Showing posts with label drum machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drum machine. Show all posts

Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine Review

Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Looking for a dual drum and bass machine to keep my chops on beat, the zoom machine was perfect for practice sessions. It sounds excellent pluged into my home surround sound and really gets my creative improvisational juices flowing. I play fusion, rock, blues and jazz in the style of EVH to VAI. This machine gives me a nice work out and jams in many styles. Excellent practice tool to keep you fresh and really allows you to work on your creativity.

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The RT-223 is a drum & bass machine for any kind of rhythm play. Small in size and light in weight, this low-profile unit will go with you anywhere. You can get a session going with your very own rhythm section in a flash, anywhere, anytime.


Seventy different kits from Rock Drum to Voice Percussion The range of drum kits built into the RT-223 is simply amazing. A total of 70 drum kits are built-in, with acoustic drum sounds for rock, R&B, funk, and jazz. Add an analog rhythm machine great for Techno and Hip Hop. Ethnic percussion sounds are also available. There are also five Human Voice "Beat Box" Percussion kits that are currently all the rage in Hip Hop. Create advanced rhythm tracks where kick, snare, scratch and other instrument sounds are expressed as human voices.

Create your own drum kits A drum kit consists of 13 pads x 3 banks = 39 sounds. Sound sources can be freely selected and assigned to the pads. Fine-tune parameters such as pitch, level, and panning to create your own original drum kits. The RT-223 lets you store up to 127 user-programmed kits.

Twelve built-in bass sound sources Choose from electric bass styles such as Pick, Finger, and Slap. Or select Acoustic Bass, Synthesizer Bass, or one of the other bass sources, 12 in total. To create a bass line, you can play the pads with assigned chromatic pitches just like a keyboard. A dedicated switch quickly lets you mute the bass sound at any time.

Two types of effects to control EQ and Ambience The overall EQ and tonal quality of a drum kit can be adjusted with the COMP EQ effect. The REVERB effects can be used simultaneously. These effects can also be applied to bass sounds. Up to 40 settings for each effect can be stored as patches.

440 preset patterns cover all musical styles From Rock, Jazz, and Funk to Club and House, the RT-223 comes with 440 playing patterns that can be used straight away. A large number of phrase variations including intro, fill-in, and ending patterns are also provided. By simply combining these, you can whip up a backing rhythm that delivers the goods.

Touch-sensitive pads let you build original patterns Programming your own patterns is a snap, thanks to the touch-sensitive drum pads. The RT-223 records not only your timing, but also the dynamics of your finger work. You can create and store up to 511 patterns. The process is made even easier through visual cues provided by the self-lit pads.

Quickly create original songs with FAST method You can combine any number of drum patterns in any order to create a song. In addition to step input where you select patterns one by one, the RT-223 also offers the innovative FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method. With FAST, you use simple mathematical symbols such as +, -, (, and ) to specify the pattern lineup. This is especially useful for songs with repeated patterns. To play pattern number 12 eight times and then pattern 25 sixteen times, you simply enter "12 x 8 + 25 x 16". By enclosing this in brackets and adding a multiplication factor such as "( ) x 4", the entire sequence can be repeated. The RT-223 lets you store as many as 100 songs for automated backing.

Groove play mode lets you play patterns like a DJ Assigning patterns to pads allows you to trigger patterns simply by tapping the pads. This is great for live performances and for DJ use.

User-friendly design for simple operation The RT-223 is a dedicated rhythm machine designed to make rhythm programming truly easy. You can take the shortest possible route from idea to finished song. No need to boot up a PC and start DAW software, or laboriously read sound source data into a sampler. Most controls on the top panel of the RT-223 have only a single function, and there are no complicated multi-level menus. The backlit LCD shows all important information at a glance.

Total control with a foot switch Intro, pattern 1, fill-in, pattern 2, ... ending. Imagine controlling such a sequence just with a foot switch. With a Zoom FS01 Foot Switch (sold separately) you can rock out live, triggering patterns with your foot. You can also use the switch to start or stop a pattern, perform tap input to specify the tempo, trigger the bass drum sounds, switch between hi-hat open/close, and much more.

Metronome function for simple repeat practice The built-in metronome with its dedicated key is handy for simple repeat practice. In addition to the standard 2 - 8 beat, you can also use 6/8 beat, 7/8 beat, 2+3 beat, 3+4 beat and other mixed beat settings.

MIDI IN connector and external line input The MIDI IN connector allows synchronized play with an external device. By receiving note messages, the RT-223 can serve as drum sound source module in a MIDI-based system. The line input accepts the signal from a CD player or other line-level source, or from a guitar or bass via an effect. Seamlessly integrate the RT-223 into any session.

2-way power from size AA batteries or AC adaptor The unit will operate continuously for eight hours on a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Whether on stage or during rehearsals in the studio, the RT-223 is always ready. For extended studio work, an AC adaptor (sold seperately) can also be used.

What's in the Box Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine, User's Manual


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Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center Review

Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Imagine having a synthesizer added to your MPC (assuming you have used a MPC before). Same capabilities as the previous models, but my favorite addition is the arpeggio function. When a MIDI keyboard is hooked up you can play out chords and press the arpeggiator button instead of just holding down the note-repeat button. I actually ordered and installed different color pads to give my MPC that customized-look. The internal hard drive is loaded with more than enough soundsets. The ability to chop and edit samples has been simplified with a few auto options. It also has a built in multitrack recorder (which I have yet to mess with), but seems easily accessible at the click of a button. I save my sounds on the internal hard drive and back them up on computer via USB port built on the back of the unit. The option to save and/or load is available for both Compact Flash cards and internal hard drive. Optional DVD Drive can be installed, too...this made my beat CD creation a cinch. The internal ROM is loaded with basic drum sets and synth presets. Make sure you update the Operating System for I heard the original OS was "buggy" (unstable). Like I mentioned in my title...the MPC5000 is quite pricey, but the power of this machine is unrivaled.

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The Akai MPC5000 has a greatly expanded feature set and that legendary MPC feel! The MPC series set the standard for beat production. What would it take to make the ultimate MPC? Dozens of engineers, 20 years of experience and a new synth and drum sampling engine unlike any MPC ever. Introducing the MPC5000; the new standard for music production. Purchase the Akai MPC5000 today and get a FREE Download of the MC5000 OS 2.0 from www.akaipro.com! Check out the in-depth comparison chart for all the MPC's that Akai makes. Use it to find out exactly how much power you need! The MPC5000 is the first MPC ever to include 8-track streaming hard disk recording, a 20-voice, 3-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 ppq resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks. There's even a new FX engine with 4 FX buses and 2FX per bus. Akai MPC5000 Features 64-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory (Expandable to 192MB) Three-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with built-in arpeggiator Over 300 Virtual Analog synth presets included Eight tracks of Direct-to-Hard Disk recording Over 40 all new effects available within a modular 4-bus effects processor Master compressor and equalizer Built-in hard disk drive Optional CD-R/DVD drive USB 2.0 port for computer con

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Zoom MRT3 Micro Rhythm Trak Drum Machine Review

Zoom MRT3 Micro Rhythm Trak Drum Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Zoom MRT3 is a great little piece of equipment for those who just want to add some basic drum sounds to their songs. If you're looking to purchase an inexpensive drum machine, look no further than this bad boy!

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The Zoom MRT-3 gives you hundreds of incredibly real drum sounds, along with hundreds of patterns, all in a palm-sized box. With an intuitive interface, touch-sensitive drum pads, MIDI connectivity, and plenty more, it's the perfect rhythm assistant.

396 Preset Patterns, 99 User Patterns, and 99 Songs A total of 396 presets (99 x 4 banks) offer an incredible array of patterns and styles, including intros, fill-ins and endings. By modifying these patterns, or by recording a new pattern, you can create up to 99 of your own user patterns. You can then combine any of the total 495 patterns and construct up to 99 different songs.
199 Sound Sources, 50 Preset Drum Kits, and 20 User Drum Kits Zoom has the most authentic drum sounds in the industry. The MRT-3 comes with 199 of the most realistic drum sounds you'll ever hear from a drum machine. 50 preset drum kits are programmed in, consisting of 14 sound sources (7 pads x 2 banks), to support various applications and music genres. Furthermore, you can create 20 of your own drum kits by combining any available drum sounds, and then setting the tuning, level, and pan.
Built-in Mastering Kit Recording with drum sounds this real will add a whole new dimension to your music. And when you are done, you can further enhance your work with the built-in Mastering Kit that simulates the equalizing and balancing done during professional mastering sessions.
User-Friendly Interface Zoom engineers worked extremely hard to design a simple and easy-to-use interface. The MRT-3 features optimized key arrangements, transport keys that are common to our MRS Series, and a big, bright display. Great for beginners and professionals alike.
Illuminated Switches and Pads The pads light-up when active so that you can check the sound visually while you record. This function is convenient for checking complicated patterns. In addition, PLAY / STOP / REC switches and mode change switches are also illuminated, letting you see the current status at a glance.
Touch Sensitive Drum Pads In the studio it's hard get the perfect drum mix. Getting the right mic placements, setting the EQ and effects takes time and money. By fully utilizing the touch sensitive pads on the MRT-3, you can create complex drum sounds easily. Touch-sensitive pads allow you to control levels, and mixes in ways that even advanced DAW software can't.
MIDI IN Terminal Since the MRT-3 is equipped with a MIDI IN terminal, synchronized play with a sequencer or a recorder that has a MIDI clock transmit function is possible. The MRT-3 also supports a Song Position Pointer, so it can be used as external rhythm device for recorders that don't have integrated rhythm sections. In addition, the MRT-3 can be used as a drum sound generator by using a NOTE ON trigger.
Remote Controlled by Foot Switch By connecting an optional FS-01 foot switch, you can use convenient functions such as start/stop, start/pause, trigger bass-drum, open/close high-hat, tap tempo, and mute.
Light-Weight and Compact, With a 2-way Power Circuit A 2-way power circuit is built in, allowing the use of either of a battery or an AC adaptor. The MRT-3 is lightweight and compact, so that it can be taken anywhere. Use it at home, in the studio, or outdoors---any environment you like. The MRT-3 will run continuously for over 15 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Optimized For Use With The Zoom MRS-4 By connecting the MIDI OUT on the new Zoom MRS-4 Digital Recorder to the MIDI IN on the MRT-3, and the stereo out on the MRT-3 to the AUX IN on the MRS-4, the two devices will work together as a completely integrated, single recording system. You can create drum patterns using the MRT-3, and then record your audio tracks on the MRS-4. Since there is no need to a record drum parts on the audio tracks, you can use the extra tracks on the MRS-4 for other instruments. Flexible arrangements are possible by changing the drum kit or substituting a pattern after recording.
What's in the Box Zoom MRT3, User's Manual

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Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller Review

Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought the Korg nanoPAD and just recently returned it because a few of the pads would stick down. This is really annoying when you're trying to play quick notes. I bought this midi controller as a replacement, and for the most part, I'm happy with it. I'll definitely be keeping this one.
Pros:
*Back-lit keys when you hit the pad are REALLY nice to have (this comes in handy later too).
*Control knobs! You don't get those on the nanoPAD. They are handy to have, and you can assign them to anything you want in Ableton Live (which like the other reviewer, I use also).
*In Ableton Live, the drum kits are in a 4x4 grid arrangement. With the nanoPAD, since it was 6 wide, the pads didn't line up with the on-screen grid. They do to a greater degree with this pad, so it's easier to see what you're hitting.
Cons:
*This pad is NOT as sensitive as the nanoPAD, so I find myself hitting it significantly harder than I had to on the Korg model. This is made better by the fact that they light up when it registers a hit, but I still wish it was a little more sensitive.
Summary:
This is a great pad for the money, and for me, the back-lighting and control knobs really make it worth the money.


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No matter where you are when an idea pops into your head, you can turn it into a beat by simply plugging the Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller into your Mac or PC. A great choice for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators on the go, this compact controller easily fits in your laptop bag or backpack so you can always have it on hand.


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Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center Review

Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My first impressions on the newest and smallest MPC in Akais great lineup of sampler/beat machine was thatit just HAD to be a lesser equiped version of those higher numbered MPC. WRONG!!!. I've used all MPCs and can say that I am pretty skilled with the MPC-60, 60 II, 2000, 200xl, and 3000 and just begining to peak at what the MPC4000 can truly do (it is in a whole different level and not at all for the novice).
The MPC1000, in my opinion is the best of the lot (not including the MPC4000). It doesn't have the warm sound that the MPC-60/60 II has but overall it can do anything that you want it to do. It does everything that a 2000/2000xl can do. It may have a smaller number of outputs but that is not that big of a deal if you know what you are doing.
Armed with a computer (as most of us are) the MPC1000 is extremely capable of accomplising any task that its big brothers can. In fact it handles many things better than those costing much more.
The MPC1000 is set up more like an MPC4000 and will aid those who hope to step up to using the big boy. Starting with a 2000 or 3000 will hinder you, in that some of those things you will do on those machines you will have to re-learn how to do those same things on the 4000 (once you pay the big bucks to make that move).
Don't be put off by it's tiny size. Max out it's memory, get a big compact flash card (it canhandle up to a 2 gig card, WOW) and this little box will STOMP the 2000 and 3000, even the 60 (remember those aren't made anymore and are quit old).
This thing KICKS.

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Inheriting all the essential MPC series features, the Akai MPC1000 complements its larger siblings while also providing a powerful Music Production Center on its own. It features 32-voice stereo sampling, 64-track sequencing, and 16 velocity, and pressure-sensitive MPC pads--all in an affordable and compact package that weighs just 7.6 pounds. The MPC1000 is small, rugged and incredibly portable for an easy fit into a backpack or laptop bag for the traveling producer.
It comes with 16 MB of onboard memory (expandable up to 128 MB), and you can further enhance your storage with optional standard Compact Flash memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). A preloaded CF card with popular Akai Pro samples is included to get you going. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and MPC1000's CF card.
Key Features
Pattern-based and linear 64-track sequencer with 32 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive programming
16-level pad function maps one sound to all pads with varied level, tuning, attack, decay or filter per pad
Two Q-link sliders for real-time performance control
Built-in Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Standard WAV files samples and MIDI-file sequences
Analog and digital I/Os, headphone output and two MIDI In/Out
Internal sounds in flash
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Four-pole filters (two two-pole filters) filtering for each of the 32 voices
Two on-board effects processors plus main-output effect processor, all which can be used simultaneously
Outputs can be re-sampled

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Hard Drive (optional - req. HDM-10): any standard IDE 2.5-inch hard drive
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(6) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs [Stereo L/R + 4 Assignable Outs]
(1) Headphone Output

Digital Input/Output:
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Input [RCA]
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Output [RCA]

MIDI Input/Output:
(2) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(2) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(2) 1/4-inch Footswitch
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +17dBu [Stereo & Assignable Outs]

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song

Pad Details:
16 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Synchronization: MIDI Clock only
Power Options:
100v - 240v
50/60Hz
19W

Dimensions: 13 x 2.97 x 8.98 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 7.6 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility



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Roland SP-404SX Portable Sampler with Effects Review

Roland SP-404SX Portable Sampler with Effects
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a really cool effects device for the price. Although I was able to figure out the basic functions without reading the manual I eventually had to break it out in order to learn how to use this device for my purposes. For what I plan to use it for this is plenty powerful enough and at half the price of the SP-555 it is a great deal. Better yet, this model can run off 6-AA batteries and has a built in mic. Granted, I tested out the built in mic and it sucks compared to connecting a real microphone to the unit but at least it has one. Also, this can support up to a 32GB SD card vs. the 555 which only supports up to a 2GB CF card. Again, 2GB of storage for both of these devices will store a tremendous amount of samples but it is nice to know I have options. Have I mentioned that this is less than half the price of the SP-555? It really depends on what features you will be using the most. For a mobile and club DJ like myself, this has everything I need to make my DJ drops and add special effects to many of my samples.

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Roland SP-555 Creative Sampler Workstation Review

Roland SP-555 Creative Sampler Workstation
Average Reviews:

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to everyone out there this product is so cool and so nice and it does everything it says it will but... the memory on the device is very very limited and the 2gb compactflash card type I that it supports is very hard to find, due because they don't make em no more, there are only 4gb, 8 gb and so on...
Be smart and not dumb (like me) and wait till it can support other types of memory cards, or if you already own one then just go ahead

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