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

As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it into my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for it. Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.

Too much latency or what?

It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And Ableton really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.

It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a lot less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on the XL.

If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be the persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> Too much latency or what?
> On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@...> wrote:
> > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it into
> my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I
> wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better
> example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for it.
> Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> >
>

Why does slaving ableton not work well? Have u tried using the little d on the right

Reason I ask is I am trying to get this to work also lol

little d?

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> Reason I ask is I am trying to get this to work also lol
> On Aug 16, 2011 6:48 PM, "Matt" <somatt@...> wrote:
> > Why does slaving ableton not work well? Have u tried using the little d on
> > the right
> > On Aug 16, 2011 6:46 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@...> wrote:
> >> It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And Ableton
> > really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.
> >>
> >> It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a lot
> > less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on
> the
> > XL.
> >>
> >> If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be the
> > persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)
> >>
> >> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Too much latency or what?
> >>> On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> >>> > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it
> > into
> >>> my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I
> >>> wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better
> >>> example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for
> > it.
> >>> Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>
> >>
>

Ya on the right of the ableton window the little yellow d then u can delay tracks to get them to all sync up right.

I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
XL-7 as a master sequencer.
All work Ok for me.

I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok. I Need to manually warp clips after recording because of latency though.

If you have a decent system that can handle Ableton I would think it should be able to slave to the Command Station's midi clock. I have never used Ableton, so I don't know how it is as a clock master. Do you have OS2.0 in your CS? I have found it solved clock issues compared to previous versions.

Of course, compensating for latency in software can be a major headache. If you are using a usb midi interface, there can also be problems with the way usb is implemented.

Hope you can figure out a way to sync the two.

Steve



--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@...> wrote:
>
> It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And Ableton really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.
> 
> It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a lot less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on the XL.
> 
> If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be the persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)
> 
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> >
> > Too much latency or what?
> > On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> > > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it into
> > my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I
> > wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better
> > example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for it.
> > Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> > >
> >
>

Yes I have OS2 and e-mu xmidi 1x1 interface. your problem might be in midi interface.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "steve_the_composer" <smw-mail@...> wrote:
>
> If you have a decent system that can handle Ableton I would think it should be able to slave to the Command Station's midi clock. I have never used Ableton, so I don't know how it is as a clock master. Do you have OS2.0 in your CS? I have found it solved clock issues compared to previous versions.
> 
> Of course, compensating for latency in software can be a major headache. If you are using a usb midi interface, there can also be problems with the way usb is implemented.
> 
> Hope you can figure out a way to sync the two.
> 
> Steve
> 
> 
> 
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> >
> > It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And Ableton really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.
> > 
> > It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a lot less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on the XL.
> > 
> > If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be the persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)
> > 
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Too much latency or what?
> > > On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> > > > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it into
> > > my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I
> > > wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better
> > > example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for it.
> > > Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Do u notice when u slave ableton to the cs ableton will jump around like if CS is set at 140bpm ableton will go 139.7 then 140.3 not always 140bpm while slaved. does this make sense

yeah ableton's tempo jumps around by +/- 2bpm, seemingly at random

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> Do u notice when u slave ableton to the cs ableton will jump around like if
> CS is set at 140bpm ableton will go 139.7 then 140.3 not always 140bpm while
> slaved. does this make sense
> On Aug 17, 2011 11:06 AM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@...> wrote:
> > Yes I have OS2 and e-mu xmidi 1x1 interface. your problem might be in midi
> interface.
> >
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "steve_the_composer" <smw-mail@> wrote:
> >>
> >> If you have a decent system that can handle Ableton I would think it
> should be able to slave to the Command Station's midi clock. I have never
> used Ableton, so I don't know how it is as a clock master. Do you have OS2.0
> in your CS? I have found it solved clock issues compared to previous
> versions.
> >>
> >> Of course, compensating for latency in software can be a major headache.
> If you are using a usb midi interface, there can also be problems with the
> way usb is implemented.
> >>
> >> Hope you can figure out a way to sync the two.
> >>
> >> Steve
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And
> Ableton really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.
> >> >
> >> > It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a
> lot less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on
> the XL.
> >> >
> >> > If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be
> the persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)
> >> >
> >> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> >> > >
> >> > > Too much latency or what?
> >> > > On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> >> > > > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate
> it into
> >> > > my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it
> I
> >> > > wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a
> better
> >> > > example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300
> for it.
> >> > > Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> >> > > >
> >> > >
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
>

yeah, see, this is a problem. i would prefer to avoid warping in ableton because it introduces artifacts.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok.  I Need to manually
> warp clips after recording because of latency though.
> On Aug 16, 2011 11:19 PM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@...> wrote:
> >
> > I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> > XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> > All work Ok for me.
> >
>

are you running any midi sequencing in ableton or are you doing all the sequencing in the xl-7?

if i run everything from the xl-7 it's ok but the problem there is jitter. things do not feel as tight as i would like.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@...> wrote:
>
> 
> I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> All work Ok for me.
>

I just picked up an XL-7... I have the same clock 'drift' issues when Ableton is set as Slave.  I have not had this problem with other midi devices set as master, sending master clock, just the XL-7.  I have been using my gear in a serial midi loop, through a midiman 1x1.  I just ordered a MOTU timepiece A/V to see if it can fix the clock issue.  I would be happy to let you know my results in about a week.

good luck!



________________________________
From: splattabreakz <s_o_m_9000@...>
To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 12:47 PM
Subject: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK


  
yeah, see, this is a problem. i would prefer to avoid warping in ableton because it introduces artifacts.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok.  I Need to manually
> warp clips after recording because of latency though.
> On Aug 16, 2011 11:19 PM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@...> wrote:
> >
> > I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> > XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> > All work Ok for me.
> >
>

You would think so, wouldn't you? But no, apparently ableton does not handle external sync very well at all. i have OS 2. one thing i don't really know much about is the latency side of things. the problem i get when using ableton as master is drift. it's as if ableton's idea of 140bpm is different to the CS'. It's very subtle so maybe it will take a minute or 2 before you really feel the difference, but it's there and definitely not conducive to grooving the night away. so frustrating. The further you let it play the more 'out' it becomes. Which what makes me wonder if setting some kind of delay compensation would make a difference.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@...> wrote:
>
> Yes I have OS2 and e-mu xmidi 1x1 interface. your problem might be in midi interface.
> 
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "steve_the_composer" <smw-mail@> wrote:
> >
> > If you have a decent system that can handle Ableton I would think it should be able to slave to the Command Station's midi clock. I have never used Ableton, so I don't know how it is as a clock master. Do you have OS2.0 in your CS? I have found it solved clock issues compared to previous versions.
> > 
> > Of course, compensating for latency in software can be a major headache. If you are using a usb midi interface, there can also be problems with the way usb is implemented.
> > 
> > Hope you can figure out a way to sync the two.
> > 
> > Steve
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> > >
> > > It won't stay in sync with Ableton as the master, it drifts. And Ableton really doesn't handle being a slave very well at all.
> > > 
> > > It's a big shame because I bought the XL as a way to use the mouse a lot less and have a hands on sequencer. The sequencer is really excellent on the XL.
> > > 
> > > If people have a similar setup that is running well then this can be the persuade me not to sell it thread as well :)
> > > 
> > > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Too much latency or what?
> > > > On Aug 16, 2011 5:57 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> > > > > As much as I really like this thing, I just can't quite integrate it into
> > > > my setup as I would like. If I could get Ableton to play nice with it I
> > > > wouldn't be selling... I don't think you will be able to find a better
> > > > example anywhere. It looks brand new. Operates flawlessly. Paid £300 for it.
> > > > Would like to get something close to that. Offers please.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Just to check, when you say you haven't had this problem before, was that with Ableton? So you've had Ableton synced with other devices fine?

I actually just checked the Ableton forum and apparently the latest version addresses the Ableton as slave sync issue. I haven't tried it yet so can't tell you if it works. There is a thread about it though, so maybe there's something useful: http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=165235

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, John Vokoun <johnvokoun@...> wrote:
>
> I just picked up an XL-7... I have the same clock 'drift' issues when Ableton is set as Slave.  I have not had this problem with other midi devices set as master, sending master clock, just the XL-7.  I have been using my gear in a serial midi loop, through a midiman 1x1.  I just ordered a MOTU timepiece A/V to see if it can fix the clock issue.  I would be happy to let you know my results in about a week.
> 
> good luck!
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: splattabreakz <s_o_m_9000@...>
> To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 12:47 PM
> Subject: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK
> 
> 
>   
> yeah, see, this is a problem. i would prefer to avoid warping in ableton because it introduces artifacts.
> 
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> >
> > I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok.  I Need to manually
> > warp clips after recording because of latency though.
> > On Aug 16, 2011 11:19 PM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> > > XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> > > All work Ok for me.
> > >
> >
>

ya usually when recording clips in live I can fix this after the fact by dragging warp points or messing with little d

But the problem here is I have to put all the clips in I still have the drift issue otherwise. And I have it with reason as a slave too even with ableton not running, although not as bad.

I think I rather quit using ableton than quit using CS maybe I am crazy...

yeah, i've slaved the cs to ableton and got drift issues.. with ableton slaved i got wobbly tempo issues :/

i really would prefer to keep the cs... hopefully the newest ableton version will fix the wobbly tempo because i'd rather have the cs as clock master.

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Andrew <Alan_mansfield@...> wrote:
>
> 
> I tried a demo version of Ableton, and wasn't too impressed with it.  Aside from not liking it, I had quite a few problems with it playing nice with an EMU 0404 and the CS... I assumed it was because of being a demo version, but I had the exact same problems you did.
> 
> Just a thought, though... instead of slaving your DAW to the CS, have you thought about slaving your CS to the DAW?  I've had a lot of luck with that configuration, by assigning the 16 tracks of the CS's sequencer to channels 1-16A, and having it slaved to my DAW (Sonar 8.5) by sending 16 more tracks of MIDI to channels 1-16B.  I like the sequencer in the CS, but not for everything... so I use it for the stuff I like on the A side, and also MIDI out to control a hardware sampler and a couple of efx processors.  For the things that I prefer having a visual aid to sequencing, I record on the DAW, and send to the B side.  You can still assign real-time control set-ups with the multi-setups menu and have hands on controls for channels on both sides, giving you that 'hands on sequencing' feel.  I always had much more luck with the CS in the slave position as far as timing and latency, etc.  I think the CS silently suffers from 'MIDI choke' especially when things like polyAT are being used that is less noticeable when receiving MTC rather than trying to be the master clock.  Just some things to think about... the CS is so versatile, there's surely some set-up that will give you the flexibility you're looking for, while playing nice with the rest of the rig. 
> 
> To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
> From: somatt@...
> Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:46:10 -0700
> Subject: Re: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>         
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I think I rather quit using ableton than quit using CS maybe I am crazy... 
> On Aug 17, 2011 12:02 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@...> wrote:
> > Just to check, when you say you haven't had this problem before, was that with Ableton? So you've had Ableton synced with other devices fine?
> 
> > 
> > I actually just checked the Ableton forum and apparently the latest version addresses the Ableton as slave sync issue. I haven't tried it yet so can't tell you if it works. There is a thread about it though, so maybe there's something useful: http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=165235
> 
> > 
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, John Vokoun <johnvokoun@> wrote:
> >>
> >> I just picked up an XL-7... I have the same clock 'drift' issues when Ableton is set as Slave.  I have not had this problem with other midi devices set as master, sending master clock, just the XL-7.  I have been using my gear in a serial midi loop, through a midiman 1x1.  I just ordered a MOTU timepiece A/V to see if it can fix the clock issue.  I would be happy to let you know my results in about a week.
> 
> >> 
> >> good luck!
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> ________________________________
> >> From: splattabreakz <s_o_m_9000@>
> >> To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
> 
> >> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 12:47 PM
> >> Subject: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Â  
> >> yeah, see, this is a problem. i would prefer to avoid warping in ableton because it introduces artifacts.
> 
> >> 
> >> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok.  I Need to manually
> 
> >> > warp clips after recording because of latency though.
> >> > On Aug 16, 2011 11:19 PM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@> wrote:
> >> > >
> >> > > I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> 
> >> > > XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> >> > > All work Ok for me.
> >> > >
> >> >
> >>
> > 
> >
>

wow, that's really quite surprising. is this when the machine runs on it's own or as a slave?

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, ADSR Multimedia <adsr.multimedia@...> wrote:
>
> Unfortunately the CS MIDI clock drifts +/- 2 BPM, at least in my device
> (XL-7).
> I tested it with a single bassdrum track, using Logic with both an RME
> Fireface
> and an Emagic AMT-8 (serial and USB as well).
> It's just like that, and no matter what you do, will stay the same.
> 
> Mind you, AMT-8 has special optimized MIDI transmission (hence the name -
> active midi transmission),
> witch using Logic provides the best results - when all synced up to Logic as
> master, MIDI clock drifts only 5 milliseconds
> (stable, synced to my RME Fireface latency settings) +/- 22 samples @ 44.1
> kHz.
> 
> 
> Regards,
>     Zsolt | http://adsr.hu
> 
> 
> 
> 2011/8/18 splattabreakz <s_o_m_9000@...>
> 
> > **
> >
> >
> > yeah, i've slaved the cs to ableton and got drift issues.. with ableton
> > slaved i got wobbly tempo issues :/
> >
> > i really would prefer to keep the cs... hopefully the newest ableton
> > version will fix the wobbly tempo because i'd rather have the cs as clock
> > master.
> >
> >
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Andrew <Alan_mansfield@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > I tried a demo version of Ableton, and wasn't too impressed with it.
> > Aside from not liking it, I had quite a few problems with it playing nice
> > with an EMU 0404 and the CS... I assumed it was because of being a demo
> > version, but I had the exact same problems you did.
> > >
> > > Just a thought, though... instead of slaving your DAW to the CS, have you
> > thought about slaving your CS to the DAW? I've had a lot of luck with that
> > configuration, by assigning the 16 tracks of the CS's sequencer to channels
> > 1-16A, and having it slaved to my DAW (Sonar 8.5) by sending 16 more tracks
> > of MIDI to channels 1-16B. I like the sequencer in the CS, but not for
> > everything... so I use it for the stuff I like on the A side, and also MIDI
> > out to control a hardware sampler and a couple of efx processors. For the
> > things that I prefer having a visual aid to sequencing, I record on the DAW,
> > and send to the B side. You can still assign real-time control set-ups with
> > the multi-setups menu and have hands on controls for channels on both sides,
> > giving you that 'hands on sequencing' feel. I always had much more luck with
> > the CS in the slave position as far as timing and latency, etc. I think the
> > CS silently suffers from 'MIDI choke' especially when things like polyAT are
> > being used that is less noticeable when receiving MTC rather than trying to
> > be the master clock. Just some things to think about... the CS is so
> > versatile, there's surely some set-up that will give you the flexibility
> > you're looking for, while playing nice with the rest of the rig.
> > >
> > > To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
> > > From: somatt@
> >
> > > Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:46:10 -0700
> > > Subject: Re: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I think I rather quit using ableton than quit using CS maybe I am
> > crazy...
> > > On Aug 17, 2011 12:02 PM, "splattabreakz" <s_o_m_9000@> wrote:
> > > > Just to check, when you say you haven't had this problem before, was
> > that with Ableton? So you've had Ableton synced with other devices fine?
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I actually just checked the Ableton forum and apparently the latest
> > version addresses the Ableton as slave sync issue. I haven't tried it yet so
> > can't tell you if it works. There is a thread about it though, so maybe
> > there's something useful:
> > http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=165235
> > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, John Vokoun <johnvokoun@> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> I just picked up an XL-7... I have the same clock 'drift' issues when
> > Ableton is set as Slave. I have not had this problem with other midi
> > devices set as master, sending master clock, just the XL-7. I have been
> > using my gear in a serial midi loop, through a midiman 1x1. I just ordered
> > a MOTU timepiece A/V to see if it can fix the clock issue. I would be happy
> > to let you know my results in about a week.
> > >
> > > >>
> > > >> good luck!
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> ________________________________
> > > >> From: splattabreakz <s_o_m_9000@>
> > > >> To: xl7@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > >> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 12:47 PM
> > > >> Subject: [xl7] Re: FS: Pristine XL-7 in the UK
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Â
> > > >> yeah, see, this is a problem. i would prefer to avoid warping in
> > ableton because it introduces artifacts.
> > >
> > > >>
> > > >> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@> wrote:
> > > >> >
> > > >> > I use px7 for master. Clock a little jumpy but works ok. I Need to
> > manually
> > >
> > > >> > warp clips after recording because of latency though.
> > > >> > On Aug 16, 2011 11:19 PM, "nikitsanpsix" <nikitsan@> wrote:
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > I have the same setup. XL-7 + Ableton.
> > >
> > > >> > > XL-7 as a master sequencer.
> > > >> > > All work Ok for me.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> >
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >  
> >
>