The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum

OTHER DISCUSSIONS => General Synthesis => Other Hardware/Software => Topic started by: LoboLives on December 04, 2016, 03:48:33 AM

Title: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 04, 2016, 03:48:33 AM
I've said it before and I've said it again...I'm a huge John Carpenter fan and I'm a huge fan of sequencers. I'm trying to decide which set up I should go for. Currently I have the Moog Sub 37 doing most of the sequencing but that can get redundant fast as it's only a single track with a single patch and it can't be chained.

What I need is
A.) The ability to have different patches for each sequencer track.
B.) The ability to ratchet steps (ala Tangerine Dream)
C.) The ability to chain sequences together (I want to say "Repeat Sequence 1 three times and then switch to Sequence 2 on the last bar and repeat that entire combination X amount of times."

I want to just be able to hit "Play" on the sequencer and just record live off the floor while my Prophet 6 does most of the leads.

1.) Alan Howarth used two ARP Avatars (which were pretty much ARP Odyssey Modules) and sequenced them together using various sequencers. With the arrival of ARP Odyssey desktop modules I was thinking of getting two (as they are fairly economically priced) and run them together...but this also means I have to find a separate sequencer that ticks on the boxes and since they don't have keys I would not have the option of entering the sequence manually. Which is fine although a tad annoying. I also would have to run them through effects (reverb/delays) should I require any additional coloring to the sound.

2.) Pro 2. I was interested in a Pro 2 for a while but it seems like there's a lot of menu diving and I'm not sure if it can ratchet steps or can chain sequences together. I do like the addition of effects (delays) which saves me from having to run the synth through an Eventide. I've listened to a few demos and I haven't really heard anyone sequence multiple tracks at once with different patches or a sequence being chained.

3.) Oberheim Two Voice Pro. This seems to tick all the boxes but it is also about $5k where I live. Quite expensive. The sound is phenomenal (although I'd still have to run them through effects should I desire that) and I do like the fact most of the work is in the front panel with next to no menu diving. I'm just wondering if there is an alternative that's more economical.

Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: DavidDever on December 04, 2016, 01:21:26 PM
What about an inexpensive Windows Surface, running Ableton Live?

Once you add the patch-changing requirements, you're way beyond a traditional hardware-based sequencer IMHO. Subtract that, and you could likely find a few, if not somewhat expensive, options.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 04, 2016, 01:43:14 PM
How about a Cirklon, may be overkill but it would tick the boxes.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 04, 2016, 01:50:20 PM
What about an inexpensive Windows Surface, running Ableton Live?

Once you add the patch-changing requirements, you're way beyond a traditional hardware-based sequencer IMHO. Subtract that, and you could likely find a few, if not somewhat expensive, options.

Nah, I'm not a big software guy.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 04, 2016, 01:51:46 PM
How about a Cirklon, may be overkill but it would tick the boxes.

This may be an option and it may turn out to be cheaper than the Two Voice. Thanks!
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 04, 2016, 11:58:30 PM
The only problem is that they are like unicorns, quite hard to get hold of!
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 05, 2016, 03:17:03 AM
The only problem is that they are like unicorns, quite hard to get hold of!

Yeah, that's not good either. Still a great option though just don't know if I really want to go on a waiting list to get a sequencer...cause by the time I get it I could have saved up enough for a Two Voice Pro...hmm..
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: eXode on December 05, 2016, 03:45:24 AM
Have you considered the Arturia BeatStep Pro?

Main Features:
2 monophonic step sequencers
Up to 64 steps per sequence

Note, velocity and gate time settings per step
Note tie
16-track drum sequencer (one track per pad)
 MIDI controller mode
Fully customizable for knobs, step buttons and velocity and pressure sensitive pads
Send MIDI CC, note data, program changes
16 Projects, each with 16x2 sequences, 16 drum sequences and a controller map.
Performance controls
Randomizer with Amount and Probability settings
Real-time looper/roller touch strip
Independent swing amount per sequence
Touch sensitive knobs
Tap Tempo
Connectivity
CV/GATE outputs (1 volt per octave CV, 10 volt gates)
8 drum gate outputs
Clock sync with multiple standards
MIDI In/Out with supplied MIDI adaptors
USB class compliant
Supports full parameter and sequencing editing capability using our free MIDI Control Center software
Kensington lock
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 05, 2016, 06:45:32 AM
Have you considered the Arturia BeatStep Pro?

Main Features:
2 monophonic step sequencers
Up to 64 steps per sequence

Note, velocity and gate time settings per step
Note tie
16-track drum sequencer (one track per pad)
 MIDI controller mode
Fully customizable for knobs, step buttons and velocity and pressure sensitive pads
Send MIDI CC, note data, program changes
16 Projects, each with 16x2 sequences, 16 drum sequences and a controller map.
Performance controls
Randomizer with Amount and Probability settings
Real-time looper/roller touch strip
Independent swing amount per sequence
Touch sensitive knobs
Tap Tempo
Connectivity
CV/GATE outputs (1 volt per octave CV, 10 volt gates)
8 drum gate outputs
Clock sync with multiple standards
MIDI In/Out with supplied MIDI adaptors
USB class compliant
Supports full parameter and sequencing editing capability using our free MIDI Control Center software
Kensington lock

A great little device for sure...but I don't think it can ratchet steps or chain sequences together.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: eXode on December 05, 2016, 07:15:34 AM
And what about the Social Entropy Engine? Seems to have both ratcheting and chaining. EDIT: But not cheap.

https://www.socialentropy.com/engine/?page_id=346
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 05, 2016, 09:45:02 AM
And what about the Social Entropy Engine? Seems to have both ratcheting and chaining. EDIT: But not cheap.

https://www.socialentropy.com/engine/?page_id=346

I was looking at this for a while. It sounds like a great option. It's not too expensive compared to the Two Voice Pro lol.

Just trying to think it's it's more convoluted to have like one synth drive two desktop modules into a separate sequencer as opposed to an all in one unit. Lots more wires lol. I guess it's either one or the other.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on December 10, 2016, 06:18:05 AM
Lots of more options here: http://llllllll.co/t/whats-the-best-stand-alone-hardware-sequencer/1507

While I understand the value of analogue sound and collecting space-consuming boxes to produce them, I see a sequencer mainly as a UI issue that needs to be solved. There seems to be no option with the right connectivity options and workflow at the moment? Maybe sequencers are meant to run on computers as software....
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 11, 2016, 05:50:08 AM
Lots of more options here: http://llllllll.co/t/whats-the-best-stand-alone-hardware-sequencer/1507

While I understand the value of analogue sound and collecting space-consuming boxes to produce them, I see a sequencer mainly as a UI issue that needs to be solved. There seems to be no option with the right connectivity options and workflow at the moment? Maybe sequencers are meant to run on computers as software....

Honestly I think at this point I'm going to go with the sequencer on the Oberheim Two Voice Pro. It can chain, ratchet, transpose...pretty much everything I want..$5k for it may not be ideal but I do get the Oberheim SEM sound as a bonus. The Cirklon or Engine are other great options as well but I figure at the price of getting one of those plus two Odyssey modules...I'm looking at just over $3k roughly...do I do that or do I just save a bit more and get the Oberheim? Also the benefit of the Oberheim is it's contained. I don't need multilple wires going from the sequencer to each module...just go from the Oberheim to the board and boom done. Plus should I want to sequence anything else I can use it as a master and slave another device.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 11, 2016, 09:49:26 AM
For stand out gorgeousness how about an octopus http://www.genoqs.com/octopus/ they are pretty smart, I have the nemo http://www.genoqs.com/nemo/ but have always wanted an octopus.   
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 11, 2016, 10:11:36 AM
For stand out gorgeousness how about an octopus http://www.genoqs.com/octopus/ they are pretty smart, I have the nemo http://www.genoqs.com/nemo/ but have always wanted an octopus.

Looks beautiful! Wish there was a bit more explanation on it's features. Can it ratchet? Chain? etc.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 11, 2016, 10:35:55 AM
Oh yes, and in very advanced ways just like the Cirklon.

The manual is here: http://www.genoqs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/OCT_NG_v162_A4.pdf

The Nemo is also similar.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 11, 2016, 10:47:08 AM
The Pyramid is one that I gave been meaning to get hold of as well, pretty neat little device http://www.squarp.net might be worth a look at the manual, much easier to get hold of than a Cirklon or octopus/nemo.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: BobTheDog on December 12, 2016, 08:03:33 AM
Just ordered a Pyramid for Christmas, I blame you LoboLives :)

Will let you know how it goes...
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 22, 2016, 08:22:12 AM
Just ordered a Pyramid for Christmas, I blame you LoboLives :)

Will let you know how it goes...

LOL I might have to follow your lead. I was thinking of having the Tempest be my sequencer but I heard you can only output one Midi channel only. I was going to have it drive two ARP Odysseys...but alas I guess not. I'm just really hesitant to spend $5k on the Two Voice Pro. There doesn't seem to be too many demos or two much information on it. A lot of videos don't really even go into the sequencer aspect of the synth that much. I wonder if Dave would ever bring back a modern version of the Programmers they had in the 80s. http://modularsynthesis.com/SCI/700/m700_top.jpg
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: blewis on December 22, 2016, 04:42:11 PM
It's probably ill advised, but I'm banking on the rumored MPC Live as my future sequencer. I've got the Touch now so any work I do will transfer over once it a) comes out and b) gets the initial bugs sorted.

Oh and it's a sampler. Two MIDI outs.

Could be a while. Will know more at NAMM
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on December 23, 2016, 04:23:40 AM
It's probably ill advised, but I'm banking on the rumored MPC Live as my future sequencer. I've got the Touch now so any work I do will transfer over once it a) comes out and b) gets the initial bugs sorted.

Oh and it's a sampler. Two MIDI outs.

Could be a while. Will know more at NAMM

This could be interesting for sure. I'm really interested to see what DSI, Moog, Roger Linn, and others come up with. I don't like getting my hopes up for NAMM too much anymore. A lot of the time it just ends in disappointment.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Telemann on January 28, 2017, 12:56:00 PM
I'm looking and Engine, Pyramid and now waiting for the release of Elektron's Digitakt which in its early stages seems to be a drum machine, sampler and midi Sequencer all in one. It's said to be released on April so only a couple of months away.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: dslsynth on January 28, 2017, 03:47:34 PM
It's said to be released on April so only a couple of months away.

Then add the usual two years of painful updates and firmware debugging/testing! ;)

Seriously, it looks like a smaller and more affordable Octatrack. Surely droolable! Its on my GAS list.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: tumble2k on January 28, 2017, 09:33:27 PM
I keep looking at the Octatrack and turning away. It just seems to complex to me for a sequencer, and I'm not terribly interested in mangling samples.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on February 02, 2017, 01:43:02 AM
A great little device for sure...but I don't think it can ratchet steps or chain sequences together.

I've got a BSP and love the thing.  No, it can't ratchet, but it can chain sequences.  You can't save chains, though that could change as there is a rumour the firmware is to be updates with some of the features of the Drumbrute added.

I too am a big fan of sequencers and a few of them.  I bought a Behringer BCR-2000 a week ago with the idea of turning it into a Zaquencer (when I get paid next).  The Zaquencer is a 4trk step sequencer with a pattern chaining and step ratcheting.  I should really try the demo, but I keep getting distracted when it comes to finding a device to use as a midi interface to send the required sysex file (can't be sent via the BRC-2000 midi in port).
Here's a link to the Zaquencer project: https://zaqaudio.com/
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on February 03, 2017, 03:12:10 AM
You know the Engine Sequencer is looking quite appealing as well. Although I'm not sure how confusing it would get without a menu. I guess like anything, once you get used to it, it'll become second nature.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on February 03, 2017, 03:14:41 AM
A great little device for sure...but I don't think it can ratchet steps or chain sequences together.

I've got a BSP and love the thing.  No, it can't ratchet, but it can chain sequences.  You can't save chains, though that could change as there is a rumour the firmware is to be updates with some of the features of the Drumbrute added.

I too am a big fan of sequencers and a few of them.  I bought a Behringer BCR-2000 a week ago with the idea of turning it into a Zaquencer (when I get paid next).  The Zaquencer is a 4trk step sequencer with a pattern chaining and step ratcheting.  I should really try the demo, but I keep getting distracted when it comes to finding a device to use as a midi interface to send the required sysex file (can't be sent via the BRC-2000 midi in port).
Here's a link to the Zaquencer project: https://zaqaudio.com/

This looks great as well.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on February 06, 2017, 01:48:54 AM
[No post edit or delete in here?  Let me know if I am wrong.]

I tried out the Zaquencer demo firmware last night and it's quite fun.  The scale mode makes an amateur like myself seem like a composer.  But I'm not sure if my idea of ratcheting is what it really is.  I had this idea that step ratcheting would have the sequence step backwards for the number of steps set from the ratchet point, then move on forward again.  This seems to repeat the step a set number of times at a set length apart.  I was using my Tetra to try out the demo and ratcheting sounded terrible.  I might not have a grip on how it's supposed to work (well obviously not how I thought), I'll try it with monophonic patch tonight.
As there is no saving on the demo, I can't try out pattern chaining, but I'm sure there is no surprises with that.
The two MIDI CC levels per step is quite some fun and put it on par with the Evolver sequencers as far as them being a modulation source on top of sequencing notes.  NRPN's would have been even better, but can't have it all.
I've not done anything with the LFO yet.
Step mute is pretty usual for a stepper, but this also has step skip, similar to the Volca series Active Step mode.  Again great for making dancers fall over when you start dropping steps out.
Chord mode is fairly flexible even though you set a root note for the chord then select a chord formation from a chart.  The chart includes all the regular chord shapes; major, minor, 7th's, 9th's, 11th's etc, as well as the ones I can't name and then the same again an with the tops notes an octave higher and then another set two octaves higher and finally intervals (best mode for a 4 voice poly ;) )
The 20min limit on the demo and my need to sleep meant I have a little more to sus out on the Zaquencer, but come payday wednesday, I'll be ordering my full firmware.  Gonna pencil in the knob labels to the scribble strip I think, looks more ghetto that way.



You know the Engine Sequencer is looking quite appealing as well. Although I'm not sure how confusing it would get without a menu. I guess like anything, once you get used to it, it'll become second nature.

I think it has lights over the steps to indicate which are active and the 3 digit display tells you the value.  BSP does well with that method and touch sensitive dials to allow peeking at the values without changing them. 

One company who made their name on sequencers (with a sampler attached) is Akai.  They dropped the ball in the mid 00's but are back again.  Check out the MPC X.  Stand alone for a start puts it firmly on my gas list, then there are the 8 CV out's which can be configured to CV or GATE.  Two MIDI in's and four out's is ridiculously good.  Then there is the sampling/audio io side of it being just as good.  The instrument is being talked up as an Ableton beater (without actually saying "this thing will give Ableton Live a run for it's money")
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: timbo74 on February 06, 2017, 03:42:14 AM
I've gone the Social Entropy "Engine" option for my setup!

New batch just out!

Waiting game now!!

Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: LoboLives on February 06, 2017, 12:14:43 PM
I just have to figure out the operation of the Engine. I was hoping to use one of my other synths as a controller (While still having it's own sound happen) to transpose sequences on the fly as opposed to having to hold down a button and do it much like the Sub 37 (Which is something that NEEDS to be addressed in the OS update of the Prophet 6/OB6 and something I hope is implemented in the REV2.)

I still have my eye on the Two Voice Pro but my god $5000 for the thing is a big decision and a big price leap from an Engine sequencer and Two ARP Odyssey Modules.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on June 19, 2017, 12:25:27 AM
Just ordered a Pyramid for Christmas, I blame you LoboLives :)

Will let you know how it goes...

How did you manage to get on with this device?
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Razmo on June 19, 2017, 12:54:34 AM
Try looking at the Yamaha QY700 eventually... don't know if it will meet your specs, but it's hardware, looks cool, is very well built, and will even work with polyphonic material, and has 4 MIDI outputs. a lesser alternative is the Yamaha QY300.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on June 19, 2017, 03:45:51 AM
Try looking at the Yamaha QY700 eventually... don't know if it will meet your specs, but it's hardware, looks cool, is very well built, and will even work with polyphonic material, and has 4 MIDI outputs. a lesser alternative is the Yamaha QY300.

I have a QY700 and it's a powerhouse.  Only thing that annoys me about it is that due to the onboard sound module it send a bunch of prog change and reset data every time it's started from zero.  You can block it all using the filter, but it's a pain.
It's only got two MIDI out's but the other two DIN ports are MIDI in.  The in's can be echoed on one or both the out's and there is some fairly useful filtering (as I mentioned earlier).  You can use is as a regular linear recorder/sequencer or run patterns, or both.
The sounds in the onboard module are pretty damn good for a built-in, with the same drum synth as the RY-30.  It also has the little pitch bender and modwheel on it like the RY-30.  Even the little rubber keybed is surprisingly good.
I got sick of running linear sequencers awhile ago and started buying a few step sequencers.  In a crazed state of GAS, grabbed a 2nd hand Pyramid.  I'm using the QY700 as a cc recorder/sequencer for my VM200 faders now.  The Pyramid is my new master sequencer, heheheh.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on June 19, 2017, 05:09:27 AM
Thank you for suggesting the Yamaha QY700

How does the polyphony / chord functionality work in practice? Just glancing over a manual, I see that you can somehow assign a track as "bass" after which it will move with the root note, and that can program chords? The Pyramid also has some chord-related functionality.

With some sort of 1-note bass/chord/arpeggiator triggering, my set up has come back full circle to my first keyboard that I got as a child, the Yamaha PS-55: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW4G08kMdJQ (not me in the video :-) )

Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on June 20, 2017, 01:36:38 AM
Heheheh, I've felt the same way about the scale/chord/arp functions on some of my gear.  It's like I'm playing a auto-accompaniment organ from the 70's but with new century sounds sometime.  Running a Keystep sequence into the Bit Stream 3x's arpeggiator (it runs melodies on it's arp more than merely cycling through the notes over a selected octave rang) and then transposing the Keystep (one finger action!) can sound like some insanely gifted player improvising a solo.

The auto-chord feature of the QY700 I've never really used.  I tried it out when I first got it, but that was in 2003 so I can't remember what it was like.
I bought the QY700 when I feedback-looped my Kawai Q80 to death accidentally while trying to capture cc.  Although the pattern maker recording process was a bit crappy, the Q80 was a beast of a sequencer.  I think it had a greater event memory than the QY700 has (the QY700 will fill up pretty quickly if you don't assign tracks playing loops to patterns then layout the patterns in the sequencer).

The scale/'smart pad' function of the Pyramid is great.  Unlike the Beatstep Pro, it actually restricts the notes you can play on the rubber keypads to those in the scale you have chosen.  You select a root note and a scale (or mode) and that dictate the note on the 'keyboard' and sets the 'smart pads' (the eight lower pads) to chords in that scale.  It makes my musical education a little redundant, which is okay, as it all was pretty much forgotten when I stopped playing guitar, lol.

The Pyramid is an odd sequencer as it runs on loops.  There isn't really a start and finish of a sequence, but it's not a step sequencer, though it can resemble one.  It can be set-up to run like a linear sequencer by using the sequence chain function, though I've found I can run one sequence with some stupid amount of loops programmed to it's 48 tracks then muting/unmuting the tracks, which is pretty much how I work anyway, but I used to use the mute buttons on my mixer.

I run many sequencers at once.  Each has it's speciality and it's weaknesses.  No sequencer is the ultimate answer to what you want to do.  Some are horrible for loop-making but are great for linear work.  I have a Fat Controller that is absolutely hopeless for note sequencing but rules for running CV and TRIG/GATE (I sync my delay from one of it's trig-outs).  I'm coming close to owning as many sequencers as I do synths!
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: chysn on June 20, 2017, 04:22:54 AM
If you need MIDI only and not CV, it comes down to two choices: Either use a computer with a DAW, or get a nice-condition Alesis MMT-8.

Yeah, it was introduced in 1987. But you know what else was introduced in 1987? Jean-Luc Picard. And, like Sir Patrick Stewart, the MMT-8 just gets better with age. I mean... not literally better with age. If you buy one, you need to make sure that all the buttons work, that the display has good contrast, and that the plastic screw shafts aren't broken.

The buttons are conductive rubber, but they aren't inevitably degraded in 2017. If the sequencer has been well taken care of, they can be fine. Make sure that they work with a normal press, without having to lean into them.

The displays do lose contrast over time. Fortunately, the LCDs are easy to find on ebay, and replacement is super easy, as everything is accessible in the chassis.

An MMT-8 that has been carelessly assembled as disassembled several times might have cracked or broken screw shafts. These breaks might prevent the two halves of the sequencer from connecting firmly, so check that out.

But if you find a good MMT-8, it's sequencer paradise. Easy to use, decent mass editing and event editing options. Performance-oriented track muting, a nice and loud internal metronome click. Both sequences and songs can be chained (meaning, you can choose what plays right after the current one ends).

I've seen lots of MIDI sequencers and, for me, the MMT-8 nailed it 30 years ago. I don't need one any more because I don't really use MIDI, but it's an amazing instrument.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: RobH on June 27, 2017, 02:58:25 PM
My favourite sequencer has to be my metropolis, its amazing, start a eurorack its got tons of great sequencers!!!

I intend on getting a good quantizer as well and running lfo's and envelopes through them i hear some pretty awesome synth lines made this way!
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on June 30, 2017, 08:34:22 PM
Thank you for suggesting the Yamaha QY700

How does the polyphony / chord functionality work in practice? Just glancing over a manual, I see that you can somehow assign a track as "bass" after which it will move with the root note, and that can program chords? The Pyramid also has some chord-related functionality.

With some sort of 1-note bass/chord/arpeggiator triggering, my set up has come back full circle to my first keyboard that I got as a child, the Yamaha PS-55: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW4G08kMdJQ (not me in the video :-) )

I got everything repatched and the QY700 up and running.  I'd forgotten just how complex the thing can be!  It has a section devoted to this super advanced swing it uses.  Like a 'humaniser' but more like a form to squeeze the MIDI through and pop out some really amazing rhythms and swing beats out.  Insane transpose functionality too.  And that's aside the keyboard scaling feature.

A really complicated sequencer that has been described as "Ableton Live for the 90's".  Can work as a simple sequencer, or you can score movie soundtracks with it.  I'm sticking with running it as an automations machine.  It's doing well at that since I emptied the memory (amazingly I found some 3.5" disks to back up all the old data in it).
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on July 10, 2017, 10:02:02 AM
One company who made their name on sequencers (with a sampler attached) is Akai.  They dropped the ball in the mid 00's but are back again.  Check out the MPC X.

I decided to go with an Akai MPC Live (sold out everywhere, I managed to get it from a small synth shop in Amsterdam and ship it to Tel Aviv). It is a remarkable piece of equipment, observations after 1 week of use.

It is the versatility of the interface, and the things you can do without a laptop, even without a power connection. Sequence monophonic analog gear with steps. Sequence polyphonic analogue gear with chords/scales. Throw in a quick drum pattern to set the frame of an improvisation. Quickly record a guitar chop in the looper. Convert a MIDI pattern to a sample. Sample your monophonic synth and build 4-voice jazzy chords with it. Add an audio loop. This thing is really well thought through.

The only drawback: it has the "silky soft" plastic finish all over it, that will turn sticky for sure after 3 years in a hot climate.

Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on July 11, 2017, 03:34:32 AM
I decided to go with an Akai MPC Live (sold out everywhere, I managed to get it from a small synth shop in Amsterdam and ship it to Tel Aviv). It is a remarkable piece of equipment, observations after 1 week of use.

Nice one.  I've a small fund going for an MPC-X when they make it to this country, I'm a sucker for MIDI outputs and have just added a switch and router to the network which are hungry for data to slap around.

It is the versatility of the interface, and the things you can do without a laptop, even without a power connection. Sequence monophonic analog gear with steps. Sequence polyphonic analogue gear with chords/scales. Throw in a quick drum pattern to set the frame of an improvisation. Quickly record a guitar chop in the looper. Convert a MIDI pattern to a sample. Sample your monophonic synth and build 4-voice jazzy chords with it. Add an audio loop. This thing is really well thought through.

Wow that sounds like a dream world!  I'm currently running a Beatstep Pro, a Keystep and a Pyramid to achieve what you say is coming out of one box.  And the QY700 has been described as "Ableton Live for the 90's".  What you described sound Akai have actually done it.  But really it's not that amazing I guess, after all it's merely running their DAW software on a purpose-built computer.  E-MU used to do it with the Ultra samplers, but it ended up going the other way with EOS turning into a software sampling suite (which Creative actively ignored and left to stave to death, thanks guys...)

The only drawback: it has the "silky soft" plastic finish all over it, that will turn sticky for sure after 3 years in a hot climate.

Oh the joy that was the Nexel surface on Waldorf's 90's synth and those wonderfully spongy-yet-hard knobs that adorned their XTk.....I found that baby wet-wipe can bring the Nexel back some life, but those knobs, I almost want to cry!
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: abstrx on August 11, 2017, 10:15:57 AM
Performing w/ Live in 3D VR?
http://store.steampowered.com/app/674180/AliveInVR/
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on November 07, 2017, 05:21:33 AM
I am still exploring options here, and over the past few months, find myself increasingly using my Squarp Pyramid after initially having ignored it for the first few weeks after purchase (I could not get myself to go through the learning curve). But now: compact and easy to use.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: tumble2k on November 29, 2017, 01:52:33 PM
I've been looking at the Synthstrom Deluge. Anyone try it out yet?
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: Jan Schultink on April 21, 2018, 06:52:14 AM
I am still exploring options here, and over the past few months, find myself increasingly using my Squarp Pyramid after initially having ignored it for the first few weeks after purchase (I could not get myself to go through the learning curve). But now: compact and easy to use.

Squarp keeps on updating the firmware and the device is getting better and better, yesterday the beta for V3.0 came out: http://squarp.net/pyraos
This device is now the heart of my set up, I have hooked things up pretty much like it is described in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbYsCngE6_w&t=0s&list=LLI65obmk9EKgbwxdNohuYRw&index=3 I use a Motu MIDI interface instead, and have 1 MIDI controller going into the Squarp on which I can lay down patterns.
Title: Re: Trying to decide a sequencer set up.
Post by: megamarkd on April 21, 2018, 04:52:05 PM
I am still exploring options here, and over the past few months, find myself increasingly using my Squarp Pyramid after initially having ignored it for the first few weeks after purchase (I could not get myself to go through the learning curve). But now: compact and easy to use.

Squarp keeps on updating the firmware and the device is getting better and better, yesterday the beta for V3.0 came out: http://squarp.net/pyraos
This device is now the heart of my set up, I have hooked things up pretty much like it is described in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbYsCngE6_w&t=0s&list=LLI65obmk9EKgbwxdNohuYRw&index=3 I use a Motu MIDI interface instead, and have 1 MIDI controller going into the Squarp on which I can lay down patterns.

I haven't tried the 3.0 beta yet, I'm a little worried about the couple of reports of it crashing.  One is when connected to a computer (mac) which I don't do ever so much of a muchness on that, but it's a beta so of course we are testing for them.  I guess I'm saying I want the final release!

And on a side note regarding sequencers, I've found a replacement encoder for my e5000 so finally pulled it back out again. It has a very basic sequencer, but a very high number of events it can store which will be able to do my fader automation without eating precious events or clogging up the MIDI bandwidth (run it straight into to the digital desks).