Utilities to output better sounds via MIDI for live performance

Question

Background:

I have a pretty standard (and cheap) Yamaha YPG 235 digital piano. I really have never bothered to get a new machine because I keep my piano plugged into Garageband via MIDI with the computer hooked up to some nicer speakers. This allows me to use better (more realistic) piano and synth sounds at home.

Question:

I soon have to start playing live and I do not have a Mac laptop (only a desktop). I have a Windows laptop and am looking for some utility to simply receive the MIDI, add a better sound to it, and play it back through the laptop live. Quality of sound is really the most important thing right now.

I tried Mixcraft, and although it does work, the latency is terrible and most of the sounds are quite low quality.

What are some useful utilities using MIDI for live performances on Windows? If the world was perfect, a very simple, lightweight program that takes in MIDI, adds the effect, and plays it back out would be amazing. However, I am find with more recording-based environments (like Mixcraft) as long as they work well.

Note:

Although usually software recommendations aren't appreciated around SE, in this case I believe it is very useful information for piano players and therefore should be considered.

Note 2:

This live event is a very low-profile, small gathering. I don't make anything from these events, so an amazing performance setup isn't really what I'm after. Just hoping for some way to make the keyboard sound better without buying a new one.

Answer 1

Another option is to get yourself an external MIDI sound module. These run the full price range, from sub-$100 to $2k+.

Here's an eBay category for MIDI sound modules. You probably don't need something with a bunch of bells and whistles.

Basically, you can use any keyboard controller you want (including the one you already have... it has MIDI outs right?), you just run the MIDI out to the IN of the sound module. The sound module will have audio outputs to run to your amplifier/stage setup, etc...

Answer 2

If you can stand the key feel of that thing, just try using the onboard sounds. See if you can get by with em.

If not, do what guitar players do and throw the sound through some effects unit.

If you take a laptop to a gig, don't plan on having it very long :)

Answer 3

most viable solution: Use ASIO drivers. No need for expensive gear unless necessary. [NOTE: This needs extensive knowledge on your computer.] You may try ASIO4ALL. Just install it then follow these instrutions.

• disable unneeded devices during performance (ex. bluetooth, wifi)
• turn off all unneeded applications
• set up your DAW or sampler that it uses ASIO instead of onboard chip's drivers.
• on your DAW, setup your ASIO. lowest latency on lowest power usage. Otherwise, lowest latency on max power (which means you run on AC power all the time)
• if you aren't inputting sounds (like recording a mic'd gtr), disable input on ASIO for less latency and more stability

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keyboard: PSR-E403 (very cheap keyboard imo)

laptop: Acer Aspire V5-471G (with 8 GB RAM)

software used live: Kontakt player with Cinematic Strings and LA Scoring Strings (when both loaded, too heavy for DFD, slow hard drive, the reason for 8 GB RAM)

latency? 6ms ( 6/1000 of a second, with inputs disabled in ASIO)

Nothing flashy, nothing high end :D