Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

--- In xl7@y..., Scott Ruda <scottr@e...> wrote:

> Some systems use a 'setup bar' so that any time consuming setup 
> information can be sent and absorbed before the first beat. This 
> technique is problematic within the definition of an SMF. It doesn't 
> easily support the definition of a loop point, and there would need to 
> be a way to define a setup bar plus a loop start point in a looping 
> pattern sequence.
> 
> **-7 sends any setup information found at time 0 on pattern select in an 
> attempt to get that stuff out of the way before you have pressed Play.

This suggestion s a decent one, but for real performance based 
sequencing, a setup bar isn't really practical. as the empty bar means 
stoping, or loading in one form or another.

ultimately the thing has got to be instant for function in the modern 
electronic music world.

granted, various external devices respond diferently to PC and BC 
commands. that should be no real concern of yours. i think that, 
currently the machine works very well using the internal sounds. 
problem is, for a serious live performer, the internal sounds won't be 
enough. i have the MP sounds (only ok) and i already own a dozen or 
more Emu sampling CD's, so for me the sound solution was to score the 
Flash Rom. still, it is essential to use extrnal gear in order for me 
to sound like Dubtribe Sound system when i perform.

so i think as long as there's access to the info and SMF files 
translate correctly between applications and the device, all should be 
well.

it seems that paying too much attention to setup, will only cause 
delays and that would be the worst thing of all...
 
> Have you tried Aaron's suggestion of putting 2 bank select/program 
> changes at the beginning of the sequence - one to force the system off 
> the desired preset in case it is already there on the local system and 
> another to bring the internal and external sounds back to the right 
> program?
> 
> My suggestion was that you could possibly put the program changes at 
> tick 1, and then you might have to move all of your first note events to 
> tick 2. That may or may not be practical and it might not loop very 
> accurately. Aaron's suggestion should not have this problem, so it is a 
> better workaround. Since the setup information is sent only once at 
> pattern select time it will not cause any loop timing errors.

i hear you. but it's just not reasonable to create those kind of blank 
sections or built in delays in live sequencing.

i can send you some CD's of our work (133 12" single and 10 CD's since 
1989) and i also think you might spend a few hours in front of an 
Alesis MMT-8. ultimately this device, however crude, is the model for 
live arrangement.

i have three or four of them and could hook anyone at Emu up with one 
for a week or so.

let me know via email if you are interested in that offer. 
 
> I'm sorry that this is causing troubles for you right now. We are 
> looking into a clean way to resolve this.
> 
> Scott

no sweat, i believe you will. and appreciate your presence here on the 
board.

keep it up!

Sunshine