I figured I’d toss this out to you guys since I am primarily a bassist (and Taurus player) and just not real savvy with these devices.
Basically my band is thinking about adding some simple sequencer-type stuff to some of our live material. Think early 80’s Rush like Vital Signs or New World Man.
So just wondering what would be the best starting point for facilitating something like that. I have a couple synths, Korg MS2000 and Roland SH-32 (and of course the Taurus). I’ve researched it a bit and something like the Akai MPC500 looks like it might fit the bill, but it’s a little daunting so I’d like to tap the knowledge of the collective first… thanks!
Much depends on whether or not you want to a) multitrack and b) record expression such as nuances in time, touch sensitivity and aftertouch (or even pitch for that matter). Or you may simply want a Step sequencer.
You didn’t list any analog synths, so that makes things a bit more simple. Vital signs and New world man for that matter both demand a simple 16 step sequence but going for something that JUST does that is limiting and not necessarily any cheaper. Doepfer’s dark energy which comes out in fall will do that and should be about $600-$700, a fair chunk of change. MFB makes something low cost (really low cost) that might suit your needs. $325 I think.
Unlikely you’ll want to key/tap out a pattern every time so the ability to save is valuable.
If you want to go high end but still have it be step capability, have a look at the Doepfer MAQ16/3, it’s about 2x cost wise.
And then, there is always your PC with a midi interface. You can get a low cost sequencer for free or may already have one onboard (I believe the newest versions of Garageband allow Midi record/playback). Nothing wrong with playing, then adjusting (quantizing) in step fashion.
The MPCs are really nice but expensive and complicated. If you have needs for drums and all sorts of production, it’s highly regarded.
I built my own analog step sequencer; cost me about $150 and it’s not as capable as the MFB (not even 1/2 as capable) but it’s rack mounted and was a rewarding project (mine is CV only). The sequencers that you’ll see listed by folks like synth.com, etc. turn into a fair amount of $$. If you’re not an analog snop (eh hem… purist), don’t even bother looking. Then there are project kits like Music From Outer Space (MFOS: http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth/TENSTEPSEQUENCER/TENSTEPSEQUENCER.php), Thomas White’s MFOS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6d24_eZ08), and most impressive of all, the Klee (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W35ZpxBg_Ao) which is more experimental than anything you are looking for.
I’ve got the MAQ, Very good machine. MIDI and CV/Gate outs. Each row can affect the others for timing, pitch, dynamics, etc. Each row can output MIDI CC’s. This can be very exciting. I was leary about paying for one at first as I was wanting to get the Q960 and suite of support modules from Synthesizers.com. It turned out to be so much more flexable I may not get the DotCom stuff. (I’ve also got an MFOS 16 step, but blew it up on the bench while modding it. (Gonna have to rebuild the digital board on it.)
I love my e-mu command station. Can be had for under $300. Three different sequencing modes realtime, grid, and step. High resolution, so realtime does not have any noticeable quantization. Records and sends CCs for knob tweaks.
Yes, you are correct. It unfortunately doesn’t send the sequence out to MIDI.
Another sequencer for the OP to look at besides the Doepfer MAQ is the Future Retro Mobius. No longer made but can be found used for under $500 and it has both MIDI and CV outs and sequence memory.
I haven’t taken the time to do it myself but check out this guy’s 2 videos:
It unfortunately doesn’t send the sequence out to MIDI.