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

Hi, all...

I joined the group back in January, around the time I purchased my MP-7.  I've only been able to use it twice, briefly since then.  Not having used a drum sequencer remotely as multi-featured as this before, it seems like it has a more steep learning curve than I was prepared for.  So I feel I need to sell it.  I was so amped for this thing, and looking forward to getting an XL-7 card for it, but I don't feel I can learn this interface in time for an upcoming project. All I've figured out from the manual, so far, is how to mute/add tracks from patterns and I have done 4-bar step sequencing.  However, even though I think I'm saving them to an empty user slot, they're never there, when I turn the unit back on.  Also, by the time I get past 4-bars, I can't for the life of me, make these into longer patterns, nor manage to save enough custom patterns to build a song. I've run out of patience.  lol

Physical condition looks good - no scratches, marks, or cracks. Powers up and down without issue and sounds good, from what I've been able to use so far.  Only the MP-7 ROM card came installed.  There's been no smoking indoors.  

I purchased it a few months ago from Guitar Center for about $325, but I believe prices have gone down, since then. I will consider all offers - I figured I'd see if someone here needs one. 

Thanks and have a good day.

- J

UPDATE:  There's been no response from the group, and insulting offers from Craigslist - I'm possibly going to put it up on eBay.  If the prospects look grim, then I'll hang onto it, until either an okay offer comes in, or... I learn how to use it!  Meanwhile, if anyone finds this later, you're more than welcome to contact me, to see where I am with it.  I'll still be a member of the group, as I want to learn more about the Command Station, and would buy another later, once I know what I'm doing with it.



--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "vivaknievel" <jammesluckett@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, all...
> 
> I joined the group back in January, around the time I purchased my MP-7.  I've only been able to use it twice, briefly since then.  Not having used a drum sequencer remotely as multi-featured as this before, it seems like it has a more steep learning curve than I was prepared for.  So I feel I need to sell it.  I was so amped for this thing, and looking forward to getting an XL-7 card for it, but I don't feel I can learn this interface in time for an upcoming project. All I've figured out from the manual, so far, is how to mute/add tracks from patterns and I have done 4-bar step sequencing.  However, even though I think I'm saving them to an empty user slot, they're never there, when I turn the unit back on.  Also, by the time I get past 4-bars, I can't for the life of me, make these into longer patterns, nor manage to save enough custom patterns to build a song. I've run out of patience.  lol
> 
> Physical condition looks good - no scratches, marks, or cracks. Powers up and down without issue and sounds good, from what I've been able to use so far.  Only the MP-7 ROM card came installed.  There's been no smoking indoors.  
> 
> I purchased it a few months ago from Guitar Center for about $325, but I believe prices have gone down, since then. I will consider all offers - I figured I'd see if someone here needs one. 
> 
> Thanks and have a good day.
> 
> - J
>

Hi!  Thanks for the offer.  I understand what you're saying.  I just couldn't let it go for that, and include shipping.  I may just hang on to it and dive more into that manual and YouTube videos this summer; try to get some use out of it.  I saw so many articles, reviews, and posts touting how easy it was to use, but before buying it, I should have thought about the fact that these are people who've used far more complex units than I have. I'm sure that if I can learn how to use it, I'll find it too be more valuable to me than what I paid.  :) - J



--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Susan Subtract <ryan.taylor.jorgensen@...> wrote:
>
> I'm interested, but couldn't pay more than $200 (shipping included) for
> it... that' how much I paid (plus shipping) for my XL-7 about a year ago on
> ebay. it was in perfect condition and came with two roms...
> 
> On Wed, May 16, 2012 at 9:10 AM, vivaknievel <jammesluckett@...>wrote:
> 
> > **
> >
> >
> > UPDATE: There's been no response from the group, and insulting offers from
> > Craigslist - I'm possibly going to put it up on eBay. If the prospects look
> > grim, then I'll hang onto it, until either an okay offer comes in, or... I
> > learn how to use it! Meanwhile, if anyone finds this later, you're more
> > than welcome to contact me, to see where I am with it. I'll still be a
> > member of the group, as I want to learn more about the Command Station, and
> > would buy another later, once I know what I'm doing with it.
> >
> >
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "vivaknievel" <jammesluckett@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi, all...
> > >
> > > I joined the group back in January, around the time I purchased my MP-7.
> > I've only been able to use it twice, briefly since then. Not having used a
> > drum sequencer remotely as multi-featured as this before, it seems like it
> > has a more steep learning curve than I was prepared for. So I feel I need
> > to sell it. I was so amped for this thing, and looking forward to getting
> > an XL-7 card for it, but I don't feel I can learn this interface in time
> > for an upcoming project. All I've figured out from the manual, so far, is
> > how to mute/add tracks from patterns and I have done 4-bar step sequencing.
> > However, even though I think I'm saving them to an empty user slot, they're
> > never there, when I turn the unit back on. Also, by the time I get past
> > 4-bars, I can't for the life of me, make these into longer patterns, nor
> > manage to save enough custom patterns to build a song. I've run out of
> > patience. lol
> > >
> > > Physical condition looks good - no scratches, marks, or cracks. Powers
> > up and down without issue and sounds good, from what I've been able to use
> > so far. Only the MP-7 ROM card came installed. There's been no smoking
> > indoors.
> > >
> > > I purchased it a few months ago from Guitar Center for about $325, but I
> > believe prices have gone down, since then. I will consider all offers - I
> > figured I'd see if someone here needs one.
> > >
> > > Thanks and have a good day.
> > >
> > > - J
> > >
> >
> >  
> >
>

Or it can be a very powerful realtime performance tool without using either the internal sequencer or an external sequencer.

I think $325 for just the basic ROM is expected from a music store/chain, but I don't think anyone would pay that much on e-bay. Of course, it has 4 ROMs, $325 would be a very good price.

I second the idea of keeping it. We're here to help you get through it.

What kind of music do you do/want to do? 

Do you multi-track building of tunes, or live performance?

Steve



--- In xl7@...m, D F Tweedie <bienpegaito@...> wrote:
>
> Hey! Do you also use any sequencer on a computer? Don't forget that the unit can also be a very capable sound module triggered from your computer to be useful while you're learning it. The great thing about hardware sound modules is that it doesn't take much CPU power to run a midi program to trigger them. There are also a lot of very good, inexpensive midi usb interfaces for sending the midi from the computer to the Command Station. I favor the E-Mu one.
> 
> Personally, I would hold on to the unit.
> 
> 
> DF

I just went back to your original post. Apologies if you asked questions before and I didn't reply. Sometimes I am good about that; other times I am busy and miss the opportunity.

If you are/were planning to just use the MP-7 for a single project, it might not be worth your while to learn it. But if you will be working on other projects down the road, you might come toget a lot of use out of it.

People here can get you over some of the bumps on the learning curve road, but it really depends on what you want to do and your working/performance modality.

With my P2500, I used to do multi-track pattern building--recording notes played on an external midi keyboard since the P2500 doesn't have the pads. I would record one track, then add another track, etc. Lately, though, I have been using it as a realtime performane sound module. I have also used the 4 x 4 assignable knobs to control xternal gear. Keep in mind that there is a lot of flexibility. 

As for getting beyond 4 measure patterns, to set the length, go into record mode. Realtime rcrod mode looks like this:

T01 REC+ Ln:01 Bar:01.1
Quant:off Met:off CntIn:0

You can set Ln to 32 for a 32 bar pattern.

If you have a 4 bar pattern you want to extend, you can press the Pattern button (underneath EDIT, not MODE/VIEW). You can also use the EXTEND SEQUENCE DATA TO function.

Again, there are quite a few people here who can help you get over the bumps, if you are still interested--now or somewhere down the road, if you want to keep the box.

Steve 




--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "vivaknievel" <jammesluckett@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, all...
> 
> I joined the group back in January, around the time I purchased my MP-7.  I've only been able to use it twice, briefly since then.  Not having used a drum sequencer remotely as multi-featured as this before, it seems like it has a more steep learning curve than I was prepared for.  So I feel I need to sell it.  I was so amped for this thing, and looking forward to getting an XL-7 card for it, but I don't feel I can learn this interface in time for an upcoming project. All I've figured out from the manual, so far, is how to mute/add tracks from patterns and I have done 4-bar step sequencing.  However, even though I think I'm saving them to an empty user slot, they're never there, when I turn the unit back on.  Also, by the time I get past 4-bars, I can't for the life of me, make these into longer patterns, nor manage to save enough custom patterns to build a song. I've run out of patience.  lol
> 
> Physical condition looks good - no scratches, marks, or cracks. Powers up and down without issue and sounds good, from what I've been able to use so far.  Only the MP-7 ROM card came installed.  There's been no smoking indoors.  
> 
> I purchased it a few months ago from Guitar Center for about $325, but I believe prices have gone down, since then. I will consider all offers - I figured I'd see if someone here needs one. 
> 
> Thanks and have a good day.
> 
> - J
>

You all are too kind - Thanks so much.   Your posts and tips gave me  
much more to think about - I will, indeed, hang onto it.  I knew I  
wouldn't get what I paid, but I wasn't prepared to drop more than $100  
less.  I can't get a suitable replacement for less than that, so I'm  
going to keep it.

Over the years, I'd mostly been tethered to the computer (Mac) with  
third-party softsynths, plug-ins and MIDI controllers - and situations  
where fairly recent sessions can't be opened for additional recording  
or mixing without expensive upgrades, troubleshooting or replacements  
of software.    I'm reversing that cycle and returning to a mostly  
hardware scenario.  Hardware will be used for use in both multi-track  
recording and live performance, with DAWs there for capturing the  
recording, fine editing, and mixing (only with stock plug-ins, when  
needed).

My "panic" to sell and replace came from one immediate soundtrack  
project, that I wanted to use the MP-7 on, but it was originally  
purchased with long-term use in mind, for album work and live  
shows.    A lot of what I'm working on falls across some variation of  
sounds - Breakbeats, Trip Hop, New Wave, Drum'n'bass, 1960s pop and  
early electronic (i.e. Wendy Carlos).  I've heard enough demos, that I  
know that if I get a few more ROMs, I'll be good to go on that type of  
stuff.   I'm picking up a synthesizer tonight (Yamaha AN1x) and aim to  
add a sampler and something for vocal effects, later on.

I'll be getting back into it in another month or so... with patience,  
the manual and the older posts on the forum, it'll probably make more  
sense soon.  If I get stuck and really can't find an answer any other  
way, I'll be proactive and see if I can get clarification from you.   
What you've done already, is a tremendous help.  Thanks very much!

Matt, we should coordinate efforts to avoid duplication and possibly do complimentary demos/tutorials. Perhaps even without coordination there won't be any duplication of efforts, but let's touch base.
Steve

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Matt <somatt@...> wrote:
>
> as soon as i am on summer break I will be making some youtube videos for
> this synth and for the sp-808 sampler
> 
> On Wed, May 16, 2012 at 5:54 PM, steve_the_composer <smw-mail@...>wrote:
> 
> > **
> >
> >
> > I just went back to your original post. Apologies if you asked questions
> > before and I didn't reply. Sometimes I am good about that; other times I am
> > busy and miss the opportunity.
> >
> > If you are/were planning to just use the MP-7 for a single project, it
> > might not be worth your while to learn it. But if you will be working on
> > other projects down the road, you might come toget a lot of use out of it.
> >
> > People here can get you over some of the bumps on the learning curve road,
> > but it really depends on what you want to do and your working/performance
> > modality.
> >
> > With my P2500, I used to do multi-track pattern building--recording notes
> > played on an external midi keyboard since the P2500 doesn't have the pads.
> > I would record one track, then add another track, etc. Lately, though, I
> > have been using it as a realtime performane sound module. I have also used
> > the 4 x 4 assignable knobs to control xternal gear. Keep in mind that there
> > is a lot of flexibility.
> >
> > As for getting beyond 4 measure patterns, to set the length, go into
> > record mode. Realtime rcrod mode looks like this:
> >
> > T01 REC+ Ln:01 Bar:01.1
> > Quant:off Met:off CntIn:0
> >
> > You can set Ln to 32 for a 32 bar pattern.
> >
> > If you have a 4 bar pattern you want to extend, you can press the Pattern
> > button (underneath EDIT, not MODE/VIEW). You can also use the EXTEND
> > SEQUENCE DATA TO function.
> >
> > Again, there are quite a few people here who can help you get over the
> > bumps, if you are still interested--now or somewhere down the road, if you
> > want to keep the box.
> >
> > Steve
> >
> > --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "vivaknievel" <jammesluckett@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi, all...
> > >
> > > I joined the group back in January, around the time I purchased my MP-7.
> > I've only been able to use it twice, briefly since then. Not having used a
> > drum sequencer remotely as multi-featured as this before, it seems like it
> > has a more steep learning curve than I was prepared for. So I feel I need
> > to sell it. I was so amped for this thing, and looking forward to getting
> > an XL-7 card for it, but I don't feel I can learn this interface in time
> > for an upcoming project. All I've figured out from the manual, so far, is
> > how to mute/add tracks from patterns and I have done 4-bar step sequencing.
> > However, even though I think I'm saving them to an empty user slot, they're
> > never there, when I turn the unit back on. Also, by the time I get past
> > 4-bars, I can't for the life of me, make these into longer patterns, nor
> > manage to save enough custom patterns to build a song. I've run out of
> > patience. lol
> > >
> > > Physical condition looks good - no scratches, marks, or cracks. Powers
> > up and down without issue and sounds good, from what I've been able to use
> > so far. Only the MP-7 ROM card came installed. There's been no smoking
> > indoors.
> > >
> > > I purchased it a few months ago from Guitar Center for about $325, but I
> > believe prices have gone down, since then. I will consider all offers - I
> > figured I'd see if someone here needs one.
> > >
> > > Thanks and have a good day.
> > >
> > > - J
> > >
> >
> >  
> >
>

Steve definitely!

A note:
the emu command station is really great because as you understand more and more about audio it grows with you. I used to use in basic mode with fx off and only use master arp and was scared of the triggers and arp patches.
now I use all the trigger modes the fx and combine basic tracks into multichannel tracks and make my own four layer patches with all custom MIDI cords and arp controls.  I really feel like it is the BEST  for growing and learning!
An advice:
learn about MIDI and read the less dry sections of the manual you will be much more competent on this machine very quickly.

2012/5/17 Ms. J Luckett <jammesluckett@...>:
> My "panic" to sell and replace came from one immediate soundtrack
> project, that I wanted to use the MP-7 on, but it was originally
> purchased with long-term use in mind, for album work and live

I bought my MP-7 from a guy a bought my Korg Z1 before. I started to
play with Command Station and every now and then was sending him some
mp3 with examples. After three weeks he said "I didn't know one can do
stuff like this with this instrument. Now I wish I could get it
back..."

Eventually we found another one in Amsterdam (where I live), so I got
him his MP-7 and bought a new one. We also started a project together
(http://www.jamendo.com/pl/artist/370836/dzabownia-project), that
other people joined later. So, Command Stations have a huge creative
potential in them!

The MP-7 I mentioned I will be probably selling soon, after replacing
the broken volume pot (it's a binary device - max or nothing). I'm not
sure if I'm going to include the "XL-7" ROM in it, or if I'm going to
put it in my PK-6. The reason for seeling is simple, I was able to get
XL-7 with ROMs I wanted, and since I always liked the yellow more than
purple, I decided to keep it.

Cheers,

Bruno

And to include the important stuff:

2012/5/20 Bruno <brunorc@...>:
> 2012/5/17 Ms. J Luckett <jammesluckett@...>:
>> My "panic" to sell and replace came from one immediate soundtrack
>> project, that I wanted to use the MP-7 on, but it was originally
>> purchased with long-term use in mind, for album work and live
>
> I bought my MP-7 from a guy a bought my Korg Z1 before. I started to
> play with Command Station and every now and then was sending him some
> mp3 with examples. After three weeks he said "I didn't know one can do
> stuff like this with this instrument. Now I wish I could get it
> back..."

So, the bottom line is: give it some time, try it; you will always
have time to sell it, and the price tag is stable.

I saw your mails on AN1x mailing list - believe me, the synth engine
of MP-7 is at least equally powerful, if not more (modulation
processors FTW!), and it gives you 128 voices of polyphony, instead of
AN's 10 voices. They will also complement each other nicely.

> The MP-7 I mentioned I will be probably selling soon, after replacing
> the broken volume pot (it's a binary device - max or nothing). I'm not
> sure if I'm going to include the "XL-7" ROM in it, or if I'm going to

Which stands for "it may come with XL-7 ROM in it or be just an empty
shell", since I moved the MROM to my XL-7.

Bruno

2012/5/17 steve_the_composer <smw-mail@...>:
> Matt, we should coordinate efforts to avoid duplication and possibly do complimentary demos/tutorials. Perhaps even without coordination there won't be any duplication of efforts, but let's touch base.

I wouldn't bother. If you find a nice tube about recording with CS,
which unfortunately misses some important bits, just provide your tube
with those bits as a response. Coordinating efforts usually costs more
time, and time it's a scarce resource usually; organic grow will do
:-)

Just my humble opinion anyway.

Bruno

Thanks for sharing your experience!  And also the tidbit about possibilities for the AN1x and Command Station as a duo.  Actually the man I got the Yamaha from, also had an MP-7 in his studio, and he said something similar.  I'm making progress with the Yamaha so far... and based upon many reviews I'd seen, I was expecting that to be 20 times as difficult... so I feel a lot more optimistic about the MP-7.

To those considering making videos - you'll have a loyal subscriber, here!  :)

Thanks, very much, to you all. - Jammes





--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, Bruno <brunorc@...> wrote:
>
> And to include the important stuff:
> 
> 2012/5/20 Bruno <brunorc@...>:
> > 2012/5/17 Ms. J Luckett <jammesluckett@...>:
> >> My "panic" to sell and replace came from one immediate soundtrack
> >> project, that I wanted to use the MP-7 on, but it was originally
> >> purchased with long-term use in mind, for album work and live
> >
> > I bought my MP-7 from a guy a bought my Korg Z1 before. I started to
> > play with Command Station and every now and then was sending him some
> > mp3 with examples. After three weeks he said "I didn't know one can do
> > stuff like this with this instrument. Now I wish I could get it
> > back..."
> 
> So, the bottom line is: give it some time, try it; you will always
> have time to sell it, and the price tag is stable.
> 
> I saw your mails on AN1x mailing list - believe me, the synth engine
> of MP-7 is at least equally powerful, if not more (modulation
> processors FTW!), and it gives you 128 voices of polyphony, instead of
> AN's 10 voices. They will also complement each other nicely.
> 
> > The MP-7 I mentioned I will be probably selling soon, after replacing
> > the broken volume pot (it's a binary device - max or nothing). I'm not
> > sure if I'm going to include the "XL-7" ROM in it, or if I'm going to
> 
> Which stands for "it may come with XL-7 ROM in it or be just an empty
> shell", since I moved the MROM to my XL-7.
> 
> Bruno
>