Recommend Keys Practice Rig App

Dogtone

I'm trying to set up a rehearsal room keyboard rig using an old Studiologic SL-990 and a newer iPad Mini that I can carry to & from the room. I have a powered hub around here somewhere and an Apple camera adaptor (USB). I need a few sounds (apps) to get...

1) Piano - it's got to sound at least 3/5ths as good as a Nord Stage2 Grand.
2) Strings - Basic pad, background.
3) Wurly/Bass split
4) Rhodes
5) Hammond
6) Piano/Bass split
7) that VH Jump sound (ugh...optional )

Splits and range shifting is necessary for me.

I've read some here, and it seems AUv3 is important for being able to use in AUM.

Should I just get Korg Module and Keystage, and maybe Ravenscroft 275 and call it good?

Thanks.

uncledave

@Dogtone Make sure you have the newer Apple USB 3 camera adapter with the Lightning power input so you can power/charge the iPad while playing. Hate to be let down by a dead battery.

cphollis

The SL-990 is a good weighted controller (made by Fatar, who does keyboard actions for multiple manufacturers), so you'll be fine for acoustic pianos, electric pianos and similar. Most keyboard players prefer an unweighted action for organ, synths and similar. Don't forget pedals: sustain, expression, leslie start/stop.

I'm not going to comment on the Ravenscroft, other than I find it acceptable in certain situations. Not my preference for live playing. The Hammond B3-X is currently the best-sounding organ app to my ears. Although individual apps have effects, I went for the Gospel Keys effects rack, and am quite happy with its ability to shape the sound to my liking (compression, eq, reverb).

I found I liked the sound better coming off of a USB audio interface vs. dinky headphone jack.

I'm coming off a Nord stack of hardware keyboards, so consider the source ...

Dogtone

Don't forget pedals: sustain, expression, leslie start/stop.

The SL-990 has a sustain input but no expression, I'll have to figure out a solution for that.

I'm not going to comment on the Ravenscroft, other than I find it acceptable in certain situations. Not my preference for live playing.

I'm somewhat surprised to hear that based on what I've read here, but I get it. Mileage varies.

I'm coming off a Nord stack of hardware keyboards, so consider the source ...

NS2 here. "Bdorf" is my daily driver.

Make sure you have the newer Apple USB 3 camera adapter with the Lightning power input so you can power/charge the iPad while playing.

Yes. One of the few things I thought through.