Elektron Musical Instruments

Hi Rory,

Good question.  :-)

I got the original MD when it first came out, then the ESX after it came out.  Then Elektron brought out the UW upgrade, and I got that too.  Recently, I just got rid of the ESX - because I want to focus on using my RS7000 and laptop together - but the MD-UW is still here.

Here are my thoughts:

Yes, two machines are better than one.  You get more polyphony overall, and the ESX gives you the two keyboard parts that the MD cannot.  Also the ESX gives you 8 measures per pattern, whereas the MD has a max of 2 measures per patter.  For repetitve music, it's good to have some variety beyond 1/2 measure loops.

The ESX can also compliment the MD nicely from a variety standpoint, because the ESX has 24MB (285 seconds @ 44.1kHz), the UW upgrade adds 2MB (~24 seconds @ 44.1kHz).  Also, the ESX effects add a sound signature that the MD-UW doesn't have.

The UW upgrade adds some features to the MD-UW that you can't get elsewhere.  The RAM machines offer realtime input and main output resampling within the pattern, which is unique.  The ROM machines playback the 2MB of samples (max. of 32 samples) have basic playback parameters similar to the ESX, with the following differences: the sample end point is variable independent of the sample start point, and you get 2 filters per part, and of course the AM, SRR, etc.  Otherwise, the MD's parameter locks are a more exacting tool than the ESX's motion sequences IMO, but both provide a similar overall effect.  The MD's song mode is better than the ESX's, and it's not possible to jump in and out of the ESX's song mode in realtime like it is on the MD.  Also, the MD's global audio routing and MIDI trigger options are much more flexible than the ESX.

However, the ESX does have a few things over the MD.  Like you mentioned, the ribboncontrol/slider performance controls.  Pattern sets.  Namable samples.  Smartmedia (external flash card) storage.  Rugged, confidence-inspiring pots.  And it's half the price of a new MD-UW.

Pick your weapon, choose your tool.  It's a tough choice, but ultimately more powerful tools won out for me.  :-)

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: rory st john 
  To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 11:14 AM
  Subject: [elektron] MD Ultrawave, worth the extra?


  Hi all, just joined this group, and it looks very informative

  Im pretty sure i know what answer im going to get, but the reason i ask is i
  may need to sell my Korg ESX to cover the difference. I liked the idea of
  having 2 dedicated machines, one for sampling and one of the synthesizing,
  and, in the future when i do get a live set of some sort together, 2
  machines would be better than 1...no? well i would like to know how existing
  users manage with this, and if there was some previous ESX owners, how does
  UW hold up against the manipulation abilities of the Korg. to add...Im very
  fond of the arpegiator ribbon, is there a corresponding function on the md?
  thanks in advance
  rory

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



   

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

indeed a good question.
The UW expansion is good for some special effects..but
its not turning the MD into a real samplin
drummachine.
The 8 bar feature of the ESX is the most valuable tool
over the MD...
and in general writing beats goes somehow quicker on
the korg...

But..

The electribe is late... and the MD dont features
offset delays for the clocking..

I ve to tell that MD and electribe dont match good to
each other timingwise..

the ideal combination in my opinion would be a
standard MD and a second hand MPC 2000 or 1000.. maybe
even the new mpc 500...

I like the korgs...but the lame clocking dont
qualifies it so much as a main drummachine... as a
secondary late machine for sample fx the smal
electribe is doing the job well enough...and for
serious sampling the electribes anyway sound to
week...

So..to combine sampling with synthezised drums a
akai/elektron combo is probably the best you can
have...

regards,
S



--- synthyscott <synthysyzor@...> schrieb:

> Hi Rory,
> 
> Good question.  :-)
> 
> I got the original MD when it first came out, then
> the ESX after it came out.  Then Elektron brought
> out the UW upgrade, and I got that too.  Recently, I
> just got rid of the ESX - because I want to focus on
> using my RS7000 and laptop together - but the MD-UW
> is still here.
> 
> Here are my thoughts:
> 
> Yes, two machines are better than one.  You get more
> polyphony overall, and the ESX gives you the two
> keyboard parts that the MD cannot.  Also the ESX
> gives you 8 measures per pattern, whereas the MD has
> a max of 2 measures per patter.  For repetitve
> music, it's good to have some variety beyond 1/2
> measure loops.
> 
> The ESX can also compliment the MD nicely from a
> variety standpoint, because the ESX has 24MB (285
> seconds @ 44.1kHz), the UW upgrade adds 2MB (~24
> seconds @ 44.1kHz).  Also, the ESX effects add a
> sound signature that the MD-UW doesn't have.
> 
> The UW upgrade adds some features to the MD-UW that
> you can't get elsewhere.  The RAM machines offer
> realtime input and main output resampling within the
> pattern, which is unique.  The ROM machines playback
> the 2MB of samples (max. of 32 samples) have basic
> playback parameters similar to the ESX, with the
> following differences: the sample end point is
> variable independent of the sample start point, and
> you get 2 filters per part, and of course the AM,
> SRR, etc.  Otherwise, the MD's parameter locks are a
> more exacting tool than the ESX's motion sequences
> IMO, but both provide a similar overall effect.  The
> MD's song mode is better than the ESX's, and it's
> not possible to jump in and out of the ESX's song
> mode in realtime like it is on the MD.  Also, the
> MD's global audio routing and MIDI trigger options
> are much more flexible than the ESX.
> 
> However, the ESX does have a few things over the MD.
>  Like you mentioned, the ribboncontrol/slider
> performance controls.  Pattern sets.  Namable
> samples.  Smartmedia (external flash card) storage. 
> Rugged, confidence-inspiring pots.  And it's half
> the price of a new MD-UW.
> 
> Pick your weapon, choose your tool.  It's a tough
> choice, but ultimately more powerful tools won out
> for me.  :-)
> 
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: rory st john 
>   To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 11:14 AM
>   Subject: [elektron] MD Ultrawave, worth the extra?
> 
> 
>   Hi all, just joined this group, and it looks very
> informative
> 
>   Im pretty sure i know what answer im going to get,
> but the reason i ask is i
>   may need to sell my Korg ESX to cover the
> difference. I liked the idea of
>   having 2 dedicated machines, one for sampling and
> one of the synthesizing,
>   and, in the future when i do get a live set of
> some sort together, 2
>   machines would be better than 1...no? well i would
> like to know how existing
>   users manage with this, and if there was some
> previous ESX owners, how does
>   UW hold up against the manipulation abilities of
> the Korg. to add...Im very
>   fond of the arpegiator ribbon, is there a
> corresponding function on the md?
>   thanks in advance
>   rory
> 
>   [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
> 
> 
> 
>    
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
> 
> 





	
		
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thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and loops.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
> i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and  
> loops.

Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for  
every input and output.
I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,  
but it's there.

Works fine for me, not seeing any issues syncing a MD-UW and Live 6 here.

On 11/30/06, Federico Ciapi <federico.ciapi@...> wrote:
>
> > thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
> > i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and
> > loops.
>
> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
> every input and output.
> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,
> but it's there.
>


-- 
Tarekith
http://www.tarekith.com

true... but it can get messy. the delay becomes greater, the more you use
your CPU.. and paired with 2 external machines, i could see that being
problematic

>
> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
> every input and output.
> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,
> but it's there.
>
> 
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>I ve to tell that MD and electribe dont match good to
>each other timingwise..

Using an Electribe EMX, MD U/W & I guess any of my midi gear, I havent run into any unusual latency issues using my DAW(protools) as my midi beat clock. I do see normal midi latency on all my devices, but not specific to the Electribe or MD. All devices play in sync with each other fine...

I used to have issues when I was not using my DAW as my midi beat clock master however, when recording to my DAW I usually slave my other midi gear to it.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: rory st john 
  To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:51 AM
  Subject: Re: [elektron] MD Ultrawave, worth the extra?


  thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
  i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and loops.

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



   

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

delay compensation works great. you shouldnt worry about it..:)
--- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, Federico Ciapi
<federico.ciapi@...> wrote:

>
> 
> > thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
> > i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and  
> > loops.
> 
> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for  
> every input and output.
> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,  
> but it's there.
>

thanks for the replies btw everyone... im purchasing this baby within the
next day or 2...

regarding the syncing.... am i right to think sycning 2 machines is tougher
to sync than 1?
i spose if i slaved the korg to the MD and the the Md to Live.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

guys how can u copy from page 1 to page 3 on a 64 beats sequence?


Rui





Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
    


On 30 Nov 2006, at 16:26, rory st john wrote:

> true... but it can get messy. the delay becomes greater, the more  
> you use
> your CPU.. and paired with 2 external machines, i could see that being
> problematic
>
>>
>> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
>> every input and output.
>> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,
>> but it's there.
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

what one is the master?

rui



Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
    


On 30 Nov 2006, at 16:20, Tarekith wrote:

> Works fine for me, not seeing any issues syncing a MD-UW and Live 6  
> here.
>
> On 11/30/06, Federico Ciapi <federico.ciapi@...> wrote:
>>
>>> thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this a major problem.
>>> i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i will have VSTs and
>>> loops.
>>
>> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
>> every input and output.
>> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,
>> but it's there.
>>
>
>
> -- 
> Tarekith
> http://www.tarekith.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

hold down the Scale Setup button and hit Copy/Paste.  That will copy  
the current page (or paste the clipboard to the current page.)

c.

On Nov 30, 2006, at 1:56 PM, rui da silva wrote:

> guys how can u copy from page 1 to page 3 on a 64 beats sequence?
>
>
> Rui
>
>
>
>
>
> Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
>
>
>
> On 30 Nov 2006, at 16:26, rory st john wrote:
>
>> true... but it can get messy. the delay becomes greater, the more
>> you use
>> your CPU.. and paired with 2 external machines, i could see that  
>> being
>> problematic
>>
>>>
>>> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
>>> every input and output.
>>> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or  
>>> not,
>>> but it's there.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Yes.  Scale button + copy will copy the current page.  Scale + paste will
paste into the new page.

/Scott

On 11/30/06, rui da silva <ruipacheco@...> wrote:
>
>   guys how can u copy from page 1 to page 3 on a 64 beats sequence?
>
> Rui
>
> Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
>
>
> On 30 Nov 2006, at 16:26, rory st john wrote:
>
> > true... but it can get messy. the delay becomes greater, the more
> > you use
> > your CPU.. and paired with 2 external machines, i could see that being
> > problematic
> >
> >>
> >> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
> >> every input and output.
> >> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or not,
> >> but it's there.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>  
>



-- 
Scott Kellogg


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It would be better to use a multiport midi controller and slave them both to
live directly.
As soon as you start chaining things you are undoubtedly adding latency to
the equation.

-Chris

On 11/30/06, rory st john <rory.stjohn@...> wrote:
>
>   thanks for the replies btw everyone... im purchasing this baby within
> the
> next day or 2...
>
> regarding the syncing.... am i right to think sycning 2 machines is
> tougher
> to sync than 1?
> i spose if i slaved the korg to the MD and the the Md to Live.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>  
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Multiport midi interface that is... damn lack of sleep

On 11/30/06, Chris Thomas <ecksfive@...> wrote:
>
> It would be better to use a multiport midi controller and slave them both
> to live directly.
> As soon as you start chaining things you are undoubtedly adding latency to
> the equation.
>
> -Chris


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

uau ... thanks you so much....r

Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
    


On 30 Nov 2006, at 19:06, Corey Appleby wrote:

>
> hold down the Scale Setup button and hit Copy/Paste.  That will copy
> the current page (or paste the clipboard to the current page.)
>
> c.
>
> On Nov 30, 2006, at 1:56 PM, rui da silva wrote:
>
>> guys how can u copy from page 1 to page 3 on a 64 beats sequence?
>>
>>
>> Rui
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Fill out your e-mail address to receive updates on my new music
>>
>>
>>
>> On 30 Nov 2006, at 16:26, rory st john wrote:
>>
>>> true... but it can get messy. the delay becomes greater, the more
>>> you use
>>> your CPU.. and paired with 2 external machines, i could see that
>>> being
>>> problematic
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency independently for
>>>> every input and output.
>>>> I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it works well or
>>>> not,
>>>> but it's there.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

With my years of midi madness, I agree with Chris. Chaining adds latency, I have been trying to always run an independent midi path for each device, slaving them all to my DAW. Unless I am doing something Live without a computer, then I would sync everythign to my MD, but w/o chaining each device by using a 3 in 8 out midi box.

-JC

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chris Thomas 
  To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 2:27 PM
  Subject: Re: [elektron] MD Ultrawave, worth the extra?


  It would be better to use a multiport midi controller and slave them both to
  live directly.
  As soon as you start chaining things you are undoubtedly adding latency to
  the equation.

  -Chris

  On 11/30/06, rory st john <rory.stjohn@...> wrote:
  >
  > thanks for the replies btw everyone... im purchasing this baby within
  > the
  > next day or 2...
  >
  > regarding the syncing.... am i right to think sycning 2 machines is
  > tougher
  > to sync than 1?
  > i spose if i slaved the korg to the MD and the the Md to Live.
  >
  > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  >
  > 
  >

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



   

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Live 6 is actually the only solution on the market
that can solve such problems because you individually
can shift the clock on each output...
It works..
But..
working with hardware... I aczually like to be able to
run without a computer... and therefore MD and MPC are
a better combo than MD and ESX...
However..
When you work with live you can easily compensate the
timing issues.
The esx are good drummachines... from the handling
probably the best... 

--- Tarekith <Tarekith@...> schrieb:

> Works fine for me, not seeing any issues syncing a
> MD-UW and Live 6 here.
> 
> On 11/30/06, Federico Ciapi <federico.ciapi@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > > thanks for the reply... when you say late? is
> this a major problem.
> > > i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i
> will have VSTs and
> > > loops.
> >
> > Live 6 lets you compensate for midi clock latency
> independently for
> > every input and output.
> > I've never used this feature, so I can't say if it
> works well or not,
> > but it's there.
> >
> 
> 
> -- 
> Tarekith
> http://www.tarekith.com
> 



		
___________________________________________________________ 
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depends of cause of taste and style...when you do
broken beats it 
dont matters if you are 3 ms off...with house its a
different story..
I forgot about that...
But The MPC is regarding timing and sequencing
fetaures way ahead of the Esx... independent if the
slight timing delay  causes trouble for one or not... 
I think MD and MPC give together probably the max you
can get out of drummachines today...
Just by having a realtime and a step sequenced
drummachine gives a much wider spectrum than a  MDUW
and a ESX can do...
Pricewise its the same..
So my advice MD+MPC over MDUW+ESX..



--- Jesse <jesse@...> schrieb:

> >I ve to tell that MD and electribe dont match good
> to
> >each other timingwise..
> 
> Using an Electribe EMX, MD U/W & I guess any of my
> midi gear, I havent run into any unusual latency
> issues using my DAW(protools) as my midi beat clock.
> I do see normal midi latency on all my devices, but
> not specific to the Electribe or MD. All devices
> play in sync with each other fine...
> 
> I used to have issues when I was not using my DAW as
> my midi beat clock master however, when recording to
> my DAW I usually slave my other midi gear to it.
> 
> 
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: rory st john 
>   To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:51 AM
>   Subject: Re: [elektron] MD Ultrawave, worth the
> extra?
> 
> 
>   thanks for the reply... when you say late? is this
> a major problem.
>   i plan to sync both machines to Live 6 where i
> will have VSTs and loops.
> 
>   [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
> 
> 
> 
>    
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
> 
> 





	
		
___________________________________________________________ 
Der fr\ufffdhe Vogel f\ufffdngt den Wurm. Hier gelangen Sie zum neuen Yahoo! Mail: http://mail.yahoo.de