Elektron Musical Instruments

As I recall there has been some discussion here about using other hardware
sequencers that have some of the capabilities lacking in the Monomachine,
for instance, the ability to have patterns of different lengths running
simultaneously.

Well, I must say at this point, that if you really are a fan of hardware
step sequencers, and are frustrated with some of the limitations of the
Monomachine sequencer (and note, this does not mean that I don't also LIKE
its sequencer), that using it in sync with another sequencer extends your
capabilities enormously.

I received my pre-built P3 sequencer yesterday afternoon, and have been
slowly assimilating its functionality while controlling the Monomachine in
sync with it. The glorious thing is that the Mnm sequencer is also running -
so it's not like you don't get to use it simultaneously! I have obviously
lost none of the ease of use and functionality of the mnm sequencer, since
it's there whenever I want to call on it.

This P3 is extraordinary. The learning curve is kind of steep - it is really
a homemade project of one Colin Fraser, and the documentation doesn't really
lead you very gently into the various features and how to use them. So,
there IS frustration involved with learning how to use it. I expect that all
of my 3 day weekend will be spent figuring it out. But this isn't entirely a
bad thing.

My p3 cost around $830 (this will be somewhat unstable, as you pay in Paypal
in British Pounds, so exchange rates play a role). I payed a little extra to
have Colin put in 4 extra MIDI out ports, duplicating the main MIDI out.
When you compare the functionality of this thing to the other stuff that's
out there (except the Zeit, which isn't yet out there, and is enormously
expensive), I think it's a real bargain.

Anyway, those are my caffeine infused musings this morning.