need a sequencer

[elsquirrel]

Any recommendations for a midi sequencer under $400? I'm looking for something to fill the gap left by an mpc2000xl, namely step sequencing and apreggio's, and anything else. Technically you can step sequence on the 2000xl but it doesn't have 16 dedicated buttons and can be long winded depending on what you're doing.

I've heard the RM1X is quite competent as a sequencer alone. Or even the rs7000, though this my be out of my price range. I see the QY series around often but I don't think they have an appregiator?

Any advice welcome!

[space6oy]

can get any of the electribes for under $400.

[elsquirrel]

It would have to be the emx models though, right? Can't say I've really dug into the manuals, but from what I can gather the other models have fairly basic step sequencers - i.e. no aprregiator or other functions.

[hyphen nation]

Not sure about arpeggiators, but I just scored a möbius for $450, and the thing is shockingly fun/easy.

[Sir Nose]

E-mu Command stations fit the bill. XL-7, MP-7, or PX-7
Very capable for sequencing external gear for under $300. You don't have to use the internal ROM based synth engine if you don't want to.

[Trom69]

All the suggestions so far are good. Depends on your needs...
How many MIDI channels do you want to sequence?

[elsquirrel]

How many MIDI channels do you want to sequence?

At least 2-3 ideally. Not a deal break though.

E-mu Command stations fit the bill. XL-7, MP-7, or PX-7

Looks interesting. I don't t think I've ever seen any of the command stations for sale in my area.

[Altitude]

E-mu Command stations fit the bill. XL-7, MP-7, or PX-7
Very capable for sequencing external gear for under $300. You don't have to use the internal ROM based synth engine if you don't want to.

+1.

The yamaha RM1x and RS7000 are worth mentioning as well..

[yamaha22]

E-mu Command stations fit the bill. XL-7, MP-7, or PX-7
Very capable for sequencing external gear for under $300. You don't have to use the internal ROM based synth engine if you don't want to.

+1.

The yamaha RM1x and RS7000 are worth mentioning as well..

[computron]

Any recommendations for a midi sequencer under $400? I'm looking for something to fill the gap left by an mpc2000xl, namely step sequencing and apreggio's, and anything else. Technically you can step sequence on the 2000xl but it doesn't have 16 dedicated buttons and can be long winded depending on what you're doing.

I've heard the RM1X is quite competent as a sequencer alone. Or even the rs7000, though this my be out of my price range. I see the QY series around often but I don't think they have an appregiator?

Any advice welcome!

I can say the rm1x is a very compentent sequencer. One fatal design FLAW though is the apreggitor is NOT tied to MIDI on the rm1x. Meaning you have no control over the arp at all with anything but the keys of the rm1x.Though you can record your arp lines and then sequence them. You cant control the rm1x's arp with another board or any other midi gear.BUT the rm1x is one smart box. I write complex arps lines with my Virus B and midi out to the rm1x's in and I record it into the rm1x. It can pick up all the data I used to write on my Virus and play the same complex arp with the rm1x's sounds once it is recorded in the rm1x. Very cool how it picks up complex data from other gear.So besides the no external control of the arp it still can record great ones.

[elsquirrel]

Though you can record your arp lines and then sequence them

Do you mean record the arp lines generated by an external synth or the rm1x? So can you still program and arp line on the rm1x and then have it play on an external synth, or will it only play the internal rm1x sounds. Not being able to play arp lines from another synth isn't too much of a concern.

[computron]

Though you can record your arp lines and then sequence them

Do you mean record the arp lines generated by an external synth or the rm1x? So can you still program and arp line on the rm1x and then have it play on an external synth, or will it only play the internal rm1x sounds. Not being able to play arp lines from another synth isn't too much of a concern.

Both can be recorded and laid out in the sequencer.In fact the rm1x excells at recording other arp lines from other gear that its arp would not be able to do .This amazed me when I was recording my virus arp lines into it and the rm1x copied the arp sequence into its own internal sounds.
It can not play its internal arp on anything but itself.There is no playing its arp to trigger on other gears arps or playing its arp with any kind of controler.Its internal arp is just not tied to MIDI unless you record its internal arp into its sequencer.

Its a great sequencer and gets along well with my mpc's .I have both the rm1x and the rs7000.Be warned like anything there is a large learning curve with both the rm1x and rs7000 though once you know one you know both.I highly recommend them both after a MPC when it comes to hardware sequencers.

[elsquirrel]

.Its internal arp is just not tied to MIDI unless you record its internal arp into it

So the arp function and midi are separate within the rm1x, but are you saying you can record/convert an arp passage into midi within the rm1x and then sequence other gear that way? Or am I interpreting this wrong, as you did say it was not possibly to sequence external gear.

Sorry to keep asking basic questions. Talking to someone who has actually used the thing is so much more informative than trying to interpret a manual.

[computron]

.So the arp function and midi are separate within the rm1x, but are you saying you can record/convert an arp passage into midi within the rm1x and then sequence other gear that way? )

Thats 100% correct. Once its in the rm1x it can go anywhere else. Its a pleasure to answer your questions on the arp on this great box if your looking to get one .

[Arddhu]

Just be sure to watch out for dodgy buttons on the RM1x.
I think you can get replacements easily enough on ebay if you're competent enough to replace them. Really killed the immediacy for me having to jam down on a button to activate a step.