Hardware synth with step sequencer and midi out

Okay, I want to go hardware only basically, see what it's like. I've got my drummachine (SR-16), and a mixer, now I need some kind of thing to make my melodies on, most likely a synth. And I'd prefer one with a step sequencer so I can program my SR-16 from it (I hate step editing that drummachine without a 16 steps sequencer to be honest).

I've got my eyes on a Yamaha DX200 (sort of like a groovebox and an FM synth), but there's this glitch it has: it omits the first note of a pattern when you switch patterns, which can be really fucking annoying I'm sure. And there's no fix (Yamaha quit producing it lol), so I'm not sure I want to buy it. I´ve read Its step sequencer is also pretty basic (only 16 steps per pattern), and you can only program monophonic patterns using the sequencer.

So yeah, I've read the Yahama Rm1x has got a pretty good sequencer, but it's not really a synth right? I'll look up some more info on it in a minute.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, and if I use it to sequence my drummachine, will I still be able to use its sequencer to sequence itself? I think that's not possible with some synths out there. So I'd like a synth that is able to do this.

Okay I can buy the DX200 for about 160 euros right now, reckon that's a good deal.

i have posted a few threads of this nature as I want a hardware analogue step sequencer....

anyway, if you want a cheap groovebox with an easy to use sequencer on it that transmits MIDI you could go for one of the following:

Roland MC303/MC505

Korg Electribe EA1/EM1

Yamaha QY70

Yamaha RM1X - actually one of the better grooveboxes out there for the money - recommended.

Emu MP7/XL7

if it were my own money, i would either buy an MC505 (i like them!) or an RM1X.

edit: if you use the groovebox to send MIDI data to your drum machine to sequence it, then the groovebox will still play the sequence itself, but will obviously play the corresponding notes to whatever drum pattern you programmed which might not sound very good (or also might sound awesome). you can't send a MIDI sequence to something else and have the thing sending the sequence play another completely different sequence unless it has the ability to play multiple tracks simultaneously and assign a different MIDI channel to each one.

cheers for the reply BCM

Yeah, the DX200 is able to assign 4 different MIDI channels, 3 if you want to keep using the sequencer for the synth as well. So I know it's possible with the DX200. The Rm1x must have this feature as well I reckon.

Those EMU boxes look well nice by the way, but they're a bit pricey.

hmmmmm...

*investigates DX200*

*realises a DX200 is exactly what i've been after for ages*

thanks Berk!

  BCM said:

hmmmmm...

 

*investigates DX200*

yeah it's pretty nice, but the only thing that's a bit of a fucking drawback is the bug in the sequencer for the synth when you want to use in unison mode (which is basically a requirement in order to get a fat sound out of it)

  BCM said:

*realises a DX200 is exactly what i've been after for ages*

 

thanks Berk!

Awesome! glad to have helped lol

you might look into an mpc. The small ones are pretty cheap, and it is a killer sampler too. You could run a whole studio from that little box. I like them becasue it gets you away from the 16 step metaphor a bit. Allows you to record unquatized stuff ect.

Yeah, but I like step sequencers! I'm shit at drumming, especially with pads, and when I quantize it, it always comes out way different than how I want it. But if I run into a cheap MPC I might buy it to use it as a sampler, thanks for the advice.

edit: Bought the DX200, by the way. I reckon it will arrive this week (Tuesday or so), can't wait really.

The Alesis Micron has a built in step sequencer for melodies and a built in rhythm sequencer for drum patterns.

it doesn't transmit it's sequencer patterns over MIDI, only transmits a clock signal so you can sync to it and MIDI note on/off when the keys are pressed.

  slightlydrybeans said:

you might look into an mpc.

I love how most of those simple flash modules to upgrade your MPC's memory go for about 100 euros each on eBay lol. You can get more than 4 gigs of DDR2 PC RAM for that price.

edit: euros

that dx200 looks fun, can you record midi control stuff into the sequencer? (like ccs and nrpns from another box)

edit: in an unsteplike way that is

  Quote

Motion Control is also implemented in the DX200 via the Free EG. It's an envelope generator that gives up to 4 tracks for recording parameter tweaks giving complex, evolving motion to your sounds and patterns! All knobs transmit MIDI control change messages too. Yamaha's Scene Memory function is also onboard for quickly storing tweaked parameters for instant recall or to "morph" between the two scene memories in realtime! The two scene memories are stored with each pattern.

http://www.vintagesynth.com/yamaha/dx200.shtml

I think so, even though you can record only a few parameters in each pattern it seems.

edit: Another cool feature from the DX200 is that all 18 knobs send MIDI data

A folk I know is selling his Yamaha RM1X for 280Eur. Don't know the machine, but I've read it's a great sequencer. Is this a good buy?

I've seen them go second hand for about 200 euros so I'm not sure mate

edit: that was just in the netherlands though, on ebay they're a bit more expensive

I am the only one that actually like the on board sounds of the RM-1X? Why vintagesynth and other sites rate them as crap? Because reviewers don't even bother to tweak them?

Ant RM-1X owner here using it's sounds?