MC-202 question

DGBX · Post by **DGBX** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:52 am

So I know that the the 202 has CV/gate out and is a "2-channel" sequencer. Does this mean that it can play one sequence on the onboard synthesiser and simultaneously send out a different sequence? I'm a bit confused about it, and there's a rather good time-limited deal available.

All I'm wondering is if I could have sequence playing on the 202, and then have like a harmony or counterpoint sequence being played on another synth by the 202.

plikestechno · Post by **plikestechno** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:51 am

Yes, that's exactly what it can do. All good. Go get it, the price is going up, up, up.

DGBX · Post by **DGBX** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:09 am

can the sequences be different lengths? like say a four bar sequence playing at the same time as a 7-note loop sequence?

plikestechno · Post by **plikestechno** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:11 am

Yes, you program them completely independant of one another.

The 202 is an intense but rewarding sequencer. Have patience and it will do whatever you want.

I am not patient. That's why I have had three of them, and probably a fourth next time I see a deal on one. Well , maybe not since I have a SH-101 and am probably trapped in modular h**l for the rest of my life. If I bought another one cheap it would be just to flip it.

They're always the first to go when I need cash for something else. I think because they are so easy to ship out and sell easily.

FX23 · Post by **FX23** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:30 am

im not sure i like the 202, its like a 101 but not as good and the sequencer is c**p. nice and portable with sync options though

rockmanrock · Post by **rockmanrock** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 3:16 pm

DGBX wrote:can the sequences be different lengths? like say a four bar sequence playing at the same time as a 7-note loop sequence?

plikestechno wrote:Yes, you program them completely independant of one another.

Are you 100% sure about this? I've been looking at the manual and can't work out if it can or can't. I asked on AH a while ago about this and got the answer 'no'. If it could definitely do it I'd buy one right now.

Synthazaiser · Post by **Synthazaiser** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:29 pm

c**p sequencer? really? where else can you find a 2300 note two track analog sequencer?

FX23 · Post by **FX23** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:29 pm

right here if the moneys right!

Computer Controlled · Post by **Computer Controlled** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:40 pm

The 202's sequencer is c**p as far as being intuitive goes. It's a HUGE PITA to use. Looses all data when powered off as well. Not to mention you're stuck with only one pattern. Def not for live use. The 101's sequencer is far superior in all this. However, the sequencer on the 202 is very in depth, and as stated before, requires a lot of patience to use. It's like the MC series with an a nice analogue synth attached. And forget using the CV/Gate inputs. They go through the digital converter of the sequencer before getting to the synth engine, and you'll get a noticeable delay. It has to be modified. For whatever reason, these are getting retardedly expensive. So if you're gonna buy one, do it now. The prices they sell for at the moment are way too much, it's only gonna get worse.

plikestechno · Post by **plikestechno** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:22 am

Computer Controlled wrote:It's a HUGE PITA to use.

True. Incredibly tedious. It's not hard to figure out. It just takes forever to do a tune with any sort of complexity. The manual is also notrious for being a complete piece of s**t and will confuse you more than anything. Which is funny as I see on Ebay somebody just paid $60 for the original manual and schematic. There is a guy on Youtube that has a five (or six?) part series on how to program these. That's how I learned. It is easy as h**l. It just takes forever to program.

Computer Controlled wrote:Not to mention you're stuck with only one pattern.

Wrong. They are two completely independant sequencers save for tempo. But you can even move around that with math when you program it.

Computer Controlled wrote:The 101's sequencer is far superior in all this.

How? The 101 is just a simple scratchpad sequencer. And only one line. The 101 is easy and more fun but to say it is superior is very untrue.

Computer Controlled wrote:They go through the digital converter of the sequencer before getting to the synth engine, and you'll get a noticeable delay. It has to be modified.

Wrong, kinda. This is true for most but not all 202s. Later models have this problem corrected like the one I just sold. But there are not many later models because not many of these sold period. Which is why they are rare now. Also should you have this problem it is very easily corrected.

There's a lot more competition for these now because people are snapping them up as sequencers for their eurorack modulars. Given the price of CV/Gate sequencers these are a steal still and have way more options than most ones made for eurorack.

Also the price of analog monos keep going up and the 202 is still more affordable than most of them.

If I were you DGBX I would just go buy it. You seem like you have at least some remote musical knowledge so you may be up for a stab at the sequencer. Instant gratification comes from the synth but the sequencer takes time and effort.

Most importantly you said you can get a deal on it. If you don't like it, you can get $500-$600 instantly for it these days.

jeeroj · Post by **jeeroj** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:02 pm

i quite enjoy using the sequencer, true, it can be confusing but i always end up getting something really good out of it. Having said that, i am going to get mine modded to accept patterns from my x0xb0xes.

That will make it really useful!

minty · Post by **minty** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:45 pm

Beware of the 202's sequencer. Unlike the SH101, which stores the sequences when you switch off, the MC-202, if I remember correctly, forgets everything. You have to save your sequences to tape, like you would with an 80s computer - acceptable then but quite horribly low tech now. That's presuming you can even find a tape recorder - although you could use your PC's audio input/output I guess.

plikestechno · Post by **plikestechno** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:08 pm

If you want to be kinda lazy too you can always buy this.

You make the patterns on your computer then send them through the tape input.

http://www.defectiverecords.com/mc202hack/index2.html

Sir Ruff · Post by **Sir Ruff** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:16 pm

minty wrote:Beware of the 202's sequencer. Unlike the SH101, which stores the sequences when you switch off, the MC-202, if I remember correctly, forgets everything.

it doesn't lose them if you keep batteries in it.

rockmanrock · Post by **rockmanrock** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:38 am

plikestechno wrote:Wrong. They are two completely independant sequencers save for tempo. But you can even move around that with math when you program it.

I know I'm being a pain in the rear asking this, but is this definitely the case? The two sequences can loop at different lengths?

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