From: vick@Dublin.docs.uu.se (Mikael Lundgren)
Newsgroups: rec.music.synth
Subject: The Coordinator List 920913
Date: 13 Sep 92 22:17:30 GMT
Organization: Uppsala University
NNTP-Posting-Host: dublin.docs.uu.se

		       The list of Coordinators
				   
	   - a guide for buyers of new or old coordinators
	 maintained by Mikael Lundgren (vick@bern.docs.uu.se)
				   
				   
Q: What is a coordinator?
A: A piece of equipment which can be used to control/program the
   performance of an internal and/or external sound source.
Q: So a drummachine is a coordinator?
A: Yep. And so is a sequencer, a bass machine, a MIDI arpeggiator etc.
Q: Do this list apply to MIDI gear only?
A: Definitely not.
Q: So, how do I get it?
A: Attend to rec.music.synth, or mail me at the address above.
Q: How can it get better?
A: Write some reviews of your own gear, and send it to me.
Q: What format should they be in?
A: Please follow the format of the reviews already here :T)


Well, that should cover most of it. Please help making this list
a valuable piece of information, and a guidance tool for all
musicians who are about to buy themselves a coordinator of any kind.
I need YOUR review. TODAY!

Please note, that I take no responsibility whatsoever concerning
the views expressed in the reviews! ( ;) But one can never be sure..)

Also, please help keeping the list as accurate as possible.
(Ie, flood me with flames & corrections ;-)
The entry <?> means that I haven't used the device at all/for 
too short amount of time, and therefore cannot say anything
about that particular item. Please help me out when this is the case!



			     THE REVIEWS


(review by Mikael Lundgren)

ROLAND MC-202 Micro Composer

DESCRIPTION:	2-channel sequencer, including a mono synth.
INTERNAL 
SOUND SORCE:	1 oscillator analog synth. Features suboscillator,
		PWM, VCF with Q, VCA with proper EG (ADSR), LFO,
		PORTAMENTO etc.
INPUTS:		CV, Gate, Calibration, Tape Load/Sync, Din Sync, 
		DC in (9V - 12V).
OUTPUTS:	2xCV, 2xGate, Tape Save/Sync, 2xDin Sync, Audio, Headphones.
SYNC:		Din Sync, Tape.
2ND DATA STORE: Cassette.
MEMORY SIZE:	~ 2600 notes.
SIZE:		343x55x204mm, 1.35 kg.
SEQUENCER TYPE: Linear.
PROGRAMMING:	Step/Real time via external, or built-in "kbd".
BUGS:		< ? >
IMPRESSITUDE:	Can't be too high. Looks like it should incorporate
		a pocket calculator as well.
NO:		The user interface does look a bit horrendous.
YES:		< ? >	
HINTS:		< ? >


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(review by Mikael Lundgren)

ROLAND MSQ-700 Digital Keyboard Recorder

DESCRIPTION:	8-track digital sequencer.
INTERNAL 
SOUND SORCE:	Click sound. (Quite audible, thank you)
INPUTS:		MIDI, Start/Stop, Punch in, DIN Sync,
		Tape Sync/Load, DCB (see below)
OUTPUTS:	MIDI, DIN Sync, Tape Sync/Save, DCB (see below)
SYNC:		MIDI, Tape, DIN.
2ND DATA STORE: Cassette.
MEMORY SIZE:	~ 6500 notes.
SIZE:		346x328x108mm, 5 kg. Looks like a sawn-off 909.
SEQUENCER TYPE: Linear.
PROGRAMMING:	Real time/Step via remote kbd.
BUGS:		I have to quote the manual here, as this is one of the
		most interesting attempts I've seen to explain bugs:
		"The following may seem strange to you, but there is
		 nothing to worry about it, as it is merely caused
		 by computer processing restriction." ;) :)
		There is a way to display the memory consumption/
		memory left, and it's very interesting. The manual
		accordingly tells us not to rely on the numbers as
		a "precise description" but rather as a way to
		"roughly glasp memory consumption"!
		The memory used when looking on a specific track
		starts from 48. (Ie, if it's empty, it shows "0",
		otherwise it shows "48" until the track exceeds
		48 notes, and then it works properly..)
		This memory display shows two slightly different
		values whenever you switch from record to play mode,
		and to add to the cake, the total of track consumption
		doesn't add up to 6500... Well, details, details..
		Otherwise it seems reliable, and never hangs. (?)
IMPRESSITUDE:	Well, with all the buttons, flashing lights, red
		and green LEDs, I'd mistake it for the cruise control
		of the starship Enterprise. It does its job well too.
NO:		You can't truncate tracks. This means, if you've intended
		to loop the song, you'd better stop the sequencer
		at the right bar, or all is lost. The only editing
		features are "Time Correct" (quantize), erase, and
		"Merge" (mix). Quite sparse, methinks.
		Pity you can't dump sequences via MIDI. This was 
		probably still in the beginning, so....
		As it's strictly linear, you'll just have to record
		that repetetive bass pattern all the way thro'
		the song without no cheatin' copying..
YES:		This must be one of the candidates to the title
		"Musicians' sidekick". You just hit the 'Load' key
		and record your masterpiece. No frills, no complaints
		(unless you're running out of memory) and it's
		always ready whenever you are. 
		The front panel is most informative, and the
		design is an excellence in functionality.
		This product was designed for musicians, not 
		computer boffs, it's essentially a MIDI tape recorder.
		If I want to listen to track 1, 3 and 7, I just
		hit button 1, 3 and 7, and the appropriate LEDs 
		turn friendly green. No shift buttons, no menu pages.
		Just plain rock n' roll!
HINTS:		Go buy a cheap sustain pedal, to control start/stop.
		Otherwise you'll go nuts about hitting the 'Stop'
		button at the right time, whilst playing with 
		both hands. Ideal machine for people used to
		working with multi-track tape recorders.
		Also comes in handy to convert that MIDI clock
		to DIN sync (or vice versa).
		And, BTW, DCB is an early competitor to MIDI.
		The Juno-60 seems to rely on it, but I've never
		heard of it before..

---------------------------------------------------------------------------



(review by Mikael Lundgren)

ROLAND TB303 BassLine

DESCRIPTION:	Programmable Bass machine.
INTERNAL 
SOUND SORCE:	1 Oscillator analog synth with primitive VCA.
		The VCF intensity can be varied by the EG, the
		Q can be set up to self-oscillation.
INPUTS:		Sync, 9V DC, Mix (for external sound source)
OUTPUTS:	CV (1V/oct), Trig, Head+Line.
SYNC:		Din Sync.
2ND DATA STORE: None.
MEMORY SIZE:	64 patterns. Each pattern can be max 16/16ths long. 
		7 tracks.
SIZE:		Small and compact. Fits neatly on the button-less
		side of my masterkeyboard. (Ensoniq Mirage)
SEQUENCER TYPE: Pattern based.
PROGRAMMING:	Step + 'Real'. It's *tricky* to learn how to use it.
		First, you enter the notes it should play in sequence
		using the small 'keyboard' on top of it. Then, you
		enter 'TIME MODE' and start punching in the note
		values+rests for each note! The only available time step
		is a 1/16 note. So to enter a 1/8 middle C which should
		last for 1/4, here is the procedure:
		a) Go PITCH MODE. Press middle C on keyboard.
		b) Go TIME MODE. Press 1/16 ON, 1/16 ON, 1/16 OFF, 1/16 OFF !

		Oh, and there is the 'Tap' mode as well; When in TIME
		MODE, by pressing some buttons, you can start the
		empty (?) pattern *after* programming all tone values
		first! A metronome sounds, and you can now determine
		the length+sustain of each programmed note by depressing
		the TAP button at appropriate times! (sigh)
BUGS:		Will replace your immaculate newly created bass pattern
		with random data if you switch from PATTERN WRITE MODE
		to PATTERN PLAY MODE while running it....
		If you don't enter enough timing info (or too much) 
		random data is heard. This is even stated in the manual...
IMPRESSITUDE:	Low. A small, metal box with a painted-on keyboard
		doesn't impress too many I'm afraid...
NO:		I can't possibly see how this was actually marketed
		for serious use? To use this gadget, you'll need the
		patience of a 14-year old whiz kid. Don't buy it
		unless you're willing to spend some couple of days
		reading the manual. This is the first machine that
		got me so baffled, I *had* to read the f***:(**g manual!
YES:		It's fun to use once you get used to the 'interface'.
		And the on-board synth may be thin, but can that
		filter sing :) Good for those 1/16 bass lines we
		hear too little of these days.
HINTS:		Remove back-up batteries. Wait an hour. Turn it on.
		Presto: 64 random bass patterns :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

(review by Mikael Lundgren)

YAMAHA QX5 Digital Sequence Recorder

DESCRIPTION: 	Digital sequencer.
INTERNAL 
SOUND SORCE: 	None. (OK, a 'tick' for click...)
INPUTS:		MIDI in, tape in, foot switch
OUTPUTS:	MIDI out + thru, tape out, click (audio)
SYNC:		MIDI, TAPE
2ND DATA STORE: Cassette. Can transfer via MIDI. QX5FD has 3.5" drive.
MEMORY SIZE:	128k = ~20,000 notes. (15,000 with velocity)
		8 tracks, 32 macros. (A macro is a track, which can
		be called upon from a track. Geddit?)
SIZE:		350x240x49 mm, weighs 2.9 kg (!)
SEQUENCER TYPE: Linear.
PROGRAMMING:	Real/Step via remote keyboard.
BUGS:		Actually this one hasn't failed me a single time
		in one year's heavy use. No bugs found...yet?
IMPRESSITUDE:	Quite low, which is why you want to use something
		like this on stage. Black, slim design.
NO:		All editing/recording is performed on track 1.
		This means a lot of swapping tracks, as track 1
		always must contain the track to be edited, or
		the to-be-recorded track.
		Relies quite heavily on sub-menus, but they are
		logically constructed. Memory size may be obstructive.
		No undo function.
YES:		Backlit LCD display. Lots of features when editing
		tracks. Really easy to use. Has most of the features
		you expect from software-based sequencer, but this
		has the usual advantage of being 'ready to shoot'	
		whenever you'll turn it on. Can take velocity
		in step mode also. 
HINTS:		Keep notes on which tracks/macros contains what.
		Extremely easy to spoil a days work otherwise..
		You really want the FD version, unless you have
		a) patience, or b) a MIDI data drive.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

(review by Mikael Lundgren)

Yamaha QX1 Digital Sequence Recorder.

DESCRIPTION: 	Digital sequencer. Does everything but making coffee.
INTERNAL 
SOUND SORCE: 	None. (Well OK, it clicks...)
INPUTS:	     	MIDI, Tape Sync, Foot Switch
OUTPUTS:	8 MIDI out (!), 1 MIDI thru, click, Tape Sync
SYNC:		Tape, MIDI
2ND DATA STORE: 512kb 5 1/4" disk drive
MEMORY SIZE:	512kb ~ 80.000 notes.
SIZE:		519mm x 105mm x 329mm, 7.5 kg.
SEQUENCER TYPE: Linear. Strictly following the operations of a
		multi-track tape deck. Multiple banks with 8 tracks
		each can be chained together. Very intuitive.
		All banks, tracks, disks can be given small
		memo labels from the kbd.
PROGRAMMING:	Real/Step via remote kbd or from front panel(!)
BUGS:		None. One of the least crashable sequencers
		I've come across (not counting the analog ones ;)
		It's *very* reliable.
IMPRESSITUDE:	Huge. Large backlit display, LED:s to show track
		selection, enormous front panel (computer-inspired)
NO:		Can't send MIDI in to MIDI out. This sucks, as
		you have to merge the thru jack with the outs' 
		involving an external box. 
		Sometimes saves to disk unnecessary often. It's ok
		with an automatic backup system, but those extra
		seconds wait every now and then can be irritating.
		The size *could* be a problem, but it's still
		more portable than a computer.
		Numeric keys used quite often to select different
		jobs (instead of submenus), but no numeric
		keypad. This was corrected on the QX3 I believe.
		5 1/4" disks are slower (and bigger) than 3 1/2".
YES:		Easy to work with. Intuitive. Reliable. Steelcase.
		Professionally built and designed. 8 reroutable
		MIDI outs! 
HINTS:		Beware! Don't use the tape-transport keys
		in record mode, as the track can get erased!
		The manual states this, thankfully.
		(But it's still a doubtful 'feature')


----------------------------------------------------------------------

(review by Ross Clement)

YAMAHA QY10 Sequencer.

DESCRIPTION:	"Walkstation". Portable MIDI sequencer with inbuilt sounds
		useful for arranging whole (instrumental) songs inside a 
		single, impressively small, unit.
INTERNAL
SOUND SOURCE:	28 voice poly sample playback, 8-part multi-timbral
		including drums. Primitive mixing and almost no panning
		of sounds.
INPUTS:		MIDI in, ~9V DC(?)
OUTPUTS:	MIDI out, stereo line out, stereo phones out. (minijack sockets)
SYNC:		MIDI (though I haven't made it sync to my MC300 yet).
2ND DATA STORE: MIDI bulk dump (several types).
MEMORY SIZE:	76 ROM/24 RAM patterns (including drums, bass, and two chordal
		parts). 8 songs. If you try to fill all this up with complex
		data you will run out of global data before you fill up the
		patterns and songs.
SIZE:		As is well known, size of one VHS video cassette.
SEQUENCER TYPE: Pattern based/Normal sequencer track combination.
PROGRAMMING:	Step + 'Real' can be used when programming both patterns and
		non-pattern song tracks. Patterns can be transposed to a 
		reasonably wide range of chord types in real time, a'la
		home keyboards. Unfortunately it can't respond to chord
		patterns played on a MIDI keyboard, you must use rubber
		buttons to change chord roots and types. Once you have
		designed a few patterns with the sequencer, you can change
		to song mode and make a song by entering pattern numbers
		and chord changes into four backing tracks. Four instrument
		tracks can be used to record normal sequencer tracks. Or, 
		you could just choose preset patterns. Or, you could have
		up to four tracks of music (including drums) without using
		any of the pattern tracks.
BUGS:		If you record more than one bar of the last chord in your
		chord track, it will only play one bar and then the song
		finishes. Don't know for sure if this is a bug, but it
		seems a bit strange.
IMPRESSITUDE:   Very high for such a small cheap box. When you arrive at
		your friends house after a long bus/etc trip, plug it into
		their stereo and play the music you composed on the trip it
		can knock them out.
NO:		Limited panning (hard left, centre, and hard right), no 
		effects. Sounds are very good considering the obvious
		memory limitations, but aren't professional quality on the
		whole. Not bad though. Rubber monophonic nothing-sensitive
		keyboard is the worst musical input device I have ever used.
		You can use an external MIDI keyboard, which gives instant
		vast improvement in usuability.
YES:		A lot of fun. You can very quickly build grooves to jam to,
		or whole backings to songs in cliched styles. Used with 
		external sound modules, the possibilities become infinitely
		greater. Good value for money. Can run on 6 1.5v batteries
		for a useful length of time (four or six hours, not sure) so
		you can plug in phones and use it anywhere.
HINTS:		Try forgetting that the original design/patterns were meant
		to be drums/bass/chords/etc. E.g. by assigning simple
		waveforms to each track on the QY, you can make 1,2,3, etc
		bar evolving wavestation style sounds.



--
() University of Uppsala ,Sweden   |  Mikael (Vick) Lundgren      ____       ()
() Department of Computer Science  |  vick@bern.docs.uu.se       /..  \/|    ()
() Remember:Four bananas always add up to a plectrum.           (----)  | )) ()
() Neither more nor less and definitely not the other way around.\____/\|    ()