stevie

I wouldn't put people off using the Post Office. I've always found them quite good. However, I always use a broker like ParcelToGo, as recommended by @BassAdder27, as they are a lot cheaper for the same service.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/desktop-window-manager-dwm-exe

It looks like your PC isn't seeing all your memory. 470MB isn't particularly high usage. So the DAW isn't the cause of your problem. You can see how much memory your system is seeing under System/About (or search in the search bar for memory). Or, from the Task Manager (which you displayed above) click the Performance tab and you'll see the total amount of memory available to the system. You could also try the Windows Memory Diagnostic - do a search for it in the search bar on your PC. 16GB would be better, but you still shouldn't be using 95% of 8GB without any large programs running. One of your memory sticks might be duff (or not properly inserted) and you might actually only have 4GB available.

No, you're not. 😁

Sensible decision.

Thanks, Skidder. Thing is, you're a bit limited with just piano and Hammond. It would be good to have the usual popular synth sounds as well. We're going to be experimenting with the various items of recommended software this weekend.

Sad. They were trying to do something a bit different, but the past couple of years haven't been great for small companies in the music business.

OK - Android is out. Thank you. Cantabile for Windows looks really good. What would be the equivalent for an iPhone or iPad?

I'm not surprised you're confused.

For a 12" speaker to produce 137dB, it would have to be able to handle 5,000 watts and have an xmax of 12 inches. Just sayin' 😃

I think I need to do some research on this. I loved the DS61 but also like the idea of using the midi keyboard with plugins. We have a Roland A-49, which seems to have a good reputation and has midi and USB sockets. Computer-wise, we have the choice of a (fast) Windows laptop, an iPhone or a fairly recent Samsung Galaxy tablet (Android). I've also got a small USB mixer that could be pressed into service. Amplification isn't a problem. The big question is the software. I had a listen to VB3m and it sounds amazing. My impression is that a fully-featured DAW could be a bit overwhelming for live work and that something simple (with high quality plugins) would suffice. My lad is doing A level music and can probably get hold of software through the school.

No iPad, I'm afraid not. iPhones only.

I'm afraid the Stevie household is Microsoft-based. 😊

This one keeps coming up. I think you'll find, @Downunderwonder that the attenuator is just that - an L-pad attenuator as found in most bass cabs with a tweeter. A lot of people seem to believe it's more complicated than it is. An L-pad by definition changes the crossover point, which is why nobody but bass cab manufacturers - and 1960s Japanese hi-fi speaker manufacturers - use them.

I've used their rehearsal studios a few times. I think a visit is on the cards.

Software suggestions, Woody? And is latency a problem?

My rule of thumb is to match the amp output with the AES power rating of the speaker. That usually gives a good match in my experience and should be relatively safe as long as you're careful. Many of the popular 500W amps produce about 300W at 8 ohms, which makes a 300W speaker a good match. The driver manufacturers test their products to AES standard and publish the results, but some bass cab manufacturers use their own figures, which can be much higher. Look for an AES rating, sometimes stated as rms. Anything else is likely to be 'music power', or twice the AES rating. Having said that, there's a lot more to it than power ratings. Ideally, you want your amplification to be cruising. So if in doubt, use speakers with a much higher power handling spec than the amp you're using - if you can.

I suggested that to him. He's already got a Roland 61-key midi keyboard. I thought he could hook that up to a laptop to get his sounds, but he didn't seem all that keen. Could that be a way to go, I wonder?

It hadn't occurred to me to try a shop, but Absolute Music isn't a million miles away. So that's a good option. I checked out some YouTube videos on the DS61 and it looks ideal. Unfortunately, it's a bit outside the budget at the moment, and used ones are hardly any cheaper than new. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Good advice, thanks all. The keyboard's for my son, who is Grade 7 piano but has never played a synth. So I really think he'll want something that he can get usable sounds from without too much messing. I wondered what was happening with the prices. A used DS doesn't seem to be much cheaper than a new one. I also found the used Juno D £250 D on Ebay. I'll keep looking now that I have a shortlist.

£100 sounds good. The Roland DS loooks ideal but it more expensive. Thanks for the tip about the buttons.

Thanks - I'll take a look. I know absolutely nothing about portable keyboards.

Some good, usable sounds including piano without the need to programme is the idea. I'll check the Rolands out.

What's a decent and cheap piano/keyboard that's band-capable? Preferably used and not requiring a degree in electronics. Thanks!

They're both fine components. You could spend a lot more and do a lot worse.