Analogue-sequencer

--- In analogue-sequencer@yahoogroups.com, Paul Nagle <softroom@...> 
wrote:
>
> Vrx wrote:
> 
> >Hi 
> >   
> >     can anyone here outline the Arp sequencers model 1623 etc and 
whether the P3 can emulate them well? any differences in Arp 
sequencer models  and any good ?:) would a P3 replace one ?  
> >  
> >
> The ARP sequencer is a delightful design - 16 steps that can run as 
two 
> parallel streams of up to 8 steps. You have a variable gate length 
(that 
> you can modulate), direction of either forward or random, skip or 
reset 
> (skip steps, Moog-style or reset to step 1 at any point), plus you 
can 
> modulate the speed, too. If you run the seq fast, you can generate 
audio 
> waveforms with it - something no MIDI sequencer can do AFAIK, 
similarly, 
> you have a useful 3 bus system for triggers/gates, two note 
quantizers etc.
> 
> Essentially the P3 can do all the cool stuff, within the 
limitations of 
> MIDI compared to voltage. 
> 
> The ARP is my favourite analogue CV/Gate sequencer.
> 
> Paul
> 

Paul gave a good rundown here.  Just a few more points.  The only 
difference in the various ARP sequencer models is the physical 
construction.  The featureset didn't change.  From a serviceing point 
of view, the latest ones (orange/white/black) are easier since the 
top hinges up and you don't have to remove the power supply board to 
get the main circuit board out.

As far as functionality vs. the P3, I'd say don't compare.  They are 
two different beasts.  Without getting into a MIDI vs. cv debate, I 
would say you get two totally different feels if for example you're 
driving a Pro-1 directly w. the ARP versus P3->MIDI/cv box->Pro-1.

The other big thing is the ARP is more limited (in a good way).  
There's no menus, no complex featureset, 16 steps maximum..  To make 
it fun and interesting, you really have to interact with it.  With 
the P3, there is a tendency sometimes to program something into it 
and then sit back and listen to it do it's thing.  With the ARP, 
there's an almost overwhelming urge to do something while it plays.  
Set the sequence length, tweak the length, change step values, etc.  
The ARP really is an instrument to be played like a piano or 
something.

If you can afford to have both, and have the ARP triggered externally 
so it syncs to the rest of your gear, I'd say have/keep both.  Paul 
did.  I did.  Many others have as well.