The Pans

The Stand

The Sound Equipment

Weights and Measurements

Bose L1 Personal Monitor System with B1

Korg X5DR

M-Audio Oyxgen 8

The Sound Equipment                              

Over the years I have tried many systems for creating my backing tracks including mini discs, MP3 players, and midi systems.  I can't say that one is absolutely better than the next.  In the end it all comes down to a musicians personal preference and what works best for them.  But more on that later, for now here is a break down on my portable sound system.  

Generally I perform as a solo act and provide my own sound and engineer it from the band stand as I perform.  This system is flexible and allows me to plug into a large band format whenever necessary too allowing me some control over my vocals, pans, midi sound sources, and computer audio files. 

Starting with the microphones, I use, the AKG C420 headset mic shown here for my vocal mic.  It has a great sound, I love what it does for my voice and it is comfortable and sturdy.        
                     

And Two mini Audio Technica Pro  35M  condenser mics for the steel drums with wind screens pictured here:
                                                                      

I use a Mackie 1202 VLZ mixing console with an added  
Alesis Nanoverb reverb processor.  I control all my sound on stage, sometimes even while I'm performing - adjusting sound levels of MIDI and audio tracks, all  three live mics; and run CD ROM and MP3 files from the computer during intermissions so that the music never stops.

                                                        
                                                                                      Alesis Nanoverb

I have three Yamaha MS 60S powered monitor speakers that I have used as my primary speakers for many years.  I use them for a quick fill in speaker here and there and for some Beach Party events with a battery power system.  They provide ample sound from their 60 watt powered speakers to handle most all small to mid sized events.  They are small but powerful and only weigh about 20 lbs each.  I originally started using just one, then added a second one for a stereo effect.  I just love how versatile and convenient they are to use, so I have added a third speaker for use as a hot spot monitor whenever necessary.  Unfortunately Yamaha has discontinued this particular speaker and I have been forced to consider other options.  I can recommend Anchor Audio products for similar use - great compact speakers with a lot of punch, still perfect for small to mid size events.  

But my latest acquisition for sound speakers is the incredible Bose L1 Cylindrical Radiator Personal Monitor System.  
It has quickly become my main speaker system and I rarely play anywhere without it.  750 watts has me covered for most any venue that I play.  Perfect for outdoor events, festivals, concerts.  
I have used it performing poolside at the Cancun Resorts in Las Vegas, the management came out and asked how I was able to plug into their surround speaker system.  I told them I didn't it was my Bose and they couldn't even see it.  It blended into the foilage behind me.  "That stick is producing all this sound?!"  Oh yes. 

I am constantly amazed at the ability of the system to spread an even sound at further distances than conventional speakers. The coverage is a full 180 degrees and whatever I am hearing at the stage is what my audience is hearing, so it is much easier for me 

My friend Dave Soreff, guitarist, vocalist and trop rock extraordinaire in Southern Florida, first told me about it.  The Bose system is very unusual in it's design and I get constant rave reviews about it's exceptional clear sound and unusual looks.  
You can find more information about this awesome system at www.bose.com/musicians.  It is definitely the wave of the future, check it out or come and hear me performing with it. 

 My secret little weapon for the longest time was the Toshiba Libretto 110 CT.  But after many years of faithful service it became damaged beyond repair and I have moved up to the Toshiba U105 super mini computer.  The U105 is used to power my cyber band, the sequencing of my midi music.  
  
It's small, about the size of an average VHS tape with 60 Gig hard drive, Intel Pentium M Processor 753 (1.2 GHz), 2MB L2 Cache 400MHz FSB, 512MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM, and runs Windows XP. The docking station features DVD/RW, CD/RW, CD Player, DVD Player, and Multi Recorder. It has Blue Tooth and Wireless capabilities and even fingerprint recognition security features, really amazing.  I can surf the net at the band stand!

The Toshiba Libretto computer is currently loaded with Cakewalk Software, Sonar Producer Version 5.  This software serves as my sequencer and MIDI recording studio with a Korg X5DR sound module, as my sound source connected by a Midiman USB Uno Midi port interface. The Uno is a 1x1 MIDI interface for USB-equipped PC and was designed and manufactured by Midiman, a trusted name in MIDI interfaces for over a decade. Uno's high speed Universal Serial Bus connection assures me a reliable and speedy transfer of MIDI data to and from the Libretto  U105 computer.

For recording and arranging Midi tracks in the studio I use a Yamaha Clavinova as a MIDI controller and the M-Audio Oxygen 8 midi controller.  

                                                                                           
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