[rec.music.makers] Recommend a Hardware Sequencer for me

apolivka@x102a.harris-atd.com (polivka al 60047) (02/11/91)

I'd like recommendations about what _hardware_ sequencer to buy for
using live on gigs.  I already have a good software-based sequencer on
my home computer for generating the sequences, so I just need
something that I can download my sequences to and play them back at
gigs (i.e.  editing capabilities are not important).

The most important features I'm looking for are:
 - low price,
 - convenience of use during gigs, and
 - reliability.

Please let me know why you recommend a particular sequencer (what are
it's important features, going price - if you know, etc).

Also, if anyone has a used hardware sequencer they'd like to sell, let
me know.

Thank you,
Al
--

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Al Polivka                           arpa: apolivka@x102a.ess.harris.com
Harris Corporation                 usenet: uunet!x102a!apolivka
Electronic Systems Sector           phone: 407-729-2983
Melbourne, FL 32902
------------------------------------------------------------------------

pcchou@athena.mit.edu (Patrick C Chou) (02/11/91)

In article <APOLIVKA.91Feb11085756@x102a.harris-atd.com>, apolivka@x102a.harris-atd.com (polivka al 60047) writes:
|> I'd like recommendations about what _hardware_ sequencer to buy for
|> using live on gigs.  I already have a good software-based sequencer on
|> my home computer for generating the sequences, so I just need
|> something that I can download my sequences to and play them back at
|> gigs (i.e.  editing capabilities are not important).
|> 
|> The most important features I'm looking for are:
|>  - low price,
|>  - convenience of use during gigs, and
|>  - reliability.
|> 
|> Please let me know why you recommend a particular sequencer (what are
|> it's important features, going price - if you know, etc).
|> 

I just got a Brother PDC-100 last month, and it's been working pretty
well as far as I can tell, but it's my first sequencer, so I don't have
much to compare it with.  Before I bought it, I compared its features
with the Alesis MMT-8's
and the Brother seemed like a helluva lot more bang for the buck.  It's got
a disk drive (MMT-8 has none), 32 tracks (MMT-8 has 8), sequential and
unit programming (I was told that the MMT-8 only has programmable
chunks which have to be strung together to form a complete song).  I've
heard that the MMT-8 is really easy to program, though I've never
tried it with my own two hands.  Also, it looks like the MMT-8 has the same
plastic case the HR-16 uses.  Personally, I think it looks and feels kind of
cheap.  The Brother has a sturdier look; it's smaller too.

As you might expect, the editing features are nothing compared to a home
computer's, but if you're looking for something just for playback, I think
the Brother is a good deal.  I've seen magazine ads for a Pocket sequencer -- you 
might want to check that out.


I don't know of any other comparable sequencers in this price range (I bought
mine for $300 mail order), but you should look around.  


		Good luck,

				Pat