PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

Drums are not really my thing in music, due to a lack of patience.

So I have been looking at something like the KORG EMX-1 or the earlier EM1.

Because I want to use pre-existing drum beat /synth styles as an inspiration to go into different types of music, and adapt the patterns instead of starting from scratch.

The KORG was pretty good but it didn't blow me away, the patterns were pretty good. But the sounds were a litle weak.

Any recommendations for good grooveboxes?
Has to be something that outputs over midi so I can substitute sounds and use creamware synths etc. And a digital out would be nice.

Check out Yamaha's QY100 (little wonderbox) and QY700

well, I have a DX200 and completely mixed emotions about the thing.
Some features are ingenious while others (or their implementation) are complete crap

It doesn't have single outs, the filter/fx unit is always in the signal path, a lot of functions need a ridiculously placed 'shift' button and the trigger pads are rather small for a live tool.

It has the Roland style of running lights programming and can do realtime transpose of sequenced notes.
The pads also act as a 2 octave keyboard and the knobs send midi CCs.

The patterns cover various styles and are programmed with a lot of effort - of course it's a matter of personal taste if one likes them or not.

Overall I consider mine a good buy, specially for it's low price.
It's just annoying that Yamaha could have made a really GREAT tool with not too much modifications...

The synth engine is a PLG-150DX, a 6-Op DX7 synth, usable also in the expansion slots of some other Yamaha synths like the Motif.

The box runs without it's synth core and in fact I find it much more interesting driving external midi gear.

Given the fact you're able to sell the PLG board, you get the groove of the box (and the unremovable AWM drums and bass sounds - not too bad) for barely nothing

cheers, Tom

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2004-04-28 16:15 ]</font>

There is a great VST plugin called
"Groove Agent". Here's a link:

http://ga.clubcubase.net/

I bought a Korg MX when they first came out and was impressed. However I thne got the chance of a cheap Emu XL-7 command station, and they are wonderful! The latest OS is real breeze to program. Tons of good patterns etc available on the user groups. Two MIDI outs make interfacing easy. And to cap it off it they can take up to three extra EMU ROMS to extend the sounds.

They have stopped making them so there are some bargains to be found as shops get rid of stock etc.

I know you guys are talking about hardware boxes here but.... you might want to check out Steinberg Groove Agent.