iPad or Elektron Machinedrum UW (long story here)

[Deltaphoenix]

Okay I am just hunting for opinions about what you would do.

I originally had a huge boner for an Elektron Machinedrum UW+, the model which allows you to load in samples and manipulate them/mangle them into something unrecognizable/new. I really like that it is a drum synthesizer, the sound design and effects, the pLock-which is on each step of the sequencer you could change the sound of the drum of you want, probably more effective to not over do it but whatever. Between messing with samples, and changing the pitch on drums, and using effects it is possible to have pads, basslines, leads, vocal samples, whatever. The main con with the unit is that there is limited memory for samples, 2.5 MB...and the price, $1500 new. I have found a used one that I could scoop up for less than $1100.
I have spent a lot on gear this last year and am trying to spend a bit less, sure there are a few pedals on my radar, but I am very happy with my Bass(es), Amp, Cab, and pedalboard. To come up with $1100 would mean digging into my pedalboard some, no way to get around it or hitting my financial aid hard and "paying myself back" over the semester, not what I am wanting to do, trying to be more responsible with money (I am engaged and we have a mortgage, etc).
So, I talked to a buddy about the Machinedrum and he mentioned the iPad as a cool option. I got to checking it out more, lots of sweet apps and with the newish Audiobus app, it really opens the iPad up to do some serious stuff being able to use multiple apps at once. So, I have kind of got all pumped up about the iPad. I know in the long run that I will have $1100 in the iPad (iPad 4 64 GB, some sort of interface/docking station with all of the in/outs I need, apps, stand, etc) but the upfront cost is less, say $700ish for the iPad and I have an iTunes gift card so I can get a few apps right away and then get the interface and so on.
So, that is what I think I am going to do. Then a dude gets hold of me and he has a Machinedrum UW but it is the version before the latest, a few differences but essentially the same with 2MB for samples, and the price is the same as an iPad 4, which is really cheap for this model, $150-200 less than they normally sell. SO now I am kind of going back and forth.

Oooffff, I guess I should tell you what I am trying to do with this equipment. I play in a band, but I also am trying to restart a solo project that is electronica/ DnB/whateverthefuck. I have done it before with only my NI Maschine and played out doing controlerism stuff with the MAschine and my laptop. I got bored so know I am trying to sort of do the same thing but with my Bass synthed out (OC2, Behringer BSY600, MarkBass SuperSynth, Mini CPU, IE Xerograph DLX, PitchFactor, Koma BD101, a Frostwave Resonator, going to add either a ModFactor or Mobius and for sure a Koma FT201), I have a M-Audio Venom synth. I don't want to drag around a laptop so Maschine is not going to be part of this.

Basically, after all of that writing (sorry) would you go with Maschinedrum, despite it's limitations it is cool as fuck. Or stay with the course and get the iPad and have way more capabilities. Recording is part of the solo project plan, making use of samples too, so not just a drum machine is needed.

[Jwar]

You already know how I feel.

[MEC]

I'd get the ipad for it's versatility.
That being said, the Machinedrum will probably hold value better if that matters at all.

[sonidero]

I've had the first Machine Drum since they came out and think it's the best drum machine in the world... The UW is very awesome as well and the sampling adds a whole nother lever to what you can do, but like you said the 2.5 mb equals about 40 seconds of sampling time... If you want to use samples as hits and not full phrases then it should be cool... With the p locks I can use a sine wave and make a bass line or lead on the regular one so it should be the same on the UW... If you really wanna get into sampling how about a MPC to go with what you already have... It could have beats and bass and it could sequence the Venom while also playing samples of whatever you want... The main thing is just figure out how you wanna use the samples and if they're likely to be long phrase type samples or short hits...

Ipads are for facebook...

[AndyTran]

I got an iPad for music apps (figured, $400 synth or $400 ipad...?) and also use it for note-taking and school shit.

the apps are extensive and pretty damn cool; audiobus is just amazing. I say go for the ipad, personally.

[Deltaphoenix]

I'd get the ipad for it's versatility.
That being said, the Machinedrum will probably hold value better if that matters at all.

Holding value doesn't mean too much to me.


Sonidero, I don't want to do the MPC thing. any other ideas that involve Machinedrum


iPad seems like a tight solution still. Might get it first and save up for a Machinedrum later.

[Astricii]

I'd say machine drum all the way. purpose built, tactile feedback. iPads are neat and all but I don't trust software live.

[Deltaphoenix]

Yeah, that is why I started looking at machinedrum in the first place, I had an issue with a Windows laptop and lost a bunch of samples. I figured that the apple stuff was more stable and less susceptible to malware, etc.

[MannequinRaces]

Stay the course and if you're wanting to use Audiobus it helps to have the newest iPad with the fastest processor. I recently got an iPad 2 for Christmas which I am thrilled about but doubt I'll be able to run many apps at once with Audiobus (haven't tried yet personally bot that's the word on the street). In the end the iPad is going to get you more bang for your buck. There are new music apps coming out all the time that are truly innovative. I can see how some purists would say an iPad shouldn't be used for music but I think it's a great tool to have available to you.

[Deltaphoenix]

Well I bought an iPad 4 64GB. Small size, the bang for the buck, How much I can do at once with the Audiobus app. It just seemed like the way to get my project off the ground the quickest. I don't want to feel like a piece of equipment is holding me up and with this I can buy an app that will get me by at least.
I STILL have a boner for the Machinedrum and will get one sometime this year and work it into this project. Thanks for all the opinions guys and thanks for the PMs back and forth Sonidero!

[sonidero]