So I'm in the process of upgrading the studio. It currently looks like this:
It's gonna be based around this:
That'll give me room for four MC Mixes, an MC Transport and an MC Control, which will be dizzope. but because of it - and because of this post, I'm gettin' geeky on this.
Not gonna lie. Not a big fan of the chicklet keyboards that Apple favors. You kinda gotta hammer 'em. But I haven't typed on a Model M since they were sold new. And while I've been pretty fond of my MX Revolution since it came out, a trackball does get me closer to this:
So here's the questions:
Any of you using trackballs? Why? Why not? I haven't messed with 'em in a long time, and the only one I really remember was that crap Logitech with the ball under your thumb (other than the old-school ones from backintheday).
And who is usin' an old-school super-bitchin' keyboard? I had a Bella Professional DV for a while (primarily for the shuttle controls) but having an Artist Transport pretty much negates the crap out of that.
What say you, Hubski? Crazy-expensive keyboard and trackball? Or keep rockin' the chicklets and MX? 'cuz I'll rout that thing and sit 'em in there and it'll be the shizzle. I'll do it. Don't try me.
I've tried trackballs before, I just find there's no accuracy, especially for the precise selections needed in a studio. I suppose, like everything, with enough practise you might find you like it better. If possible, try borrowing one from a friend. Some stores might even let you take one home to try it out. After using it for a few days you'll probably feel whether it's right for you or not. On the subject of the keyboard, it doesn't need to be crazy-expensive. I do recommend a mechanical keyboard though, just for that lovely clicky feeling! I also find chiclets hard to touch-type on because of the less pronounced gaps between the keys. Also, good luck with it all!
I use a trackball, a Kensington Expert Mouse. It needs less desk space than a mouse, but on the other hand dragging and dropping is a little awkward and it needs to be cleaned more often than a mouse. I don't do anything mouse-heavy, so freeing desk space is my only real motivation for using one. I love my Happy Hacking Keyboard, because I don't have to remap control to capslock and it has nice clacky MX keys.
Yeah, looking at the Expert Mouse. Thinking about that pretty hard. Realizing I could easily use that and the MX if I was in the mood. I need my 10-key. Lack of one sucks. and I'm not a big fan of clicky... but the switches that don't click are totally in my zone.
I have zero advice for you re the keyboard/trackball question, sorry. I've never used a trackball, ever. But then I don't have your studio or potential need for one. Pretty kick ass setup kb. I wouldn't know how to use half of it, but I'd never get bored trying to figure it out. Amazing gear. Here is a link to my buddy bkessler's studio. He played all the synth and trombone and many other instruments on The New Green's second album. Check out his synth/keyboard collection. His basement was F-U-N. Good luck with the new set up. Post some pics when she is complete.
Man, that's a lot of Ensoniq. I used to have six keyboards and a class A console. there's an odyssey there. Search for my name, then keep reading.