I'm the new director/programming lead for an indoor group and need some help sorting through what I really need for electronics. I met with our pit arranger (who LOVES using electronics) but came away from our meeting overwhelmed with how much software/hardware I would need to purchase in order to have the same electronics setup as the other groups he is used to working with...

** warning: this is going to be pretty long **

Goals:
- narrated voice (triggering 4, 10-20 second phrases)
- loop some ethereal sound effects (ex. wind, birds chirping, etc...)
- be able to generate "beats" using a midi Pad controller or something to that effect (played by a member to replace/be more versatile than a drumset)
- spend as little as possible (big surprise right?!)

Currently available from the drumline:
- Malletkat 5.1 w/ expansion kit (missing a module and I have zero experience setting up a MalletKat. Every manual I've read makes my brain hurt).
- 2 cabinet, PA system w/ 16(?) channel mixer (no sub(s) as far as I know... I'm actually going to take a look at the PA for the first time in a few hrs and can update this accordingly)

What I can add to the mix (personal equipment):
- Yamaha PSR-E223 student keyboard
- Laptop PC running Windows XP
- Cubase 4 LE
- Sibelius 4 (soon to be upgraded to 6)
-----------------------------------------

The biggest thing I'm trying to wrap my head around is exactly how everything would need to interface to generate "X" effect or loop... I always see lines that have a 61-key midi controller hooked up to a MacBook that tanks during setup and think: Isn't there an easier way?!

Based on some research it seems I could accomplish 99% of the voice-over, sound effects and beats on the fly with a Roland SP-404 that is connected via the RCA directly into the mixing board.

However I also found these (less expensive) controllers that come with a "Lite" version of Ableton 6 but no on-board effects:
- Akai APC20
- Akai MPD26
- Akai MPD32
- Korg padKontrol
- M-Audio AXIOM 25-keys + 6-pads

So from what I understand we could record the VO and assign it along with sound effects or loops to one of the "controllers" above via Ableton with a laptop and then output said sounds from the controller to the Mixing Board via RCA... is that accurate?

Example(s):
SP-404---------> Mixing Board on PA

or

Laptop+AbletonLite------->USB/Midi Controller------->Mixing Board on PA

Am I missing anything? I'm assuming I would need to find free-ware midi collections or purchase midi/FX libraries and load them into Ableton from there depending on the sounds we want to use?

Any help/tips are greatly appreciated!!!

My what a mission you are on!

"Goals:
- narrated voice (triggering 4, 10-20 second phrases)
- loop some ethereal sound effects (ex. wind, birds chirping, etc...)
- be able to generate "beats" using a midi Pad controller or something to that effect (played by a member to replace/be more versatile than a drumset)
- spend as little as possible (big surprise right?!)"

I'm happy to inform you that if the software you have lets you play samples live you can actually do all of this with just a computer hooked up to speakers. I'm certain this is not the ideal or conventional way to do things but it's definitely cheap to free.

Also take a good in-depth scan of the capabilities and features of your software. I've yet to see any kind of recording/mixing software that doesn't come with samples, particularly your ethereal sounds.

There's also the option of just using a keyboard that can import samples, import your voice samples and bam you're done.

If your software accepts VST plug-ins your options for free effects are endless. When I was on my recording tangent about 6 months ago I practically lived on this site: http://free-plugin-list.com/

But all of this is if you want to go what I call the "broke people" route.

Best of luck to you.

Quick thing to add. I have seen WGI groups use that exact Roland sampler to great effect. I've used the Roland SPD-S pad myself before and that pad also worked well.

Here's the difference between using something like the Roland pad you suggested and a controller. You need a computer for a controller. There are benefits and disadvantages to using a pc for your electronics.
benefits: More control over your sounds and samples leads to more versatility. Generally a computer setup can be cheaper then a high quality synth-sampler system.
Disadvantages: Computers are not made to do live performances of samples. This means they are more likely to crash then a computer running Albeton as you said in your post. There is also a small lag time when running samples through computers as well.

Personally, I would use the Malletkat for more "traditional" parts, especially for things like celeste, harp, etc. keyboard elements that you can't get from Marimba/xylo/vibes, etc.

Otherwise, I would highly recommend Mainstage (Logic Pro). You've already got a Mac, so for $500 and a simple MAudio or other midi keyboard, the sky would be your limit. You can configure Mainstage to do virtually anything you can imagine.....you can divide a keyboard into separate "zones" for particular patches, switch patches on the fly, and achieve any sound you may need - as well as utilize any "samples", etc.. It is very intuitive and I've yet to have any performance issue with it. In addition to Mainstage...you'd be getting amazing recording and programming software as well as over 80 gigs of samples. Also great for notation. I'll be happy to elaborate/explain further, if anyone is interested.

80 gigs of samples?! <drool>

Seems like a MacBookPro and a 20+ key midi controller would solve 99% of my problems AND give me one hell of a home studio rig. This is what I get for sticking with Windows's for 15 years ;-)

as a sound man for a PIW line, go with the sampler if you want EASY. the SPD-s is rock solid never failed anyone I know who uses them and they are pretty easy to use. You could set it up with pedals and make it into a drumset if needed for some portions as well as having patches for the loops and narration. You can record directly into it for the voice over or you can import WAV files.

As for the rest of your gear. preparation is key. Figure out cables, who plugs what in, who is setting this up and who is moving this. You cant practice setting up at game time too much. There will always be some random event that will mess you life up so practice it till you think your good then do it 2 more times.

hey guys...I'm glad this thread already exists and I've gotten a ton of useful info already. But I have one important question. Say for instance I purchase a Roland SPD-S and I have a set of 9 samples all programmed into the thing. Is there a way for me to scroll to a new set of 9 patches that I've also programmed in, or is this a task that takes a long time?? Meaning could I potentially trigger the pads 1 - 9 and then press a magic button and move on to another 1 - 9 that I've also set up?? I'm pretty quick at picking these things up from searching online and being resourceful, but I couldn't seem to find an answer for this. It would be HUGELY helpful if someone could answer this question for me. I'm just about 90% sold on getting one, but I need to know this before I do anything. Thanks in advance...

Yes.

The SPD-S has page keys marked with + and - that allow for easy scrolling through the card, bank, or whatever source you're using.

*Note- Personal preference is to never use anything that runs off an actual computer, laptop or similar.

The sample pads have way less potential for problems and something like the SPD-S running a memory card can be easily fixed by putting the card into another device from a friendly competitor.

thanks snarepaint....I'm putting in the order today...

Anytime.

I you need any help programming the card, let me know.