you can pick up some of the little higher end recorders now for not much more than a Tascam Dr-05, for example the Tascam DR-40 can be had for $150ish and has features like 4 track recording, XLR/ quarter inch ins, etc.

Anything from the Kurzweil k2xxx series would be great, k2500 or higher would be best. Give you some samples built in, a ton of synthesis options and the ability to load samples.

Nord drum or Nord drum 2 would be an option.

If you don't need the drum machine part you may want to check out the nord drum. They have a free iPad sequencer app that is pretty cool.

Can anyone confirm the type of power supply their Dave Smith Poly Evolver has, I've got a 17.1 watt 9 volt AC 1.5 amp power supply, which I believe is the correct supply that came with it, but when I plug it in it doesn't boot up and all the lights flash.

Jay944 wrote:Line 6 M5/M9/M13 sounds great with synth. They've stereo ins and outs as well as midi.

This is a good suggestion, reasonably priced used as well (seen m13s listed for $250).

I've not heard of the ASR-10 having timing issues, a bunch of hip hop guys use them.

You should also consider the Kurzweil range (k2000,2500,2600, 2661) Definitely has a bunch of industrial sounding programming options with the filters, wavershapers and modulations.

Ned Bouhalassa wrote:While I wait for it to arrive, is there anything this simple/fun on iOS? All at the step-sequencers (Little MIDI and Poly-step) I have on my iPad are nowhere near as user-friendly as this.

I like the Nord Beat for the ipad, only good really for drums though.

I agree with this below. The Miniak is just better built with better controls. Re: Micron VS Miniak Unread postby Re-Member » Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:23 pm 1. Three modulation wheels vs. two awkwardly placed horizontal sliders. 2. Design aesthetics that match the Death Star vs. design aesthetics that mat...

I would recommend getting an Akai Miniak before a Alesis Micron. Same synth engine, but the Akai is more robust. And you could get them really cheap new. Novamusik had them new for the low $200s at one point.

All the standard Roland stuff (909, 303, 808, Juno 106, other Junos. Alesis MMT8s were used for live shows. Some type of sampler, particularly Akai or Ensoniq.

Go for it!

I believe that they are just cosmetic changes.

Akai MIniak is like a beefed up Alesis Micron. There were some good sales in the states on them, don't know how much they go for over there.

I would say: Alesis Ion - this would be perfect. Alesis MIcron - I would pass, if you are considering this you could get a great deal on an Akai Miniak which is the same thing but better. Novation X-Station or Xio - this would be a good choice as well, Not to familiar with the new Novation or the M ...