KVR Audio

Lunatique · Post by **Lunatique** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:33 am

I've been trying out different sequencers recently, trying to see if I can find the perfect sequencer "for me." I've been a Sonar user for a while, and prior to that Cubase SX. I've had a little prior experience with Reason, Orion, Tracktion, and FL Studio, and they all have strengths and weaknesses. Very hard to pick one that does everything you want.

So I'd like to hear about your experiences, since some of you are experts in certain sequencers and know them inside out, and your opinion is probably more useful than simply spending a few days with a demo, as it takes a long time to really get to know a sequencer like the back of your hands.

My way of using sequencer is basically performing on the keyboard controller and recording the performance live, then tweak the midi data as needed (velocity, modulation, quantize..etc). I sometimes use pattern sequencer by inputing the notes with a mouse, but most of the time I play the drum track live. I compose/arrange a wide range of styles--from orchestral, electronic, jazz, ethnic, to guitar-based stuff.

abi · Post by **abi** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 5:16 am

try energy-xt.midi-editing is bliss with this program!

Benedict · Post by **Benedict** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 5:49 am

I think for the $$ E-XT is really it.

Reason is nice and straightforward but you can't go too deep.

Sonar is ok.

Digital Performer is very good

I have never beaten Vision DSP but that is now dead (unless you have an old PC and never plan to update)

Caleb · Post by **Caleb** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:37 am

To me the ultimate was Muzys3 with its combination of ease of use and sophisticated midi editing - eg logical selection and sophisticated editing options when it came to a functionality vs price ratio. RIP Muzys3.

For existing products, in my mind I would still put the big guys up the top here, not necessarily for note entry but for sophisticated post-entry editing. Cubase, Logic, Sonar etc... are all great in that regard.

I think EnergyXT really has good note entry when it comes to the piano roll and I'm seeing potential in some of its additions (eg Composer function) to provide similar functionality for sophisticated "post-processing" of midi data similar to the quality of the big guys with a possibly more usable interface. However, I'm yet to see that concept mature.

Additionally, there are some significant improvements in envelope-style automation editing which might allow it to surpass some other hosts notes for their easy automation such as FLStudio.

Regards
Caleb

spacefox · Post by **spacefox** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:55 am

Caleb wrote:To me the ultimate was Muzys3 with its combination of ease of use and sophisticated midi editing - eg logical selection and sophisticated editing options when it came to a functionality vs price ratio. RIP Muzys3.

For existing products, in my mind I would still put the big guys up the top here, not necessarily for note entry but for sophisticated post-entry editing. Cubase, Logic, Sonar etc... are all great in that regard.

I think EnergyXT really has good note entry when it comes to the piano roll and I'm seeing potential in some of its additions (eg Composer function) to provide similar functionality for sophisticated "post-processing" of midi data similar to the quality of the big guys with a possibly more usable interface. However, I'm yet to see that concept mature.

Additionally, there are some significant improvements in envelope-style automation editing which might allow it to surpass some other hosts notes for their easy automation such as FLStudio.

Regards
Caleb

Excellent point about the difference between note entry and post-entry editing.

I dislike the "tools" Phtoshop-esqe approach of most sequencers. EnergyXT and Phrazor (which was, eh.. inspired by XT) provide an alternate way to do it and also allow you to edit the note velocity while clicking the note itself. This allows quicker, simpler note insertion and editing.
The more advanced piano rolls give you more options, but I dislike the way the handle basic opertations.

Generally, when composing (I'm 100% mouse clicker - no instruments) I rather have speed than complexity and power under the hood. The only thing I miss in eXT and Phrazor, is the aility to paint brush a series of notes using a mod key.

Orbit-50 · Post by **Orbit-50** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:43 pm

You guy's are all gonna laugh at me but to hell with you. Motu's Performer 6 is the best midi editing sequencing software in the history of the world. I have my old G3 midied to my windows machine! For lightning fast complex midi writing and editing it can't be beat! I kid you not! - Orbit-50

.-.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:13 am

Caleb wrote:I think EnergyXT really has good note entry when it comes to the piano roll

Really? I find double-clicking to add a note the least intuitive thing I can think of. Its not something I would ever work out on my own.
I really don't see what the big deal is. Every sequencer seems to offer a wealth of features and most of them are dead easy to work with after you learn your way around. ORION's sequencer has all the stuff I could ever imagine needing except one simple thing that I probably need less than once a year - the ability to edit MIDI data like program change from a text-style list. I can use eXT for that so its a total no-brainer.

The Chase · Post by **The Chase** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:19 am

IMO FL Studio has the fastest and most intuitive piano roll of anyhting I've tried (a LOT). The only complaint I have is that the tie tool is a bit tricky to learn, but I dont think I;ve ever had to use it.

siriusbliss · Post by **siriusbliss** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:30 am

Samplitude 9.
Yeah, I know, I always pipe-in for Samplitude, but I'm having so much fun...!

Greg

funkadil · Post by **funkadil** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:15 am

BONES wrote:
Caleb wrote:I think EnergyXT really has good note entry when it comes to the piano roll
Really? I find double-clicking to add a note the least intuitive thing I can think of. Its not something I would ever work out on my own.
I really don't see what the big deal is. Every sequencer seems to offer a wealth of features and most of them are dead easy to work with after you learn your way around. ORION's sequencer has all the stuff I could ever imagine needing except one simple thing that I probably need less than once a year - the ability to edit MIDI data like program change from a text-style list. I can use eXT for that so its a total no-brainer.

EW! yuck. yeah. double-click sucks. But you also must know that it is much better to hold down the alt key for note entry. Regular clicking is best for selection of multiple note and such. Alt is the real way to go. Ill check out that motu thing.

amit235 · Post by **amit235** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:20 am

tried reason,cubase,sonar,ext, well i find the piano roll of flstudio to be the best.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:30 am

For me, Orion and Samplitude. They have the same behavior regarding the main editing functions / mouse commands. They're the fastest and most logical for me. I dislike the Cubase and the similar ones. The FL one is quiet good also.

rpc9943 · Post by **rpc9943** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:32 am

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEvisit!

RonC

G-Spot · Post by **G-Spot** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:36 am

Keykit doesn't have a modal photoshop-style toolbox; it does everything with the mouse (each combination of button and modifiers executes an easily user-selectable command) and the menus.

ocmtime · Post by **ocmtime** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:51 am

The Chase wrote:IMO FL Studio has the fastest and most intuitive piano roll of anyhting I've tried (a LOT). The only complaint I have is that the tie tool is a bit tricky to learn, but I dont think I;ve ever had to use it.

what does the tie tool do I've never herad of it?

The best pianoroll/midi editing sequencer on the market?