Ian Canefire wrote:Soundtech
RS7000 is nice but has a few major drawbacks. The biggest one being the storage method. It uses the outdated and expensive smart media card.
The other problem is that it is a slow load.
I was in your boat and did a lot of research on this and the MPC4000. I ended up getting the 4000 instead.
Yamaha makes great equipment but they are always complex. They are just starting to get the idea of simplicity. Once you figure it out you are fine but before you will be scratching your head. Which in the end is cool because they are not designing things with "the soft bigotry of low expectations".
They expect you to think and dive in.
The RS7000 is an upgraded RM1X which is an upgraded SU700 or QY700. Like many things the first version is always the beloved and most fun. The second version adds a few things and almost gets it right. Then the third version is like WTF. The RS has a good sampler which makes it better than the RM1X(no sampling). The SU700 is fun pure and simple (very slow loading).
The RS7000 has a great pattern sequencing flow that is different than all other machines. However, it is more complex to at first, wrap your head around. If you are used to the RM1x and the SU you will get it.
The MPC4000 got the sequencing thing perfect so you will understand it much faster than the time it will take to get the RS. The RS7000 does not have the amount of midi ports as an mpc also.
The RS7000 has good midi timing so you don't have to worry about that.
In my experience, you will get an RS7000 like it and get over it. Then maybe lament it. However the MPC4000 and Roland MC909 is the greatest combination since peanut butter and jelly.
I know two users that are crazy about the RS7000. Look up adekoyote (koyotemohn) on youtube he is an all hardware guy that uses the RS7000 still and did not get into the Akai way of doing things. He will convince you of why you should love it above all other machines.
I rest,
Cheers,
Ian
Cheers for the detailed explanation. i was in doubt about certain features. the manual seems quite complex. i still believe is a great machine i'd only buy for sequencing only.
Also like you, i have been looking into a 4000 as well and i think researching for as long as you have before you bought was a very good thing to do
I feel a lot better on mpcs but still open to try other boxes
I use 60/3000 here and am very happy with sequencing
If i got my hands on a 4000 i;m confident i'd feel very comfortable with it too
i still havent rulled the rs7000 out as a sequencer. you said you reckon it is good for that and i agree, also good timing, i don't mind two midi outs that is good enough for me.
things like poor storage options or slow loading times you can only come across by trying it out or researching good enough
so thanks for pointing those out