Setting up Your Keyboard | Worship Keyboard Workshop

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses setting up an auxiliary keyboard system without the need for high-end keyboards like the Nord or Motif. Emphasizing the benefits of using two keyboards—one for pad sounds and another for strings—he explains how to connect them via MIDI cables for seamless sound integration. This allows players to layer sounds and control volumes effectively. He advises beginners to start with basic sounds and recommends the Roland RD series for its quality piano sounds, encouraging experimentation to find a personal sound that resonates.

Takeaways

• 😀 You don't need high-end keyboards like Nord or Motif to be an effective auxiliary keyboard player.
• 🎹 Having two keyboards with different sounds (like pads and strings) is beneficial for layering music.
• 🔗 MIDI cables are essential for transferring information between keyboards, allowing for versatile sound combinations.
• 🔊 Adjusting the volume on the main keyboard is necessary to hear the sounds being played from the auxiliary keyboard.
• 🎶 Combining sounds from different keyboards can create richer musical textures.
• 🎼 Beginners can start with basic sounds like a pad and a string for their setup.
• 💻 Roland's RD series keyboards are recommended for their quality piano sounds.
• 🛠️ It's important to select a keyboard that has onboard sounds that fit your performance needs.
• 📈 Experimenting with additional instruments can enhance your setup, like adding a B3 organ.
• 💡 Understanding MIDI functionality is crucial for effective use of multiple keyboards in performances.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of using two keyboards for an auxiliary keyboard player?

The main purpose is to have one keyboard with a good pad sound and another with a good string sound, allowing the player to create richer soundscapes by combining different sounds.

Do you need expensive keyboards like the Nord or Motif to perform effectively?

No, you do not need high-end keyboards like the Nord or Motif. Any two keyboards with suitable sounds can work well together.

What is MIDI, and why is it important in a keyboard setup?

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows keyboards to communicate with each other. It is important because it enables one keyboard to control sounds from another keyboard, enhancing performance capabilities.

How does the MIDI cable function in this setup?

The MIDI cable transfers key information from one keyboard to another, allowing the player to use one keyboard to trigger sounds from the other.

What should a beginner consider when choosing keyboards?

A beginner should consider having a keyboard with a good pad sound and another with a good string sound as a solid foundation for their setup.

Which series of keyboards is mentioned as having good piano sounds?

The Roland RD series is mentioned as having good piano sounds.

Can you control the volume of different sounds in this setup?

Yes, you can control the volume of each sound independently when using multiple keyboards.

What types of sounds are recommended for starting auxiliary keyboard players?

A pad sound and a string sound are recommended as a great place to start for auxiliary keyboard players.

What is a possible additional instrument that can be included in the setup?

A B3 organ is mentioned as a possible additional instrument that can be included in the setup.

What is the significance of having an onboard sound in a keyboard?

Having an onboard sound is significant because it ensures that the keyboard has quality sounds available for immediate use, enhancing performance versatility.