Ok, here's a list of why a computer based sequencing package is better than the XP-50's sequencer (even though as far as onboard sequencers go, the XP's is one of the best).
XP Seq Resolution - 96ppq, Computer based - up to 240ppq. This means if you want something to really groove without sounding like the the instruments aren't really playing too loose the higher resolution of a computer based sequencer is desirable.
XP Seq Track limit - 16, Computer 256 tracks or more. Store alternate takes in tracks can use up tracks fast! You don't have enough tracks to really "play around" with a composition on the XP. (You can get around this to some extent using patterns on the XP but it's not the same)
Ease of navigation. Let's face it, there's nothing particularly "intuitive" about getting around the XP's sequencer functions, although it's far better than a lot of other onboard sequencers. Computers make it easy to get around and that's inherent with the GUI interface system of Windows and Mac.
Finally Computers are capable of displaying your sequence data in a variety of ways, such as musical notation, event lists, piano roll, graphical data (for continuous controllers) etc. XP only gives you event list data in Micro Edit mode.
1 for the XP The coolest thing about the XP sequencer.... It sucks to lug a computer system (even a laptop) from gig to gig and interface it with your XP!
Final Analysis If you're out of town or on the road somewhere and you get an idea for a song, put it down in the XP's sequencer. Later when you're back at home, you can xfer it to the computer and fine tune it on your computer based sequencing system. If you're at home or in the studio, use the computer.
That's my 2 cents worth.....
James Ely
vyper@aloha.net
Previous Topic
Index