Software vs. Hardware onstage

[Theatre of the Mind <ngc1275@voicenet.com>]

Hi All,

I just picked up a laptop with the Sonic Foundry Acid program and I 
love it.  I can create loops, change tempo and key live on the fly.  
I can bring a multitude of sequences in and out, move them around and 
add samples from my wav. library all in the middle of a performance.  
I havn't done any midi functions yet because I'm looking for some 
hardware for that now.  

I like using the laptop because it cuts my gear requirement in half.  
Since it's a sample base platform I can put anything on my rack into 
it and simply drag and click it into the musical arena.  I'm a novice 
when it comes to computers so the programs can't drift to far from 
point and click (especially on stage).  So far it has made my performances 
so much easier to setup, lug gear and perform with everything I need at 
my fingertips.  Now I just bring out my Jupiter-6 and rack with mixer, 
one space of effects, RDS8000 and midi patch bay and sometimes my VFX.  
I can do loops forever without a break with this setup IF i want.  

The only problem I have right now is what kind of midi board is available 
for a laptop.  I also need a better sound board.  Laptops do have they're
unique problems too, such as higher exspense and do to it's compactness, 
harder to interchange peripherals.  I have to deal with pc cards for 
add-ons and peripherals.

All and all, as a unit for accessing samples and drum loops, my laptop 
computer has proven a valuable tool to my performance setup.  In the 
future 
I'll be able to sink up video graphics and AVI's with the Sonic Foundry 
editing program as well (one thing at a time).  Basicly, I'm a happy 
camper.

I'll be performing in Philadelphia center city on August 4th 10:00PM at
Upstairs at Nick's, 16 south 2nd St. 215.928.0665.  I'm calling myself 
Theatre of the Mind in an event called ELECTROLUST.  Also a group called 
Flowchart will be performing with electronic synth, sample loops, LP's 
mixes.  It will be a very creative evening. If you're in the Philly area 
stop in and say hi.

Later,
Mark of b.