RE: live applications: mpc2000 vs. ASR-X

["Douglas Lawrence" <douglas-lawrence@home.com>]

I've been monitoring an ASR-X mailing list for a couple weeks since I'm in
the same boat trying to decide between the two.

>From what I understand, the MPC-2000 with OS v1.7 is rock solid in the
sequencing department and finally reads .WAV files which is helpful. Also,
the on-board sample editing is quite easy to use. Although an effect board
is available, it's light compared to the ASR-X. The bigger screen is great
and you have a few extra pads and knobs.

As for the ASR-X, the sequencer is not totally solid yet and has a tendency
to crash frequently (even with the latest v2.62 OS) if you tweak too much 
or
hit buttons too fast. I can't speak for the new ASR-X Turbo since it claims
to have OS v3.0. Many of the subscriber's seem to use an external sequencer
and computer based sample editing to make up for those shortcomings. It
seems the sampler is better quality in the ASR-X and don't the built-in MR
synth engine. The small screen is not so great, but you have velocity
sensitive pads.

Some of the subscribers are using the ASR-X live in conjunction with an EMU
Launch Pad successfully. Others use it in conjunction with a MIDI keyboard
controller. Some of the parameters that you may want to control may not be
available real-time, like time stretching.

With all the problems that they've experienced, the ASR-X users seem to
think that it's a one-of-a-kind tool and I think Ensoniq has shown some
commitment to development of the product with release of the "Pro" version.
It will probably be rock solid with 2 more releases of the OS. Now how long
that will take, who knows, but it seems to be a great instrument anyway.

I was thinking about getting one from Musician's Friend. Although you may
pay a little more, you have 45 days to check out the unit and return it if
you don't like it. Last I checked, they didn't have any in-stock and this
policy may be voided for special order items.

Doug

-----Original Message-----
From: r_t_cummings@csi.com [mailto:r_t_cummings@csi.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 20, 1998 5:16 PM
To: Loopers Delight
Subject: live applications: mpc2000 vs. ASR-X


Hello loopers, sorry if these toys have already been discussed in the
last few weeks while I've been away. I'm looking to get a sampling drum
machine and I'm having a hard time deciding between the two (Akai
mpc2000 vs. Ensoniq ASR-X). The Akai seems to have the edge in
user-friendliness and MIDI (two outputs), while the Ensoniq rules with
internal sounds, better filters, deeper resolution (384 ppq!).

My question: which of these is better live, i.e. which of these can be
tweaked most effectively?

thanks,
rob