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

On 11/20/02 1:50 PM, "tjlake2001" <tjlake@...> wrote:

> I do extensive arranging and some pc-based recording to share
> arrangements and new pieces with my groups. Many of the "groove"
> boxes I 've test driven seem more DJ oriented. I'm hoping this is a
> little different. I have 3 questions that need answered before I pick
> this up and become a contributing member to this forum!
> 
> 1. My chord voicings often carry alternate bass notes and jazz
> groupings. Can I use the XL-7 to actually write, arrange, and perform
> songs along with a midi controller? Ease of use in that regard? My
> chord voicings often carry alternate bass notes and jazz groupings.
>

The sequencer works OK as a straight ahead sequencer.  A  couple of points
though.  First if your using patterns the maximum length is 32 measures.
Now these can be funny "big" time signatures so the length (number of total
beats or time) is not an issue, but keeping things straight may be.
Alternatively the Song mode has a single long (but multichannel) track
without length restrictions.

Also editing is not its strongest suite.  Cut and paste-style is good, as is
getting down in the details MIDI-command-by-MIDI-command.  Not much in
between.

So if you play well and don't mind doing edits in bar-size (or event size)
chunks you should be fine.

Oh, it works fine form an external controller.

> 2. Any best practices ideas out there for sequencing entire songs or
> sets? Is the onboard card in the XL-7 enough for standard pop-rock?
> 

if you want "pop" voicings then you should budget for a "PROTEUS POP
COLLECTION ROM", which is what is shipped inside the Proteus 2500.  It is
more varied instrument-wise.  The XL7 and MP7 are more for dance-style
voicings. YMMV

> 3. Hypothetical situation: New progression gets thrown out at
> rehearsal, we want to jam on it and explore harmonies, etc... Can I
> use this box on the fly to give us a foundation?
>

If your fast and accurate at playing!  It will be about the same amount of
work as you would need to record the parts to tape if you where working on a
section at a time.  if the idea is to play over say a 16 bar or 32 bar
progression and all you wanted was a basic rhythm and say simple chordal
foundation to explore from sure.   if your looking though to have it help
explore chord revoicings, well the only sequencer I've seen that does
something like that is the Yamaha QY700.  Very fast at changing or creating
chord progressions on the fly.

> Any other thoughts you can offer? Thank you for your time, I'm
> looking forward to more discussion with you all.
>

I think this is better suited to your needs, if I understand them from your
brief description, then say a Roland groovebox, and certainly a Korg
Electribes-series.  I am though having some trouble seeing the XX7 as a
"best" sequencer for more or less standard song writing.  Not saying it
won't work well, just not the first direction I would look.  Besides
workstation products I would probably spend some time looking at something
in the Yamaha QY family, especial the now somewhat old QY700.  Maybe even an
RM1x or RS7000, though they are definitely aimed more toward the dance
market.  But they are strong sequencer products first and foremost.

The XX7 is a blend of sequencer, sound engine, and
creation/performance-oriented control surface.  It is the combination that
makes it special  And for many current styles of music the sequencer is good
to great.  

Anyway you should check out the download manual as it is a good easy ready,
especially if you check out how the sequencer works.  That, some time with
it in a store and of course a bunch of questions here and you should be good
to go.

drk

www.delora.com/music
www.mp3.com/zdrk
drk.iuma.com