Tim Starace – YYNOT (Rush tribute band)
This video features Tim Starace of the Rush tribute band YYNOT. Tim shares his professional journey, his transition from hardware to software-based setups, and his specific workflow for recreating the complex, synth-driven sound of Rush live.
Key Highlights:
-
Transition to Gig Performer: Tim explains his initial hesitation and eventual switch from Cantabile to Gig Performer. He emphasizes the software’s reliability and stability during live shows, noting that it has been “rock solid” (10:02 - 13:36).
-
Rig Setup & Gear: Tim details his live rig, which includes an M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61, dual Roland PK5 MIDI foot controllers, and a three-button Logite MIDI pedal. He relies on Gig Performer to manage his complex routing and layering requirements (18:24 - 20:20).
-
VST Plugin Recommendations: For his sound palette, Tim prefers the Arturia V Collection (specifically Mini V4, Oberheim, and Augmented Voices) and Cherry Audio’s Lowdown for Taurus pedal emulation (14:14 - 15:37).
-
Other Techniques: Tim showcases his creative use of MIDI Chord Maker, Rig Manager for hardware aliases, and custom scripting for “sticky” sustain notes, allowing him to manage intricate keyboard/bass parts as a solo performer (21:49 - 22:56, 26:01 - 26:33, 48:57 - 51:10).
-
Performance Efficiency: By using specific MIDI mappings and widgets, Tim maintains a very low CPU usage (around 27-28%) even with complex rack spaces, providing him with the confidence to focus on his performance rather than technical troubleshooting (26:48 - 28:07).
Conclusion:
Tim encourages those new to software-based performance to read the manual, engage with the Gig Performer forum, and embrace the limitless possibilities of the platform compared to traditional hardware setups (53:02 - 54:33).