4 replies to this topic

[lightfoot]

For our live show I currently use a SP-404 to run backing tracks and so forth.

I am currently setting up to Automated lights that sync to the music for some added radness during the set.

I am purchasing one of these http://www.premier-s...cts/MDC-128.htm to convert a midi sequence to DMX to control a few LED RGB par 64 equiv lamps.

SO I need one long midi out sequence to control the lights for typically around 15 minutes at a time.

I dont want to use a laptop as I hate using them live, so am looking at different sampler sequencer options for the midi track...

I am happy to keep using the SP-404 as the main sampler and trigger the backing samples via the midi sequqncer.... but would like to be able to play some single hits live aswell from the master controller as the SP404 is out of reach next to the drummer.

I was thinking an MPC but it sounds limited to the midi sequence lengths

SP555, MC909/505, RS7K, MPC? thoughts? Should I suck it up and use the laptop :|

[Spectrum]

You mentioned feeling restricted by the 'MIDI sequence lengths'.

How do you sequence now?

Most electronic music works in loops. Most hardware MIDI sequencers work in loops.



For example, a MC-505 works in loops of up to 32 bars/measures, which when string together, with parts muted and unmuted along the way, complete with synth parameter tweaks, results in the songs being created in real-time. (And I'm suggesting the 505 over the 909 'cause as far as I know the 909 doesn't allow different parts from different patterns to be intermixed live ala megamix).

Could the lights be linked to one of these 'up to 32 bars' patterns, that loops for as long as it's needed (eg. up to 15mins at a time)? Or do the light patterns evolve over a 15min period? In which case, you may need to get creative by stringing several 32 measure parts together.




(EDIT: Splitting post across several now as it's rejecting this one...)

[Spectrum]

(And now let's see if the rest posts OK...)




Or a linear sequencer might prove better? Apparently the RM1X is capable of exactly that:
http://delora.com/ti...mc505_rmx1.html



Alternatives, the Yamaha RS7000 is reportedly a pretty slick piece of kit, and I can imagine it would be if it combines the RM1X' extensive MIDI capabilities with a far better sound engine and user-loaded sample libraries. As used by Sydney boy, Dopamine on his early releases.
http://www.vintagesy...maha/rs7000.php



I always wanted to check out the E-MU Command Station
http://www.vintagesy...com/emu/xl7.php
http://www.soundonso...les/emucomm.asp
Deep synth architecture, in fact, arguably offers the most extensive programability of any sample+synthesis ROMpler, including 50 filter types with morph (Z-Plane) capabilities, and a whole series of sound expansion boards (albeit expensive and rare these days).

Too bad the computer killed the hardware-sampler star or we'd still see E-MU developing great pieces of kit today. Kinda goes for any hardware stuff really.

I dunno.

If it was set and forget, I'd be using the laptop. For hands-on live sequencing (and not just sweeping a filter controller), I'd be steered towards hardware.

[lightfoot]

Awesome!

thanks for the reply.

How we do it now is the SP404 can do very long long audio sample playback so we just mix the backing and play synths and live drums and vocals over the top, so no 'real' live sequencing is happening... hence why I want to run a long synced midi track to the audio clip to have the lights matched to different sections and breakdowns and so forth.

I have been thinking about restructuring this though into one box and breaking each song up into its loop sections and sequencing live... could be fun, would make it easier to do the lights also as you suggested... Which would swing it to an MPC kind of option....

Hrmmmm

[Megatroid]

^^^ Yeah I'd say sync between a really long audio sample and a midi track would get sloppy.

The MPC1000 with JJOS would be a pretty good option for what you want. I use it for exactly what you suggested, songs cut up into loop sections and midi sequences triggering synths. JJOS features audio tracks which are pretty handy for this. The only problem I run into is the 128mb limit for samples, which you can fill up quickly when using lots of long audio samples. I’ve been forced to load a new project half way through my sets and cover it up by playing synth for a while. But in your case, you could trigger stuff off the 404 as well and you’d have ample space.

If you've got any other Qs I'm happy to help.