I am currently using 2 Korg Tritons, a Macbook Pro and a MIDI interface to run my live rig.
I am looking at a modern controller like the Korg Tactile that has some trackpad functionality to get away from using the laptop and moving towards a rack mounted mac mini.
My concerns with the USB controllers is max cable length for power, I don't want to depend on wallwarts onstage.
someone
iPhone 4
Ultimately, I wish someone would make a dual tier controler but can't find one.
Has anyone else done the mac mini instead of a laptop?
Can you use an ipad for a screen or do you need a normal LCD?
Hi YPP,
I can tell you sometime ago I used a 10 meter USB extension and at the end a usb hub with 2 midi keyboards and worked fine for me.
Hope it helps you.
I just converted from a Mac Mini (2.5Ghz i5) to a Macbook Pro (2.2Ghz i7). My original thought was to do what you are suggesting. I built a rack and mounted the Mac Mini, an Airport Express and a Radial USB box. I thought I could survive without a monitor, mouse or keyboard. If I needed to address the Mini I could use an iPad running Splashtop or Dual. It never worked reliably. I ended up taking a UPS, a small HDMI monitor and a mouse to gigs. In the end, I realized that I was better off with a laptop. No worries about lose power connections, no fishing for the mouse, no monitor to carry. Initially, I though I was saving money with the Mini. In the end, I spent as much for the setup as I would have for the MBP and it is more reliable and easier to transport.
I use a Nectar Panorama 61 note controller. It is a little bit of a pain to get it functioning with MainStage, but when you do, it's so much easier to work live.
Good luck!
Oh... the length of cables and power supplies. Most of my USB devices (Nektar P6, Line 6 pedal, Radial USB Pro) run on USB power, so there is no need for power supplies. The max cable length is supposed to be about 15 feet. I use a powered USB splitter (yeah, you will need power for that) and that allows me 15 feet to the box and another 15 feet to the instruments. I used to run stereo audio outs to two instruments. power to two instruments, a sustain pedal, a volume pedal and a leslie speed switch up the column of my Apex stand. That's nine cables! Now I run three USB cable (sometime two if I only use one controller).
Revamping Live Mainstage Setup
