6-2
Advanced Applications
Computer Sequencers
Once youÕve mastered this simple setup, try the following for some variety in your
setups:
¥ Transpose the two zones differently so that you play intervals.
¥ Try different Velocity Curve settings so you can emphasize one zone or the other
according to your playing effort.
¥ Try setting the left or right zone to Both (
Bot
) so that it plays both modules.
¥ Set the Control Pedal destination in Zone L to 7 and R to
Off
. Then set the Control
slider in Zone L to
Off
. Now you can vary the volume of the MicroPiano with the
control pedal instead of the slider.
¥ Change the value of B Ribbon Down to
91
(Reverb Depth) or
93
(Chorus Depth) and
use it to vary the effects intensity while playing. Just a tap on the ribbon is all it takes
to change (be sure the Hold or Zero parameter is set to
Hold
).
There are many more possibilities; donÕt hesitate to try them.
Example: The Kurzweil K2600R
At the other end of the sophistication spectrum is a
multitimbral
module like a K2600R.
The main advantage of an advanced instrument like this is that it can play several
different voices at once (up to 16 for a K2600). Driven by your Stage Piano in MIDI
Setups mode, the left and right zones can therefore play different voices.
When having two zones is not enough, sophisticated sound modules like this can
usually do their own keyboard splits and transposition, thus multiplying the effect of
the Stage PianoÕs own two zones. The K2600R, for example, can designate one MIDI
channel as its Local Keyboard Channel, then treat it the same as the keyboard in the
keyboard model which supports up to
eight
zones.
Even when used with an external sound module much more powerful than its own,
your Stage PianoÕs internal module can earn its keep as a polyphony expander. Piano
music uses polyphony (voices) faster than almost anything else. By dedicating zone R
to the internal module (set Destination to
Int
) and zone L to the external module (set
Destination to
MID
), you can ofßoad the polyphony demands of the piano parts and
leave your module free for more exotic instrument sounds. YouÕll Þnd the quality of
the internal piano and other voices equal if not superior to most any external module
youÕre likely to encounter.
Computer Sequencers
Adding a computer running MIDI recording software to your setup takes you into the
realm of composition and performance beyond what can be played at one time on one
keyboard. The common term for MIDI recording software is sequencing software or
just
sequencer
. YouÕve probably already got one that came free with your computerÕs
sound card, and it will likely be Þne for getting started. Nevertheless, there are many
more-sophisticated programs available on the market that you can grow into.
