This video provides an in-depth walkthrough of Paul Gere’s live keyboard performance rig, focusing on hardware selection, custom mounting, and signal flow management.
Key Components and Configuration
-
Dual Keyboard Setup: The foundation consists of a Yamaha MODX8 as the bottom keyboard and an Arturia KeyLab 88 Mark II on top (0:07 - 0:16). Both are used as MIDI controllers for Gig Performer software, which runs on a dedicated high-performance mini PC (0:16 - 0:21).
-
Visual Display & Navigation: An 18.5-inch flat-screen monitor is positioned above the keyboards (0:23 - 0:26). The creator utilizes a custom mounting solution involving a shelf attached to the back of the Arturia and an inverted laptop stand to secure the display’s kickstand (0:59 - 1:20). The screen displays MobileSheets (for sheet music) on the left and Gig Performer (for instrument patches) on the right (0:26 - 0:30).
-
Control Interface: Page turns in MobileSheets are managed by a numeric keypad (0:30 - 0:38), while patch advancement in Gig Performer is handled via a Boss FS6 foot switch (0:40 - 0:45).
Rack and Signal Management
- Audio Rig: The rack behind the stage houses a fast mini PC and a MOTU M4 audio interface (2:10 - 2:19). A vocoder setup is also integrated for specific songs, such as Sweet Emotion (2:22 - 2:26).
- Monitoring: The performer uses a Shure in-ear monitoring system, with a dedicated base unit rack-mounted alongside the other gear (2:05 - 2:09).
- Cable Organization: To maintain a clean, professional aesthetic, the creator uses webbed sheathing to bundle USB and power cables for each keyboard, with color-coded connections running back to the rack (1:26 - 1:40, 2:30 - 2:36).
- Pedals: The rig includes sustain and modulation pedals for both keyboards, alongside a volume pedal and the previously mentioned Boss FS6 (1:41 - 1:47).
–
For Paul, Gig Performer serves as the central brain of his live setup, transforming two separate MIDI keyboards—a Yamaha MODX8 and an Arturia KeyLab 88 Mark II—into a unified, powerful performance system (0:07 - 0:21).
Key reasons Gig Performer acts as a “game changer” for this type of rig include:
-
Consolidated Control: It allows the performer to manage sounds and patches across multiple keyboards from a single software environment running on a mini PC (0:16 - 0:21).
-
Seamless Navigation: By pairing the software with MobileSheets, Paul can instantly switch between sheet music and instrument sounds, ensuring a smooth flow during a live set (0:23 - 0:51).
-
Flexibility & Performance: Unlike traditional hardware workstations that can be rigid, Gig Performer offers virtually unlimited sound choices and the ability to easily map controllers, such as the Boss FS6 pedal used to advance through the setlist (0:40 - 0:45).
-
Efficiency: The software enables the performer to build a “hybrid” rig that combines the physical feel of high-quality keybeds with the immense power, processing capabilities, and customization of modern virtual instruments.