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

--- In xl7@y..., albert_thorn@k... wrote:
> 
> Hey Bruce-
> 
> Good comments.  I haven't had a chance to play around with the RFX 
> card yet.  They're a bit spendy considering how I would use it.  From 
> what I have read though, they look very interesting.  Do you use your 
> RFX live or in the studio primarily?

Studio only.  I would be scared to use it live.  As you have correctly
pointed out there is a big difference between studio and live.  For
those of you who have yet to enjoy a PA, there is one rule: EVERYTHING
WILL GO WRONG.

Not to discourage you from trying it, but Albert is quite correct that
to play out you must simplify.

> When I said that the XL7 replaces my Z1 & E5000, I meant in my *live 
> rig*.  I don't see myself parting with the E5000 or Z1 for many 
> years... they're too important in my studio.  The Z1 is a crazy synth 
> and I don't plan to give it up.  When I play gigs though, I need to 
> be able to set up quickly and tear down in a flash to make room for 
> other bands, etc.  The fewer MIDI and audio connections I have to 
> make, the better.  I've sampled the critical Z1 patches and I plan to 
> burn them into FLASH ROM for the XL7.  I'm excited that the XL7 can 
> do 90% of what my old live rig used to be able to do, all with one 
> power cord and set of audio cables.  That's just too sweet.

Ah yes, another flash ROM junky.  I have become so fond of my flashes
that I am making a set of waveforms just to try and do new strange
things with my XL-7 that are not really possible without doing a lot
of off line (non real time) computing.  Creating samples of that crazy
stuff and sticking it on Flash.

Like you I would prefer to leave my E4 at home.  I am in constant fear
that it will break the next gig.  The XL is a lot more of a "tank" in
that regard.  If I lose my XL I can replace by putting the Roms in my
proteus.  If I lose my E4 I am sunk.

> Off-topic:  Do you use Symphony Of Voices?  I'm wondering how you 
> like that collection.  The online demos and literature I've gotten 
> from Spectrasonics make it look amazing.  Again, too spendy 
> considering how I would use it so I haven't bought it yet.  Maybe 
> someday.

Its damn awe inspiring.  I recently pulled it out with some people
playing early Genesis / Gabriel covers instead of my usual Mellotron
samples.  They loved it until they figured out it was not a Mellotron.
 Ah, even musicians can get stuck in a rut.

If you ever own that set just go out an buy as much memory as you can.
  You will need it and want it.

Bruce