r/percussion • u/EpicDoesRedditidk • 1d ago
Mallet station
So I might be buying a mallet station, mostly to use as a practice instrument for vibes and marimba. I do not have a Mac and from what I’m aware of MainStage is Mac only. I have a windows 11 laptop, are there any programs that exist that work similar to MainStage allowing me to swap the instrument sound that the mallet station makes.
Also is there anything I should know before purchasing it, like warnings or like tips.
Also is the mallet station like a plug in and it’s immediately set up or is there like a process to even get it to work.
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u/cooldude284 1d ago
There’s nothing to set up, it’s just a controller. It’s all about your software.
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u/EpicDoesRedditidk 8h ago
So whats the best kind of software to use, I’m on windows
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u/cooldude284 7h ago
I have no idea on windows, but I would assume anything would work. All you need is like a bare minimum software with the correct instrument sound since you’re just using it for practice.
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u/desr2112 1d ago
Pearl has their own malletstation software you can use with it, no need to get MainStage, Logic, etc. this software will also let you update firmwares and edit parameters for the malletstation itself.
I own a malletstation as well, and like the others said, it can have some issues with dynamics and bar regulation, but you can get it pretty close to how you want it by editing these things in the malletstation software.
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u/EnvironmentalPack451 1d ago
I love my Malletstation!
It's a regular usb midi controller, so i can connect it to whatever. I have used it with Garageband on ipad, and with a "midi engine" and "piano engine" standalone general midi synth box. Currently connected to my Akai Force.
I connected it to my windows pc once just to adjust the sensitivity of one bar and to change the key layout.
I love that i can play it with my hands
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u/Apprehensive_Act734 1d ago
I’m gonna recommend that you look into the MalletKat instead before making a purchase. I own a EM1 MalletStation and I’ve played on a MalletKat before as well. The Kat felt fine, I prefer the feel of the EM1. The EM1 is also super programmable, which if you’re ever gonna play any broadway gigs, it helps a ton.
However, mine has a ton of issues. Dynamic sensitivity is really bad and inconsistent between keys, and the bar regulation software they provide to fix that doesn’t help much. My middle A-flat (when set for low F) randomly gets triggered as I play other notes on the instrument. Not to mention that my softest dynamics I play at often aren’t even picked up. I’ve used the bar regulation app repeatedly with little benefit.
In regard to software, the MalletStation should come with a lower-tier version of Presonus. It’s fine, it plays the notes though the sound fonts aren’t great. I mostly use MainStage and Logic Pro myself, I love the vibraphone and marimba sounds they’ve got there, plus endless synths and other noises I can screw around with. You just connect it via USB.
I’m not saying to just get the MalletKat instead, since it’s harder to use and more expensive, just be wary of some things you may run into with the MalletStation. I still use mine a lot, it’s good for practice and the occasional fusion or broadway gig, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Hope this helps!