Analogue-sequencer

Just catching up... 

> I take both of your comments about the p3 not being a linear 
> sequencer, however I do feel that the V4 software is missing 
> a vital component in being able to playlist parts. (Please 
> remember I am a novice and this is my first impression).

It does to a certain extent in that you can chain parts, but you only have 8
steps of part sequence.
This is no disadvantage over v3 though - v3 didn't have multi-bar patterns,
the playlists there were for chaining bars together, rather than song
structures.

> I do 
> take on board that its not a linear sequencer and is more of 
> a performance tool...however no matter how experimental your 
> work you end up having to apply some structure to make it 
> more accessible. I dont want to get into subjective arguments 
> on experimental music (lets just say I bought my first synth 
> because of cabaret voltaire, throbbing gristle and early 
> human league)but unless you are doing totally free-form stuff 
> like Eno ambient or Xenakis/Stockhausen/IRCAM stuff some 
> structuring of the parts is required. I accept that this can 
> be performance based but opnce you have worked out your 
> performance as it where, you may want to free your hands to 
> perform somewhere else...

I totally agree.
I used to be more hardcore about it, but I've mellowed to the point where,
although I still want to be able to 'perform' a track, I can see the
attraction of being able to directly record that performance, so that I can
play it back while I twiddle knobs, etc.
Unfortunately as far as P3 goes, the CPU is doing pretty much everything it
can.
There is only 1k or so of program space left in the flash, and RAM is pretty
tightly packed too.
However, you can expect to see a linear song director on Cirklon.

> just to add to my earlier note, I have developed lots of 
> hardware and software in my time and am all too aware of the 
> nightmares of "mission creep".

Ha ! I think the P3 is about 75% creep.

> On the "mission creep" 
> side of things I have recently developed a wristwatch 
> (www.i-toc.com  I'm not trying to sell my wares, just making 
> a point...but to be honest would also be interested in 
> comments...

Ooh, I do like a nice watch ;-)
I usually wear a P2 (of the Pulsar variety).

> Colin if you like it you can have a freebie for 
> creating a box that reminded me of why I enjoy synths so 
> much).

Sweet :-)

> With the watch I have had to stick to "doing one thing 
> well" people want me to add all sorts of gadgetry and that 
> would spoil it...so I am well aware I may come to the same 
> conclusion with the P3 once I have really got to know it well.

Well, if you do, forget what I said about wanting a song mode - I did it all
on purpose.

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