Gracie and the Atom keyboard rig

Performing with a software-based computer rig is more common these days. In fact the benefits outweigh the negatives now. Especially for a show gig, having access to different sounds, effects and samples within one setup allows for quick editing and customization. With a bit of MIDI mapping any keyboard controller can control the software allowing the user to keep the hands on the hardware and off the computer. I’m using an old Roland A-80 from 1989 as a keyboard/controller. It still has the best weighted piano-action of keyboard I’ve played in addition to four sliders/buttons and four pedal inputs for control. All of the keyboards sounds are produced by Apple’s Mainstage which is live-performance based software using the software instruments and effects from Logic Studio. With a good quality audio interface for output, (I’m using a RME FF400) the sound is at least as good if not better than hardware-synths. Mind you I’m not selling my hardware stuff, but for this gig the software rig is much better suited and flexible. Also within Mainstage there is a metronome function. For each song in the show I have a patch set with the tempo for that song, which provides an accurate count off for the band.