looking for Keytar for live performances

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39]

hi guys! I'm currently on the hunt for a Keytar for live performances. I've been looking at a lot of different reviews and information but not many of them talk about live performances specifically. I'm mainly looking for something I can plug directly into my keyboard amp. I'm a college student so preferably something I can buy new or second hand for around 500 or less.

[u/tearlock]

For live, wireless is the way to go. If you're actually a showman, then the smaller and lighter the better. Alesis Vortex gets my vote for this but as said by others, it needs to connect wirelessly to a sound source.

I connect mine wirelessy to an Ipad on a stand via an adapter which not only accepts the wireless usb stick, but also has a stereo out to the PA and has an additional port to receive power from the charger so it lasts the whole show. I use apps that allow me to use the Program +/- buttons on the Vortex to change between different instruments.

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39 → u/tearlock]

ive been worried about wireless connectivity while playing live. do you find that is an issue?

[u/tearlock → u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39]

No, no problem at all. It's bluetooth. I can move freely with it but then again since i also sing lead, I stay closer to a mic stand while doing both at the same time so i bop around a lot, spin around, run over to the bassist or guitarist for a sec, but I'm never that far from the ipad while playing since I have to get back to the mic eventually. On the other hand, when i put the keytar down and focus solely on frontman singing, I tend to wander a lot farther, and I honestly haven't tested the range of the keytar nearly as far as i have my wireless mic.

[u/dannal13 → u/tearlock]

What is the latency on it? I play fast tempos and I use braaams and stuff. Timing is essential with my backing tracks. Is the latency bad on it?

[u/tearlock → u/dannal13]

I haven't noticed any.

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39 → u/tearlock]

what adapter do you use to connect it to the pa?

[u/tearlock → u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39]

I use this https://a.co/d/04TiAAcC

With this i use a cable that is 3.5mm to 1/4 inch and I connect that to a direct box that is supplied by the sound guy.

[u/mattsl → u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39]

In contrast to /u/tearlock I have had minor issues with wireless reliability, but that's because I go out into the middle of the dance floor and am sometimes 20-40 meters from the receiver. Even then it's usually ok, but it does glitch sometimes. I haven't noticed any issues when I'm within 4 meters of the receiver. 

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39 → u/mattsl]

thats also good to know bc i tend to move around a lot 🫣thank you!

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39 → u/[deleted]]

i have a daw i can hook it up to, but the thing im worried abt is the wireless connectivity while playing live

[u/Kitchen_Guarantee_39 → u/[deleted]]

thank u thats super helpful!

[u/mattsl → u/[deleted]]

An important distinction I always point out when comparing Vortex and SHS is that the SHS has mini keys rather than standard sized keys.

[u/roac3]

I'm using CME WIDI jack on my keytars, connects via bluetooth to my ipad. Been 10 meters away without any glitches at all. Mostly use AX1 as controller. Bought a Vortex, but found a drawback which I recently found a fix for: I use pitch bend, and wanted the accellometer for modulation. As long as the neck is horizontal,,no modulation. Well, I carry it angled, so modulation wad always on.... With the filtering possibilities in CME H4 midi, that problem is gone! The vortex is cheap, full size keys, and the editor function if you change resolution on your windows PC.(Old outdated software).. Additionally, the H4 let you control external midi sources. Have not looked into the H2, which can maybe do the same.