Analogue-sequencer

Paul,

Your explanation is a valid argument that I agree with - the P3 is an
amazing device that is worth learning and mastering and it has opened
new and interesting avenues for creative sequencing in live circumstances.

It is just that when, in order to master the device for performance,
the majority of "chops" necessary are navigational skills -
remembering where you are, knowing how to exit to the main page and
access the next mode to get to the next needed page.  The structure is
a tree architecture, where pages are sequentially selected from a
common access point. 

If one could put the device into auto-save and simply, with a single
keystroke select a specific page, it would revolutionize the P3's
operation.  I suggested midi notes in lieu of more buttons on the
panel - which then implies the opportunity to record you actual live
performances on the P3, or even create subroutines from controllers in
the midi domain.

I have been a long time Synclavier owner/player.  The Synclavier, like
the P3, is based on the Main Page format - one selects ENTER to return
to the Main Page to further access other pages of controls.

When Macros were first implimented, allowing for one button access to
each page, (using the Function keys on a Qwerty keyboard), it reduced
the number of keystrokes by literally hundreds in an hour of working -
seriously improving work flow on a major scale.  Suddenly, what
originally was 6 keystrokes became one - which meant that in the time
that you then made 6 keystrokes, it was eqivalent to 36 keystrokes in
the system before the macros were implimented.

I have had all of this stuff (Matrix 12, XT, etc.), too.  I think that
the P3 is more like the Synclavier than those synths - it is far more
conceptually complicated than a synthesizer.  Especially when one
editting a multi-pattern, polyphonic sequence, it is a challenge to
get into pattern edit from playlist edit in time to edit the
particular sequence while it is running.  It take alot of practicing
to memorize the key sequences - not that it is impossible, of course,
but I think that one button access who make this type of editting a
breeze.

Of course, I submit this opinion with all due respect - this is
already a tremendous leap forward.  I am just trying to "nudge" the P3
into the next universe, where I can use it as a really time keyboard
alternative....

Gary