Step Sequencers

Eastward_In_Eden · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject: Sound modules for sequencing

Hello gang,
Seems that synthesizers (modular / keyboard / rackmount / etc.) are the main source of sounds to be sequenced.
Can't help wonder if anyone is using some other sound module ?
I have been seriously considering the Kurzweil PC2R module as a source for midi sequencing from the Zeit, since there is very high praise of it's internal sounds.
As a beginner, I thought I'd throw this subject out for discussion.
Thanks
-Richard

BirdFLU · Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 184 Location: PDX, OR

In addition to regular synths, I'll be using my Zeit to sequence a sampler (Yamaha A4000). I'm sure I'll use it to sequence samples of phrases or loops in addition to individual sounds. If I had a MIDI lighting rig, I'd sequence that as well. I'm also eager to sequence my Emu XL-7 with the World ROM and my Korg Oasys PCI card as both of those support alternate and micro tunings.

Someday I'd like to build a robot army out of Lego and sequence that too. But I think I'll wait until the Zeit fits on my wrist for that project.

mch · Novice Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

Hi richard

your main focus first has to be what style or type of music your looking to do.This defines what you'll buy 100% .There is crossover between devices / synths / samplers but as with all gear each device lends itself to a certain sound and struggles at others sometimes.The Jd800 for sure is one of those which can be both fluid and analogue or do digital waves and pads well , itsa good one . . .

A sampler can do anything within reason but falls down on liquid analogue sounds .Even the best ones and the emu have cool filters fall down when you try and emulate a liquid like analogue sounds.

I personally use different synth racks for different things.An akai sampler covers weirdness and vocals , choirs , real instruments etc etc .I use a roland Vp9000 for nothing but weird and wacky vocal samples and stuff.

I use a novation supernova and ks rack for analogue emulation stuff ( for instant ozric tentacles style arps etc ) and i use some old digi synths , dx7 / Tg77/ Waldorf microwave , M1 etc for their own unique sounds ( each is highly unique and spottable in a mix.Ive been indulging synths for a good while and tried way to many really and it really is about finding synths that will do the sounds you want.

For synthetic sounds theres always the stuff like Novation or the access virus which covers huge ground in one module , for synthetic weirdness you cant go wrong with a nord modular or sampler and some cool samples.

if i was starting up again i would but 1 sampler and 1 synth .Probably an akai s6000 ( amazing - not as lovely and lo fi and the older akais but amazing memory and abilities - loads wavs ./ usb to pc . . . filters and can really wack out a sampler well. ) and i would back that up with an synth like a virus or super nova or maybe a nord modular. If i could have one thing it would be the sampler . . . but then again the Roland v synth is also cool and both can do great sampling and also is one of the best analogue modellers oi heard or used . . .its basses are Very analogue.

All depends on your musical direction and what you hope to achieve.

regards

matt

Vietgrove · New Member Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

I've used mine with a Waldorf Micro-Q, which suited it quite well, and with an E-mu Proteus 2000 module, which is what I'm sticking with for now. It works really well with the Zeit, though programming your own sounds into the P2000 pays dividends, and it's a bit of a faff to program from the front panel. the P2000 has an extra MIDI input as well, so you can play its sounds from a keyboard via one input as well as sequencing it from another. they're a pretty good deal at the prices they go for at the moment.

bionaut · Novice Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 37

Micro Q, Moog Voyager RME, Matrix 1000, K2000, Korg Prophecy, Prophet 600, Doepfer MS404 all tested and are great. Really, any MIDI sound module can be great.

The key is setting up the velocity and CC data streams coming from the Zeit to hit destination parameters in the sound modules in ways that are interesting. This may sound intimidating to anyone not well versed in these matters, but it's not that hard when you focus on one module at a time. You'll probably need a manual to get it sorted out, but this is the kind of thing that makes the Zeit really interact with the sound sources.