Poll: Sequencers & Arps on Hardware Synths

[cryophonik]

I'm definitely an arp person. Step sequencers are cool, but I mostly only use them on my Elektron boxes. But, it seems like step sequencers have become a must-have feature for many people. Thoughts?

I allowed 2 votes per person, so you can answer independently for sequencer and arp, and you can change your vote later, in case you have a moment of enlightenment or something.

[BONES]

Not enough options. There is nothing for people who don't care one way or the other. I definitely don't want a sequencer in my hardware synth but I don't care one way or the other about an arp. Unless you're talking about workstation synths, I've always thought of on-board sequencers as tools to show off the instrument's sound more than anything. They are invariably tedious affairs compared to doing it all in your DAW.

[cryophonik]

Not enough options. There is nothing for people who don't care one way or the other.

Sure there is. That's called the Abe Vigoda (Fish) option. Or, just not voting for the one (sequencer or arp) that you don't care about.

Edit: I added options for not caring if it has a sequencer or arp to be a little more straightforward.

I've always thought of on-board sequencers as tools to show off the instrument's sound more than anything. They are invariably tedious affairs compared to doing it all in your DAW.

I generally tend to agree when it comes to melodic sequences, but I do occasionally use onboard sequencers for modulating other synth parameters in sync with the tempo.

[pdxindy]

I voted I don't care... unless of course it is specifically a kind of multi-timbral groovebox like the Elektron Digitone.

[elxsound]

It's an interesting question only because, for me, it's not a deal-breaker. I do prefer they have their own, just for the possibility of using it completely alone.

I'm still more likely to use it with a DAW, or for DAWless sequencing duties, I'll connect it to an Elektron box.

[BONES]

There is nothing on Dog's Green Earth that would make me use that f**ked up Elektron sequencer in my Analog Keys. That thing is a total f**king nightmare. Maybe it's better in devices with bigger screens but on the A4's tiny, shit screen it's impossible and I f**king hate it. I get that you can use it to extend the limits of the device but I see no reason to limit myself to that in the first place.

[elxsound]

I think they've gotten slightly bigger screens now, but not by much.

I can't speak for Analog Keys, but the Elektron boxes I've got, Digitakt and Syntakt required learning the same workflow for both and I find them very easy to use. The screen works for me, but no... it's not a big screen.

[BONES]

You'd think they'd have a VST editor for it, like they do the synth engine(s), but no, it's the tiny shit screen or nothing. I went to the trouble of printing out the manual and taking a week off work so I'd have time to look into it and I didn't get as far as entering a f**king note. I read through it several times but I couldn't bring myself to even try in the end.

[elxsound]

You'd think they'd have a VST editor for it, like they do the synth engine(s), but no, it's the tiny shit screen or nothing. I went to the trouble of printing out the manual and taking a week off work so I'd have time to look into it and I didn't get as far as entering a f**king note. I read through it several times but I couldn't bring myself to even try in the end.

Okay, that definitely is a tiny ass screen.

I do use the screens as I go, so I can see that as brutal to work with. Otherwise, the layout looks like Elektron. They're my favorite for interacting with I missed out on the small screens.

[BONES]

I don't like anything about interacting directly with my AK, beyond the keyboard and joystick. I patch the synth(s) with Overbridge exclusively (when I have it set up at all). I'd sell it if selling it wasn't such a massive hassle. As it stands, I'll probably just keep it in storage until it rots away.

[elxsound]

I don't like anything about interacting directly with my AK, beyond the keyboard and joystick. I patch the synth(s) with Overbridge exclusively (when I have it set up at all). I'd sell it if selling it wasn't such a massive hassle. As it stands, I'll probably just keep it in storage until it rots away.

Maybe it'll accrue value in time. Elektron has lots of completionists out there, but I see you'd take a hit selling it now. I hate the hassle too, so I get it.

[pdxindy]

I think they've gotten slightly bigger screens now, but not by much.

I can't speak for Analog Keys, but the Elektron boxes I've got, Digitakt and Syntakt required learning the same workflow for both and I find them very easy to use. The screen works for me, but no... it's not a big screen.

I have the Analog Keys as well... and the issue for me with the screen is that it is too far back because the keyboard is there. The size is okay, I do wish it was tipped up though cause I end up leaning forward too much which is tiring.

The MKII analog boxes are tipped up and the screen is slightly bigger and brighter and clearer. But mostly, the screens are just closer.

The thing is, once you get fluid with Elektron boxes (I have 4 of em), you don't need the screen to use the Sequencer.

[DrGonzo]

Step sequencers are _almost_ as divisive as internal effect processors in synthesizers. I don't know how many times I ended up in discussions with people about this. Why should you have internal effects or a step sequencer when you can do that so much easier and better on the computer? While that is true - I find step sequencers and effect processors to be like cooking with cream. I'm damn addicted to them. Everything turns better. More inspirational too. If you don't like the sequence or the effects - just switch it off and do it yourself.

More options are better than no options?

/C

[BONES]

Not when you are paying for features you don't need and/or if those features mean you miss out on something that you'd rather have.

Maybe it'll accrue value in time. Elektron has lots of completionists out there, but I see you'd take a hit selling it now. I hate the hassle too, so I get it.

I bought it used, at a very good price at the time (less than a grand). My philosophy is that the money was wasted 5 years ago when I bought it, so it doesn't bother me today how much I do or do not get back.

I have the Analog Keys as well... and the issue for me with the screen is that it is too far back because the keyboard is there. The size is okay, I do wish it was tipped up though cause I end up leaning forward too much which is tiring.

The size might be OK for a smartwatch but on something the size of the AK, it's ridiculous. Viewing angles are also terrible. It feels like it was the absolute cheapest unit they could source.

thing is, once you get fluid with Elektron boxes (I have 4 of em), you don't need the screen to use the Sequencer.

Thing is, what would be my motivation to get to that point? Masochism? Self-loathing?

[cryophonik]

The thing is, once you get fluid with Elektron boxes (I have 4 of em), you don't need the screen to use the Sequencer.

Exactly, and the fact that the sequencer is common across the entire lineup is also what makes them so addictive