Music Workstations!
A music workstation is also known as a keyboard workstation or simply as a workstation. When you reach the stage wherein you are exploring various music workstations and considering buying one, you are no longer just a keyboard or a Piano player. You have grown as a musician and you are becoming better at composing, arranging and music technology skills. Now you need an instrument which will help you to give shape to all the musical ideas in your head...and that is where the music workstation fits in.
Why a workstation?
A workstation is a synthesizer, sequencer, sampler and a musical keyboard, everything rolled into one. It is a self contained music production tool which lets you compose music using just one piece of equipment. It can be described as a portable music studio. The basic aim of having a workstation is simple, you do not want to leave your instrument when you get that brilliant idea in your head. You need all the tools at one place to turn that idea into a masterpiece.
Workstation's features
Any keyboard workstation should normally contain the following features:
• Multi-track Sequencing – lets you record and edit your composition, including vocals
• Drum machine – record, edit and play rhythm tracks
• Synthesizer – lets you create, edit, store and play back the sounds
• Sampler – lets you record external sounds, manipulate and play back the sounds
• Effects device – apply effects like reverbs, delays etc. at both the global level as well as at channel specific levels
• Controllers - includes knobs, switches, faders, ribbon, etc. to let you change each and every parameter of sound
Popular Workstation's
The more popular workstations include Korg's Triton, Roland's Fantom, and Yamaha's Motif. In addition to the above features, these workstations will include things like CD burners and expansion cards which will let you add new sounds. Yamaha is also projecting its Tyros as an arranger workstation though it is more of an arranger keyboard and not as powerful as the Motif.
On stage
Workstations can also be used for live performances. As a keyboard player you will normally create compbination of sounds and assign it to the various keys or you will create sequences which you may use later during your live performance. Once on the stage, you can apply effects or use the controllers to modulate the sounds on the fly without needing any external gear.
• Review the Yamaha Motif
• Go back to the Home page from the Music Workstations page
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