Does Your Live Keyboard Rig Cover All The Bases?

What needs to be included in a live Keyboard Rig?

It’s a question that every single keyboard player will have to ask themselves at some point.

The actual gear is somewhat flexible (though I do have some opinions of what I think is best), but it seems to me like there are some constants between all effective live set ups.

If you’ve got all these areas covered, then you are in business!

Components Of A Live Keyboard Rig

A set up is made of 5 parts:

1. Note generator (A keyboard, or MIDI instrument)
2. Sound Generator (Either the keyboard or a DAW)
3. Sound Processor (A controller for your DAW, or an effects chain)
4. Sound Converter (Audio interface, or audio outputs)
5. Speakers

There are lots of options for each of these parts, but most gear will do most things. So there’s no need to purchase new gear. That being said, here are some things that I use and recommend.

The Keys

Choosing the right keys is essential. You want to feel great playing your instrument. If you feel great playing it, you will want to play it more. 

My number one recommendation for a keyboard is the M audio hammer 88.

Here is why this is what I recommend most: I have a controller that I really love, so having a keyboard with knobs faders and button’s isn’t that helpful for me. 

However, if that is important to you, I highly recommend the Keylab 88
Both of these instruments feel amazing to play and are extremely durable. 

The Stand

This is an often overlooked part of your set up. My favorite stand both to carry and to play is the Ultimate Support keyboard stand. For a few reasons.

1. It can hold more than one keyboard if you need
2. the second tear can serve as a shelf
3. It’s exceptionally sturdy
4. It’s easy to carry

USB hubs

Yup. They are standard now. Here is the low down. 

You need a hub, and you need a great one.

I only user Anker USB hubs. They are reliable, they are powered, and they are a good shape for sitting on my keyboard.

If you want quality. This is where to go.

They also have a USB charging port. Which never hurts for a phone. 

Controllers

This will be your number 2 tool (after the keyboard itself) for shaping sound.

This is a place to invest in something that makes sense for your brain.

The controller that I use all the time is the Novation Launch Control XL.

It’s sturdy and the software allows everything to be totally customized. This is priceless as a keyboard player because it’s preferable to work in Midi CC land over Midi note land.

Additionally, for things like adjusting tempo, you need to send specific commands to Ableton, and you may need to be able to change the status of the button itself.

Moreover, there are 8 user modes. Which is more than I generally use. 

I use it for just about everything though, and you can read a little bit more about how I set mine up here.

Audio Interfaces

You need a great audio interface for a few reasons.

• It lightens the load on your computer
• It allows you to send sound to multiple outputs

I use the Saffire pro 24.

This is no longer being made, but if you can get your hands on a used one, they are amazing. I particularly love the software because it lets you adjust where the audio is going easily and provides a loopback channel, which is priceless and has saved me on many occasions from having to use programs like soundflower or jack .

It’s also worth looking into the M-audio USB DI box if you really don’t need to use multiple outputs.

Have A Set Up You Love?

Let me know what you are using and what makes it great in the comments below!