Re: live applications: mpc2000 vs. ASR-X

[Cummings <r_t_cummings@csi.com>]

Thanks for the information Doug, what's the address of the ASR-X list?
And does anyone know of a mpc2000 list?

Thanks in advance,
Rob


Douglas Lawrence wrote:
> 
> I've been monitoring an ASR-X mailing list for a couple weeks since I'm 
>in
> the same boat trying to decide between the two.
> 
> >From what I understand, the MPC-2000 with OS v1.7 is rock solid in the
> sequencing department and finally reads .WAV files which is helpful. 
>Also,
> the on-board sample editing is quite easy to use. Although an effect 
>board
> is available, it's light compared to the ASR-X. The bigger screen is 
>great
> and you have a few extra pads and knobs.
> 
> As for the ASR-X, the sequencer is not totally solid yet and has a 
>tendency
> to crash frequently (even with the latest v2.62 OS) if you tweak too 
>much or
> hit buttons too fast. I can't speak for the new ASR-X Turbo since it 
>claims
> to have OS v3.0. Many of the subscriber's seem to use an external 
>sequencer
> and computer based sample editing to make up for those shortcomings. It
> seems the sampler is better quality in the ASR-X and don't the built-in 
>MR
> synth engine. The small screen is not so great, but you have velocity
> sensitive pads.
> 
> Some of the subscribers are using the ASR-X live in conjunction with an 
>EMU
> Launch Pad successfully. Others use it in conjunction with a MIDI 
>keyboard
> controller. Some of the parameters that you may want to control may not 
>be
> available real-time, like time stretching.
> 
> With all the problems that they've experienced, the ASR-X users seem to
> think that it's a one-of-a-kind tool and I think Ensoniq has shown some
> commitment to development of the product with release of the "Pro" 
>version.
> It will probably be rock solid with 2 more releases of the OS. Now how 
>long
> that will take, who knows, but it seems to be a great instrument anyway.
> 
> I was thinking about getting one from Musician's Friend. Although you may
> pay a little more, you have 45 days to check out the unit and return it 
>if
> you don't like it. Last I checked, they didn't have any in-stock and this
> policy may be voided for special order items.
> 
> Doug
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: r_t_cummings@csi.com [mailto:r_t_cummings@csi.com]
> Sent: Sunday, September 20, 1998 5:16 PM
> To: Loopers Delight
> Subject: live applications: mpc2000 vs. ASR-X
> 
> Hello loopers, sorry if these toys have already been discussed in the
> last few weeks while I've been away. I'm looking to get a sampling drum
> machine and I'm having a hard time deciding between the two (Akai
> mpc2000 vs. Ensoniq ASR-X). The Akai seems to have the edge in
> user-friendliness and MIDI (two outputs), while the Ensoniq rules with
> internal sounds, better filters, deeper resolution (384 ppq!).
> 
> My question: which of these is better live, i.e. which of these can be
> tweaked most effectively?
> 
> thanks,
> rob