External Sequencer for Yamaha s90 - MPC 2000xl?

[korce]

Hi,

I currently own a Yamaha S90, and am tired of using it with a computer sequencer (cubase), because i find the workflow too slow, and don't want to have to deal with all the fun of working with a computer (for the initial creative processes of beatmaking anyway).

I'd like to get a hardware sequencer for the S90 and am thinking of getting an MPC 2000xl, as that way I can use it as a sampler/drum machine in addition to being a master sequencer for the s90.

Does this sound like a good idea, or would you reccomend a different hardware sequencer? Will I find the MPC's lack of a typical "piano roll" style sequencer to be confusing or difficult to use for controlling the S90?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. I do mostly hip-hop production or "beatmaking", and will eventually be tracking the beats into a hardware sequencer (either cubase or pro tools) as audio for further tweaking / effects, recording any live parts, etc.

[dlmorley]

Originally Posted by korce

Hi,

I currently own a Yamaha S90, and am tired of using it with a computer sequencer (cubase), because i find the workflow too slow, and don't want to have to deal with all the fun of working with a computer (for the initial creative processes of beatmaking anyway).

I'd like to get a hardware sequencer for the S90 and am thinking of getting an MPC 2000xl, as that way I can use it as a sampler/drum machine in addition to being a master sequencer for the s90.

Does this sound like a good idea, or would you reccomend a different hardware sequencer? Will I find the MPC's lack of a typical "piano roll" style sequencer to be confusing or difficult to use for controlling the S90?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. I do mostly hip-hop production or "beatmaking", and will eventually be tracking the beats into a hardware sequencer (either cubase or pro tools) as audio for further tweaking / effects, recording any live parts, etc.

Hi there
I use hardware sequencers a lot (more and more actually as I start hating software). Much prefer them for stuff like you are doing.
Personally I would say the Akai MPC60 or ASQ10 are excellent. 64 midi channels, 99 tracks etc..great timing, BUT only scsi on the upgraded version of the MPC60 by marion systems. You have to use floppies. Not a huge problem but worth mentioning.
Maybe the MCP2000xl is better in that respect or even the MPC1000 with USB for sample transfer etc....
Roland MV8000 looks amazing to me but costs a bit. I#d love to check one out though.
I also use some older cheaper hardware sequencers like the Yamaha QX3 (excellent) or some odd ones like a Zyklus MPS but that's impossible to find now.
So, I'd check out the MPC series for sure. For making beats they are fabulous....

[JohnNy C]

I found the Yamaha Rs7000 probably my most favorite outboard sequencer ever. Once you get your head around the work flow, you will be sequencing extremely quickly. I recommend you try one out and see what you think. The MPC's are great for programming drums but when it comes to programming both drums and melodies, the Rs7k can not be beat.

[NewSc2]

An MPC works great with any workstation keyboard. Personally I'd go for the newer MPC's -- 2500, 1000, 4000, or 500. They're just a bit easier to work around the whole floppy/SCSI situation. But if you're in the market for an MPC2000XL, I might be looking to unload mine~ (fully loaded w/ efx, 8-outs).

[rsl studios]

Alesis MMT-8's can be found on ebay for pretty cheap... Good solid pattern based sequencer.... Can't sample like the Akai's though........


Just a thought,

Garrett

[MINIMAC11]

These guys are crazy. My first sequencer was a yamaha, and they are the worst sequencers on earth. The only way you can't come up with a melody is if you don't know how to play an istrument or just don't have music in your soul, and if thats the case you don't need a sequencer you need to find something else to do with your time. And the best mpc,s are the older ones they have more capabilities, and the original roger lynn processor. The 2500, 1000, and 500 are toys and should never be in conversation with the 60, 3000, or the 2000, or 2000xl. Yes they have them with a zip drive but zips are cheaper than flash, sd, or any other portable media storage device for that matter. I get paid for my music. I produced acts like floerty, pretty ricky, urban mystic, b-rich, paula campbell,tony curtis, status,static major (r.i.p), and mike jones. Thats just to name a few. And i will not bang out a track without an mpc. Asr's are great for what they do for sampling. Other than that no way mpc baby. I prefer to use my mpc for sampling over my asr because witht the asr you have to do to much to pre the samplee then on top of all that you have to truncate when your finished. The mpc does all that for in an instance. You will be fine with your s90 you just have to turn off the local in your keyboard system utilities. And dont feel bad because you have to do that with all the workstation keyboards as well. And the s902 is a workstation it has the same sound engine as the motif. I own both boards. I use the s90 as a controller for a real piano fill unless i'm working on something hip hop. Some of these guys on here don't kow there gear, and remember if they speak against somthing they either never owned it or couldn't get it to work, cause every single studio you go to has an mpc and it works the best with all your outboard keyboards and dumps the masters into protools , or any other software you record into. The yahmaha doesn't have that feature, and with the yahmaha you can use your outboard keyboard as a controller but you be able to use the sounds from it. you are stuck using the sounds from that wack tone generator in the yamaha sequncer. yahmaha made 2 good items, and those are the motiff series boards i own 2 and the dx7 from the 80's other than that they need to stick to the dirt bikes.

[dlmorley]

[HomeProducer]

The 2500, 1000, and 500 are toys and should never be in conversation with the 60, 3000, or the 2000, or 2000xl

man, where exactly is the problem with the toy MPC 2500?

[dlmorley]

Originally Posted by HomeProducer

man, where exactly is the problem with the toy MPC 2500?

Some people don't understand that there are variables at work.
Apparently Yamaha sequencers suck and there was me working on a QX3 thinking how much I enjoy it.
I do like my MPC60 but wouldn't say one is better. Just different.
Then it seems as if you can't write if you need a sequencer, but the Roger Linn versions are somehow exempt of this "rule"
Man I hate finite arguments. "this sucks", "this rules", "if you can't use this, you suck", "if you use this, you suck"
The most creative people I have worked with, work with whatever is in front of them and don't let rules get in the way.
So, if someone is saying, you can't do shit on an MPC2500, then I walk on...

[HomeProducer]

Yamaha sequencers suck. Why actually?

I have MPC 2500.
I recently bought in addition a QY300, which seems to be a good one.

[Derp]

Originally Posted by MINIMAC11

The 2500, 1000, and 500 are toys and should never be in conversation with the 60, 3000, or the 2000, or 2000xl.

Looks like somebody's never tried JJOS. tutt