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

Hi,
  I was wondering if someone has experience with both machines.  I am 
looking to mainly program beats with funky quantization options, but 
am unsure whether the XL/MP-7 has as tight or fully featured a 
sequencer.  I guess most importantly - which sequencer is more 
intuitive for laying down beats/tracks?
  Also, can someone comment on the quality of the pads on the MP/XL-7 
versus the MPC2000 pads or even the MPC60/3000 pads?
  Am I correct in assuming you can go from record and play without 
stopping the sequencer on both these units (unlike the RM1X or 
RS7000)?
  Thanks!
Ryan

i would  also like to second that question. please dont ignore it, someone 
answer.

>Hi,
>  I was wondering if someone has experience with both machines.  I am
>looking to mainly program beats with funky quantization options, but
>am unsure whether the XL/MP-7 has as tight or fully featured a
>sequencer.  I guess most importantly - which sequencer is more
>intuitive for laying down beats/tracks?

They are identical, apart from paint job and ROM. Intuitive, even for
someone with a preference for software, like myself. Comfortable form factor
for working in bed too.

What do you mean by funky quantization options? I haven't seen anything
outside of software (such as DNA grooves) that can do anything funkier than
triplets... Could you enlighten me?

>  Also, can someone comment on the quality of the pads on the MP/XL-7
>versus the MPC2000 pads or even the MPC60/3000 pads?

Can't comment since my experience with the akai stuff is limited. I find the
pads comfortable for percussive play, though it takes concentration to get
velocity right. I think this is more likely caused by the multi sample
switches. Similar to a handsonic, only a little bouncier, with more give.
They seem to be made for long term abuse.

>  Am I correct in assuming you can go from record and play without
>stopping the sequencer on both these units (unlike the RM1X or
>RS7000)?

Yes, however the 'cut' function will stop the sequencer :<

Thanks, this is very helpful

--- In xl7@y..., "Jonathan El-Bizri" <sserendipity@n...> wrote:
> What do you mean by funky quantization options? I haven't seen 
>anything outside of software (such as DNA grooves) that can do 
>anything funkier than triplets... Could you enlighten me?

What I was thinking of was realtime shuffle/swing like the realtime 
grid shift option of the RM1X.  Can a knob be assigned to the swing 
function?

--- In xl7@y..., 9rpb@q... wrote:
> Thanks, this is very helpful
> 
> --- In xl7@y..., "Jonathan El-Bizri" <sserendipity@n...> wrote:
> > What do you mean by funky quantization options? I haven't seen 
> >anything outside of software (such as DNA grooves) that can do 
> >anything funkier than triplets... Could you enlighten me?
> 
> What I was thinking of was realtime shuffle/swing like the realtime 
> grid shift option of the RM1X.  Can a knob be assigned to the swing 
> function?

No, not as far as I know. You just record the notes, then you can 
shuffle / swing quantize it, but not in real-time like the RM1X. 
Perhaps this feature will appear in later OS versions. At this moment 
we're (the XL-7 owners) just "beta testers" trying some "unfinished 
gear" ("Beta-tester" described this very well at sonicstate), and 
there's probably a whole lot of unfinished features to expect.