| Some generic (non-MAX specific) things to consider...
1. As I stated in a previous note, many on board sequencers in
early synths operated on 'events', not notes. As an example,
if you need just *1* 16th note in a measure, *all* your other
notes (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, things with dots) with have to be composed
of 1 1/16 and an appropriate number of ties to stretch them
to the proper length. Each tie would represent an event and
would suck up memory *fast*. Naturally, chords will use 3,
4 or 5 times as many events.....
1A. Just how many notes/events does the sequencer support? I think
anything less than ~500 *notes* is useless if you intend to
use the machine as a 'phantom' bass player or whatever.
2. Is step time programming even possible? It's not on my Mirage!
If you're a sloppy keyboardist, step time is an absolute.
Recently I've found it to be indespensible when scoring.
3. Is the unit MIDI? Take nothing for granted.
4. Will it support OMNI-OFF? I went through hell with the JX3-P
because it didn't. The upgrade was only ~$60 though...
5. Can the onboard sequencer be externally clocked? If not, it's
gonna be next to worthless if you ever decide to expand.
6. Were those full-size keys? Personally, I get tired of those
mini-keys real quickly.
7. Lastly, do you like the sound of the synth? Patch editing
is just so much fun I'm sure you'll want to jump right in
and start editing up all kinds of new and wondrous sonic
experiences. Years later....
Edd
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| The last word on any of Sequential's synths that came out in that time
period is 'reliability'. Or more specifically, unreliability. It is said that
the machines that SCI put out then had a horrendous repair record.
That's not to say that the one that *you* buy will have problems, but that it
was *common* for those synths (the MAx, the MULTI-TRAK, the SIX-TRAK...).
Just something to consider. How reliable do you consider the store that
is selling them? Do they back their products well in the repair dept.?
$300 is a good price for a MIDI synth, especially a new one. Personally
I'd be much more likely to recommend a CZ101 that you can edit, which is multi-
timbral, and then keep a hawk's eye out for a used sequencer like an MSQ-100 or
a QX-7 (I found an MSQ-100 for $50!). Or if you're more interested in the
analog sound, a Poly 800 (and don't listen to Brad 8^).
Dan
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| re: .0--``Maybe I should remortgage my house, divorce my wife and just
buy the ESQ-1. :-)''
Remortgaging the house is a good idea, divorcing the wife may set
you back quite a bit. I suggest you come to some understanding
with the wife. Years ago I agreed not to put the computer terminal
in the bedroom. More recently my synth and my daughter's drum set
are placed out of sight of the living room. From such thoughtfulness
comes domestic tranquility.
John Sauter
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|
I played a MAX about a year ago, and I *love* them.
No wimpy PD synthesis here. Six *analog* oscillators controlled
by MIDI digital controller. Yum. It has some *amazing* sounding
patches.
WHERE, OH WHERE, CAN I GET ONE FOR $300????????????????
...waiting credit-card in hand...
- HBM
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