This past December (hence the Christmas decor) we gifted a local church w/ a Keys Rig Makeover. 

In order to help others who may be considering a rig upgrade, we recorded the entire process from gear decisions to setting everything up so they can use it for years to come.

Trying to research this on your own could leave you with a long list of questions (and a headache):

What gear do I actually need?

How do I know everything is compatible?

Will I be able to train my volunteers to use this gear?

Why is everything so expensive!?

This video lays it all out step by step with a fresh approach to modernize your keys rig with a quality setup your volunteers will love.

After watching this video you'll have:

1. Solid gear recommendations that won't destroy your ministry budget

2. A reliable keys rig that's volunteer friendly

3. Longterm Professional Results

Gear List

Here's our list of budget friendly gear that we have tested and recommend for setting up a worship keys rig.

Studiologic SL88 Studio Keyboard

• 88-key hammer action TP/100LR keyboard with After touch
• Compact, lightweight ~30lbs
• 3 XY stick controllers
• Magnetic rail system works with Studio logic Magnetic Computer Plate and Magnetic Music Stand
• This is a MIDI keyboard, so it does NOT have built-in sounds. If you are looking for a model that is fully-weighted with built-in sounds you will likely need to increase your budget to $800-$1000 or try searching the used marketplace. 

M1 Macbook Air 

• Apple M1 Chip
• 8GB RAM (We recommend upgrading to 16GB if you plan to use Ableton Live or 3rd party plugins such as Omnisphere or Native Instruments)
• 256GB SSD Storage (We recommend upgrading this if there is room in your budget)

Laptop Stand

• silicon pad to secure laptop
• Adjustable up to 4. 5' in height

Korg NanoKontrol 2 Midi Controller

• 8 Channels; each with three buttons, one fader, and one knob
• Dedicated transport control section

NanoKontrol 2 Skin

• Color-coded to match the Sunday Keys Template
• Labeled so you can easily find tap tempo, change patches, and panic/reset

USB C Hub

• 2x USB A, 1x USB C
• USB C Power Delivery (can charge Macbook)
• SD & Micro SD reader
• HDMI

Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett 4i4

• 2 Mic Preamps
• Two balanced line inputs for connecting synthesizers, drum machines and other line-level sources
• Four balanced outputs for clean monitoring and sending audio out
• MIDI in/out
• Up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.

USB Cables

• Use custom cables in the length you need to eliminate tripping hazards, and clean up visuals (no more "floor-spaghetti") 

Cable ties

• one of the easiest ways to clean up your keys rig

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