Keyboard Rig Setup Rundown for Live Performance Cover Band Keyboard Player Synth Rig | 2023 | Part 1

[@Russsssss]

I love vídeos like that. Thanks from 🇧🇷

[@lucalgisi]

Great. Clever, practical and friendly (weight-wise) setup! It would be cool to see all the wiring/laying-out process!

[@thortschman]

Thanks! Will definitely make a video soon about it!

[@maxaernecke3700]

Nice one. I’d like to learn more about your wiring 😊😊

[@thortschman]

Noted! Thanks for commenting!

[@fMusic16]

Gerne mehr davon! 🤩 Auch über die iPad-Funktion! 😊😊

[@thortschman]

Habe ich notiert! Danke dir!

[@oscarbetan]

Que buen set para en vivo!! I follow you since few years ago! You're the best keyboard pleayer I've seen! Show us more about this topics! Saludos desde Perú!

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot for the nice words, really appreciate it.

[@Omega072.]

Judging by how you described the acoustic pianos on the Fantom-0, I take it that classically-trained pianists like me wouldn’t get very much out of it. I was looking at getting the 08 for its super-easy UI, but now due to the poor-quality piano sounds and lack of USB compliance I’m looking at getting a Korg Nautilus. As far as I know you can just get a NanoKontrol (I think that’s what they’re called) to add your faders and physical controls to the Nautilus. The Nord Stage pianos are also amazing (I tried a Stage 4 in person) but a tad too expensive for me. 😂 Fantastic setup all around though! Great work!

[@thortschman]

Thanks for your thoughts! As a classical Pianist, you may look at Dexibell as well. They don’t have Workstations but very nice Stage Pianos with superior Piano samples. I have one at home for practice. You would not be happy with the Fantom 0 as also polyphony is really bad. In some occasions even the single pianosound cuts (e.g. sustained low bass notes). The big Fantom has a dedicated Piano engine that solves that issue.

[@Omega072.]

@@thortschman I heard great things about Dexibell, and like I said I also tried the Nord Stage 4 which is a beautiful instrument, but a workstation best suits my needs since I also love creating my own sounds. Thank you so much for your timely advice, and I wish you all the best!

[@KoayChooChin]

Bro, keep it simple. You can use your left hand move across your right arm to press the Fantom pad. More connections mean more chance of failure.😊

[@thortschman]

Actually, this is my backup when the connection fails ;)

[@LIFELOVER715]

You just made me spend more money haha. Thanks for the great presentation and some great ideas.

[@thortschman]

Thanks! What did you buy?

[@peterzuendorf5754]

Great Video - I noticed you seem to have a certain way of writing out the lead sheets of the songs (some kind of color coding?) - it’s not a technical topic, but I would love to see a short video about that. From what I could see it looked very tidy:) Cheers Peter

[@thortschman]

Thanks! Great point. Yes exactly I have a color coding for it. I will take the idea for one of my next tips and tricks video!

[@toine2121]

Hi thanks for the good ideas you have. For instance to use your phone and midi designer for the drawbars. The bandhelper app is also a good idea. I use onsong but if i am right you can use bandhelper to switch to the right presets too. The mini vent is something i would consider although it is quite expensive. I was wondering, you said you use the fantom 0 because of the weight. But i think when you use a big Fantom you don't need the extra piano module, di boxes or even the Nord lead. The Fantom has some synthcontrol too. I preffer to use one keyboard on stage (Roland Fantom). I don't like to depend on so many connections (midi and audio) like you do. I saw Herbie Hancock this week. He used a Korg Kronos to control a vocoder. But the connection didn't work. Then he used an Roland Ax Edge but wireless midi did't work because of interference. I get the shivers form these issues. For weekly rehersals i use the 06 (light weight you're right). Thanks for the video it' s nice and educational to see how others make their set up.

[@thortschman]

Thanks for sharing your experience. You are right the big fantom could simplify my rig. But I have several reasons beside the weight. I was playing two seasons with only one board and sampled all my synth sounds. That somehow worked but I started to get annoyed but the amount of split points and lost flexibility for playing each sounds, especially Piano and organ. So a second board is something I don’t want to miss anymore. Also even the big Fantom is missing FM Synthesis (which the Nord lead brings) and also there is nothing like a CP70 or 80 Sample at all in the Fantom (which the dexibell brings). It’s really amazing to get other experiences and see how other set up’s are working. Thanks again for sharing!

[@mastermachetier5594]

I love this setup really cool. Wish I was a Keyboard player instead of a bass player lmao

[@thortschman]

I don’t think this is also valid for setting als this stuff up..haha thanks for comment

[@edangelobayag3241]

Hi brother. Really appreciate you posting this rig. I was able to buy fantom 0 because of this and im extremely happy with it. For now, im planning to use fantom as my only keys for live. I heard issues about polyphony. Did you have this experience? Or you have a workaround? Thanks and hope you notice.

[@thortschman]

I also have this issue. Latest update solves it at least for piano tones. Other than that just try to assign zones and layers smart and also use the polyphony options in the zones (full, limit,…)

[@MK-kc5lb]

Great content, many thanks for sharing your knowledge with others. Could I have a few questions ? 1. what specific model of tablet are you using, or which one do you recommend from Apple ? 2. it seems to me that you are using a K&M Spider tripod, it just seems to me that it is slightly shortened ? Perhaps a silly question but I would appreciate an answer. Super job, looking forward to your other videos ;)

[@thortschman]

Thanks for your comment! Sure. I'm still using a trusty old iPad Air 2 from 2014. It's working great. As long as you don't use it as sound module, I can recommend it. Anyway, the new iPad are very expensive... so a used one could be a great option. Actually, you are right. I cut off the Spider to have it only as long as I need it. I'm actually surprised that you noticed it!

[@MK-kc5lb]

Thanks for the answer. I noticed that probably because I don't like the look of my stand and that's why I wondered if maybe you were that tall :D I'll probably do the same as you ;) What tablet holder are you using ?

[@thortschman]

@@MK-kc5lb Back in these days K&M offered holders fitting to special tablets. Currently only variable holders are offered. I'm using this one: K&M 19717 iPad Air 2

[@wireguy123]

Spyder was circumsized @@thortschman

[@wireguy123]

Really Great...I have a Nord Electro5D and a MODX and use On-Song to change setups. Would like to here a more detailed explanation of your mixer/in-ear set up. All your keys sub mixed by bottom mixer and fed into the Yamaha > Monitor out to FOH and headphone out to in ears?

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot! It's quite simple: Rackmixer (Submixer) --> DI Box --> Link to in ear mixer --> Headphones. Mix to FOH is Main Out from DI Box.

[@wireguy123]

Stereo or Mono @@thortschman

[@thortschman]

Stereo all the way

[@roelcornelisse]

Great setup, and nice video! Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up you dared to put a whole bunch of presets overboard from the Stage 2 and go for the phantom. I would be interested which ipad program you use for sheets, and also interested in the hardware standard setup. I have my ipad on the same position, but via a normal mic standard. I always struggle to get it right, and it is not so steady all the time. Thanks for sharing!

[@thortschman]

Thanks for your comment! I will take a note fire the next Tips and tricks videos!

[@JeremyRobberechts]

I’m about to build my new rig around a Fantom 07 and this video was very informative. Is the stand a Baby Spider or a regular Spider?

[@thortschman]

@@JeremyRobberechts something in between. It’s the regular spider but I shortened it about 15cm

[@JeremyRobberechts]

@@thortschman Ah so that’s why I couldn’t figure it out. 😄 That’s clever. The full size Spider is a bit too high for my taste (or I’m too short). 😅

[@markanthonycontreras9114]

Bro cN you help me please how to assign on midi comander?

[@tonylancer7367]

I really like this rig, you make me want to like the Roland Fantom-0, but like you, I don't like pianos on it. If I can ask, what made you choose the Roland over the Yamaha MODX and Korg Nautilus?

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot! Sure, I testet the MODX and really liked it. But the touchscreen seams to be quite slow. I needed to wait some moments after clicking something. Considering the amount of Songs I need to program this was a no-go for me. But it’s sounded really nice. I did not test the nautilus, as this machine has barely hardware controllers. I love the Fantom for its fast interface (no lack screen, only one workspace), the 8 faders and sample pads. The sounds are not up to date imho but I always owned Roland and somehow I like them anyway.

[@kosl99]

Nice video. I have a similar setup. Do you load any sequences in the fantom when changing switch group via the ipad. I have not figured out if thats possible.

[@thortschman]

Thanks! Actually I don’t really use sequences in the Fantom so I can’t answer your question unfortunately.

[@kosl99]

@@thortschman i have the old FA08 and cant get i to automatic load an sequence with an switchgroup. So have hoped you could tell if the new Fantom could. But nice video. I will follow

[@thortschman]

Thanks for support! I doubt that Fantom 0 can do what you want.

[@marcellosambataro]

What rack case are you using? I am strugglin' to find some good options with front and top rails. Great videos btw!

[@thortschman]

They are called L-Rack. There are tons of different sizes. Some Shops even produce exactly what you want.

[@batave2383]

Hey man, I love your videos. I'm considering a Fantom 0. I'm in a cover band and have a VR-09-B right now, but I'm running into walls in terms of layering and splits. You have a 07, did you ever consider an 08 for the keybed? Cheers again!

[@thortschman]

No I did not, due to two reasons. Live I do not play weighted Keys simply because of the weight. And secondly I don’t like the 08 Keybed. For me it feels cheap - I really like the Fatar TP40 Keybed which can be found in higher price ranges.

[@izikshtemer]

Great setup. Can you explain how you setup up the phone control on the pads and drawbars ?

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot! I will explain in a future video in detail. The drawbars can be reached over midi channel 2, cc no.70-78. For the Pads you need the SysEx Message, I will share in the video soon.

[@izikshtemer]

@@thortschman Thanks !!!

[@habslan]

Congratulations and thanks for the videos. What app are you running on Ipad?

[@thortschman]

Thanks! I’m using BandHelper.

[@EshginAghayevMusic]

What is the name of the app you use on the iPad?🎉

[@thortschman]

It’s called BandHelper

[@michaelheck6919]

Hey....Danke für Deine Videos..... :-) Wie heisst denn die App mit der Du Deine Program Changes mit dem I Pad verwaltest, und gleichzeitig die Sheets pro Song hinterlegen kannst? LG Michael

[@thortschman]

Besten Dank! Ich nutze BandHelper.

[@Rafael-Vdmqd]

Thank you...great video Please what app use on iPad for the songs, how do you write the chords ? Regards Rafael

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot! I use BandHelper. About the chords, I’m planning a video to describe how I write my Sheets.

[@f.ba.7165]

Great Video, thank you for sharing your experiences! Am I right that you are running everything stereo? There are many discussions if keyboarder should run in mono or stereo (depending on the PA und location). What are your thoughts on this?

[@thortschman]

Thanks for your comment! I always recommend running it stereo and I always provide stereo signal to the FOH. What the sound technician actually does with it is his job and I don’t care if he uses stereo or mono. He needs to set up the mix.

[@f.ba.7165]

And do you check your patches also how they sound in mono for this case?@@thortschman

[@thortschman]

No not really. I save this extra effort.

[@ChrisMutchJones]

Hey, great Rundown! Do you have any links to show how you setup the midi designer to control the switch groups?

[@thortschman]

No not really. But here is the SysEx Code that selects Group 3. just change the last „02“ to what ever group you want (02=3, 03=4, …)

[@thortschman]

41 10 00 00 00 5B 12 01 00 00 13 00 00 00 02 00

[@ChrisMutchJones]

@@thortschman excellent! Thanks for this! One more question…is it possible to name the switch groups on the iPhone app and have a whole set of different names for each scene?

[@thortschman]

@@ChrisMutchJones I have never tried it. I solved this issue by using the note function in the Fantom where you can write some notes for each scene.

[@ChrisMutchJones]

Hey again! I’m wondering if you could point me in the direction of how you learned to set this up??

[@woler83]

Hi. Your setup is cool 👍. Can i ask what soft you use on Ipad to send pc? Can i send with that app program changes and many of control changes to all 16 channels? Thanks in advance 👍

[@thortschman]

Thanks a lot! I use BandHelper and the answer is yes. You can send on all channels pc and cc. It is based on Midi Devices which needs to be set in a global setting.

[@woler83]

@@thortschman Thank you very much 👍👍👍

[@rjkeyman]

Great video! Please do a step by step video on how the iPad (BandHelper?) is sending Program Changes to the keyboard from the song list. 🤓

[@SebastiaxvGaming]

Wie bekommt man diese ganzen Styles auf die Keyboards ?

[@thortschman]

Styles I’m Sinne von Begleitautomatik hat das Keyboard nicht. Alles andere ist selbst von mir auf dem Gerät programmiert.

[@SebastiaxvGaming]

@@thortschman Also vorne weg: Ich habe ein Yamaha EX5, ein Roland G 1000 und ein Yamaha Motif6. Ich möchte mit (egal welchem Keyboard) Lieder covern, wie eine Coverband (also wie du). Das Problem ist allerdings, dass ich mich 0 auskenne. Nun würde ich gerne wissen, wie man diese „Originalsounds“ der zu covernden Songs auf die Tasten bekommt. Ich habe gelesen, dass es solche Plattformen wie DOO gibt, aber dort werden eben keine Styles für meine Keyboards angeboten. Ich habe auch gesehen, dass viele ihren Laptop oder ähnliches benutzen und diesen mit dem Keyboard verbinden. Ich weiß aber nicht, wie das alles zusammenhängt. Vielleicht kannst du mir helfen 😂

[@thortschman]

Da ich ja mit einer kompletten Band spiele benötige ich auch keine Styles. Ich arbeite mit einzelnen Sounds die ich mir entweder aus dem im jeweils eingebauten Speicher des Keyboards hole, oder ihn an einem Synthesizer nachbaue. Letzteres ist eher etwas für Fortgeschrittene. Diese Sounds werden dann in einer Performance/Combination/Scene gesammelt und auf der Tastatur verteilt wie man es benötigt. Ich selbst bediene mich nie auf online Plattformen, ich programmiere alles selbst. Wenn es speziell um die Styles (Begleitautomatik) geht, bin ich der der falsche Ansprechpartner.

[@SebastiaxvGaming]

@@thortschman Okay, danke trotzdem 👍

[@MrTheEintopf]

Which keyboard stand do you use? Is it the KM Spider Pro?

[@thortschman]

Yes it’s the KM Spider Pro, but I cat it shorter to end with the second tier.

[@britesynth]

What app are you using on the ipad? Thankyou

[@thortschman]

It’s BandHelper.

[@britesynth]

@@thortschman thank you! Love your vids and rig rundowns! Hope you can make vids of your midi settings msb lsb channel assignment kind of things etc etc, agian thank you

[@thortschman]

@@britesynth Check out my latest video about master template, there I’m talking a little about it. Thanks again!

[@britesynth]

@@thortschman oh thanks! I have to see that!

[@adrielmontanez3813]

Hi, can you please explain how to connect your tablet to your keyboard, and what app do you use?

[@thortschman]

I use a Roland UM-One to translate USB to MIDI. The App is called Bandhelper. You need to make sure, that the MIDI Channels are set up correctly.

[@dominic3206]

Danke für die Videos. Warum verbindest du das iPad nicht direkt via USB mit dem Fantom (bzw. warum funktioniert das nicht 😂)

[@thortschman]

@dominic3206 würde natürlich auch gehen, nur hängt da schon das iPhone dran

[@dominic3206]

@@thortschman Verstehe, danke. Bei mir funktioniert die Verbindung iPad mit USB-C zum Fantom eben leider nicht. Zumindest fliesst kein Strom, um das iPad zu laden. Ich probiere weiter.

[@thortschman]

@@dominic3206 du musst an den PC Port anschließen

[@skiinian85]

Are you sending sysex messages from the phone midi designer app? If so could you share the specific message you're sending? I'm curious what the messages look like, thanks!

[@thortschman]

Yes I do. The Code as example for switch group 3 is: 41 10 00 00 00 5B 12 01 00 00 13 00 00 00 02 00 The last „2“ actually activates Pad 3. so just change it to the number you need. The Code is only working if switch group is actually activated.

[@skiinian85]

@@thortschman Thanks very much, will try this out later, appreciate it!

[@skiinian85]

Have you heard of Morningstar? They make midi-programmable footpedals and I use it to increase the fantom master volume up to a "lead" level of volume and to change to other scenes, but i had been thinking of using it to traverse up and down the keyboard switch groups. I partially got it working but my sysex was a bit off and would occsionally/randomly actually break the keyboard switch group/sample pad(the lights would shut off and i'd have to switch to a scene that isn't using ksg). Hopefully this sysex you sent will not cause that issue anymore!

[@thortschman]

No, I haven’t heard of Morningstar. I will definitely take a look, thanks for this info! I have never had any issue like you described. Let me know if it is working!

[@skiinian85]

@@thortschman the messages work like a charm it seems! Thanks very much! I have the pad scrolling working now!!

[@TWDsLeftBack]

What ever works for you but this just seems like a lot of extra steps and more to go wrong for the limited extra functionality. This is not a criticism and I'm sure its great for you, just my own thoughts 👍

[@thortschman]

I absolutely understand your thoughts. Came from a one keyboard set up and now missing the simplicity of it, but having the flexibility I was searching for. It’s kind of trade of..