Easy sampler/sequencer-style synths for industrial music?

[breitt]

I am a newbie to music production, and though I've worked with
Electribes, Kaoss Pads, Re-birth, ACID, and the Sidstation, I've not
found an intuitive, affordable (preferably portable) HARDWARE solution
for creating industrial rhythms and sounds. I tried a Nord Lead
2X-which is a superb instrument-but I'm not a keyboard player, so it's
kind of a waste. I'm not looking to use keyboard midi-controllers,
either. I'm looking for an all-in-one solution something along the
lines of the old Electribe EA-1 with pad/step-sequencing, sampling and
effects that is especially suited for industrial sounds. I tried an
MPC 1000, which I'm sure is considered easy to many of you, but to me,
it was somewhat complex and had way more features than I needed. Also,
its beats and style are more oriented toward hip-hop, than industrial.
Also, I would like to have a hand in the actual creation of the sounds
as well, and not be relegated to using only other people's music. Any
suggestions?

--breitt

[david morley]

Akai MPC60
Simple to use, 12bit sampling which may suit the more industrial sound
you imply.
Then just get a decent older synth. A Yamaha TX802 is very practical or
a Waldorf Microwave. Both can make "industrial" stuff and are excellent
synths for programming (if you take tiume to learn them a bit).

Post by breitt
I am a newbie to music production, and though I've worked with
Electribes, Kaoss Pads, Re-birth, ACID, and the Sidstation, I've not
found an intuitive, affordable (preferably portable) HARDWARE solution
for creating industrial rhythms and sounds. I tried a Nord Lead
2X-which is a superb instrument-but I'm not a keyboard player, so it's
kind of a waste. I'm not looking to use keyboard midi-controllers,
either. I'm looking for an all-in-one solution something along the
lines of the old Electribe EA-1 with pad/step-sequencing, sampling and
effects that is especially suited for industrial sounds. I tried an
MPC 1000, which I'm sure is considered easy to many of you, but to me,
it was somewhat complex and had way more features than I needed. Also,
its beats and style are more oriented toward hip-hop, than industrial.
Also, I would like to have a hand in the actual creation of the sounds
as well, and not be relegated to using only other people's music. Any
suggestions?
--breitt

[Tom]

Don't forget the "industrial" pad legend, the Yamaha SY-22 (TG-33):
http://homepage.mac.com/synth_seal/html/tg33.html

Sounds really cool:
http://homepage.mac.com/synth_seal/files/tg33/tg33_vector_analog.mp3
http://homepage.mac.com/synth_seal/files/tg33/tg33_vector_hybrid.mp3
http://homepage.mac.com/synth_seal/files/tg33/tg33_vector_hybrid_pad.mp3

[HellPope Huey]

This isn't a total or ideal solution, partly because A) it doesn't
sample, B) you'd still have to program an industrial character into it
up to a point and C) ROMs for it are semi-rare on ebay and becoming
moreso. Its aimed at dance stuff more, but IMO, that's just a savvy
user's step away from some hefty crunch.

Its easy to operate, includes a sensible sequencer, decent basic
effects, has an octave of touch pads and an inherently solid sound.
"Industrial" can be a relative term, especially if you do something as
simple as running your audio outs through a 2nd effects box, cheap or
pricey. Fuzz/distortion is easily attained, even with simple Boss
pedals, if the on-board distortion isn't up to your goals.

It has a really good clock implementation for synching up to your
mentioned gear and its mostly about good KNOBS rather than multiple
menus run by 3 sliders. That would give you more of the industrial-DJ
aroma it sounds like you want. It costs what it costs, but E-Mu stuff
has always been tough and I say that from having owned 2 modules. Give
it a look here, as well as doing a general Search for pics and side details:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/E_mu/XL_7_Command_Station-1.html

http://www.vintagesynth.com/index2.html

--

HellPope Huey
Jesus is my pal
but He won't loan me money
and I DON'T BLAME HIM

If there really is a God who created
the entire universe with all of its glories
and He decides to deliver a message to humanity,
He will not use as His messenger
a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle.
~ Dave Barry

"God has a hell of a temper.
Piss Him off, you're up to your ass in locusts."
~ "King of the Hill"

[breitt]

Thanks! It's funny that you suggested the eMu XL7. After dozens of
hours of research, that is the one unit I saw on the Net that I hadn't
ruled out as meeting my needs. While I was intrigued by others like
the MC909, there was always a factor such as price, complexity, not the
right sound or interface, or horrid reviews that caused me to stray
away. The eMu seems to have it all. I may very well hunt one down.
Perfect suggestion--thanks again!

[Sir Ruff]

I might add something from the casio CZ-series.... from what I'v
heard, they are fairly straight forward to use, and are ideal from
buzzy, angular fm-type sounds without the hassle of programming FM...
If I ever saw any of them for cheap I'd pick one up myself. And AFAIK,
the cz-101 is all over Pretty Hate Machine, an industrial standard if
there ever was one:)

[Sir Ruff]

Oh, I'm seeing now that you were after a sequncer-style synth
specifically... in which case the cz series do not apply... but are
something to keep in mind if you plan on expanding your sound in the
future with a hardware synth or two.

[Jdavyd Williams]

Post by breitt
I am a newbie to music production, and though I've worked with
Electribes, Kaoss Pads, Re-birth, ACID, and the Sidstation, I've not
found an intuitive, affordable (preferably portable) HARDWARE solution
for creating industrial rhythms and sounds. I tried a Nord Lead
2X-which is a superb instrument-but I'm not a keyboard player, so it's
kind of a waste. I'm not looking to use keyboard midi-controllers,
either. I'm looking for an all-in-one solution something along the
lines of the old Electribe EA-1 with pad/step-sequencing, sampling and
effects that is especially suited for industrial sounds. I tried an
MPC 1000, which I'm sure is considered easy to many of you, but to me,
it was somewhat complex and had way more features than I needed. Also,
its beats and style are more oriented toward hip-hop, than industrial.
Also, I would like to have a hand in the actual creation of the sounds
as well, and not be relegated to using only other people's music. Any
suggestions?
--breitt

Ensoniq EPS16+ or ASR10. 'nuff said.

[breitt]

Has anyone worked with the Elektron Monomachine (non-keyboard version)?