| Well, I have an SQ-80 and I really love it.
The incredible value of the sequencer for gigging will NOT be apparent
through a quick perusal of the manual, but in fact, it is INCREDIBLY
useful EVEN if you don't actually use sequences!
The thing is that the sequencer gives the SQ-80 some MIDI system
controller type features.
For example, you can have it do ALL your configuration stuff.
I create a sequence for each song I play. I push the button for that
song and instantly, all my keyboards and synths are setup to play
whatever the song requires. It selects the patches and MIDI volumes
for all my MIDI stuff - EVEN the type of effect or reverb (courtesy
of MIDI capable Roland SRV-2000 and MIDIVERB II). I can go right from
one song to another - I don't even have to remember what patches I'm
supposed to be using.
You can even have a page where the songs are in the order of your
set so you don't even need a set list.
If I need to have a SQ-80 keyboard play different sounds at different
parts of the song, I called another page and it lists all the sounds
I need for the song. I just push the button under the sound I need
for the moment, and I'm ready.
It also functions well as a MIDI data filer.
And of course... you can actually do sequencing. My band uses the
sequencer mainly to "fill out" the sound. That is, provide things like
a string section, or brass, or maybe some percussion stuff like a
shaker, etc.
NOw *I* have an SQ-80 (which replaced an ESQ-1). But if I was starting
over again (and didn't have all this SQ-80 data that is incompatable
with the VFX), I would definitely go out and get a VFX-SD.
The VFX-SD has an incredible builtin sequencer (24 tracks, and lots
of editing features and recording modes not seen on any other "builtin"
sequencer), plus it has INCREDIBLE sound and better than average
polyphony: something like 12-16 notes in REAL useable polyphony
(as opposed to the sham that Roland pulls with LA synthesizers).
Whatever you do, do NOT buy anything without a disk drive. Or at least
that's my advice. Loading stuff from tape is slow, and not nearly
as reliable.
db
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| I would second everything that Dave said in .1 but would also strongly
urge you to check out the Ensoniq EPS.
It seems that every manufacturer of MIDI gear has its own area of
specialty. Some have the very best sound, others focus on bang for the
buck, etc... IMHO Ensoniq's specialty is its functionality.
I have been using the EPS for well over a year now and just *love* it
more and more. With the EPS you have all of the functionality mentioned
in .1 plus a sampler. If you want those unique special effects, laugh
tracks, etc... you really need a sampler.
I do not use all of the things that the EPS is capable of but I am
glad that they are there. The EPS was specifically designed for the
performing musician. I can't count how many times I have thought "Gee I
need to do this thing during the performance," only to discover that
that needed feature was designed into the EPS.
The EPS is discussed in another note, but I will mention one very
useful feature: Presets. You can have up to nine presets on the EPS.
Any one is available at the touch of a single button. New presets can
be loaded in about as long as it takes to hit two buttons. Presets
allow you to set up up to eight splits and or layers. These can be
within the EPS or directed out over the MIDI interface or both.
The EPS come with a 3.5" disk drive, and can be configured to run with
a hard disk. If you are really serious about a "Performance" synth, you
have to check out the EPS... "Performance" is its middle name!
regards,
Mark
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