Drum machine and sequencer ideas needed!

[planningtojazz]

what are your guys' experiences with a step sequencer and drum machine to work with a moog voyager? Simple and versatile is the key I think. There is a lot on the market however solar nothing has caught my interest for the price. Maybe an akai, help me learn!

[rustywire]

MPC60, MPC3000 (The Roger Linn models) are rock solid stable, accurate, built like tanks...AND they sound good.

They aren't drum machines...but they become drum machines once you've loaded up the pads with samples. They're very powerful and versatile units...and their sequencers are legendary. You can also go the rackmounted S1000/s3000/s5000 etc route.

Not sure what your budget is...but those are my go-to recommendations.

[planningtojazz]

I think I will travel that route, I liked how big the old grey ones were web ie seen them in stores. I didn't get much of a chance to play with one, but the size of the work station as dietician as this sounds seemed like a joy to work with as opposed to something compact. What's sequencing like on these units?

[rustywire]

The sequencing cant be praised enough. Whether you tap tempo and record/overdub in real time or use the step sequencer. I prefer the former over the latter, that's how you capture a groove. Load up the pads with one-shot drum samples, then just start banging away on them until a groove emerges. It's one piece of gear that doesn't get in the way of creativity...and instead encourages...even facilitates it.

But I'm talking exclusively about the Roger Linn models. Later units have various issues with operating systems and pad sensors failing prematurely. You can find a good 60 for about 600, bargains can sometimes be found for closer to 400. 3000s are common at 800-1000 or more. Well worth it though...the 3000 is considerably easier to work with in terms of importing/exporting to external storage devices....plus the increased memory/bells & whistles & effects. But the 60 and 60 II have "the sound" that transforms drums into Rice Crispies on steroids...and an fx loop which is perfect for use with other rackmount gear...and even your guitar pedals. I have a 60, personally....and no plans to part with it.

[veryredtomatoes]

Korg Volca Beats. Inexpensive, easy to use, limited feature set, contemporary sound set, midi sync, etc.

[planningtojazz]

The sequencing cant be praised enough. Whether you tap tempo and record/overdub in real time or use the step sequencer. I prefer the former over the latter, that's how you capture a groove. Load up the pads with one-shot drum samples, then just start banging away on them until a groove emerges. It's one piece of gear that doesn't get in the way of creativity...and instead encourages...even facilitates it.

But I'm talking exclusively about the Roger Linn models. Later units have various issues with operating systems and pad sensors failing prematurely. You can find a good 60 for about 600, bargains can sometimes be found for closer to 400. 3000s are common at 800-1000 or more. Well worth it though...the 3000 is considerably easier to work with in terms of importing/exporting to external storage devices....plus the increased memory/bells & whistles & effects. But the 60 and 60 II have "the sound" that transforms drums into Rice Crispies on steroids...and an fx loop which is perfect for use with other rackmount gear...and even your guitar pedals. I have a 60, personally....and no plans to part with it.

How do I distinguish the difference from the roger linn models to not. Have you looked at te tempest? Him and Dave smith were demoing that at moogfest this year. Seems pretty cool but the mpc might be my avenue.

[planningtojazz]

Korg Volca Beats. Inexpensive, easy to use, limited feature set, contemporary sound set, midi sync, etc.

I am gonna check this one out for sure thanks for the post

[planningtojazz]

The fx loop is imperative cause I have a re201 and re501 I'll be using.

[cestlamort]

Korg Volca Beats. Inexpensive, easy to use, limited feature set, contemporary sound set, midi sync, etc.

I am gonna check this one out for sure thanks for the post

I just got one of these (for a bit over $100 from Hello music using a coupon, although it appears to have gone up in price since then).
Fun, very intuitive, sounds good. Only stores 8 patterns and no "song" function. But it does have midi in so you can run it off of a sequencer.

[Elm]

SP 1200

[Marc]

This is a very cool and cheap solution - it's basically a MIDI controller with new firmware to make a hardware sequencer.

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/ ... sequencer/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DECIBILL]

Are you opposed to using a laptop and software...? If so, i say go old school with an Alesis MMT-8 and an HR-16.

[fever606]

HR-16B

Definitely go for the B... worth it for the "Rap Kick" 808 emulation alone. Plus it's black.

[Hyphen Nation]

elektron makes some of the best sequencers and drum machines around. I used to use my Machinedrum to sequence my voyager, now I use the monomachine. These are the most fun outside of playing guitar, that I have in my studio.

[Bleakstreak]

The Volca line is cool. Somewhat of a toy. Mpc for all around drum machine, sequencer, midi controller. Mpc 1000 is plenty and is easily picked up second hand for a reasonable price.