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

I'll answer what I can, maybe some others can fill in the blanks...
> 
> so, does 16 tracks mean one channel per track? or could i assign 16 
> channels to each of the 16 tracks? ok, i probably wouldn't want to 
really 
> do that... but can i? and can i do it from the front panel (i won't 
be 
> using it with software)?

Yes, you can have multiple channels in a track, and it can be done 
from the front panel.  IT works sort of like "bouncing down" on a 4 
track machine... you compose your 2 tracks on separate 
tracks/channels first, then you copy one track to the other and set 
that track's channel destination to Multi A or Multi B. 


> about the editing features... would i notice anything missing if 
i'm used 
> to using an MC-50mk2 to compose?

I can't really give you a good answer to that, never used an MC-50, 
but I know there are a *lot* of editing features on the XL...
 
> in pattern play mode, can pattern numbers be entered through 
something 
> other than the data wheel? can i use sysex? or a keypad? are 
there "next" 
> and "previous" buttons?

Primarily the data wheel... there are no next/previous buttons to 
change values, only to move the cursor from one field to the next. 
I'm not sure what you mean by a keypad.  And yes, you can use sysex, 
if you want to go that route, but then you're better off getting the 
editor software and using that.  That way you have access to all the 
parameters easily, instead of digging thru menus... 

> if i get a used one (i guess they're used, now?), are there any 
versions 
> of hardware or software i should be looking for? or avoiding? how 
do i 
> tell what version it is?

Yes, all used unless you can somehow find a NOS one... OS version is 
displayed when you power up the unit.  Latest/best version is 2.0.  
Earlier versions are fairly easy to update as long as you have MIDI 
output from your computer and the proper cable to hook up the XL-7. 
I'm pretty sure all the necessary files are in the files section here.
If you aren't able to set up as described above, get one preloaded 
with 2.0.  Extra ROMS are good too, but that's another discussion.  
Some are excellent, some are pretty lackluster. That's all been 
hashed out here on this list before, check the archive.


> from what i've read so far i guess i should check the data-knob 
before 
> buying... anything else i should know about, or ask about, or 
check, 
> before buying one of these for a hardware-only rig?
> 
> thanks...!
> 

The data knob is the most common thing I know of, perhaps someone 
else can chime in on this one too.  FWIW, even if the data knob is 
fritzing out, it's usually a very easy fix, it just needs cleaning.  
Details on that are also here in the files section.

To sum up...  I've been using the XL as the heart of my studio for 
about 4 years.  It does have a bit of a learning curve, but it has a 
very capable sequencer.  Lots of features, rock solid with OS 2.0... 
On top of that it has a very deep synth engine, and it's built like a 
tank. 

Oh, and if you're reading thru the manual, make sure you have the 
latest revision, I think its revision G.  Or, read the OS 2.0 
addendum... It tells about the new features that were added on with 
OS 2.0.

Hope this helps...

DTK