Downgrading from a Yamaha RS7000 to a RM1x. Opinions?

[Rusty O'Hara]

I'm thinking about selling my RS7000 and picking up an RM1x instead.

I'm doing a bit of research into trying to find out what differences exist between the two units. (I've had the RS for a few years; gigged it with no problems; but have no real usage / knowledge of the RM1x)

The main factors of why I originally went with an RS7000 over an RM1x was for the:

* Sampling.
* 2x Midi outputs.

However my current situation has changed and I am questioning as to whether I really need the RS7000; and if I could exist quite fine with just the RM1x.

The RM1x will be used to drive an Access Virus TI and a (recently acquired) Akai Z4 sampler. Previously the Virus was doing synth parts; and I was using sampling on the RS7000 for drums, vocals, fx etc. I am now going to use the Z4 for all sampling responsibilities, so none of the RS7000/RM1x onboard sounds / synthesis engine will be utilised.

The (loss of) the sampling capabilities of the RS7000 won't be an issue; as the Z4 will be utilised to cover this section.

Aside from the loss of sampling capabilities; and the second midi output; is there anything massive that I would lose if I did this?

I'll only be wanting to use the RM1x as a sequencer; I'm presuming that the core sequencing engine and methodology is pretty much the same between both units?

Anything I should be aware of?

(I have downloaded the RM1x manual and will give it a read to wrap my head around it)

Has anyone got any experience and can give me any comparisons on the two as far as downgrading goes?

Any opinions / comments / advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[wardshorsehead]

I had an RM1x for a few years before I bought my command station. I think that it was a nice and versatile sequencer, but as I've never used an RS, I can't compare.

My thoughts...

I've seen RS units go used in the low $300s. Rm1x units tend to hover near $150ish or more if I remember correctly. Unless the Rm1x does stuff that the RS doesn't in terms of sequencing, I would think that the little amount of cash that the switch would generate (after ebay fees, Paypal fees, the hassle of listing it, packing it, and shipping it) wouldn't be too worth it.

You might end at best $150 ahead. Maybe less.

That said, if it does other stuff in the sequencing department, go for it. They both seem to be about the same build quality and not that different in size.

Why are you thinking about a switch?

[Zamise]

Personally I would never do it, but I use my RS7000 for almost everything.

I think you could get away with it if your just going to do sequencing. Main things I'd think you might miss is the extra knobage. Also, as I understand it, I could be wrong but the RS has an extra mode which might either be part of added trouble of learning to use it for ya as compared to the RM1x. I don't know, maybe you'll see if you read the manual, it may make thinks a tad less troublesome.

A lot more folks use the RM1X I think too, but also as stated already you might be lucky to break even selling it and getting an RM1X, and since the RS7000 is pretty much well an RM1X and SU700 in one box, maybe you should just take the time and learn the RS7000. Everyone whom I've showed it too, needs a little help getting started, and once they get the basics down fall in love with the thing and become wise to its hidden music making production powers.

If your having trouble getting over the initial learning curve PM me, and I'll be willing to answer any questions you might have about it. Also, if you haven't, join the RS7000 yahoo group as you maybe can also get more help quicker if I'm not imediately around for it. There is no reason to suffer in silence with the RS7000.

Zam

[Rusty O'Hara]

You might end at best $150 ahead. Maybe less.

Ouch. From an Australian market perspective:

Basic units that I've seen go on ebay Australia lately have been around $800 or so. (one on now with a $900 BIN); RM1x's sell at about $300.

My RS7000 is mint, 64mb ram, AIEB2 expansion and flight cased; so I'd really have to question how much the switch would be; and if it would be worth it.

That said, if it does other stuff in the sequencing department, go for it.

That's the main thing I'm trying to figure out; or rather; what sequencing functionality I would lose if I went to the RM1x...

Why are you thinking about a switch?

Mainly due to looking at only needing the sequencing engine; rather then the full (ie: sampling) capabilities of the RS7000.

And if I go down that path; then having a fully loaded RS is a bit of overkill.

[Rusty O'Hara]

If your having trouble getting over the initial learning curve PM me, ...

Thanks for the offer, most appreciated. However, I do feel pretty confident with the RS; I've had it quite a while; (I even built a rudimentary sysex tool* for fx changes via midi patterns a while back; should dig that out) and have gigged with it a fair few times.

* You could import a midi file; assign what fx changes etc you wanted and when; it would then generate the requisite sysex and spit out the modified midi file for you. A little bit geeky...

There is no reason to suffer in silence with the RS7000.

Yeah; I'm a member over at rs7000.org (great site) and the yahoo group.

In saying all that, I'm partially thinking of taking a plunge/gamble and seeing if I can just grab a RM1x on the cheap anyway; and maybe seeing how I go with that for a gig or two.

[lemurman]

I've been using an RM1x for years now and also have an RS7000 on extended loan from a friend which I've been using for the last couple of years too. Although the RS has a better sound/sampling etc. I tend to us the RM1x much more for writing on as I don't like having to load off a flash card all the time - just switch it on and go. It's also smaller and the interface is less cluttered which I find more appealing. The Power adapter is huge though.

The things you might miss on the RS could be the auto quantize and having to stop the sequencer when going into edit mode - means a bit more stopping and starting when working but again, doesn't bother me. I've gigged a lot with both machines and they've both been rock solid and reliable.

Hope that helps.

I'm thinking about selling my RS7000 and picking up an RM1x instead.

Has anyone got any experience and can give me any comparisons on the two as far as downgrading goes?

Any opinions / comments / advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Hugo76]

You'd also loose the loop remixing features.
btw; that sysex-switching-of effects sounds really cool! Think you could elaborate on this?

[esqoner]

don't do it.

i've had and sold two rs7000s and wished i hadn't.

i've never found anything else i like working with better...though i always seemed to think i could or would for one reason or another.

[supermel74]

I've seen RS units go used in the low $300s.

few and far between. The low price on these is usually closer to $500.

[Rusty O'Hara]

btw; that sysex-switching-of effects sounds really cool! Think you could elaborate on this?

Well, the basic concept (if I remember right) was that a lot of the effects in the RS7000 need to be changed via sysex (pp. 328-329 in the manual)

So, my idea was, rather then having to reference the manual every time; then manually put in the sysex; I'd build a little application which would either a) read an existing midi file, or b) create a new midi file.

Essentially; the process was:

a) Write phrase as per normal in the RS7000

b) Export phrase as a midi file

c) Using the application; import midi file

d) Specify what changes you wanted to happen; (eg changing delay type and parameters) and when you wanted these to happen. Done via drop down selection boxes, values and time line; no actual manual decoding of sysex required.

e) Export midi file.

f) Import back into the RS7000

um, yeah, hats pretty much it... it was in beta stage; but it worked, and did the job. Maybe I should look at finishing it / public beta / or something.

[Hugo76]

Thanks for the description O'Hara
One thing you should be aware of, is the limitation in grid record mode in the rm1x; you'll only be able to hear the track you're working on (the others are muted for some reason) *this just recently described in another thread on the forum*

On the rs7000 this grid recording works as it should.
I don't know if you use this mode alot, but it's definately a pain not being able to hear the other tracks imo.