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Lately, I've been wanting to start producing to electronic music with my Nord Stage 2. I'd like to use a step-sequencer but would rather do it without a computer or iPad. While this kind of setup would more than likely never leave home, I would like to have the flexibility of taking it on the road.
Basically what I want to do is program it and have it trigger notes on the Stage 2 (as a B-slot keyboard) while I keep playing a separate part using Slot-A.
Does anyone know of something like this? I just need the sequencer to trigger notes (kind of like an arpeggiator on steroids ).
My budget is fairly limited, so the less expensive the solution, the better.
Thanks in advance.
Michel
Last edited by Dugrok on 13 Aug 2013, 23:46, edited 1 time in total.
Maybe something like a sequencer from the Yamaha QY series (there are multiple types, but none are made anymore as far as I know).
Personally I use my Elektron Machinedrum as a sequencer (if I'm not using Ableton Live), but that doesn't exactly fit in your budget.
Anyway, I think there are several types of 'vintage' sequencers (most seem software these days) that you might be able to find on ebay, etc. for a price that fits within your budget.
Btw. why is an iPad with a sequencer not an option? You want knobs and buttons, or is this a reliability issue?
The only reason an iPad isn't an option is because I don't have one and getting one would probably be out of my price range. I would prefer knobs or buttons, but if an iPad solution was possible somewhere in the 100$ range, I'd try it out for sure. But I doubt that's possible.
Did a bit of research, looks like the kind of thing I'm looking for. Do you know of any other kinds on the market? They don't have to be new, they just have to work. I'll keep an eye out for them in pawn-shops around where I live and on eBay, etc.
I'm not sure $100 is going to get you anything decent.
One solution could be to use a groovebox as a sequencer. Typical examples (of relatively cheap ones) would be the Roland MC-303, Korg Electribe ER mk2, Yamaha RM1x - of those three the Yamaha seems to have the nicest interface.
The Yamaha Tenori-On is probably outside of your budget, but you might be able to find a good deal on an 'orange' one.
Edit: some more options:
Yamaha RS7000
Roland MC-505/MC-808/MC-909
Korg Electribe MX (synth)/SX (sampler) - should work better than some of the older Electribe units
Akai MPC 500/1000/2500/5000
I don't have any experience with any of these units. I'd think you'd really want some hands-on time with a groovebox to see if you can get along with the type of interface used.
Last edited by mjbrands on 14 Aug 2013, 23:55, edited 1 time in total.
mjbrands wrote:I'm not sure $100 is going to get you anything decent.
One solution could be to use a groovebox as a sequencer. Typical examples (of relatively cheap ones) would be the Roland MC-303, Korg Electribe ER mk2, Yamaha RM1x - of those three the Yamaha seems to have the nicest interface.
The Yamaha Tenori-On is probably outside of your budget, but you might be able to find a good deal on an 'orange' one.
Edit: some more options:
Yamaha RS7000
Roland MC-505/MC-808/MC-909
Korg Electribe MX (synth)/SX (sampler) - should work better than some of the older Electribe units
Akai MPC 500/1000/2500/5000
I don't have any experience with any of these units. I'd think you'd really want some hands-on time with a groovebox to see if you can get along with the type of interface used.
These are the kinds of things I've been looking for. Perfect! Thanks!
While they are a little bit out of my budget, I'll just wait a little longer before I go out and pick one up. Thanks again!
If you have an old laptop kicking about, you could try installing linux (free) and try HarmoniSEQ which is also free. That can sequence notes and chords too.
You might have to install a program called Jack to be able to see/use the usb connection as MIDI (my NS2 is detected fine under openSUSE). In addition there are many other programs that you could use for music including midi monitor, drum machines, samples, audio recorders and so on.
Of course for multi track audio processing you need some CPU power, but for MIDI there should not be a problem. I run a few programs in one of those miniature eee (900 MHz) via the usb port.
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