Nord User Forum

[Bertotti]

I saw a video of this, looks interesting but wonder how it would compare with something like mainstage. I have never used either.

[Hanon_CTS]

Hello Bertotti,
the MuseBox looks like a half rack space, computer alternative for running VST instruments and effects.
The target market appears to be outboard effects users, since it comes with Peavey’s ReValver amp modeling software VST.
It appears as if the MSRP is about $1200 USD

Apple Mainstage2 is a software creativity/ productivity suite with an astonishing quantity of instruments, effects, kits and loops for $30
This is a phenomenal deal for someone that already has a Mac computer.
Even when you add approx $1200 for a Mac, I think you still come out better with the Mainstage2 option.

Enough of my thoughts.

What are your thoughts members?

Cheers, Hanon

[Michael W]

I read through the Muse writ-up watched the vid.....never really been a big fan of Peavey stuff. The ideas however look intriguing. I would like to hear that piano of theirs in person. I just downloaded Mainstage, used the 1/8 inch out and a straightforward Yamaha UX-16 midi usb converter, and took my laptop to an open stage. I did not even plug the piano sounds from the controller in on purpose, forcing me to use the computer for the whole day. While I did suffer a bit on the organ end of things (the lack of proper keyboard and real-time control the C2 has) I managed to function fine. There are enough pre-mapped options to get through the gig as it is downloaded. That seems to be the idea behind the Muse, usable right of the start. As they state ...for those uncomfortable with plug-ins.... It might be a good option for someone not wanting to fiddle around with additional cables or interface and a laptop live. Its hard to tell the capabilities of the Muse without playing with it, but as a MBP owner its Mainstage for me at this point. Cheers Mike

[Hanon_CTS]

but as a MBP owner its Mainstage for me at this point. Cheers Mike

+1
I'd been looking at Mainstage for awhile, and just purchased / installed Mainstage2.
It's simply amazing what you get for $30
Cheers, Hanon

[Michael W]

Hi Hanon
Yeah I should clarify it is Mainstage 2 I got. I looked at HALion 4 (need to by a usb e-licenser for $30 to use the trial version) and several others.
In my case having not played with computers and music in a long time the $30 for MS2 was just a no-brainer! Not sure about the pianos and horns yet, but found the mono synths strings and EP's quite acceptable. I haven't even really gotten into what MS2 is capable of but yeah for the price, an amazing resource! I will still take the C2 for serious jobs however! Cheers Mike