reliable software-based live MIDI sequencing software

[[edit_out]]

does anyone know of any particularly good programs out there for the PC? sure, I'd love to run Cubase, FL, and Reason but I don't want my computer crashing every time I switch MIDI configs or tracks...

[therecordbin]

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http://www.audiomidi.com/aboutus/reviews/edge_live.cfm

Run it on a Mac, of course... ;)

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[[edit_out]]

i'm mainly looking for MIDI sequencers but that looks interesting as well, merci.

basically I want to find a way to control several external samplers and synths while having most of my track presequenced and use some softsynths as well, while being able to mix into different tracks at different tempos, in a way that isn't too clunky.

[therecordbin]

Originally posted by [edit_out]
i'm mainly looking for MIDI sequencers but that looks interesting as well, merci.

basically I want to find a way to control several external samplers and synths while having most of my track presequenced and use some softsynths as well, while being able to mix into different tracks at different tempos, in a way that isn't too clunky.

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That may be difficult to do from a single sequencer, be it hardware or soft.

Soft synths and not too clunky - I'd still recommend a Mac laptop, or an all-in-one eMac, which are both portable. But then you have all your outboard gear anyhow, so the not too clunky thing goes right out the window... hmm.

I assume you're playing live? Seems like you might need two laptops, or a hardware sequencer and a laptop, especialy since when you switch midi scenes on one rig, and program changes are sent to the instruments, there will be a hiccup in the output of those instruments as the effects blocks and voices are changed or loaded. So, if you're playing live, one set of instruments could be playing while the others load. Or you could have a DAT backing you that's synced to midi time clock.

There's hundreds of ways to do it really...

I use a rock solid RS7000, which probably has the best hardware sequecer made right now, and does everything else, including sampling, pretty darn well. It also fits perfectly into a turntable sized road case, and plops down nicely right next to a set of decks, basicaly like a 3rd turntable.

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[[edit_out]]

well I plan to have 2 boxes up and running (I don't have a mac unfortunately), but the copy of Cubase I have isn't exactly err stable (or legal), and I don't want to use FL as a main sequencer... maybe I'll just use MIDI orc. or I could save up for a nice hardware based sequencer I suppose.

[therecordbin]

basically I want to find a way to control several external samplers and synths while having most of my track presequenced and use some softsynths as well, while being able to mix into different tracks at different tempos, in a way that isn't too clunky.

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I was surfing around checking out some portable audio/MIDI interfaces, and this peice of hardware caught my attention - the Event EZBus. I remembered this thread, and what you were talking about wanting to do - this might be a good way to implement the setup you're thinking of:

~"Let's say you want to use your software "virtual" synths for live performance. Here's what you do: First, connect your computer or laptop to the EZbus via USB. Next, connect the MIDI out of your controller keyboard to either of the MIDI inputs on the EZbus. Now, when you play a note on your controller, that MIDI signal goes out of EZbus via USB and triggers the virtual synth. Here's where it gets fun: The audio from the virtual synth comes back into a couple of EZbus channels via USB, and that signal is mixed with your regular hardware synths (which are plugged into other EZbus channels). Your entire keyboard rig — real and virtual — is now a single, integrated system!"

Taken from this review:

http://www.crmav.com/recording/78/ez...nterface.shtml

The EZBus would solve all of your signal and MIDI routing needs in one package. You could then choose the audio and sequencing application that you prefer, and the EZBus has premade templates for integrating with Cuase, Logic and many other standard apps.

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[-ak47-]

Ableton Live 2! I cant believe noones mentioned this yet, its easily the best live sequencer... Its far more convenient, reliable and easy to use live than other sequencers, which on the mst part werent designed to perform live.

http://www.ableton.com/

[therecordbin]

Originally posted by therecordbin
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http://www.audiomidi.com/aboutus/reviews/edge_live.cfm

Run it on a Mac, of course... ;)

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[-ak47-]

^haha, oops missed that one!