Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
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- ryryoftokyo
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Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
I'm looking to make an addition to an already large live rig. I play in an electro duo that consists of a Yamaha AN1x, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Yamaha DX-7, Korg Poly-61, and Roland JX8P on my end and on my bandmate's end a Roland MC-505, Boss SP-404 sampler, and Korg Kaoss Pad KP3. I generally play everything live except for the occasional arp/sequencer part from the AN1x.
I've decided I want not only more sounds to use, but an additional arpeggiator and/or sequencer to add more layers while keeping my hands free.
I've had my eye on a few things and I'd like your advice!
Akai S20
Korg Electribe MSXD
Roland MC-303
Roland MC-505 (this is only on the list because it would be free)
Yamaha RM1x
Drums sounds aren't important as that isn't my role in the band, so if the drum sounds are considered "awful" it isn't a deal breaker.
I'm looking to spend $400 or less, but I can go up to $500 if need be.
I've also been considering at an M-Audio Venom and DSI Mopho desktop as well.
Based on the synths I'm using, what should I do?
Thank you!
I've decided I want not only more sounds to use, but an additional arpeggiator and/or sequencer to add more layers while keeping my hands free.
I've had my eye on a few things and I'd like your advice!
Akai S20
Korg Electribe MSXD
Roland MC-303
Roland MC-505 (this is only on the list because it would be free)
Yamaha RM1x
Drums sounds aren't important as that isn't my role in the band, so if the drum sounds are considered "awful" it isn't a deal breaker.
I'm looking to spend $400 or less, but I can go up to $500 if need be.
I've also been considering at an M-Audio Venom and DSI Mopho desktop as well.
Based on the synths I'm using, what should I do?
Thank you!
MU Modular (Moog, Dotcom, STG, Analog Systems, and Moon modules), MS20 (x2), Microbrute, Electribes (EA-1, EMX), microKorg, AN1x, Nord Lead 2x, Blofeld, Alpha Juno 2, DX7, JX8P, Poly 61 (x2), Split 8, TR-505, Monotron Delay, Ace Tone FR-3, Paia Fatman
- Stab Frenzy
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.
- visceralvoids
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
Yamaha RS7000 is worth looking into, has a good sequencer. Command Stations can be alot cheaper than the Yamaha unless they are loaded with added ROMs.
- th0mas
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
Between the terrible sounds and terrible sequencing the MC-303 is approaching useless. If you find yourself about to buy one give your head a smack and get a korg EM-1.
- meatballfulton
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
To the OP: there's an MP-7 in Boston CL right now for $275.Stab Frenzy wrote:Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.
A free MC-505 is hard to beat, how's the display doing?
I listened to Hatfield and the North at Rainbow. They were very wonderful and they made my heart a prisoner.
- ryryoftokyo
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
The display is functional although a little beat. I would just drop a new one in if I got it. There's also the matter of a jumpy pitch knob, but I intended on just taking care of that as well. So I should have mentioned it would be a FREE MC-505 that needs a few $$$ in work.meatballfulton wrote:To the OP: there's an MP-7 in Boston CL right now for $275.Stab Frenzy wrote:Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.
A free MC-505 is hard to beat, how's the display doing?
MU Modular (Moog, Dotcom, STG, Analog Systems, and Moon modules), MS20 (x2), Microbrute, Electribes (EA-1, EMX), microKorg, AN1x, Nord Lead 2x, Blofeld, Alpha Juno 2, DX7, JX8P, Poly 61 (x2), Split 8, TR-505, Monotron Delay, Ace Tone FR-3, Paia Fatman
- ryryoftokyo
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
I hate the way software sounds, and to be honest I don't want to rely on a computer for anything. I've had too many bad experiences.cryabetes wrote:howabout an ipad + dock?
MU Modular (Moog, Dotcom, STG, Analog Systems, and Moon modules), MS20 (x2), Microbrute, Electribes (EA-1, EMX), microKorg, AN1x, Nord Lead 2x, Blofeld, Alpha Juno 2, DX7, JX8P, Poly 61 (x2), Split 8, TR-505, Monotron Delay, Ace Tone FR-3, Paia Fatman
- Stab Frenzy
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
Software doesn't sound like anything. 

- Sir Nose
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
I always thought software was rectangular waves. 10100011010110111010101111010101011110000110010101101001010101010100011110101010101011100101100010Stab Frenzy wrote:Software doesn't sound like anything.
Funkadelic wrote: nothing is good unless you play with it
all that is good is nasty
- meatballfulton
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
I noticed recently that the main guy who was supplying replacement displays omline has closed up shop. Not sure about other sources. Just FYI.ryryoftokyo wrote:The display is functional although a little beat. I would just drop a new one in if I got it.
The Command Station can have an arp and sequence going on every single track, pretty slick even if you never use the onboard sounds.
Good luck.
I listened to Hatfield and the North at Rainbow. They were very wonderful and they made my heart a prisoner.
- ryryoftokyo
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Re: Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig
I'm not trying to kick up a debate about hardware synths v software synths. Part of what I'm looking for is new sounds to work with in addition to the arp/sequencer. Software synths have always sounded a little thin to my ears.Stab Frenzy wrote:Software doesn't sound like anything.
MU Modular (Moog, Dotcom, STG, Analog Systems, and Moon modules), MS20 (x2), Microbrute, Electribes (EA-1, EMX), microKorg, AN1x, Nord Lead 2x, Blofeld, Alpha Juno 2, DX7, JX8P, Poly 61 (x2), Split 8, TR-505, Monotron Delay, Ace Tone FR-3, Paia Fatman