As creative professionals, we’re often sitting at our workstations for many hours on end, sometimes to the detriment of our health. Our posture suffers, we get tight quads and hamstrings, IT band issues, and fatigue. I often solve this by keeping a kettlebell sitting out in the middle of the room and taking a break […]
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Buying a Used or Refurbished Apple Computer for MainStage
I often see posts in Facebook forums concerning which Apple computers could work well for Apple’s MainStage software for live music performance. More specifically, which Apple computers could function well if purchased used or refurbished. This is a tricky proposition as there are a number of things to consider. First, you’ll need to consider whether […]
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Can I Use A Windows Computer For Music Production and Keyboard Programming?
I’m often asked whether it’s absolutely necessary to use an Apple computer for music production and keyboard programming. This question is certainly understandable given how much Apple products tend to be associated with creative professions and the tendency for content creators to gravitate toward the Apple ecosystem. However, I would argue that the answer to […]
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KVM Switches for MainStage Keyboard Programming
I’m often asked about the best way to create a redundant computer rig for live theatre. Specifically, for use with MainStage keyboard programming and Ableton Live. A redundant rig with a functioning main and backup scenario would always include two computers, two audio interfaces, a MIDI splitter box such as the MIDI Solutions Thru, an […]
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Review: The Pelican Case
So it’s time to share my love affair with one of my favorite products: the Pelican case. As you already probably know, Pelican makes ultra sturdy watertight equipment cases that have become the standard in audio, video, and military use. They’re virtually indestructable, come in all different shapes and sizes, offer excellent protection for your […]
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Do I Really Need A UPS for MainStage Keyboard Programming?
An issue that comes up frequently when I’m setting up MainStage keyboard programming for new theatrical productions is whether or not to use a UPS for the keyboard and backing track rigs. There are several ways of approaching this issue, and after setting up shows both with and without UPS units, I have some insights […]
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MOTU Audio Interfaces on Broadway
As a synthesizer programmer for Broadway productions, I’ve been a longtime user of MOTU audio and MIDI interfaces. At times, I’ve tried other products, but have always been disappointed in one way or another, and whenever I’ve returned to using MOTU I’ve been fully satisfied with the quality of the products, reliability, and the excellent […]
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Networking for Live Theatrical Productions
With the increased use of MainStage keyboard programming in live theatrical productions, it has become essential to be able to set up a local area network onsite when setting up a new production. There are three major uses for such a network: 1. Mixing keyboard and track outputs and making quick edits remotely from the […]
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Yamaha U1SH Silent Piano Review
Several months ago, I traded in my Steinway grand piano for a Yamaha U1SH Silent Piano. The U1SH has since become an integral part of my workflow.
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