Simple Multi-Track Sequencing

[Flood Is Ill]

I'm an electronic musician looking to take my project to a live setting. I plan to use my computer as my synthesizer (FL Studio, and various VSTi's), but I'd prefer not to just stand there and sing while my computer plays my songs, obviously. So I'd like to move all the sequencing to hardware, but every sequencer I've looked at fails to meet my needs, or vastly exceeds both my needs and my price range.

ALL I need I something that will allow me to easily switch between MIDI channels, and arrange patterns. I don't even need a keyboard, as long as it has a MIDI In port. I have controllers. Ideally I'd like a MIDI-over-USB option, but that I can do without too.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[tacman7]

Are you asking about hardware or software? I thought software but then you talked about midi over usb and that's hardware because any software can use any midi port on your computer.

There's a new controller for ableton live, is that the software your use? I think it's what you want if you don't use it.

Cheap great controller is Korg nano pad.

[garageband]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

My suggestion is not have all this machinery running live. Much more to go wrong. Prepare the backing tracks ahead of time and play back stereo .wavs off iTunes or a CD player. Sure, that sounds like a lame idea, but the tracks (and whole mix with you in it) will sound better and the show will run smoother and you'll be able to concentrate on playing, not running the machinery.

[brandondrury]

I'd prefer not to just stand there and sing while my computer plays my songs, obviously.

I don't understand how this is any different than a sequencer. Using a standalone computer with RAM, CPU, etc (hardware sequencer) doesn't seem much different than using one you find on a Dell or Mac.

Much more to go wrong.

I want to emphasize this times 10,000. Everything goes wrong live. Luckily alcohol is usually there like some kind of savior. Always simplify everything live. ALWAYS!

You didn't ask for an opinion, but I'm gonna give it. No one cars whether you used hardware sequencers of software sequencers. No one cars if you just played a karaoke thing. I'd put the extra time into to being entertaining on a visual / theatrics standpoint. If you can get that right, people will love it.

Brandon

[Flood Is Ill]

Okay time for some clarifyin'. Obviously if I just programmed MIDI files than there's no difference between hardware and software sequencers, but my goal is to have absolutely nothing preprogrammed but my synth patches. My goal is to play (on a physical keyboard) each pattern into the proper MIDI channel, and then arrange said patterns, not only because I'd like to be playing something, as I said, but because I dislike the idea of over-quantized, perfectly lined-up MIDI control sequences in what I'd like to be a 'live' performance. I'd like some freedom to improvise.

As for the dangers of such a set-up, I assure you I've considered that. I have a backup laptop in case of computer issues, and if any equipment other than the computer should fail (aside from monitors/speakers/etc.), I still have the alternative of just letting my computer do it all.

By the way I use FL Studio, not Ableton.

[Flood Is Ill]

And just to emphasize how aware I am of the risks, I'd like to say that I've played in a number of bands through the years, so I know all about just about every different thing that can (and will) go wrong in a live show. This is my first foray into live electronica, but not my first show. However, thank you all for the concern.

[garww]

I take this approach also. There is a lot to be said for playing back the .wav files, no argument. I also put a lot of weight on the improve available with MIDI. Some performers require a deeper sense of satisfaction. Being set-up for both approaches might be ideal. One could make a large cut-out and stand it behind the extra midi keyboard.

There are a large assortment of vintage sequencers out there that may work for you. You have to look at the specs and devise a plan.

[Flood Is Ill]

I suppose that makes sense. Needing something simple, vintage is probably a good course, in an age of packing as many features as possible into one box. I have looked at a couple of vintage pieces, however I've found it's very difficult to find reliable spec sheets, since the manufacturers generally don't maintain documents on legacy products. Do you know of any resources for that kind of information?

[garww]

Lennart Regebro: The sequencer comparison chart

[Flood Is Ill]

Thanks a lot, that's exactly what I was looking for. Haha and now for the task of actually finding one of those devices.