rack vs. full blown keyboard

Hello all. I was wondering if anyone here had a preference as to which they like the best. I've had a motif before incorporated into my setup with my 1k (before they got stolen) and I liked it okay. This time around though I'm thinking about getting a rackmount instead and wanted to get some of you guys input. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading.

If you're looking to save space and little $$$, the rack mounted version would be cool. I like to play out my keys on a midi controller keyboard or the keyboard of the sound module. If you're gonna use multiple sound modules I'd say get a controller and rack version.

Thanks for the reply bro. But that would make more sense to get rack modules instead of the full board. Then I can save money/space like u said. Ur input is much appreciated dude. Now I just gotta find a worth while controller that feels at least a little real and not "plasticky".

I have a Motif XS rack and its great, good quality sounds.
But maybe u should wait for the new Motif rack that will most probably come out soon. I think its called Motif XF. Its only on workstation, but will most probably come out with a rack version soon.

Yeah I'm diggin the xs but I may have to wait for that price to come down a lil bit. I love the sounds of it so I may have to scrounge up a lil bit more to get it. I may check out ebay or something to see what I can find.

I like to have a board vs. the module because it's almost always easier to tweak/program the keyboard version. It comes down to whether you like to throw on presets, or you wanna be comfy tweaking.

Yeah I think I might roll wit the rack modules. I usually just load up presets and take a while tweakin em anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal for me.

A rack should be used as a tool. Like, a moog rack is a beast for baselines. When you want a grimey bassline use the moog rack that day. I think getting a rack for production value other than what its known for is a waste. If you want to be creative, get a keyboard or synth. If you want to target specific unique to a brand sounds the rack is cool to have WHEN you need. Fx racks a perfect example. Want some effects? Switch to the fx buss the rack is on. Faster than looking through a synth ,daw, or keyboard. Get what im saying?

So are u saying that if I decide to get a rack mount instead of a keyboard I will need an eq or something else to go along with it? I'm a little lost now... sorry

I'd get a rack. The ones I have so far came with or have patch editors available. Even if you dont like usin the PC for sound editing you can still asign CC#'s to a midi keyboard for tweakin.

yeah thats what i thought but i wasnt sure. thanks Em.

Go rack, they save space. The only boards I work with are a Roland A-70 & ASR-10, while the 4 other sound sources are modules.

What about software? Sounds are sounds, doesn't matter the source from where they come from. Plus, you will get 1000 times more with software vs any hardware for the price.

I'd only go for a board if I want it to be my main piece of equipment or don't have a sequencer.

For what its worth a rack of gear will be more difficult to steal.

It might be too heavy if it's loaded and you can also secure the rack to something to stop it walking out the door.

Most keyboards are easily carried away by thieves, unless its an ASR-10 or similar which is very heavy!

Id limit myself to one workstation keyboard and one midi controller keyboard, get racked gear with software editors to help with the tweaking duties unless you want BACKACHE or a SORE NECK.