MICROKORG and STEP SEQUENCER

[simonyeah]

Dear All,
I am about to purchase a Microkorg but i would like to check before one point.
I know there is no step sequencer on the MicroKorg but i would really love to be able to make loops and add/change notes on each steps of such loops (in fact use the microkorg as a roland "TR mode"). I think this is a really good way to compose.
SO, i was thinking to plug a little drum machine or step sequencer (like yamaha QY20) via midi in on the microkorg so i could make midi loops and control the sounds of the microkorg with such drum machine and change pitch, modulation, or whatsoever on each steps ?

Is this possible?

I have another little question which may seem stupid : could you play a drum loop on the microkorg and play synth sounds in the same time?

Thank you very much in advance for advices,

BEst,
Simon

[Thomas A.]

Dear All,
I am about to purchase a Microkorg but i would like to check before one point.
I know there is no step sequencer on the MicroKorg but i would really love to be able to make loops and add/change notes on each steps of such loops (in fact use the microkorg as a roland "TR mode"). I think this is a really good way to compose.
SO, i was thinking to plug a little drum machine or step sequencer (like yamaha QY20) via midi in on the microkorg so i could make midi loops and control the sounds of the microkorg with such drum machine and change pitch, modulation, or whatsoever on each steps ?

Is this possible?

Hi Simon,
the best and cheapest solution is to purchase a used Electribe ESX (or new, they are cheap these days). It's perfect for sequencing your Microkorg like a TR. Beside this, you got much more possibilities by additional tracks and by playing your own samples. Fortunately, you need no mixer: Simply feed the Microkorgs audio into the ESX, then hit the Audio In Thru button and you'll hear the Microkorg and the Tribe together. Connect both with a MIDI cable and they'll run in sync. Really a perfect team.

[simonyeah]

Thank you thomas.
I was actually thinking of something cheaper and only midi which can control and makes sequences to the microkorg : drum machine -> microkorg via midi in of the microkorg.
WOuld it work?
Also, wihtout such devices, i this possible to play synth sounds on microkorg while one drum loop is playing?
Thank
Simon

[Thomas A.]

Thank you thomas.
I was actually thinking of something cheaper and only midi which can control and makes sequences to the microkorg : drum machine -> microkorg via midi in of the microkorg.
WOuld it work?
Also, wihtout such devices, i this possible to play synth sounds on microkorg while one drum loop is playing?
Thank
Simon

If want you want TR-like sequencing, the cheapest solution is a used MC-303.

[jojo]

Just speaking up for the digital world (99% of successful professional studios) here. You could always consider a software DAW like (my personal fav) Logic Pro 8 or Logic Express 8. Over 100 instruments and effects, and the list goes on.

I usually encourage Logic simply because the interface is far more streamlined than that of Pro Tools (I know, I know..people are going to jump me for saying that).

It's a single-window interface, just like Pro Tools, but it is a whole lot easier on the eyes (in my opinion) and I don't feel like I'm using Windows 2000 like I do when I use Pro Tools.

You can view a quick rundown on Logic here:

http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/
http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/

Trust me, it's worth your time.

You might also consider (and this is strictly for Windows, just as Logic is strictly MAC) Fruityloops. It's actually quite a good step-sequencer, though it's recording capabilities are severely lacking in dealing with audio (compared to more full-featured DAWs). It's mainly a step-sequencer and midi sequencer. If you are using a Mac, you could always run Windows using Boot Camp from Apple.

http://www.flstudio.com/documents/what.html
http://www.apple.com/bootcamp