Re: [xl7] XL-7 vs. MC-505 vs. RM1x vs. Electribes?
2002-06-27 by erik_magrini@Baxter.com
Well, I've owned all of them, so hopefully I can provide some rEalm insight here. First of all, for those that don't care to read all the following, I'll just say up front I think the XL-7 is the winner, or else I'd still be using something else (ER-1 excluded, as I still use it all the time)! XL-7 - By far the leader of the pack in terms of synthesis and sound quality. Lots of features when it comes to controlling a MIDI set up too, the flexibility of the track versus channel assignments is key here. Only unit with USB , ROM expansion, and digital outs too, as well as those sweet drum pads. What it lacks? More comprehensive MIDI editing, dance-type effects, megamix, and RPS (RPPR) features would be nice too. BTS mode is ok, but still not ideal. This is probably the easiest 'box' to learn for the beginner I think. MC505 - The close runner up IMO, it has pretty good sound engine (same as the JV1080), although I personally found myself getting sick of the "Roland sound" after awhile. The Patches all have this same 'sheen' to them. It excels at live sequencing though, hands down the winner here. Once you learn Megamix, you don't want to go back, and this feature alone gave me the hardest time when deciding to get a XL-7. The pattern editing is pretty comprehensive, and it has lots of groove quantizing that works very well. Interesting effects too, not just the more standard ones (ie boring) that the XX-7's have. Smart media cards are used for storage, although Roland implemented the less standard 5v cards, which are very hard to find now, I think Roland themselves might be the only ones left now. D-Beam is cool for the first 2 minutes of use, after that you realize that it's pretty unstable and reacts very differently under different lighting conditions. Plus you look like a fool using it live IMO, but that's just me. For those that mentioned it, they licensed the technology from Interactive Lighting, who DO make stand-alone D-Beams, just FYI. RM1x - Pretty limited synthesis is my first thought, less options than even a CS2x. But it's by far the most full featured sequencer of the bunch, with tons of cool MIDI effects and plentiful editing options. The terminology and the organization of Patterns is a bit out there, but once you get your head round it, it's pretty flexible. This is the same sequencer you get in the RS7000 BTW. If you're controlling ONLY external gear, the RM1x is a pretty good compact sequencer in that regard. Electribes - Personally I think that it's a bit unfair to categorize the Electribes with the above sequencers. With the possible exception of the EM-1, the rest of them are pretty specialized at what they do, and not really an "all in one" solution. Having said that, I can't recommend the E-tribes enough if you've got a couple hundred laying around and got the itch to buy some gear. The ER-1 in particular is one bad ass little machine capable of a sick array of beats. Easy to use, portable in the extreme, and they never, ever, ever crash or act weird IMO. The ES-1 is a cool little sampler, and the EA-1 is a nice 2 voice analog synth you can use for wicked basslines and what not. By far these are the easiest to learn, but you'll also reach their limits very fast too. They make a great addition to a studio or live set up, but I wouldn't rely on them as your only tools, unless you're COMPLETELY new to e-music and not sure if it's going to be something you want to invest in. rEalm On some other web sites the following other units were mentioned as possible contenders for the XL-7 and MC-505 - those are the Yamaha RM1x and the Korg Electribes (EM-1&ES-1&ER-1 if I am right), has anyone used the later units? how do they compare in features/ease of picking up for beginners?