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[Dr.Mizik]

Lately I have been seeing an increasing number of keyboard players with laptops in front of them. Can someone please explain to me what's up with this new trend? What do they do with these computers? Is this an imported trend or is it only in the HMI? Has anyone seen it in other musical genres ei (Latino, African, American)?. How does it change/ influence the music or the performance?

Dr.mizik

[Neg2byen]

Dr.Mizik wrote:

Lately I have been seeing an increasing number of keyboard players with laptops in front of them. Can someone please explain to me what's up with this new trend? What do they do with these computers? Is this an imported trend or is it only in the HMI? Has anyone seen it in other musical genres ei (Latino, African, American)?. How does it change/ influence the music or the performance? Dr.mizik

Monche bagay banm problem tou wi... Bagay sa se derespekte piblik la ki peye $25, 30, et pafwa $40 pou antre nan bal wi. Gen defwa ou konn panse se neg yo kap jwe epi se nan laptop la wi mizik la ye epi yo menm yap hype crowd la. perfect example, i went to a carimi on friday they started playing their hit carnival "Zandolit" nobody was playing any instruments epi mizik la continye epi Michal ap hype crowd la.
T-vice tap jwe au zenith, Roberto fe tankou lap jwe saxophone tout crowd la ap fe bri yo panse se misye vre, se le misye leve sax la anle epi mizik la kontinye ap jwe yo we se pa misye vre non... Bagay sa led man. Sa rele cheating...
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[yef]

Dr.Mizik wrote:

Lately I have been seeing an increasing number of keyboard players with laptops in front of them. Can someone please explain to me what's up with this new trend? What do they do with these computers? Is this an imported trend or is it only in the HMI? Has anyone seen it in other musical genres ei (Latino, African, American)?. How does it change/ influence the music or the performance? Dr.mizik

Hi Dr. Mizik,

The HMI once again was very late in adopting the technology. This is no disrespect at all. It just provides greater flexibility to the musician.

To answer your question, no matter what the setup is, any keyboard (amateur or professional) usually consists of:
- a midi controller (black and white keys)
- a sound engine (a mini computer - The pricier, the better)

For example: The Roland D-50 (very popular in the 90s)

is comprised of the midi controller and the sound engine bundled in one. This is the model that was most used by keyboard players in the 90s.

Then things shifted a bit where the controller was separated from the actual sound engine. Hence the birth of the sound module. This is the model that was mostly used until now. A good example of this setup is the Roland Fantom (sound engine). It is a very common sound module used within the AMI/HMI etc.


A common midi controller that is usually paired with the sound module is the M-Audio Axiom Pro 61


The midi controller produces no sounds by itself. It just communicates the notes to whatever sound module it is paired with.

This setup gives the musicians more flexibility to switch between controllers without spending money on new sound engines.



But why not take it a step further? Every sound engine has a micro computer within it anyway. Why not leverage a common platform and get the same result with more flexibility? Hence the use of a laptop as the sound engine! The sound module is now replaced with the laptop.

This new setup allows musicians to be more creative in generating new sounds. The sound modules usually have a very small screen and can have thousands of features, which makes them hard to configure at times. The laptop features a bigger screen. And the musician can use a mouse to quickly access any features they please.

I think the ultimate advantage of using the laptop is that you can install more than one sound engine in there. Imagine if a musician was to carry all 3 or 4 physical bulky modules to every performance! So this setup really really streamlines their travel needs as they can just carry the laptop in a bag.

Also think about how costly it would be if one of these sound modules was lost or damaged during transportation! Now all of their setup is backed up. The musician can now restore their settings within seconds.

In summary, Why use a typewriter when you can use microsoft word within a laptop? That's the same idea here. Why should musicians get stucked with inefficient ways of configuring their setup when a laptop can make their life easier. No they are not playing recorded tracks on it. No they are not disrespecting the public. It is purely used as sound engine. The same method that has been around for years since the invention of the keyboard is now on a laptop.

If you go into a music store, the sales clerk will persuade you to go that route. It's used in every genres out there from Gospel to Neo Soul to Jazz!

_________________
"I think I have managed to pay respect to some of my childhood heroes but my most important work is always ahead of me."

-Fabrice Rouzier

[MenkiJan]

yef wrote:

Dr.Mizik wrote: Lately I have been seeing an increasing number of keyboard players with laptops in front of them. Can someone please explain to me what's up with this new trend? What do they do with these computers? Is this an imported trend or is it only in the HMI? Has anyone seen it in other musical genres ei (Latino, African, American)?. How does it change/ influence the music or the performance? Dr.mizik Hi Dr. Mizik, The HMI once again was very late in adopting the technology. This is no disrespect at all. It just provides greater flexibility to the musician. To answer your question, no matter what the setup is, any keyboard (amateur or professional) usually consists of: - a midi controller (black and white keys) - a sound engine (a mini computer - The pricier, the better) For example: The Roland D-50 (very popular in the 90s) is comprised of the midi controller and the sound engine bundled in one. This is the model that was most used by keyboard players in the 90s. Then things shifted a bit where the controller was separated from the actual sound engine. Hence the birth of the sound module. This is the model that was mostly used until now. A good example of this setup is the Roland Fantom (sound engine). It is a very common sound module used within the AMI/HMI etc. A common midi controller that is usually paired with the sound module is the M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 The midi controller produces no sounds by itself. It just communicates the notes to whatever sound module it is paired with. This setup gives the musicians more flexibility to switch between controllers without spending money on new sound engines. But why not take it a step further? Every sound engine has a micro computer within it anyway. Why not leverage a common platform and get the same result with more flexibility? Hence the use of a laptop as the sound engine! The sound module is now replaced with the laptop. This new setup allows musicians to be more creative in generating new sounds. The sound modules usually have a very small screen and can have thousands of features, which makes them hard to configure at times. The laptop features a bigger screen. And the musician can use a mouse to quickly access any features they please. I think the ultimate advantage of using the laptop is that you can install more than one sound engine in there. Imagine if a musician was to carry all 3 or 4 physical bulky modules to every performance! So this setup really really streamlines their travel needs as they can just carry the laptop in a bag. Also think about how costly it would be if one of these sound modules was lost or damaged during transportation! Now all of their setup is backed up. The musician can now restore their settings within seconds. In summary, Why use a typewriter when you can use microsoft word within a laptop? That's the same idea here. Why should musicians get stucked with inefficient ways of configuring their setup when a laptop can make their life easier. No they are not playing recorded tracks on it. No they are not disrespecting the public. It is purely used as sound engine. The same method that has been around for years since the invention of the keyboard is now on a laptop. If you go into a music store, the sales clerk will persuade you to go that route. It's used in every genres out there from Gospel to Neo Soul to Jazz!

Yef, thanks for info, very informative bro.

But, in addition to the laptops, I've seen a a lot of bands are adopting the two keyboard players' format as well.

[Sanrick]

I mentioned that briefly to Zip on another post. There's a difference between the Laptop and the MPC. You will notice some bands use both.

Well done Yef, very informative!

Thanks for the pics Pat!
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“Cultural change is hard, but cultures do change after major traumas.” Samuel P. Huntington

[Deutch]

yef wrote:

Dr.Mizik wrote: Lately I have been seeing an increasing number of keyboard players with laptops in front of them. Can someone please explain to me what's up with this new trend? What do they do with these computers? Is this an imported trend or is it only in the HMI? Has anyone seen it in other musical genres ei (Latino, African, American)?. How does it change/ influence the music or the performance? Dr.mizik Hi Dr. Mizik, The HMI once again was very late in adopting the technology. This is no disrespect at all. It just provides greater flexibility to the musician. To answer your question, no matter what the setup is, any keyboard (amateur or professional) usually consists of: - a midi controller (black and white keys) - a sound engine (a mini computer - The pricier, the better) For example: The Roland D-50 (very popular in the 90s) is comprised of the midi controller and the sound engine bundled in one. This is the model that was most used by keyboard players in the 90s. Then things shifted a bit where the controller was separated from the actual sound engine. Hence the birth of the sound module. This is the model that was mostly used until now. A good example of this setup is the Roland Fantom (sound engine). It is a very common sound module used within the AMI/HMI etc. A common midi controller that is usually paired with the sound module is the M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 The midi controller produces no sounds by itself. It just communicates the notes to whatever sound module it is paired with. This setup gives the musicians more flexibility to switch between controllers without spending money on new sound engines. But why not take it a step further? Every sound engine has a micro computer within it anyway. Why not leverage a common platform and get the same result with more flexibility? Hence the use of a laptop as the sound engine! The sound module is now replaced with the laptop. This new setup allows musicians to be more creative in generating new sounds. The sound modules usually have a very small screen and can have thousands of features, which makes them hard to configure at times. The laptop features a bigger screen. And the musician can use a mouse to quickly access any features they please. I think the ultimate advantage of using the laptop is that you can install more than one sound engine in there. Imagine if a musician was to carry all 3 or 4 physical bulky modules to every performance! So this setup really really streamlines their travel needs as they can just carry the laptop in a bag. Also think about how costly it would be if one of these sound modules was lost or damaged during transportation! Now all of their setup is backed up. The musician can now restore their settings within seconds. In summary, Why use a typewriter when you can use microsoft word within a laptop? That's the same idea here. Why should musicians get stucked with inefficient ways of configuring their setup when a laptop can make their life easier. No they are not playing recorded tracks on it. No they are not disrespecting the public. It is purely used as sound engine. The same method that has been around for years since the invention of the keyboard is now on a laptop. If you go into a music store, the sales clerk will persuade you to go that route. It's used in every genres out there from Gospel to Neo Soul to Jazz!

THANKS MAESTRO ......
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...... A LA KANA GEN PLUME SA .......

*** LOBE'Y LA PRAN LARI ***

*** MWEN KANPE AN DIFISIL SOU GRIMEL YO***

[Deutch]

DE BEL DJAZZ ANPIL BEL MOUN...BEL FET..HARMONIK BON BAGAY....
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...... A LA KANA GEN PLUME SA .......

*** LOBE'Y LA PRAN LARI ***

*** MWEN KANPE AN DIFISIL SOU GRIMEL YO***

[Dr.Mizik]

Yef, thanks for this informative and very detailed explanation. It is very unfortunate that as our keyboard players are becoming more wired the art of knowing how to play the keyboard is becoming as distant as the rising sun. The creation of music is slowly being replaced by the mechanical process of mixing sounds or creating sounds. The solo are forever becoming shorter and more redundant. I do not even know if the word “solo” has any meaning in today’s kaleidoscopic HMI. The right sound can make any musically and technically challenged keyboard player sounds like a virtuoso. Maybe it is the way to future. Who Am I to object or interfere?

I certainly agree with you that computers or computer-like devices have been in use in the HMI for quite a long time. But, the overt use of a “laptop” on stage, in all its glory and power, for some reasons still rub me the wrong way. I’m sorry the optical Illusion is simply not there. I can’t help feeling that I’m being cheated on some levels or that there maybe an imposter standing behind the keyboard. Maybe I’m more old school than I thought I was. Maybe the transition is happening too fast for my taste. I tried to pretend that I’m ok with it without any success. It irritates me, it annoys me and I can’t hide it anymore.

With two keyboard players on stage armed with very expensive and high tech keyboards that are mini laptops in their own rights is there really a need for one or two laptops? If one is allowed one extra or external sound module for instance what else is trully needed?. Due to time restraint, on average a band will play 4-5 songs on any given night. How many different sounds do they use per song or per night? More than too often, they use the same sound or their signature sound in all or most of the songs anyway. It is great to have a laptop that exponentially increases your ability to create sound but is that happening on stage? There is no new sound being created on stage. Is it safe to ask if we have crossed the line between what is needed and what is wanted?

Again Yef, I thank you for your impressive explanation. As always it is a pleasure to exchange a few thoughts with you. I will continue to strive to tolerate the presence of a laptop on stage. I agree with you it may serve a purpose yet to be determined. However, I’m begging the keyboard players who have not started using the laptops and can actually hold their own without using them to refrain from jumping on the bandwagon. They do not look good on stage. And honestly, I have not seen a drastic or any difference between the performance with them or those without them. Just for the sake of the esthetic of a Musical performance, please stay away from them. Work on your basic skills, some or one of your fans will be thankful.

Sincerely,
Dr.Mizik

[yef]

Dr.Mizik wrote:

Yef, thanks for this informative and very detailed explanation. It is very unfortunate that as our keyboard players are becoming more wired the art of knowing how to play the keyboard is becoming as distant as the rising sun. The creation of music is slowly being replaced by the mechanical process of mixing sounds or creating sounds. The solo are forever becoming shorter and more redundant. I do not even know if the word “solo” has any meaning in today’s kaleidoscopic HMI. The right sound can make any musically and technically challenged keyboard player sounds like a virtuoso. Maybe it is the way to future. Who Am I to object or interfere? I certainly agree with you that computers or computer-like devices have been in use in the HMI for quite a long time. But, the overt use of a “laptop” on stage, in all its glory and power, for some reasons still rub me the wrong way. I’m sorry the optical Illusion is simply not there. I can’t help feeling that I’m being cheated on some levels or that there maybe an imposter standing behind the keyboard. Maybe I’m more old school than I thought I was. Maybe the transition is happening too fast for my taste. I tried to pretend that I’m ok with it without any success. It irritates me, it annoys me and I can’t hide it anymore. With two keyboard players on stage armed with very expensive and high tech keyboards that are mini laptops in their own rights is there really a need for one or two laptops? If one is allowed one extra or external sound module for instance what else is trully needed?. Due to time restraint, on average a band will play 4-5 songs on any given night. How many different sounds do they use per song or per night? More than too often, they use the same sound or their signature sound in all or most of the songs anyway. It is great to have a laptop that exponentially increases your ability to create sound but is that happening on stage? There is no new sound being created on stage. Is it safe to ask if we have crossed the line between what is needed and what is wanted? Again Yef, I thank you for your impressive explanation. As always it is a pleasure to exchange a few thoughts with you. I will continue to strive to tolerate the presence of a laptop on stage. I agree with you it may serve a purpose yet to be determined. However, I’m begging the keyboard players who have not started using the laptops and can actually hold their own without using them to refrain from jumping on the bandwagon. They do not look good on stage. And honestly, I have not seen a drastic or any difference between the performance with them or those without them. Just for the sake of the esthetic of a Musical performance, please stay away from them. Work on your basic skills, some or one of your fans will be thankful. Sincerely, Dr.Mizik

Dr. Mizik, it's always a pleasure reading your post as well. While there is no new sound being created on stage, the laptop is the instrument itself. So its presence is definitely necessary.

And I don't think the laptop can make any musicians appear more gifted than they really are. The ones that are used to "Teke note" will always be doing the same thing. Versatility cannot be invented by the laptop. It comes from the musician.
_________________
"I think I have managed to pay respect to some of my childhood heroes but my most important work is always ahead of me."

-Fabrice Rouzier