jf4@bonnie.UUCP (John Fourney) (03/01/85)
*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE *** I have been using a Sequential Circuits model 64 sequencer with the Commodore 64 computer. So far I am very unhappy with the results. MIDI, I feel, is a lot of hype right now. My set up includes a DX-7 and an Oberheim DX drum machine along with the sequencer. I have never been able to synchronize the Oberheim with the Model 64. Although I have received virtually no support from Sequential, my opinion is that the model 64 does not read the 96 pulses per quarter note from the DX correctly. What I want is a sequence that loops so that the new beginning is EXACTLY on the downbeat. So far - no dice. Fun huh? Actually it's a real pain. I did not buy this stuff to figure out all their problems. Think I can get my money back? Sure! Moreover, it is *almost* impossible to create an overdub that starts at the beginning of the master sequence. Musically useful - isn't it? There's a trick you can use to do it - but it wastes a sequence: Hit the first note(s) a fraction after the sequence starts and hold it for the correct length of time. Then auto-correct the overdub to quarter notes and the software will put it on the downbeat. Gee - isn't that efficient? Someone told me to try taking the metronome output from the DX instead of the clock output. The metronome output can be programmed to provide 4/8/12/16/24/or32 pulses. I tried them all. The 64 does something different - the beginning of the sequence now starts a fraction too soon. Furthermore, there is no autocorrect now. I can't figure that out. I think the Model 64 hardware/software is off by one pulse! This error accumulates through the sequence until there is a noticable discrepancy in the timing. Sequential claims that the DX in the only drum machine that they're having problems with. I really doubt it! The potential for digital MIDI recording is vast. All the manufacturers say "Please, give us a break." I would if they didn't rush their products to market before they're ready. John ps - more later