Pre Laptop Orchestra/Gear

SLOrk Gear - what we are thinking about getting for the ensemble. Please add suggestions and links here!!!

Laptops

• macbook (current first choice) (description)
  • $1380 per laptop
  • black
  • planning to buy RAM upgrade separately from apple
  • possible paint job outsourcing on white ones
  • hoping to get 16x to 20x in the first round
• Ram at Newegg: (linkage)

Speakers

• see Speaker Design Page
• subwoofers! (any suggestions?)

Audio Interfaces

currently, the thinking is starting with the MOTU Ultralite, and then getting another, more linux-compatible one

• MOTU ultralite (description)
  • $545 retail (anyone know how to get them cheaper? Hayden?)
  • metering + onboard level control
  • unknown/no linux support (boo)
  • need to get same number as laptops
• Linux-friendly: Echo Audiofire 2 ([1])
• or: Audiofire 4 ([2])
• Cheap $200 - $300
• Audiofire 2 is 2in/2out + 2/2 digital, no preamps,
• Audiofire 4 is 4in/4out + 2/2 digital , w/preamps
  • Echo has been cooperating with the ffado project: ([3])
• Check out the ffado database for other options

Microphones

• vocal mic's (Shure SM58, 4x)
  • $100 each
• instrument mic's (Shure KSM141, 4x)
  • $400
• headset mic's (ideally want 12 or more of these)
  • suggestions?

Controllers

• finger drum pads
  • option: m-audio triggerfinger (description) : ($150, at least 6x) : comment (ge) - in use in PLOrk
  • option: akai pad control (description) : ($200, at least 6x) : comment (ge) - BIG!
  • option: akai pad control (MPD-16) : ($99) comment (jeff) - SMALL!

• MIDI keyboards (hoping to get at least 6x)
  • option: edirol PCR-M30 (description) : ($150, at least 6x) : comment (ge) - in use in PLOrk
• wacom tablet
  • option: Intuos 6x8 (description) : ($300, at least 4x) : comment (ge) - in use in PLOrk
• wiimotes (with nunchuk) (description) : ($60, at least 12x)
• joysticks?
• dance pads?
• turntable interfaces? (jeff?)

Cables

• XLR cables
• Audio Interface => Amp/Speakers cables (may need to build our own)

Storage and Transportion

• cases?
• one giant laptop container on wheels?
• carts?
• locks for laptops?

Matts + Pillows (etc)

• Zabuton matts + pillows (descriptions)

REED SAYS recommends getting them here: http://www.samadhicushions.com/cushions_and_benches.html?id=rWepZdtb it might be a wee bit more expensive but the quality is much better. I have used a cushion and matt from these guys for years. I would also like to consider coloured centre cushions and perhaps a one sided colour on the matt. What do you think. This allows for a possible roll assignment in the future while playing... I agree that the mats should look alike from audience...

• Lapinators (lapinator) - comment (ge): do we need these?

Power cables / surge protectors / power conditioners

• suggestions?

Documentation Gear

• a nice wide-angle video camera?
• a nice still camera?

Video Projector(s) + screen(s) : OPTIONAL

• suggestions?

Everything Else : Suggestions?

•  ?