Software, hardware or semi-hardware?
Author: credo on September 12 2007
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--> I have been using software for a long time now. Ab Live as main host and diffrerent freeware or demo software. Sold my Reason license a few years ago since I didnt like the interface (sorry my fellow swedes).

Now I have sized up my budget (working instead of studying) a little. So I am investing in hardware. Bought that Ensoniq ESQ1 and Kurzweil K2000VPR I have missed so (i was drewling for many precsious years over the ESQ1 in the 80s! And I once owned a K2000 keyboard but had to let it go) I also have a Creamware Minimax which I love spending time with.

Now I am looking for a good solution for percussive stuff. It has always been my week softtware spot. I love the step/grid based way of working. Its a live friendly, progressive process. So I have tried the Monomachine and the Machinedrum. But I was a little dissapointed. The knobbs were placed to close to each other. Sound was very good though. I guess what I am after is the synthesis of percussive sounds. Absolutely not sample based! Therefore I am doing investigations on the Vermona, buth then I also need a descent sequencer. The best one found so far is the MAM SQ16. But where wher where can I find such a thing?? Likewise the old Vermona DRM drum machine has a good interface. But its impossible to find and Im not sure of the synthesis side of it.

So I bought and registered a Sonic Charge MicroTonic (another fellow Swede). The interface is uggly but works ok (No hidden menues). The synthesis is very good. Maybe a little limited soundwise.

For sequencing hardware I could use the Mac. But Live is weak on step/grid. I dont want to use the mouse for it!! I have tried Numerology. Its a little weired interface-wise. (2.0 is going to be wired intead...) Still I need something to replace the mouse for the steping. suggestions?

I guess this makes me Semi-hardware?
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Comments

Too bad about numerology hey . . I was hoping it would just have like 'assign a midi knob to the note value of each step' or something like that. . but no such luck.

I can't think of a sequencer that suits your needs. . if i knew of one id buy it myself!

For software, I recommend Reaktor. Both the included and the user library include loads of step-sequencers that can be set up to work with any knob-box in Live easily.

Sequentix P3 is very versatily in terms of hands-on sequencing, but isn't being built anymore, and they don't pop up often 2nd hand, and no bult-in sounds, either.

why not go for sth like this link or link it's affordable and you can play in your beats without a mouse

ANY step type sequencer (VST) in live can be setup with a midi controller this way. Hopefully there is a bunch of buttons/knobs to assign, or banks of buttons/knobs on the controller .

actually I'm sure there is a way to work around this with live, especially with version 6 (racks, etc)

In Lives step-view I would like to be able to connect each step with a button on a controller (like the beautiful Kenton Killamix mini link

I have thought about buying a MPD24, but that doesnt solve the step problem. Its true I can leave the mouse though.

the electribe sequences are quite nice n cheap good for knocking it out

i want a mam sq16 too
the rotate function sounds ace
a mate of mine used one for a bit- he was well into it

get v-drums.


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