Any advice on which sequencer to buy?

[jdthe4th]

G'day,
I'm new to the midi thing so I've got a couple of questions.....

1. I have to get EZ Drummer with the Vintage Exp. This kit is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm on an intel iMac and have Garage Band 08. Is anyone using EZ with GB08? Compatibility issues? any cons?

2. I'm pretty sure GB08 is limited so any advice on a sequencer?
I don't want to have to pay too much. All I'll be using it for is programming drums - nothing else. Probably one of the biggest things I'm looking for in a sequencer is ease of use, especially in clicking out the patterns with the mouse. At this point in time I'm not wanting to use a controller.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.
-if you didn't catch my intro thread thanks a bunch to Brandon for the beginners midi write up. Solved pretty much all of my questions!

Cheers - JD

[brandondrury]

I'm pretty sure GB08 is limited so any advice on a sequencer?
I don't want to have to pay too much. All I'll be using it for is programming drums - nothing else.

Nothing else? So what are you recording your other tracks into? The modern sequencer isn't really a sequencer. It's a full blown recording rig (with appropriate audio interface). Cubase (my weapon of choice) and Logic are just as powerful at recording live bands as they are working up techno and other MIDI intensive situations.

I'd take a look at:

Cubase LE

Logic Express 8

I'm interested in how you are going to get the tracks out of your sequencer into whatever recorder you are using.

[richiebee]

EZ drummer is a quirky product in a couple of regards. Not being anti-Mac here, but using an Intel Mac also puts you in a mildly quirky situation. I would be inclined to check the Toontracks web site for compatible hosts for EZ Drummer. You can find their list of compatibles on this page - Toontrack

On the right hand side, close to the bottom is a link to a compatibility list.

[jdthe4th]

Thanks Guys.
I ended up getting Logic Express8, so I'm glad that was one of your choices Brandon.
As far as getting the tracks out I don't know which way I will go about that, but figured there'd be a few options?
I'm recording on VS2480's.
Cheers. - JD

[Soumitra]

Originally Posted by jdthe4th

Any input will be greatly appreciated. -if you didn't catch my intro thread thanks a bunch to Brandon for the beginners midi write up. Solved pretty much all of my questions! Cheers - JD

Possible to post a link to this midi write up that you mentioned ? I could do with some tips. Thanks Soumitra

[jdthe4th]

Soumitra,
The write up is in the midi sequencing forum catagory (which is this catagory)
it's the first thread in the list.
Cheers

[brandondrury]

As far as getting the tracks out I don't know which way I will go about that, but figured there'd be a few options?

Well, it depends.

Going stereo out of your audio interface is easy (even if you only have the stock soundcard) as you can run that into your Roland VS2480. If you wanted to actually have the abilty to mix your tracks (recommended!) you'd need to have multiple outputs and that would require a real audio interface.

To be honest here, you have officially crossed the line in your standalone box. The second you decide you need to move from the Roland VS2480 to something in the computer, you'll find that the best way to get the most out of both of them is with a full blown computer rig. Of course, if you have a full blown computer rig, what's the point of the stand alone recorder? Food for thought.

Brandon

[Soumitra]

Originally Posted by jdthe4th

Soumitra,
The write up is in the midi sequencing forum catagory (which is this catagory)
it's the first thread in the list.
Cheers

Thanks.. Will check it out !!

[objectman]

I swear by Ableton Live. You can get it cheaper by upgrading from a lite version (which is often bundled with soundcards / midi-controllers etc.). But I'm an ABSOLUTE music newby. The non-linear interface is very different to the usual linear types, but it's an absolute breeze to learn. You can get started without a manual. Just my 2c worth on this thread.

[Soumitra]

Originally Posted by objectman

I swear by Ableton Live. You can get it cheaper by upgrading from a lite version (which is often bundled with soundcards / midi-controllers etc.). But I'm an ABSOLUTE music newby. The non-linear interface is very different to the usual linear types, but it's an absolute breeze to learn. You can get started without a manual. Just my 2c worth on this thread.

Thanks. I did download the demo version but never really tried it out. Will give it a go now.