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From: pcchou@athena.mit.edu (Patrick C Chou)
Newsgroups: rec.music.makers,rec.music.synth,comp.music
Subject: Re: Recommend a Hardware Sequencer for me
Keywords: sequencer
Message-ID: <1991Feb11.154101.3535@athena.mit.edu>
Date: 11 Feb 91 15:41:01 GMT
References: <APOLIVKA.91Feb11085756@x102a.harris-atd.com>
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Reply-To: pcchou@athena.mit.edu (Patrick C Chou)
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In article <APOLIVKA.91Feb11085756@x102a.harris-atd.com>, apolivka@x102a.harris-atd.com (polivka al 60047) writes:
|> I'd like recommendations about what _hardware_ sequencer to buy for
|> using live on gigs.  I already have a good software-based sequencer on
|> my home computer for generating the sequences, so I just need
|> something that I can download my sequences to and play them back at
|> gigs (i.e.  editing capabilities are not important).
|> 
|> The most important features I'm looking for are:
|>  - low price,
|>  - convenience of use during gigs, and
|>  - reliability.
|> 
|> Please let me know why you recommend a particular sequencer (what are
|> it's important features, going price - if you know, etc).
|> 

I just got a Brother PDC-100 last month, and it's been working pretty
well as far as I can tell, but it's my first sequencer, so I don't have
much to compare it with.  Before I bought it, I compared its features
with the Alesis MMT-8's
and the Brother seemed like a helluva lot more bang for the buck.  It's got
a disk drive (MMT-8 has none), 32 tracks (MMT-8 has 8), sequential and
unit programming (I was told that the MMT-8 only has programmable
chunks which have to be strung together to form a complete song).  I've
heard that the MMT-8 is really easy to program, though I've never
tried it with my own two hands.  Also, it looks like the MMT-8 has the same
plastic case the HR-16 uses.  Personally, I think it looks and feels kind of
cheap.  The Brother has a sturdier look; it's smaller too.

As you might expect, the editing features are nothing compared to a home
computer's, but if you're looking for something just for playback, I think
the Brother is a good deal.  I've seen magazine ads for a Pocket sequencer -- you 
might want to check that out.


I don't know of any other comparable sequencers in this price range (I bought
mine for $300 mail order), but you should look around.  


		Good luck,

				Pat