am really trying to put together a live techno set without using a laptop. so far the bits I'm using are a tempest, mfb 503, myfb synth lite. what would make this complete is a synth with a built in sequencer. have thought about monomachine, but the built in sounds are a tad digital. thinking about octotrack. portability is obviously a must...
Go vintage with a Roland MV30.
It also has pohrase sequencing sync'd to tempo.
Pre recroded arpeggios triggered by a note on a controller, etc.
You might get lucky on ebay, but these are really excellent units with the Roland D50/D70 sounds and GM junk...
Even has faders for realtime parameter modulation just in case you want motion in a static song....
The Monomachine gets a bad rap. Sure it's not the most analog-sounding VA but it has a unique sound and the workflow for quickly dialing in sounds is second-to-none. That said, I feel like the bottom fell out in the MNM used market this summer, and you can get one used quite cheap.
The sequencer on it for external gear makes it worth it even if you only sparingly use its internal synths.
But - there's no doubt that the Octatrack's sequencer is much more powerful. It basically does everything the MNM can for sequencing, plus you can change pattern lengths by track, and do parameter locks on arpegiator settings, which is awesome.
The Monomachine gets a bad rap. Sure it's not the most analog-sounding VA but it has a unique sound and the workflow for quickly dialing in sounds is second-to-none. That said, I feel like the bottom fell out in the MNM used market this summer, and you can get one used quite cheap.
The sequencer on it for external gear makes it worth it even if you only sparingly use its internal synths.
But - there's no doubt that the Octatrack's sequencer is much more powerful. It basically does everything the MNM can for sequencing, plus you can change pattern lengths by track, and do parameter locks on arpegiator settings, which is awesome.
They're both great sequencers though.
yeah, I gotta admit, if I see either going at a reasonable price on ebay I'm gonna grab 'em. they both seem capable of going deep, real deep.
Octatrack is great for live and if you're willing to put in the time to figure out how you want to use it the octatrack does enough realtime sound manipulation that you won't need another synth.
The biggest advantage which is also it's downside is that it's possible to be very bad with it.
The rs7000 might be something to look at as well, but perhaps it is too big?
One thing to consider with the octatrack is that because it is so full of features and functions, learning it takes quite a bit of effort - you have to memorize lots of specific key combinations.
Because of the amount of functions, they are not always obvious or 'interface consistent' (for example most functions are on specific keys in specific situations and related/deeper functions are on 'Function+that Key' etc, but then there are lots of functions that doesn't follow this kind of logic at all and you have to know them by heart..).
Of course this is my noobish experience, if you put in the time it seems quite powerfull.
I'm not opposed to a learning curve as long as the results are musically rewarding. the portability and power of this machine seem unparalleled. really appreciate the input.
and yeah, the rs7000 is in it's own right a solid machine, but not easy to travel with.
yeah, definitely lusting after a cirklon... I see one in my future
Cool... Welcome to GS. You've done some really nice stuff. Hopefully you will stick around and share some of you're knowledge with us in some of the more productive threads....
As far as the Cirklon goes its a super fun machine. Really deep. There are a few techno people that have them already so you would be in good company.
Another sequencer you might consider is the QY700. Small , portable and quite powerful. I have a friend who swears by it.
Cool... Welcome to GS. You've done some really nice stuff. Hopefully you will stick around and share some of you're knowledge with us in some of the more productive threads....
As far as the Cirklon goes its a super fun machine. Really deep. There are a few techno people that have them already so you would be in good company.
Another sequencer you might consider is the QY700. Small , portable and quite powerful. I have a friend who swears by it.
yeah, also have a friend who still uses a QY700 for live stuff. for now I'm gonna use my tempest, mfb503, myb synth lite 2 and a roland sh-32.
yeah, the interface on this looks amazing for the live scenario. gonna check out some youtube vidz on this... tip appreciated
Yeah RM1X is great as a live sequencer..very capable of some interesting stuff. Best bet until you can get a Cirklon..now THAT thing is AMAZING!
edit: just re read your post..forget the RM1X unless you only need the sequencer! MPC5000 is badass but maybe a bit big? Has great sampler sequencer and multi timbral VA onboard..does Ableton style looping too and sounds punch as hell!
These vids give you an idea of how decent the VA is.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKZoZ...watch_response http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8mOnclzcs
If you want something wierder then Octotrack is your friend!
The Monomachine gets a bad rap. Sure it's not the most analog-sounding VA but it has a unique sound and the workflow for quickly dialing in sounds is second-to-none.
You must be from a different planet to me because I found it a total pig to program. Sold it & got a tempest far far happier now.
got my monomachine. first impressions, pretty darn cool. steep learning curve apparent. will be studying the manual hardcore for the next few weeks... got high hopes!
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