Hey Folks -
I'm trying to make the ideal 'silent practice' setup. After much research and tryouts, I just traded my old weighted keyboard for a new Kawai EP3, the action (AHA-IV) of which feels just right to my touch (its not quite the AWA action on the MP8, but that thing is the size of a small car). The sounds, however, well, you know. VSL has spoiled me. The trouble with my current setup is that its not really optimized for live use - even a 512 sample buffer makes an unacceptable lag for playing piano. Any less and - snap, crackle, pop.
I've been thinking of setting up a small, discrete box just for playing Vienna Imperial. I almost don't want to see it. I just want to turn it on, and have it load up, like a good slave system. My idea is: Mac Mini, 4GB. New HD (or firewire external) 7200 RPM. However, I need something really small and fast to run the audio (out), and the midi in.
Can I get this system down to an acceptable lag for live use? Will I notice the difference between Bosendorfer Imperial, which I now own, and Vienna Imperial, for LIVE use? What would your ideal, small, system be for this application? Any takers?
Thanks very much!
-Eric