Message
Re: [xl7] Am I to stupid for the mp-7?
2001-12-06 by erik_magrini@Baxter.com
Hehehe, I know what you mean. I too started out on Roland and Yamaha machines (still the moderator of the Yahoogroups mc505 list), and then migrated over to the PC side of things almost completely after I was forced to sell my hardware suddenly last year. After awhile though, I missed the live aspect of hardware (I used to do Live PA's regularly), and needed something to compliment my DJ sets. Not to mention I missed being able to make music outside of the studio, so I decided to get the XL-7. After working exclusively in the computer for awhile, it was a bit of a shock to suddenly be confronted with what some might consider the "limited features" of the XL/MP series. I've found that the best way to approach it, is to not expect the sae things that you would from a computer, or other gear. I know, I know, it's much easier said than done sometimes! Just try and trea the Command Station as a new instrument, like you would a guitar or sax. ;Something that has to be learned for what it is and not what it should be. The new OS really has gone a huge way towards making this a feasible possibility.
Also, using E-Loader, you can really have the best of both worlds too. I typically have been hashing out my patterns (I never use Song Mode) using just the XL-7. That way it's easy and quick to get your basic groove going, make all the relevant Presets you need, and all the basic programming/sequencing stuff. Once I've got the basics down, I'll save it to my computer using E-Loader. From there I can Import the midi file into Cubase and do all my fine tuning. It's easier to do things like drawing and cleaning up controller info, adding groove quantize, and randomizing my percussion velocities (via Cubase's logical editor) to give them a more human feel. Once I'm done I save the MIDI file again, and (after rebooting my computer, since E-Loader won't run twice, grrr!) I load it back into the XL-7 to take out live with me. Takes me minutes to do it this way, versus hours with just the XL-7. I find this hybrid approach is best if you really need or want fine control over your music. You could even arrange an entire song in the computer and then load it into the MP for playing back if you wanted too, as long as you don't exceed the note capacity of the sequencer...
rEalm
Somehow I just can´t find a quick workflow in composing songs with the mp-7. I just don´t have the time anymore to fiddle around for days until I have a few tracks done. Maybe I am just too used to working with rolands and yammies.