What do I need to know about analog sequencers?

[Ugly Nora]

I really don't know much. Ok anything. I bought a Moog Minitaur awhile back because I I knew it was something I would enjoy and I had a 20% coupon from MF, so I couldn't pass it up. I bought it with the intent of eventually buying a sequencer.

Can someone explain what I may need to look for when I purchase a sequencer? I see the following names a lot, so I assume they are good: oberkorn mk3 , Doepfer MAQ16/3, Doepfer Dark Time. Are there any "must have" features that I should look at when comparing sequencers?

My main concerns are as follows:

1. I have all the Moogerfoogers, so I want something compatible with them and my Minitaur
2. Do I need to buy extra items (like power supplies) to use the sequencer?
3. I do not have the space or money to get into building a full fledged modular synth at this time, but would like to eventually. So, I would like to keep future expansion in mind with the sequencer I choose.

I am willing to spend $1200-$1500 if that helps. Hopeully that is enough.

Thanks for any info, suggestions on brands, etc.

Nora

[Uncle Grandfather]

Analogue solutions makes a nice analog sequencer, the station Q. They also make a Really nice sequencer the Oberkorn, I've had great success with either using my minataur. The darktime is a go to as well. In the digital domain the Future Retro Orb is amazing, lots of worth looking into. but their Retro xs is their analogue wonder.

Most all of these are semimodular.

They make cables that are 1/4" on one end and 3.5mm on the other so you can interface your moog gear with more traditional "synth" gear.

All should come with a power supply.

edit: maybe check out matrixsynth.com too

also consider how important midi is, and how important cv/gate is.

[Deltaphoenix]

You could try out sequencing by spending $50 on an iRig Midi or line 6 Mobilizer 2 and hooking into your iPod/Phone/Pad and getting a compatible app.

[Ugly Nora]

Thanks UG.

The Archangel is looking pretty nice.

http://www.det3.net/products/archangel

DP- unfortunately I am an Android user. We don't get cool stuff. Plus I really rather stick with hardware. Much more fun for me.

[sonidero]

I've had a few... Future Retro Orb is cool...



http://www.future-retro.com/orboverview.html

[Uncle Grandfather]

Thanks UG.

The Archangel is looking pretty nice.

http://www.det3.net/products/archangel

DP- unfortunately I am an Android user. We don't get cool stuff. Plus I really rather stick with hardware. Much more fun for me.

The Archangel looks very interesting. I really like the touchplate controller which turns this into an instrument, kinda. The info on the analoguehaven website is quite informative, but I couldn't get any sound on the video of the finished unit to see how the sequencer actually sounds/works, just the video of version2, where little more than how cool the touchplate is shown. That knob to change modes/octave for the touchpad is a really cool and useful feature. seems to have smart and plenty in/outs for the sequencer.

Im going to have to keep my eye on this one.

What gear are you going to use with a step sequencer?

[space6oy]

What gear are you going to use with a step sequencer?

I bought a Moog Minitaur awhile back because I I knew it was something I would enjoy and I had a 20% coupon from MF, so I couldn't pass it up. I bought it with the intent of eventually buying a sequencer.

I've had a few... Future Retro Orb is cool...

http://www.future-retro.com/orboverview.html

FR mobius & orb are my favs.

[sonidero]

I use the Fat Controller for the Minitaur with the CP-251...

[Ugly Nora]

Yeah I got the CP-251 also. Maybe I will learn to use it properly someday.

UG, here is good demo of the Archangel that shows off it's features. And yes like space6oy said I plan on using a Minitaur. I am sure I would buy another synth as well as well at some point to use.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH1lf0PmKLo[/youtube]

[Uncle Grandfather]

Thanks for the link nora jones, that led to some other cool videos that explored the unit more in depth. It sure is one hella cool step sequencer It has some interesting features not typical for a step sequencer, and they all seem aimed at helping you compose with or play the unit easier. With your minataur and moogerfoogers/cp-251 you might only just touch on the flexibility of the unit, making it perfect to build around.

here's a pretty simple video showing the doepfer darktime with a minataur. Dont forget too that the minataur is a bass synth and doesn't play above c5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtFbbQhABtE

[MeSoFuzzy]

Oberkorn mk3 is badass The Frostwave is a bit on the rare side

Anybody try a sequencer from this guy? http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-16-Channel-An ... 5970951%26

[Deltaphoenix]

Get a Cirklon if you plan to get more synths and want to control them all.

[Ugly Nora]

Yeah I saw that. It looks quite capable, but it doesn't look fun to me what with all the menus and stuff. I am looking more for something that will allow me to just to tweak knobs and have immediate fun. Well see though, I am not looking to buy immediately. I am weighing all my options.