Portable Sequencers (not a laptop)

drongo · 12th September 2006

Hi there - I'm trying to avoid laptop use on stage so I'm looking at sequencers to hook up to a small synth.

I've seen the Yamaha QY stuff but it's too overspecc'd...I don't need sounds or 'backing' or owt.

I just need to recall my midi files/sequences aswell as being able to record quickly on the fly to build up live sequences. I was even thinking a step style sequencer might be good.

don't want a Floppy Disk based solution OR a PalmPilot thing either..

any thoughts?

thanks
Anthony

casionova · 12th September 2006

I'm using a QY20 for precisely that purpose (the amp in it is shot so having the sounds doesnt matter for me). I've used a an Alesis MMT8 which is fun and immediate but since they are getting long in the tooth they take a bit of work to keep running (the conductive pain on the rubber buttons is past its used by date - i fixed mine with alfoil). Also a straight midi file player & have dabbled with the Roland MC things.

Go the QY! A: very portable - battery powered. B: can be had quite cheap (especially the qy10) C: fab user interface, songs actually get completed when writing on one of these. D: Super super reliable. E: backups are easy.

Recording in realtime is piss easy, I haven't done this while playing live,- I'm sure the different models differ in this capability - could be fiddly. Download a manual and study it to see if it fits your needs. But there really isnt anything else out there that is as good.

My use for the QY20 is:
QY20 --> Casio CZ230s (four seperate mono channels) for bass lines and extra synthy bits --> Korg ES-1 sampler (holds drum sounds).

FITS IN YOUR POCKET! (the onboard sounds are also useful for trying things out when its not hooked up to your synth, like on the bus)

CasioNova

drongo · 12th September 2006

thanks casionova - i see it's your first post!

I like how reliable the sound from you the only thing is they do look fiddly....you kind of want the interface big and stupid so you can lose it a bit more in the performance...

any other contendors.....or step time sequencers without synths bolted on?

thanks
ant

Tibbon · 12th September 2006

Are you using CV or Midi? Either way, Doepfer has some rather awesome sequencers. The Schaltwerk and the MAQ16/3 both have been releases as Midi or Midi/CV versions. I'm not sure if you're looking for pattern/analogue style sequencing, or wanting a whole band sequenced.

My old Akai S-5000 had a built in Midi player, and I believe it could trigger internal or external sounds. I never got around to using it, but you might be able to pick up a rather awesome sampler, and a sequencer in one with that (note that you can't program the sequencer from the S-5000, but it plays any midi files that you put in it).

drongo · 13th September 2006

the Doepfer series looks amazing....shame they are pricey.....used to have old akai samplers but they long since bit the bullet along with my yamaha MDF1 player...you know those bits of gear that are borrowed but never come back?

Bit stumped with this one....don't want to spend a fortune on these sequencers when I have multiple laptops that could do it in a heartbeat.....mmm...but don't want to take laptop out....

will have to digest a bit more...

thanks for all the advice folks...
Anthony

Bishbashbosh · 13th September 2006

I used (many years ago) to run a Roland MC50 hardware sequencer.
Rock solid.
You can probably pick up one used (or an MC500 or 300) for practically nothing.
I got an MPC60 to replace mine, but the MC50 was great for what you're after.

Bishbashbosh · 13th September 2006

In fact, here's a couple:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Roland-MC-500-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Classic-Roland...QQcmdZViewItem

Tibbon · 16th September 2006

I've never heard anyone call a Doepfer product expensive. If anything, they are the cheap company in modular synthesis. I guess everything is relative. If you want a real shock... and i mean a heartstopper... check out the Bucla synths. 10K for the case only! I guess if your clients are Trent Reznor and Radiohead... do you need more clients? Are your clients going to worry about price if they make god knows how much per show?

The Doepfer stuff however is for a specific type of synthesis and sequencing of course. Not going to sequence a big band

drongo · 17th September 2006

but I'm sure you've heard someone called a dick before though right?

12th September 2006	#1
drongo Gear nut Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 99 Thread Starter	Portable Sequencers (not a laptop) Hi there - I'm trying to avoid laptop use on stage so I'm looking at sequencers to hook up to a small synth. I've seen the Yamaha QY stuff but it's too overspecc'd...I don't need sounds or 'backing' or owt. I just need to recall my midi files/sequences aswell as being able to record quickly on the fly to build up live sequences. I was even thinking a step style sequencer might be good. don't want a Floppy Disk based solution OR a PalmPilot thing either.. any thoughts? thanks Anthony __________________ www.flyingmountainrecords.com

12th September 2006	#4
Tibbon Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Boston/MA Posts: 4,780 2 Reviews written	CV/Midi? Are you using CV or Midi? Either way, Doepfer has some rather awesome sequencers. The Schaltwerk and the MAQ16/3 both have been releases as Midi or Midi/CV versions. I'm not sure if you're looking for pattern/analogue style sequencing, or wanting a whole band sequenced. My old Akai S-5000 had a built in Midi player, and I believe it could trigger internal or external sounds. I never got around to using it, but you might be able to pick up a rather awesome sampler, and a sequencer in one with that (note that you can't program the sequencer from the S-5000, but it plays any midi files that you put in it). __________________ David Fisher (aka tibbon) What is Noise, Blog (DIY, gear, tech, etc) Follow me on Twitter imVOX- Voice for Gamers WTB: Moog Theremin Signature Edition

16th September 2006	#8
Tibbon Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Boston/MA Posts: 4,780 2 Reviews written	Doepfer Expensive? I've never heard anyone call a Doepfer product expensive. If anything, they are the cheap company in modular synthesis. I guess everything is relative. If you want a real shock... and i mean a heartstopper... check out the Bucla synths. 10K for the case only! I guess if your clients are Trent Reznor and Radiohead... do you need more clients? Are your clients going to worry about price if they make god knows how much per show? The Doepfer stuff however is for a specific type of synthesis and sequencing of course. Not going to sequence a big band

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12th September 2006	#2
casionova Gear interested Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 1	I'm using a QY20 for precisely that purpose (the amp in it is shot so having the sounds doesnt matter for me). I've used a an Alesis MMT8 which is fun and immediate but since they are getting long in the tooth they take a bit of work to keep running (the conductive pain on the rubber buttons is past its used by date - i fixed mine with alfoil). Also a straight midi file player & have dabbled with the Roland MC things. Go the QY! A: very portable - battery powered. B: can be had quite cheap (especially the qy10) C: fab user interface, songs actually get completed when writing on one of these. D: Super super reliable. E: backups are easy. Recording in realtime is piss easy, I haven't done this while playing live,- I'm sure the different models differ in this capability - could be fiddly. Download a manual and study it to see if it fits your needs. But there really isnt anything else out there that is as good. My use for the QY20 is: QY20 --> Casio CZ230s (four seperate mono channels) for bass lines and extra synthy bits --> Korg ES-1 sampler (holds drum sounds). FITS IN YOUR POCKET! (the onboard sounds are also useful for trying things out when its not hooked up to your synth, like on the bus) CasioNova

13th September 2006	#5
drongo Gear nut Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 99 Thread Starter	the Doepfer series looks amazing....shame they are pricey.....used to have old akai samplers but they long since bit the bullet along with my yamaha MDF1 player...you know those bits of gear that are borrowed but never come back? Bit stumped with this one....don't want to spend a fortune on these sequencers when I have multiple laptops that could do it in a heartbeat.....mmm...but don't want to take laptop out.... will have to digest a bit more... thanks for all the advice folks... Anthony

13th September 2006	#6
Bishbashbosh Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2005 Location: London Posts: 602	I used (many years ago) to run a Roland MC50 hardware sequencer. Rock solid. You can probably pick up one used (or an MC500 or 300) for practically nothing. I got an MPC60 to replace mine, but the MC50 was great for what you're after.

17th September 2006	#9
drongo Gear nut Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 99 Thread Starter	but I'm sure you've heard someone called a dick before though right?