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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

1954.0. "Yamaha Drum Machines - RX5/RX7 - Good Value?" by BTO::BESSETT_K (Fashionably Late) Thu Apr 06 1989 19:01

    Does anyone have any information on the Yamaha RX5 and RX7 rhythm
    machines?  A local dealer here in Burlington, VT. is selling the RX5
    for $750 and the RX7 for $599.  They sounded pretty good, but I don't
    know how they compair to an Alesis or Roland drum machine.  Also, are
    the prices he is asking reasonable?  I just bought a DX7s from him
    ($950), but he "can't" (read wont) do anything on the RX's.  
    
    I did a DIR/TITLE="RX" in both COMMUSIC and DRUMS, but none of the notes 
    provided any information.  
    
    Thanks for any help,
    Kevin. 
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1954.1pointerSUBSYS::ORINQuid, me vexarius?Thu Apr 06 1989 19:1412
< Note 1954.0 by BTO::BESSETT_K "Fashionably Late" >
                    -< Are Yamaha RX5/RX7's a good value? >-

Kevin,

There is an RX5 note...689. Not much info in there and it's old.

I suggest that you really check out the new Roland R-8 and R-5. The
prices are nearly the same, and the technology is way beyond the Yamaha
machines. Do a " SHOW KEY R8/FULL" to find the R8 notes.

dave
1954.2R8!NORGE::CHADThu Apr 06 1989 20:107
My observations are that the Roland and Alesis sound better than the RX series.
I do not know anything about their editing/recording features.  The R8 has
been hailed as *the* drum machine in all the reviews I've read so far and
can be had MO as low as $700 I've heard.  Do read the R8 note and
go listen to one yourself, you'll be glad you did.

Chad
1954.3Not bad...NRPUR::DEATONtired of thinking up cute quotesThu Apr 06 1989 20:5614
	There are some interesting features on the RX5 and RX7 machines.  For 
one thing, they have an small assortment of sounds that can be played like a
synthesizer - bass, brass, orchestra, vibs...  That is, instead a fixed 
frequency, you can play them in (I beleive) up to 8-note polyphony.  I'm not
aware of other drum machines having this feature.  This makes it concieveable
that either one of these machines could be your foundation unit when sequencing/
playing live.  'Course, ya hafta like the sounds.

	I was looking into these at one time, but never got much farther than
you are now.  I heard a demo of one of them and was reasonably impressed, but
not enough to bite.

	Dan

1954.5good luck, happy shoppingSUBSYS::ORINHello, Ensoniq? When's the first VFX...Thu Apr 06 1989 21:2517
< Note 1954.0 by BTO::BESSETT_K "Fashionably Late" >
               -< Yamaha Drum Machines - RX5/RX7 - Good Value? >-

Kevin,

Other alternatives worth checking out are the Roland D110 rackmount,
which has decent percussion plus a multi-timbral synth in a one
rackspace unit. The Alesis HR16 and HR16B would cost about $900 (combined)
dollars, and would provide a dynamic duo (sort of like Batman and Robin).
It really pays to shop around and do lots of listening when comparing
drum machines. I suggest reading the HR16 note (1064 I think). There are
hundreds of notes in there about it. There is also a good sized D110 note.
Again, try the "show key D110/full" to find it.

dave


1954.6Do tha MonstawimpWOTVAX::KENTFri Apr 07 1989 10:5614
    re.3
    
    
    I think the R8 will allow you to play the instruments the same way
    in specific modes. The only thing it doesn't have is the instruments
    to go with this. I assume they will come along in the ROM cards.
    
    The RX7 was the R8 of about 2 years ago. It is a classic case of
    Yamaha building a monster machine and trying to sell it to a wimpy
    market which never caught on. 
    
    Buy the R5. Or 8 if you can affor it.
    
    				Paul.
1954.7BTO::BESSETT_KAnyone have a P38 Space Modulator?Fri Apr 07 1989 20:586
1954.8TALK::HARRIMANBeep Bop DiddlyupMon Apr 10 1989 17:538
	Re: .-1

	Advance Music, 166 Main St. Burlington VT

	Go upstairs, ask for Peter. The R-8 has been there about a month.

	/pjh
1954.9RX7/RX8MYALLA::KEOGHPersonal NameWed Apr 26 1989 22:498
The RX7 has been superceded by the RX8. It has the 64 most useful sounds from
the RX7, (in Yamaha's opition, and mine) with improved operating features at
a lower price.

Here in Australia, it is about 60-70% of the price of the RX7, so that should
provide you with some yardstick.

I was saving up to buy an RX7, but will now get an RX8.