Midi Sampler Question Options

[pinemarten3]

So, I'm totally new with the whole MIDI thing. Been using mostly analogue keyboards etc. It's gotten to the point where I just can't take all this stuff to shows anymore. So I'm thinking about getting a sampler (AKAI S2000, EMU ESI2000 something like that).

Here's my question, can I, using MIDI, run two keyboards into one sampler (with only one MIDI input) and play different parts on them? Do I need some sort of MIDI mixer?

Basically what I'm trying to do is replace a main keyboard with piano/string type sounds and a little MOOG synth, which I play during different parts of the same song. The idea being that I don't want to switch out MIDI ins for two separate controllers duing the middle of a song.

As I said, I'm completely new to this, so please be gentle.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[lepetitmartien]

there are a few things to consider…

- The sampler you are to use has a sound and all are not born equal
- The size of the banks you'll need, as it's suppose to replace on stage your beloved old keys, you won't cut corners and optimise to the max

the 2 parts into one sampler should not be an issue as you don't have 5165764 fingers

I don't remember the exact polyphony of each ones, but either these or the just higher model should be ok. 16 voices are sufficient (correct me if I'm wrong, maybe you play with you feet AND your nose then it would be a trouble
If I remember well that it's ok.

then these samplers are not top of range ones, so have memory limitations (32 Mo for ESI32). You can have a lot of sounds in 32 megs. But if you want to have the best of your Moog, maybe you'll end up with a big bank for it. So watch for at least fully memory expanded samplers (their memory IS expensive). If you are really in doubt, check for the superior model (ESI4000-ESI5000)

Then the sound… Some like Akai, Some like EMU better…

If you're into analogue stuff, I think (try before you buy anyway) that the EMU sound (fuller and warmer) should suit you better. ESI are sampler that are relatively easy to master and they sound good.
S2000 in my opinion (I told you I'm sold to EMU) are not sounding right. At least not for you. Colder and harsher.

One more thing to check on the memory side is that loading samples in a hardware sampler take a small but definetly firm on the ground time to LOAD, so if you have to change a bank (eg you want to have different patches of your old moog available during the performance) thelargest memory you'll have, the less hassle it'll be if you hve to load during the performance.

Anyway, as samplers are getting dirt cheap 2nd hand… have a look… it's worth it.

hope this will help

(I've been gentle you see