Modartt user forum - Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (julien) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:47:31 +0000

nickfielibert wrote:

At shutdown, PTQ should remember that state it is in when it is closed and not report that an error has occurred.

Hi Nick, the next pianoteq update should fix this issue (not closing cleanly when the pc is shutdown or the user session is closed). It will be available in two weeks.

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:22 +0000

Any chance you could use VNC (http://www.uvnc.com/) or Windows remote desktop to fix it on your headless piano PC? This also allows me to change the presets when I want to.

Of course, it would still be nice to have Pianoteq start without the error message, even if it wasn't shutdown properly.

In use, the PC I built has a fairly low power draw, so I just leave it on all the time so that I don't have to wait for it to boot when I want to practice.

At some point I would like see a manufacturer build a very good quality keyboard with a small mini-ITX PC inside. Now THAT wold be headless!

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (nickfielibert) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:05:00 +0000

Further to the issue of running pianoteq in a headless way, having it auto-start and shutdown with the on/of switch on the PC (that closes windows properly). Is there any feedback from pianoteq on this, or should I report a bug? In my mind it is a bug. At shutdown, PTQ should remember that state it is in when it is closed and not report that an error has occurred. Because of this I need a monitor and mouse to get it to work again after restart.
With this improvement, you can have a very small form-factor box. Alternatively it would be nice to have support for a mediacenter type of VCD dispaly, with the display of presets and specific setting, just like on a soundmodule. Wouldn't it be great if piano's like in this link would have a PTQ soundsource? www.digitalclassic.nl

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:46:23 +0000

KindredSpirit: How long have you had your CME GPP-3? Looks like a very interesting unit (just what I have been looking for) but there have been some problem reports. How are you attaching it to your computer? USB?

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (KindredSpirit) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:38:12 +0000

I've been very happy with my 990 pro and found that the CME GPP-3 pedal unit compliments PianoTeq beautifully
http://www.cme-pro.com/products-list/product-gpp.html

Though be warned it is almost as heavy as the keyboard itself!!

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:02:04 +0000

wOOt! I'm a registered user now. :-)

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (skip) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:16 +0000

It might be worth trying Hibernate or Suspend (if possible with your systems). This doesn't work for me though - I tried a Hibernate with Pianoteq open, using a USB audio/MIDI interface, and it locked up during the resume.

Greg.

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:39:23 +0000

And I tried it again and had the Pianoteq crash dialog when it got booted up.

EDIT: Nothing really showed up in my event log, but I wonder if this could occur when you shut the computer off and Pianoteq has unsaved changes to a preset. Windows forces the shutdown and Pianoteq doesn't like that. Just speculation on my part.

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:34:46 +0000

Just tried this on mine, while logged in via VNC, hit the power button once and it shut down properly. Hit the power button again to turn it on, it loaded XP and started Pianoteq and played fine. I then logged in again via VNC. No errors are shown. Still using the PT demo because my purchased version hasn't arrived yet. (Grrr)

Are you using an nLited XP? Does the event log give any clue about what might be happening?

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (nickfielibert) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:47:59 +0000

I've tried doing this on a headless PC, but shutting it down gives me problems. Re-starting the PC and auto-launching pianoteq it gives me the message it was properly shut down. It seems I have to close it first.
I'm using a M-Audio fasttrack pro (USB) audio interface. Alternatively I bought a 7" samsung mini display (USB) to put on my master keyboard (CME UF80) to still allow for some local control with a trackball mouse. Also, after a re-boot I sometimes can't load the M-Audio interface anymore.
Oh yes, I'm run XP pro. I shut the PC down with the front panel power button. It seems like it is properly shutting down (closing apps first) but apparently it isn't. Any ideas?

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:49:42 +0000

I managed to scrape together the money and bought Pianoteq from a reseller, it should be here sometime this week. I've placed the Pianoteq demo shortcut in my startup folder and it loads my chosen preset (slightly modified M3 Close Mic).

For the reference of others, my system is as follows (probably overkilled, but I have a little headroom for growth if need be)

Computer:
WinTEC 2GB DDR2 800 RAM
Intel E7500 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo CPU
32GB Patriot SSD
SILVERSTONE NT07-775 90mm low profile CPU HS/F (stock Intel HS/F wouldn't fit in the case
Intel DG41MJ mini ITX motherboard, 1 PCI slot
Rosewill RNX-N1 802.11n wireless USB
M-AUDIO Audiophile 2496 PCI soundcard using the M-Audio ASIO drivers
APEX MI-008 Mini ITX case w/ 250w PS

Software:
OS: nlited WinXP SP3
Remote Access: TightVNC

Speakers:
Behringer MS40 monitors

Controller:
Studiologic SL-990xp
M-AUDIO SP1 sustain pedal

Misc:
About 2/3rds of an On Stage WS8700 audio workstation
On Stage KT7800+ bench
Custom sheet music stand
Mighty Bright Duet2 LED light with magnetic base

Future plans:
Powered subwoofer, the Behringers are quite weak on the bottom end.
Maybe a portrait orientated LCD display for sheet music??

I'm running this system headless, without a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. If I need to adjust anything, my primary PC is in the same room, I log in using VNC. Am I correct in thinking that I can use some of the buttons on the SL-990xp to control features of Pianoteq?

This is what I get when I check the latency using the ASIO latency test utility.

And a pic of the whole system.

Thanks for your help and advice everyone. It is fast and responsive with no perceptible latency when I play and Pianoteq sounds great (to my ears) and is a major improvement in every way over the Casio CDP-100 digital piano I was using. You sharing your experiences here has helped make it what it is.

EDIT: Fix typos

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (davidka91) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:50:35 +0000

Saving up from what?

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (EvilDragon) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:04:00 +0000

Come on people, saving up some money half a year and I'm sure you can get even the Pro version

Merry Xmas and all the best to all of you, good forum people!

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (feeble) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:06:09 +0000

davidka91 wrote:

Unfortunately I can't afford Pianoteq,

Ha! I'm in the same boat, that's why I have time to try everything out while I gather the funds.

Re: Component piano build and Pianoteq: Are they ready to play?

null@example.com (davidka91) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:07:57 +0000

Just get Pianoteq and enjoy. I'm a novice player too, and I researched months to find my piano software. I've eventually came to Pianoteq. First it was the specs, later it was the sound I got fond of.
Focus more on the playing, rather than just to get the 'perfect' piano. It will always have a room for improvement, so just sit back, enjoy what you've got, and practice. Consider updates and addons just as cool presents, surprises.
Unfortunately I can't afford Pianoteq, and even can't have my SL990XP in front of me as currently I'm at a dormitory with no room for my stuff. It sucks but I can't wait to assemble my piano again.
So, don't waste time and start playing your keys.
Cheers, David