Inexpensive/Easy to Use Step Sequencer Suggestions

Kaled · Post by **Kaled** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:21 am

As titled, I am looking for an inexpensive/easy to use step sequencer. Any suggestions? I was thinking about a MMT-8, but found out it only does real-time. Maybe I will have to wait a while and get a Step 64.

Dane_Xoth · Post by **Dane_Xoth** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:21 pm

I've used an R-70 to good effect on simpler setups. Mostly triggering samples. BAsically any (more advanced) drum machine can be coaxed into sequencing external gear.
I've also used a MSQ-100, but it's only one track.

'Inexpensive' and 'easy' are relative terms (what may be 'easy' for me may not be the same for someone else)... but i would also suggest (from my experience) the Yamaha RM1x.

More info on you situation/intentions could yeild better answers...

Do you need CV outs?
How much gear are you sequencing?
Is it for live or studio?
What experience do you have?
et cetera....

D[X]

Kaled · Post by **Kaled** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:53 pm

Yeah, the R-70 does look like a possibility. I will have to read up on it. I can really only afford about $100 right now. The only real sequencer experience I have is both real and step on a DX200, step on a DX21, and I've used a micron. The micron was a pain (too many sub menus). I was thinking RM1X, but I think they sell used in the $150-200 range. I also thinking maybe a QX5.

Post by **killedaway** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:47 am

how many tracks are you wanting to sequence, and what sort of resolution? if you're doing real tight 4/4 stuff, i highly recommend a Korg EA-1. two tracks of up to 64 steps each, and hey, it's got a synth in there, too. $100 will often get one home (used, of course).

Kaled · Post by **Kaled** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:23 pm

Thanks for all the response. But to be more specific, I need at least 3 tracks and would prefer TR or grid-type step sequencer (within my under $100 budget). I've noticed Boss Dr Drum Machine sell under $100. I think a Dr5 would do what I need. Does any one know of other Boss Drs that might fit my needs?

hageir · Post by **hageir** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:36 pm

Korg EA-1?

Kaled · Post by **Kaled** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:10 pm

Yeah, but I thought the EA1 was only a 2 track.

Post by **killedaway** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 11:56 pm

Kaled wrote:Thanks for all the response. But to be more specific, I need at least 3 tracks and would prefer TR or grid-type step sequencer (within my under $100 budget). I've noticed Boss Dr Drum Machine sell under $100. I think a Dr5 would do what I need. Does any one know of other Boss Drs that might fit my needs?

wait -- i'm missing something. the EA/ER/ES/EM are TR style step-recording, are they not?

i've owned a DR5 and a DR660, and i found the DR5 to be a gigantic pain when it comes to sequencing. it's been many years since i've used it, so its exact ins and outs are a little hazy, but it was needlessly convoluted. the DR660 was a snap, but of course, it's not really going to serve your needs.

honestly, i can't think of any other sub-$100 sequencers that can do TR-style sequencing besides the EA-1. hopefully, someone else can jump in with other suggestions. the reason i brought it up was because of your interest in the Step64, which i think can do up to 4 mono tracks, but at the expense of pattern length (16 steps as opposed to 1 track with 64 steps).

sacredcow · Post by **sacredcow** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 9:03 pm

The EA-1 would be okay if it had velocity or accents. But it doesn't. If you're cool with that, it might be a good option, but I'm most definitely not.

Post by **killedaway** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:08 am

sacredcow wrote:The EA-1 would be okay if it had velocity or accents. But it doesn't. If you're cool with that, it might be a good option, but I'm most definitely not.

didn't you own an EA-1? like twice? was the accent thing what killed it for you?

i must admit, my lack of interest in velocity sensitivity, after touch, and accent/velocity-per-step control is quite liberating.

sacredcow · Post by **sacredcow** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:39 am

killedaway wrote:
sacredcow wrote:The EA-1 would be okay if it had velocity or accents. But it doesn't. If you're cool with that, it might be a good option, but I'm most definitely not.
didn't you own an EA-1? like twice? was the accent thing what killed it for you?

i must admit, my lack of interest in velocity sensitivity, after touch, and accent/velocity-per-step control is quite liberating.

I owned one once. It was my only synth at the time and yes, basically that was what killed it. I make acid and needed something with accents. Now that the box is gone. I must admit, I do want another now, but that's because I have so much other gear that can do everything that initially pissed me off about it. It's very easy to use and has a kinda unique sound, but I can't deal with gear that neither responds to velo mesages nor has accents (nor lfos, nor full envelopes, nor cc or mod control).

Kaled · Post by **Kaled** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:21 am

Thanks for all the responses. I think I will just save up for a Roland R-8 or R-70.

Post by **BlackGnosis** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:44 am

Yamaha QX-5 or an EA-1

hageir · Post by **hageir** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:16 pm

killedaway wrote: i must admit, my lack of interest in velocity sensitivity, after touch, and accent/velocity-per-step control is quite liberating.

wow, I've got the same thing, couldn't care less for after touch!
anyways, if they're there, it's ok, if not = nothing to die about..
also, most synths that don't, respond to velocity+after touch over MIDI