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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

1648.0. "Looking for Pattern-Oriented Sequencer Software" by RDGENG::JEWELL (Big ideas, small budget) Thu Aug 25 1988 11:02

I hope someone can give me some advice ..

I am looking for a (computer based) sequencer that allows me to record
using patterns, as opposed to the linear method most computer packages 
use, as I tend to write in terms of patterns, e.g. 1 or 2 bar note,
drum and percussion sequences, and I dont really have the playing ability
to cope with a linear system.

So, this is what I want:

A pattern based sequencer for either the Atari or IBM p.c. that allows
me to use real *and* step time editing, and allows me to construct songs
a la drum machines.

If it seems like I need a Hardware sequencer, then could you recommend
one ??

    Please note ... I don't have a lot of cash !!
    
Thanks,

Tony.
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1648.1MARVIN::SCOTTBArry A. ScottThu Aug 25 1988 12:128
	Look at  MAster  Track  PRO,  that  has the pattern based
	style  of  working in it.  I'm waiting for the PC version
	to  become  available,  should be mid sept in the U.K.  I
	looked  at  the  Mac  version,  but expect all the Master
	TRack PRO software to be the same.

			BArry

1648.2Probably Faulty InformationDRUMS::FEHSKENSThu Aug 25 1988 14:276
    I believe (but don't know for sure) that Roger Powell's Texture
    is a pattern based sequencer.  Available for many machines (at least
    IBM and Amiga).
    
    len.
    
1648.3Dr. T's Keyboard Controlled SequencerFGVAXY::MASHIACrescent City KidThu Aug 25 1988 14:599
    Also, Dr. T's KCS (Atari, Amiga) supports pattern-based composition
    as well as tape recorder emulation. If I remember correctly, you
    can create patterns (called "sequences" in KCSspeak), chain them,
    have one pattern start another, etc.
    
    Very flexible, very powerful sequencer, but the user interface takes a 
    while to get used to.

    Rodney M.
1648.4Clarification on MTP.DYO780::SCHAFERBrad ... DTN 433-2408Thu Aug 25 1988 16:1921
    MTP is not really a "pattern" sequencer in the true sense of the word. 

    MTP is a linear recorder, but provides a cut/paste feature that you can
    use like patterns.  For example, write a 4 bar phrase, cut it, paste it
    back, then stick it on an unused track for later reference.  You may
    then recut and append the 4 bar phrase to the end of a track (or put it
    in the middle, I think). 

    You can also loop tracks, but only from the beginning of the song and
    on a per track basis.  For example, a looped 4 bar phrase starting at
    measure 10 will loop every 14 measures, the 1st 10 being silent since
    they contain nothing.  (This is v2.1 - v3.0 may change that.) 

    MTP for the ST lists at $350 and can be had in the states for around
    $270-280.  Don't plan on using it live without a hard disk. 

    Doesn't the QX5 Y-word unit allow "pattern" programming?  But there's
    no disk drive (unless you get the QX5-FD).  Dunno the price.  PK?
    Steve? 

-b
1648.5Yes...JAWS::COTEI'm not making this up...Thu Aug 25 1988 16:254
    The QX5 allows you to program "macros" and then insert macro-calls
    in a guide track. They can be nested and (I bleeve) recursive...
    
    Edd
1648.6SuperConductor ??WARMTH::KAYDIf music be the love of food...Thu Aug 25 1988 16:3324
    Tony,

    If you want to record in patterns, don't have much money and have an
    Atari ST, then what you need is Michtron's SuperConductor. I bought
    this for 50 pounds (I'm in Warrington) mail order. It works like
    this:

    You record patterns of whatever length you like.

    Each can be quantised, transposed, and edited individually.

    Patterns get linked together into tracks

    There are 16 tracks, each of which has a MIDI channel assigned
    to it.

    If you want any more details then mail me (ALL-IN-1 KAYD@OLO,
    VMS mail WARDER::KAYD, phone 7851 2358)

    
    Cheers,

    Derek.
1648.7Pattern based sequencingTRCT02::HITCHMOUGHFri Aug 26 1988 15:0313
    I use Roger Powells "Texture" for the IBM PC. It is a pattern based
    suquencer with real and step time entry. Very easy to use and very
    good as a creative tool if your chops are as bad as mine are.
    Major disadvantages in my opinion are:
    No graphics based "piano roll" editing
    No single track that you can record on through the completed song(ie
    spanning all the patterns) that would be useful for ad libs etc.
    It has a very good recording buffer that lets you loop while recording
    in a pattern and do several takes then select the one you want.
    Another disadvantage is that it doesnt record sysex stuff, at least
    I havent been able to figure out how.
    Definitely worth checking out if you want that drum sequencer approach
    
1648.8In Continuation ...RDGENG::JEWELLBig ideas, small budgetWed Sep 14 1988 09:5821
    Right then, just to update:
    
    	I have decided to buy an Amstrad PC1512 / 1640 (IBM compatable)
    as I can purchase one cheaply.
    
    	However this raises some new questions ...
    
    1) How much is a MIDI port for an IBM, and are they all compatable?
       i.e. will the same interface work with different companies 
       software.
    
    2) Limiting myself to an IBM, what software do you recommend
    re: 1648.0
    
    3) How much is the Texture software recommended in 1648.7
    
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tony.
    
1648.9VoyetraLOLITA::DIORIOWed Sep 14 1988 14:1420
    
    Tony, in my opinion, the only way to go for a MIDI interface for
    any IBM is the Voyetra OP-4001. It is completely MPU-401 compatible.
    The MPU-401 is the MIDI interface made by Roland that has become
    the industry standard. The OP-4001 actually has quite a few
    improvements over the Roland unit: no special connecting cable is
    needed, it has a UNpitched metronome that is unobtrusive to play
    along with regardless of the key you're in (the Roland MPU-401 has
    a pitched metronome). Voyetra's OP-4001 is their top of the line
    unit, and goes for around $ 169.00 (U.S. Dollars). Voyetra also has a
    new less-expensive version, the V-4001, that goes for about $ 149.00
    American.
    
    Voyetra's Sequencer Plus Mark III is the sequencing package I use,
    and is considered by many to be the most powerful software-based
    sequencing package on the market. It doesn't have flashy icons and
    graphics, but it has loads of features that other packages don't
    have. Very easy to use. I highly recommend it.
    
    Mike D
1648.10In the U.K...MARVIN::SCOTTBArry A. ScottThu Sep 15 1988 16:4010