getting an ASR X an need some basics covered

hey everyone. Been ages since i lurked here...
anyway,

i am about to get an Ensoniq ASR X. I am not planing on building any highend home studio (again) just messing and creating with the sampler, a small synth and a acoustic piano thats standing around here.

I used to work on ASR-10 and i loved the thing. but wont get something that large again.

So my main questions on the asr X for now:

1-between a simple Phono like the numark PT 1 portable, would i need anything like an amp to sample into the ASR or does the input function as amp?

2- I think i will be able to live with the sequencer, actually i liked old sequencers like the asr/mpc more than anything DAW (and wont go DAW again)
but: if i wont be happy with the X Seq. i wonder if its for example possible to use a KORK VOLCA KEYS (there is a midi out mod available) as a sequencer.
Would that be a better step than using the X Seq? and will i be able to sync these 2 (have one as master) and still use all sounds on both units keys? samples from X and Synth from Korg while saving the midi to the same Sequence/Song?

2b- how would you combine Kork Volca and ASR X if one of those has to be the Sequencer?

3-whats the best storage solution not too expensive? 200+ bucks for card reader is much to high for me, i guess 4GB Hard Drive from the ebay seller?

4- IF ANYONE HAS THE X (turbo/maxed) FOR SALE, hit me up fast, i am a unpatient buyer i am afriad.



THANKS!!

About the sequencer; if you get a Pro or an X with the latest OS, sequencing will be fine, especially if you could work with the ASR-10 sequencer.

thanks, i am hoping for that. the more simple the setup the better.

i am wondering if someone can recomend a SMALL midi controller (and if needed midi tool between) to control the in depth filters and FX of the ASR in realtime without hitting the sequencer too hard while working/playback.

i think this would also be ideal to play the synth in the ASR realtime and use all the filters in this way.

on the ASRXCITE (amazing place) i found the author needed a MidiTool by a company that doesnt exsist anymore to keep the midi data small that goes from Controller to ASR while playing sequences.

Any idea what such a device would be? and a good small controller?
i do like the aturia ones but i am not crazy for empty midi keyboard, yet i am not Sure a Korg Volca Keys wich was my first idea, can function as controller really well when a midi out is added.

Not a keyboard, but I´ve read about people controlling the X with a Behringer BCR2000 controller.

Why not just get a cheap MPC?
Even the 500 is a better option than the X or X Pro.

it probably has the better sequencer, yes
but the sampler and FX on the X are far superior

Willis Reed wrote:it probably has the better sequencer, yes
but the sampler and FX on the X are far superior

I have 3 ASRs (2 key/ 1 rack) a Pro X and normal X as well as a DP2.

I use one keyboard ASR normally and sometimes the DP but the effects on the ASRx just don't sound as good.

The first gen chip used in the ASR10 in conjunction with the sample engine and hardware yields a much more pleasant sound.

The ASRx is a MR with sampling added and lacks the control and features that make using the ASR10 so powerful.

Sure, but I was comparing the sampling and effects to the same on the MPC 500

And maybe it doesn't have the features of the ASR-10, but there is plenty of control; regarding sampling and effects of course.

Willis Reed wrote:Sure, but I was comparing the sampling and effects to the same on the MPC 500

And maybe it doesn't have the features of the ASR-10, but there is plenty of control; regarding sampling and effects of course.

Still no comparison to using any MPC that has effects or the 2k with EB.
The routing methods that Akai use are much better and lend themselves better to how the unit works.

The OP is talking about buying a ASRx plus some form of storage the cost of that would easily get him the improved workflow of a MPC.

thing is i made music for some 6 years, again years ago and i used a MPC 2kxl before the ASR 10. And the Ensoniq engine was more to my taste. While the 10 is kinda cryptic when understood its a breeze, afaik the X is more intuitive.

i think i ll be a happy camper. To be honest i had my issues with the mpc.


So instead of VS please bring forward ASR stuff. Of course i hope for a similar warm sound in the x that i know from 10, and while it may not be 1:1 i think it will sound just as nice

ASR-X is dope, don't listen to that MPC500 is better bullshit.

Clint wrote:ASR-X is dope, don't listen to that MPC500 is better bullshit.

Any MPC has a better workflow than the ASRx plain and simple to say other wise is a lie.

First off sry for the thread jack.
@Adversary. So just to break it down, I own an eps 16 that I use in combo with an mpc 2000. My next purchase is gonna b asr. I found an asr x pro for a steal and all the asr s I c are quite a bit higher priced. So I was curious cuz at first u mention the sound of the asr x not being up to par then u talk about workflow. Was just wondering on the lvl of workflow what exactly do u not like about the x . Ure details about the sound of it have already given me pause and thinking I should just wait for an asr. However for the price of an asr I could get an x plus a dp2. Anyways thx in advance.

THE ADVERSARY wrote:

Willis Reed wrote:Sure, but I was comparing the sampling and effects to the same on the MPC 500

And maybe it doesn't have the features of the ASR-10, but there is plenty of control; regarding sampling and effects of course.

Still no comparison to using any MPC that has effects or the 2k with EB.
The routing methods that Akai use are much better and lend themselves better to how the unit works.

The OP is talking about buying a ASRx plus some form of storage the cost of that would easily get him the improved workflow of a MPC.

The man asked about the ASR-X, I answered him.
You came in with the MPC500 suggestion, upon which I stated that he would then have a better sequencer, but the sampling/effects possibilities would be inferior.
If we're going to talk about workflow; why did you not suggest a MPC\ASR-X combo?
This would give him the best of both worlds, no?
Or maybe even the MPC\ASR10 combo?

My bad the parts where I say "asr" I mean asr 10.