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

On 11/21/02 1:44 AM, "Ken" <vrmlmaster@...> wrote:

> I'm wondering how the mpc2kxl compares to the XL-7/MP-7 because I
> could spend about the same amount of cash for each now (of course the
> mpc would be used). I don't have "that" great a need for on board
> sounds, but it would be something nice to have. My main need is I
> need something to be able to sequence my Nord and my Supernova 2
> (hopefully, still working out that deal). Anyone possibly have both
> machines, or used both extensively and could give me their honest
> opinion of both in terms of sequencing external instruents ?
> 
> I want to make rap beats, dark techo and breaks, and light fluffy
> trance (yea I said light fluffy trance!). Also wondering if I should
> just save all of the cash and put it towards the pc+sound interface.

At the top the answer to "use external sequencing or PC sequencing?" is a
very complex issue and you will get lots of advice on that.  Bottom line:
the choice depends on how you like to work, how you like to interact with
your gear, your tolerance for dealing with non-music issues, and your
affinity to the screen-mouse-keyboard interface.

I've used an MPC3000 for a while and am familiar with the MPC2K sequencing.
You will find I believe that the MPC is a better work horse sequencer for
studio work.  You have many, many more tracks to work with (XX7 is only 16).
You can have sequences of lengths of your choosing (the XX7 restricts
patterns to 32 measures or less and its one song sequence is a tad on the
underpowered side with its single, though multichannel track).  You can also
run two sequencing in parallel, which is a valuable tool in itself.

The MPC way of working is pretty smooth and conducive to laying down tracks.
So is the XX7.  the XX7 has grid-style programming (Roland X0X style) where
as the MPC does not.

The MPC is a bit stronger at MIDI editing but the XX7 is improving in this
area.

The XX7 is stronger as an interactive or live performance tool.  It also has
those sixteen programmable knobs which can be useful (though in your case
the Nord and SNII has that pretty well covered).

Finally the MPC has storage options like floppy and SCSI drives.  The XX7
requires connection to a computer for loading and saving its memory.

Sampling on the MPC for beats and loops; built-sounds on the XX7 that are
very good and expandable with additional sound ROMs.

That all said, you will find the XX7 will work well in your use.  Emu is
committed to improving the XX7 and has announced its intention to have a new
OS available early next year.  The MPC, on the other hand is what it is.
Akai has moved on to the monumental and still unfinished MPC4000.

In my mind it would be no contest if you were comparing a new XX7 to a new
MPC because of the price difference.  But getting either at the same
price...  Hard to pass up an MPC that cheap!

One additional thought.  The XX7 will translate well going forward into a
world where you become more and more computer-centered in your production.
It can be a good control surface for software sequencers and software
instruments.  the MPC offers no such benefit.


drk

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