Future retro mobius or analog solutions europa ?

[boon]

there's this thing called google

from the websites:

Future Retro Mobius Specifications

LINK TO THE MANUAL as PDF

MOBIUS
SEQUENCER
Number of Patterns: 256 patterns (16 banks x 16 patterns each)
Recorded Pattern Content: note duration, pitch, accent, glide, loop point, time signature, swing amount
Number of Steps Per Pattern: 3/4 time = 12 steps, 4/4 time = 16 steps max
Note Pitch Range: C1 - D#6
Loop Point: 1 to 16 notes per pattern to loop
Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones
Other Pattern Features: copy and paste patterns, pattern shifting, permanent pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing (for chaining patterns together live), LED chase, real-time editing of pattern information while the sequencer is playing or stopped, sequencer automatically saves all editing
Number of Songs: 16
Number of Steps Per Song: up to 3,580 measures each
Recorded Song Content: tempo, bank/pattern for each step, transpose value for each step, song loop point
Song Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones for each song step
Tempo Range: from 20 to 250 beats per minute
MIDI Functions: on/off
MIDI Sync: internal or external
MIDI Sysex: for backing up patterns and songs
Note Data: transmitted and received
MIDI to CV Converter: converts internal patterns or external MIDI note data into control voltage and gate signals for controlling other analog synthesizers
MIDI to DIN Sync: converts internal or external MIDI clock messages into DIN Sync clock signals for slaving external DIN Sync devices

INTERFACING
MIDI: In, Thru, Out
DIN Sync: out
1/4" Jacks: V/oct CV out, +12V gate out (switchable for positive or negative polarity), +12V trigger out, +5V accent gate out, +5V analog clock out (for arpeggiators, analog sequencers, or divider circuits), +5V clock reset out (for resetting analog sequencers or dividers)

POWER
12 volt AC input, current rating of 1 amp or 1000 mA

Europa

LINK TO THE MANUAL as PDF

KEY FEATURES OF EUROPA

Intuitive and simple programming procedure

No sub-menus or shift keys - one function per key*

Simple to use - TR808/606 style programming.

Has Swing (shuffle!)

Analogue features - analogue tempo clock, 7 analogue trigger outs, analogue sync signals

Live editing features

Transpose, Octave shift, Mute

Rugged steel construction.

*The Europa uses dynamically allocating function keys so that the button you need is always one hand without having to resort to something as arcane as a shift key.

Europa is a hardware sequencer, it does not contain a 'sound engine'. It has been designed from the ground up to be utilised with your MIDI synths, analogue modular, drum brains and drum machines.

[insect1]

hey boon,
thx for your google search thumbsup
but to be honest, ive never owned a hardware sequencer and was jus lookin for experienced insights into either unit...or to see if anyone else has had a similar dilemma...

thx

[boon]

i've never used either but did own a FR-revolution which is a similar sequencer. that's why i linked to the manuals. all the info is in there. all the specs etc.

you should also use the search function here at gearslutz. there are at least a few threads on each of these machines.

you might want to look into a used yamaha RM1x. a lot of people love it for hardware sequencing.

so, the mobius is a monophonic sequencer. you can only sequence one note on one synth at a time. anything that accepts a note on message will lend it self to creating patterns with mobius but it isn't going to be something you make entire songs with though i'm sure there is some tedious multitracking way to do it.

the europa i know nothing about but it looks more robust and has more channels for sequencing multiple tracks at once. i suggest you check out the manual and youtube videos. there are some demos of it like this one:

[insect1]

thx again boon,
yeah, the one note at a time moebius routine does seem a bit tedious to say the least...
but the moebius does have the very useful multiple output possibilities..(CV/Din sync..)..
Seems a tough choice as they both have strengths and weaknesses...hahaha...i think i need a hybrid of the two...!(the europa/blofeld vid is certainly impressive)
But i will def check out the yamaha RM1x...my only prob is mobius is pretty rare and buyer wants a quick sale(of coarse)

cheers mate

[insect1]

Ps Boon, can the fr revolution act as just as a standalone sequencer which could function as a master to tb303 etc....Askin cause a friend of a friend is sellin a revoltion v1 very cheap at the moment...

[boon]

Originally Posted by insect1

Ps Boon, can the fr revolution act as just as a standalone sequencer which could function as a master to tb303 etc....Askin cause a friend of a friend is sellin a revoltion v1 very cheap at the moment...

yeah it can. just turn down the volume. it will work fine as a midi sequencer and will send din sync to whatever you have that accepts din sync.

the revolution has a 'remix' pattern feature that is wicked fun.

the mobius is cool but is meant to be a simple sequencer for monosynths.

the europa is something you can sequence multiple midi channels with. also has analog outputs... and trigger outs too but i don't think it has din sync.