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Forums - Music techology
Subject: Sequencers
Viewing all 20 messages - View by pages of 10: 1 2
Original Message 1/20 10-Oct-97 @ 02:08 AM - Sequencers
I'm curious. I am now in the position to buy a hardware sequencer since I don't have a computer and was wondering which ones you guys would recommend. For instance, a used shop in my area has a Roland mc300 (I think that's it) for $350.00. Is that a good deal and does it have any operating problems? Would it be wiser to buy a new sequencer? Any and all help welcome . . . as always.
Brad
Brad
Message 2/20 10-Oct-97 @ 05:57 AM - RE: Sequencers
Get a cheap second hand 486 and a software
sequencer....a hardware sequencer cannot compare
to a fulll blown sequencing package. I reckon your
on about a mc303 above. Many dealers think the
inbuilt sequencer is the same as a stand alone sequencer
like the yamaha qy20 but they are totally wrong.
sequencer....a hardware sequencer cannot compare
to a fulll blown sequencing package. I reckon your
on about a mc303 above. Many dealers think the
inbuilt sequencer is the same as a stand alone sequencer
like the yamaha qy20 but they are totally wrong.
Message 3/20 10-Oct-97 @ 10:25 AM - RE: Sequencers
i'll sell you a mpc2000 cheap if you'r looking for hardware. decent sampler simi complexed
sequencer. offers welcom. patrick.
sequencer. offers welcom. patrick.
Message 4/20 10-Oct-97 @ 10:47 AM - RE: Sequencers
Computers best but costs multiply like rabbits (if I just had another.......). MC-300 (old one) not so good, MC-303 (same price range over net) isn't better or worse than soft sequencer, just different. All those nice buttons instead of fuckin' menus. The sounds, like most new Roland, suck, but next to my soft sequencer it's a team.
Hilevelt
Hilevelt
Message 5/20 10-Oct-97 @ 07:53 PM - RE: Sequencers
Alright, I've used quite a few sequencers over the years. At the moment my main sequencer is an Akai MPC3000..Yeah sure, they're expensive and I had to get a loan to get it, but nothing can compare to it as far as timing is concerned. I do have a copy of Logic Audio which I mainly got for arranging, but I hardly use it so I'll probably sell it. The timing is a bit of a joke also. Although I'd have to say this about every software based sequencer I've used.
Someone sent me a crack of VST not so long ago. It worked perfectly, but the timing was terrible. When I first got it I was thinking "VST, cool, I'll use this", but once I'd started using it and realized how crap the timing was, I quickly erased it from my hard drive..It just didn't belong there... I've also tried a demo of Cakewalk and although it's got a really awkward interface compared to Logic, the timing is actually quite good.
Anyone who has only ever used computer based sequencers probably wouldn't know what I'm on about here, but once you use an Akai MPC I guarantee you'll be blown away by the difference. Personally I'd never release anything recorded straight from a computer sequencer. I'd always dump the sequence into the MPC first.
The Roland MC303, forget it. The sequencer on that thing is like a toy, avoid it. I don't know anything about the MC300, 500 or 50 but I hear they're pretty good, and they're hardware sequencers, so you'd be getting a better timing response than a computer based sequencer.
Someone sent me a crack of VST not so long ago. It worked perfectly, but the timing was terrible. When I first got it I was thinking "VST, cool, I'll use this", but once I'd started using it and realized how crap the timing was, I quickly erased it from my hard drive..It just didn't belong there... I've also tried a demo of Cakewalk and although it's got a really awkward interface compared to Logic, the timing is actually quite good.
Anyone who has only ever used computer based sequencers probably wouldn't know what I'm on about here, but once you use an Akai MPC I guarantee you'll be blown away by the difference. Personally I'd never release anything recorded straight from a computer sequencer. I'd always dump the sequence into the MPC first.
The Roland MC303, forget it. The sequencer on that thing is like a toy, avoid it. I don't know anything about the MC300, 500 or 50 but I hear they're pretty good, and they're hardware sequencers, so you'd be getting a better timing response than a computer based sequencer.
Message 6/20 11-Oct-97 @ 12:58 AM - RE: Sequencers
So, let me see if I understand correctly. The Akai MPC3000 is a true (as opposed to half-assed) sequencer, in addition to being a sampler?
If so, then I'm definately interested, considering that I've been wanting to get a sampler as well. However, I'm concerned about the "all-in-one" type of box. For instance, a Rave-o-lution can't stand up to a designated drum box and mono synth (in my opinion anyways). So . . . is the MPC3000 truely a good box? If I were to buy one with a sampler in mind as well as a sequencer would you recommend any of the special add ons?
Okay, now for the sampler bit: How does this baby sound; How is the ease of use; What types of filters, if any; And possibly most important of all, is this a good first sampler/sequencer to have?
----
Brad
If so, then I'm definately interested, considering that I've been wanting to get a sampler as well. However, I'm concerned about the "all-in-one" type of box. For instance, a Rave-o-lution can't stand up to a designated drum box and mono synth (in my opinion anyways). So . . . is the MPC3000 truely a good box? If I were to buy one with a sampler in mind as well as a sequencer would you recommend any of the special add ons?
Okay, now for the sampler bit: How does this baby sound; How is the ease of use; What types of filters, if any; And possibly most important of all, is this a good first sampler/sequencer to have?
----
Brad
Message 7/20 11-Oct-97 @ 02:20 AM - RE: Sequencers
yeah... and I would like to know how the MPC3000 compares to the 2000
Message 8/20 11-Oct-97 @ 09:48 AM - RE: Sequencers
the 2000 has more ram capabilities but was desined as an add on as you go box. there is three
units of the mpc 2000 'mpc2000' 'mpc2000 studido' and'mpc2000plus' if you'r not wanting to fork out
the $2000-$2400 for the loaded version you can get the base unit . $1200. later you can add ram
up to 32mb, sampelverb"akai's 4-bus effects processor",smpte ,8 out with spdif i/o.
both have 1000,000 notes max. as for the sampler s2000 quality. 3000 has more midi chanels
and a vga board to expand to a monitor. the 3000 hase a foreward lifted screen opposed to
the flat on the 2000. ive woked with mpc 60 mpc 3000 and mpc 2000. the 3000 is the unit of
choice $3,500. the very best in hardware sequencing. you cant compare raveolution and
mc303 types with these units. i've just recived the steinberg dance pak and have the system to
run these programs. maybe these are very shit tools i'll see. also the mpc's do take time to learn,
but what does'nt. www.akai.com-akaipro
units of the mpc 2000 'mpc2000' 'mpc2000 studido' and'mpc2000plus' if you'r not wanting to fork out
the $2000-$2400 for the loaded version you can get the base unit . $1200. later you can add ram
up to 32mb, sampelverb"akai's 4-bus effects processor",smpte ,8 out with spdif i/o.
both have 1000,000 notes max. as for the sampler s2000 quality. 3000 has more midi chanels
and a vga board to expand to a monitor. the 3000 hase a foreward lifted screen opposed to
the flat on the 2000. ive woked with mpc 60 mpc 3000 and mpc 2000. the 3000 is the unit of
choice $3,500. the very best in hardware sequencing. you cant compare raveolution and
mc303 types with these units. i've just recived the steinberg dance pak and have the system to
run these programs. maybe these are very shit tools i'll see. also the mpc's do take time to learn,
but what does'nt. www.akai.com-akaipro
Message 9/20 11-Oct-97 @ 08:03 PM - RE: Sequencers
See if you can get a second-hand Amiga 500/600 or 2000 , even though I have a Pentium and Cakewalk Pro Audio I mostly use that stuff for Digital Audio and samples whereas I use the Amiga for all the MIDI .. with the Amiga you get computer interface sequencing with rock solid timing as good as hardware sequencers.. ive heard this is also true for the Atari computers ..
Message 10/20 11-Oct-97 @ 10:23 PM - RE: Sequencers
Yeah, the MPC2000 could be the way to go these days if you're on a budget. The main things it has that the 3000 doesn't are the waveform editing and sample looping. The filter on each is the standard Akai lowpass which does sound quite good. The sequencer is excellent. The 2000 also loads WAV files which the 3000 doesn't but I use a program called Awave to convert WAV files to the MPC3000 .SND format.
There are things you can do with MPCs that you could never do with a normal sequencer and sampler such as- well, once you've got a drum track down you can easily go into step edit and change the attack, filter cutoff, decay, tuning etc of any individual drum or sample hit. I use this a lot for drum fills and stuff. At the end of a bar, instead of using a normal drum or fill I'll put a kick there and set a slow attack in step edit so the kick goes voomph and fades into the next bar. It sounds good and is easy to do. To do this with a normal sampler you'd probably have to map out a new section or something and would just take too long.
There are things you can do with MPCs that you could never do with a normal sequencer and sampler such as- well, once you've got a drum track down you can easily go into step edit and change the attack, filter cutoff, decay, tuning etc of any individual drum or sample hit. I use this a lot for drum fills and stuff. At the end of a bar, instead of using a normal drum or fill I'll put a kick there and set a slow attack in step edit so the kick goes voomph and fades into the next bar. It sounds good and is easy to do. To do this with a normal sampler you'd probably have to map out a new section or something and would just take too long.
Message 11/20 12-Oct-97 @ 09:13 PM - RE: Sequencers
avene ,what do you like using more, wave editing soft with the 3000 or the editer on the 2000.
they are killer drum machines. if any one using these hasn't checked out the dance megga drums
90 drum machines sampel cd from east west sondwarehouse its nice. lots of sounds!!!
if any body is looking for contacts ..... for sampels!!
UK ; time and space ( 01442) 870681
GERMANY,AUSTRIA,SWITZERLAND: best service (089) 345026
US ; east west sond warehouse (310) 858 8797
uk
they are killer drum machines. if any one using these hasn't checked out the dance megga drums
90 drum machines sampel cd from east west sondwarehouse its nice. lots of sounds!!!
if any body is looking for contacts ..... for sampels!!
UK ; time and space ( 01442) 870681
GERMANY,AUSTRIA,SWITZERLAND: best service (089) 345026
US ; east west sond warehouse (310) 858 8797
uk
Message 12/20 13-Oct-97 @ 01:25 AM - RE: Sequencers
Well, I must say the 2000 looks pretty interesting -- I'll definately check it out. One more thing that I forgot to ask: Since I have no memory left on my dr 660, is it possible to save the rythms that I've made via SYSEX to a floppy disc? If not, how would I go about doing that?
Thanks to all for your help!
---------
Brad
Thanks to all for your help!
---------
Brad
Message 13/20 13-Oct-97 @ 06:25 AM - RE: Sequencers
Patrick, editing on the MPC3000 is pretty good but it's a bit quicker and more accurate to use either recycle or wave surgeon to chop up loops and then convert them using awave. Dance megadrums would be nice, i just haven't got a copy yet, but i'll probably get in one day.
Brad, if you can wait, check out the Yamaha SU700 when it's released in November, It should be interesting.
Brad, if you can wait, check out the Yamaha SU700 when it's released in November, It should be interesting.
Message 14/20 13-Oct-97 @ 08:37 AM - RE: Sequencers
Avene, your methodology seems strange, no offense. Considering your use of Reality (if you still got it), soft-editors, and occasional soft-sequence work, I'd think you'd've just cut out all the bullshit by now and given in. Any snags transferring sequence data back & forth? Do you use the pc for audio, if so how'd you work the timing with the mpc? After Ensoniq's flop, Yamaha's might not be worth a wait (they market their cool things to the US later).
Anybody know why mesa doesn't work with the mpc's, or if it ever will?
Anybody know why mesa doesn't work with the mpc's, or if it ever will?
Message 15/20 13-Oct-97 @ 04:56 PM - RE: Sequencers
Hardware sequencers offer the best timing of all PERIOD...... they are rock-solid compared to mac's or PC's.... (read Lagowskis article about playing live in Japan: Features & Articles Section)... so really they are the best for dance music.... I used a Yamaha QX-5 for years..... and it was well wicked........ after the Yamaha QX & Roland MC ranges, go for an old atari 1040 & cubase..... second most solid (and cheapest) option...... again very stable & cheap compared to a PC or Mac...
Message 16/20 14-Oct-97 @ 02:19 AM - RE: Sequencers
Damn right I can wait, $1200.00 is a shit load of money! If waiting means that I'll have better options, then of course I have the time. Anyways, if you have any info on this Yahama module or know of a site (besides Yamaha's), let me have it, Avene! Also, I'm still wondering if I can save the drum rythms that I've created to a floppy via sys-ex.
FYI, this months issue of "Keyboard" has a good review section of the Ensoniq something or rather (I forget it's name), Akai MPC2000, and Yahamas new sampler.
-------
Brad
FYI, this months issue of "Keyboard" has a good review section of the Ensoniq something or rather (I forget it's name), Akai MPC2000, and Yahamas new sampler.
-------
Brad
Message 17/20 14-Oct-97 @ 04:22 AM - RE: Sequencers
Alright, Hilevelt, incase you're intersted I've got 2 setups. The first is my backyard studio 'Cytasia' which is where all my hardware gear is such as my MPC, Mackie, Vestax HDR6 etc etc. I do all my live audio with the Vestax. Like hardware sequencers, I also believe that hardware hard disk recorders are a lot tighter than the software equivilants. With the HDR6 I can easily punch in single words or phrases which is something that would be almost impossible to achieve on a pc, and it's locked to my MPC via mmc.
The other setup I have is my bedroom which is where my pc is with Reality and all the other music software I have. Although I said I would probably never release anything recorded and sequenced straight from a software based sequencer, I was mainly refering to anything hip hop or dance related where you need the tightest possible sound. I'd have no problems using a sequencer on my pc for any electronica or ambient stuff where you don't need the tightest timing. That's the sort of stuff I plan to be using Reality for.
I guess the reason Mesa doesn't work with the MPCs is because they were designed by Roger LInn and not Akai themselves. The MPC2000 on the other hand was not designed by Linn because apparently his contract had expired when that was designed so Akai were free to use his concept.
Brad, the only place I've seen the SU700 mentioned is on the Harmony Central site in a Namm report. I don't think Yamaha have put it up on their site yet. I don't know what it looks like but it would be great if it had a big screen like the QY700. I probably wouldn't get one myself but I've got a friend who's in the market for something like that. I reckon it would be better than that ASRx.
The other setup I have is my bedroom which is where my pc is with Reality and all the other music software I have. Although I said I would probably never release anything recorded and sequenced straight from a software based sequencer, I was mainly refering to anything hip hop or dance related where you need the tightest possible sound. I'd have no problems using a sequencer on my pc for any electronica or ambient stuff where you don't need the tightest timing. That's the sort of stuff I plan to be using Reality for.
I guess the reason Mesa doesn't work with the MPCs is because they were designed by Roger LInn and not Akai themselves. The MPC2000 on the other hand was not designed by Linn because apparently his contract had expired when that was designed so Akai were free to use his concept.
Brad, the only place I've seen the SU700 mentioned is on the Harmony Central site in a Namm report. I don't think Yamaha have put it up on their site yet. I don't know what it looks like but it would be great if it had a big screen like the QY700. I probably wouldn't get one myself but I've got a friend who's in the market for something like that. I reckon it would be better than that ASRx.
Message 18/20 14-Oct-97 @ 08:54 AM - RE: Sequencers
Thanks, Avene, it's something I was dealing with for a long time before I gave up trying. I've got separate set-ups as well, albeit not in the same caliber, but in the end it all gets dumped into the pc. On the Reality, do you still like it better than the k2xxx or e64xx, both of which I have?
Anyway, convenience seems to justify timing, and this should be considered by the guy who first posted the question over some crap $300 hardware sequencer, not a $3000 mpc.
The ASRX is pretty lame, my friend's a3000 doesn't compare (fuck the features, it's no fun to play with), and Yamaha dance products have a 4-6 month lag behind the UK on getting to the US. If you want to wait, be my guest. In that kinda time i'm out a full-length and 3 white-labels (yeah, I'm slow).
Anyway, convenience seems to justify timing, and this should be considered by the guy who first posted the question over some crap $300 hardware sequencer, not a $3000 mpc.
The ASRX is pretty lame, my friend's a3000 doesn't compare (fuck the features, it's no fun to play with), and Yamaha dance products have a 4-6 month lag behind the UK on getting to the US. If you want to wait, be my guest. In that kinda time i'm out a full-length and 3 white-labels (yeah, I'm slow).
Message 19/20 14-Oct-97 @ 04:43 PM - RE: Sequencers
Hilevelt, I do actually still prefer Reality to a K2000 or e64 (I used to own both of these), mainly because of the interface. Having preset envelopes helps also if you don't like messing around with them.
I wouldn't mind releasing a few white labels, unfortunately there are no pressing plants for vinyl here in Australia anymore.
I wouldn't mind releasing a few white labels, unfortunately there are no pressing plants for vinyl here in Australia anymore.
Message 20/20 14-Oct-97 @ 06:22 PM - RE: Sequencers
Have you heard of them pulling a Nord Modular bit, so it could be used out of the pc? I've heard of guys in London pressing vinyl in garages, 50 at a time. Couldn't be too hard, maybe Kilo knows. I still got a 300 minimum, too many 'promos' if it's not a split.
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