Analogue-sequencer

> 1) where does the name "P3" come from?

"P"attern sequencer, number "3".
There's a potted history in the archives:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/analogue-sequencer/message/3652
 
> 2) how good a job does it do creating 303 style sequences?
> 2a) compared to something like the future-retro mobius?

The 303 sequencer is really very limited in user interface and operation.
The key to recreating a 303 sequence on another sequencer is to understand
these limits.
P3s pattern structure is suitable for copying a 303 pattern 100%, if you
know how to do it.
Personally I don't try to recreate 303 sequences on my P3. I create them on
my 303, then record them into the P3 using my MidiBass303 MIDI retrofit:
http://www.colinfraser.com/mb303/index.html
That gives me authentic 303 patterns, with the flexibility of tweaking them
without losing the essential character, and no messing around in write mode,
writing down notes etc.
I really can't hear the difference between the 303 sequencer playing a
pattern, and the P3 playing the same pattern via MidiBass, and I'm pretty
fussy about that sort of thing...
 
> 3) how does a P3 & drum-station compare to a TR-909? what are the 
> pros/cons of each?

P3 isn't optimised for percussion patterns, though there are plenty of
people using it very successfully for them.
I can't comment on the Drum Station sounds personally, but I wouldn't part
with my real 808 and 909.
If Trevor Page is still doing his 9090 boards, that might be a way to get
the real sounds for much less $$$.
 
> 4) do you find yourselves tending to use the P3 more for percussion 
> sequencing, 303 style sequencing, or everything else?

I used to use mine for percussion patterns as well as 303 patterns and
everything else.
I moved away from that when I replaced my 808/909 clone with the real
things.
In some respects the internal sequencers on the x0xes are a bit irritating -
especially the inability to change between play and edit while running, and
the lack of independent per step accent for every sound.
I'm going to fix that sometime ;-)
 
> 5) the P3 seems to use the same size/type buttons as the 
> TR-909, but the 
> 909 spaces them a bit further apart. has this caused any 
> problems with 
> using the P3? i'm wondering; if i take the DIY route should i 
> invest in a 
> square punch and make my own "step" PCB...?

The P3 keys have 3/4 inch spacing, the 909 roughly 7/8 inch.
I think you'd need pretty chunky fingers to have a problem.
Main reason for the narrower P3 spacing is to fit in a 19" rack, and cutting
out a single rectangular slot was *much* less work than 16 square holes
would have been in the DIY case days.
 
> 6) one of my favorite features of the TR-808 is the different color 
> buttons clearly delimiting four groups of four. i did the 
> same thing to my 
> PC1600x <http://synthmod.net/peavey/1600_paint/left.jpg> and 
> it's so much 
> more intuitive, especially on a dark stage. has anyone used colored 
> keycaps on their P3? where can they be found?

I used to use groups of four colours on the knobs, though I've switched to
alternating white and grey, since these are easier to see in low light than
some of the darker colours.

> 7) has anyone located a case/knobs/buttons that are styled like the 
> TR-909? i'm tempted to make a P3 so that it looks like a TR-909 from 
> across the room... of course i'd have to hit the lottery first.

I've not been able to find keys that will take tri-colour LEDs like the
909s, or I might have used them.

BTW the production P3 panel slopes at exactly the same angle as the 909.
If you elevate a 909 on some blocks, and sit it directly behind your P3, you
get a nice control surface for synth and drums ;-)

Best regards,
Colin Fraser
Sequentix Music Systems Ltd
http://www.sequentix.com