John's Organ Works |
MS4B - Base Unit for Four Keyboard Midi Stack
The MS4B base unit fits beneath the MS2 two-keyboard MIDI Stack and converts it into a four-keyboard stack. Perfect for Salisbury Cathedral or the Silver Octopus 70 stop Willis! The base units adds two further keyboards, each with its own USB connection to the computer. The pistons of the base unit are wired to two 9-way D-connectors which plug into the auxiliary piston ports of the upper unit.
The upper stack simply stands on the base unit, located by metal fingers. It can easily be lifted off again, whether to conveniently transport the whole in two parts, or to use the upper part independently as a two-keyboard stack.
The base unit is guaranteed for one year. See Our Selling Policy for the terms of our guarantee.
The rest of this description applies to the two units assembled as a four-keyboard stack.
Features at a glance
* four full-size 61 note keyboards
* 8 pistons per keyboard
* semi-weighted touch
* substantial bolted MDF chassis - no wobble!
* upper three keyboards progressively inclined for comfort
* requires no external power supply and no batteries (draws power from USB connections)
* requires no MIDI-to-USB converter
* non-scratch feet (which may be removed if stack is to be bolted down)
* option to connect one or two expression pedals
* option to add music stand
* finished in black (goes with anything!) Other colours available.
* can be transported in boot and back seat of most cars (after being separated)
* fully compatible with Hauptwerk (keyboards compatible with Miditzer)
* a generic pdf User Guide is available on our Downloads page
* needs 5 available USB ports
Computer requirements
The stack should work with any reasonably up-to-date computer whether PC or Mac.
The stack is not in itself a musical instrument. It only works in conjunction with suitable software (eg Hauptwerk or Miditzer). Obviously, your computer must also meet the requirements for your chosen software.
Note: You will need 5 free USB ports to connect the stack (and you may need a further 2 for the Hauptwerk dongle and a MIDI pedalboard.) If your computer does not have enough ports, you can use a USB hub to expand it.
Physical dimensions
Overall width (side to side) 890 mm
Overall depth (front to back) 610 mm approx
Height with feet 360 mm approx
Height without feet 350 mm approx
Length of keys 137 mm
Vertical separation of keyboards 70 mm
Keyboard overhang 22 mm
Inclination of second keyboard 2.5 degrees
Inclination of third keyboard 5 degrees
Inclination of top keyboard 7.5 degrees
Bolt down sockets (with feet removed) 4 X M4
Keyboard touch
The keys are taken from M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 MIDI controller keyboards, and have a touch which the manufacturer describes as “semi-weighted". These keyboards will give an enjoyable playing experience, and have an inproved touch relative to the Mk 2 Keystation keys which were used in the previous K-series stacks. However, please note that they do NOT simulate the touch of a tracker action instrument.
Pistons
The 32 pistons can be configured to do almost anything in Hauptwerk. Most obviously they can be used as combination pistons, but they can also carry out menu commands. Particularly useful ones are to advance the registration sequencer, or to start and stop the built-in recording. The pistons are not numbered, but they are grouped for ease of identification.
The pistons cannot be used in Miditzer (but you can use your computer keyboard for this purpose).
Swell pedal connection
The rear panel of the MS2 upper stack includes two stereo jack sockets to which standard keyboard expression pedals can be attached. Useful if your pedalboard has no swell pedals (or not enough). Simply bolt additional expression pedal(s) to your pedalboard and pass the lead(s) up to the back of the stack.
Auxiliary piston ports
The auxiliary piston ports of the MS2 upper stack are used to process the pistons of the MS4B base unit. It is not possible to attach additional pistons (such as toe pistons), except when the upper part of the stack is used independently.
MIDI output channel
Each MIDI output is on channel 1 which is suitable for Hauptwerk. For a small additional cost, one extra piston can be fitted to each keyboard to select the output channel (1 - 16). This is necessary if the stack is to be used with certain other software, including Miditzer and jOrgan. It is not required for Hauptwerk use. Piston output is always on Channel 1
£703
Return to MIDI keyboard stack page