Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig

ryryoftokyo · Post by **ryryoftokyo** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 10:11 am

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!

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 4:38 pm

Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.

visceralvoids · Post by **visceralvoids** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:25 pm

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 · Post by **th0mas** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:50 pm

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.

Post by **meatballfulton** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:14 pm

Stab Frenzy wrote:Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.

To the OP: there's an MP-7 in Boston CL right now for $275.

A free MC-505 is hard to beat, how's the display doing?

ryryoftokyo · Post by **ryryoftokyo** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:18 am

meatballfulton wrote:
Stab Frenzy wrote:Emu XL-7 or another Command Station would be a very good choice.
To the OP: there's an MP-7 in Boston CL right now for $275.

A free MC-505 is hard to beat, how's the display doing?

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.

cryabetes · Post by **cryabetes** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 3:25 am

howabout an ipad + dock?

ryryoftokyo · Post by **ryryoftokyo** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:45 am

cryabetes wrote:howabout an ipad + dock?

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.

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 6:48 am

Software doesn't sound like anything.

Sir Nose · Post by **Sir Nose** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:56 pm

Stab Frenzy wrote:Software doesn't sound like anything.

I always thought software was rectangular waves. 10100011010110111010101111010101011110000110010101101001010101010100011110101010101011100101100010

Post by **meatballfulton** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 3:31 pm

ryryoftokyo wrote:The display is functional although a little beat. I would just drop a new one in if I got it.

I noticed recently that the main guy who was supplying replacement displays omline has closed up shop. Not sure about other sources. Just FYI.

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.

ryryoftokyo · Post by **ryryoftokyo** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:38 pm

Stab Frenzy wrote:Software doesn't sound like anything.

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.

Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig

Need a "swiss army knife" in my rig

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