8:41 am Post subject:

Small condo, No room (closet), paranoid/oversensitive neighbours = headphones only Sad

/Dasz

dorremifasol · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:17 am Post subject:

er... same here, I barely use the monitors. Maybe some day if I can find a better living flat...

Antimon · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:29 am Post subject:

Does the Novation Remote Zero SL have parameter feedback and motorized faders (looked through the description on the site and it doesn't seem like it).

Just wanted to put in a note that I think the Behringer BCR2000 and BCF2000 are unbeatable in the G2 engine controller division. I think it's strange that there are so few controllers with parameter feedback on the market.

/Stefan

dorremifasol · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:42 am Post subject:

Nope, no parameter feedback or motorized faders. The Remote SL could have been a great controller if it provided feedback, but it only does so when using "automaps", for example with Cubase SX3. If you use it to control some other gear like the G2 it only sends data but does not receive it.

That's why I'm still thinking about buying a G2 keyboard and sell many other things, Remote Zero SL included.

So, does the BCR2000 have parameter feedback??
Cheers,
Albert

Antimon · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:36 am Post subject: