crossthenoughts

BFD2.0 + Trillian and I pretty much hit that 3.2gig ceiling without loading anything else, still waiting for Ableton to go 64 bit.......

Only bass vst I have ever been happy with was Trillian but thats not exactly cheap, the only other one I have heard good things about is Scarbee. Thing is neither sound as good as the clapped out Ibanez bass I bought for next to nothing so I would still go that route... Or maybe just sample some funk records/hunt down some bass multisamples.

I would go for one of the low end Focusrite Saffire units http://www.focusrite.com/products/audio_interfaces/scarlett_2i2/ and then find a cheap midi keyboard second hand (after trying it to make sure none of the keys are bung). I haven't tried that Line 6 product but all the focusrite gear I have tried has been top notch both in drivers and preamps/build quality

Most stands aren't really that stable as you raise them higher, particularly on carpet, does come down to $$$ really though. These are pretty solid at any height http://www.ultimatesupport.com/category/Keyboard_Stands__V-Stand , but are not cheap.. I have used it for keyboards as well as turntables/mixer and as long as you have enough weight on it that stand is not going anywhere. To keep the keyboard solid on other stands a generous bit of gaffer tape on the underside of keyboard/wound around rubber ends will keep it in place pretty well, match that with gaffer taped accross the feet on the floor and it will generally take a few knocks before going over (particularly in live situations). Watch out for the glue coming off if you leave it on too long though.

1. Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments? What instruments? Guitar, Turntables, Bass, Vocals, Synths and Drums, in order of terribleness When did you start playing? Guitar at 15 producing weird electronica at 17 and the rest at various times since Did you teach yourself? Mostly self taught, some lessons in vocals and guitar, have taught Ableton and basic production for pocketmoney 2. Are you in a band or bands? Production Duo What is the name of the band? Cross the Noughts What do you play? Everything What other instruments are in the band? Do you have a band website? Reverbnation and FB Page 3. Do you write songs? Yes Do you write lyrics, music or both? Both Do you have a writing partner? Yes 4. Do you record your music? Yes Do you use a home studio? If so what gear do you use? Focusrite Pro 40 Rack, Ableton 8.0/Win7 64bit, Akai Mpd32, M-audio Prokeys 88, Alesis Mk2 Active monitors, Various gats mainly of Fender persuasion. Ibanez bass, Nord Lead, Roland MKS70 and various VST's (mainly Waves Plugs, Trillian, BFD2.0 and Arturia plugs) Do you use a recording studio? Might retrack vocals in future with some nice mics, after more vocal lessons. Do you have music available on the web? if so where? Itunes/Beatport/Juno 5. What other roles do you perform in the music business? Management? Label owner? Publishing? Promotion? Other? Have previously held a DJ residency in an Auckland bar/club for 2-3 years 6. Are you a tech head? Definitely 7. What country do you live in? New Zealand 8. What are your ambitions? More Releases, creating music that has originality 9. Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit? DJing What are your pastimes? Listening, making, mixing music, golf, DJing, movies the usual. 10. What would you like to get out of Songstuff? I am hoping to meet forum members that might be able to help me evolve into a better composer/arranger