Hello. I'm new not only to this forum, but to creating electronic music. I want to do it. I have an Ensoniq SQ-80 synth, a Mackie mixing board, and a 4-track that crapped out last nite. I'd like to be able to create electronic music that doesn't sound like crap because I'm using a lame drum machine. I'd also like to twist sounds, such as synth lines, percussion, and vocals. After much research, it appears that a sampler is the way to go. I'm seeking information from seasoned vets (a compliment, you all!!) as to my perspective. Am I right in saying that a sampler is probably the way to go at this point? As I said, I'd like to mainly create sequences, twist vocals and samples and synth lines, and create DOPE beats. I like psytrance and psybient and that kind of stuff.

So I have basic questions. Such as, how do you create beats with a sampler? I'm not talking about specific buttons; do you have to record a kick drum, import it into the machine, and mess about with EQ and such to get the sound you want, and then loop it by assigning it to one pad, etc etc?

Does the SP-404 allow you to twist only one sample (such as speeding up or adding the DJ effects to just the vocals) during realtime playback, or is it limited to twisting the whole freakin' sequence?

Okay, thanks in advance for your help, okay!

I'm sorry, I neglected to provide the last questions. What are the advantages of the SP-404 over the EMX? And vice-versa?

You do know the EMX isn't a sampler at all right?

probably referring to the electribe ESX

I am aware that the EMX is not a sampler. What, in fact is it? I was watching some youtube demos of each of these pieces of equipment, and the EMX seemed pretty cool; it seems that you can do many things with it.

So my question, refined, is, what advantages do each machines have over each other based on what I've told you I'd like to accomplish? From what I've gathered, it seems that with the EMX, you still need a sampler to gather the sounds in the first place.

I guess I'm not quite positive on what a sampler does and if that is indeed what I'm looking for.

Your replies do indeed bring up another question: what are the advantages of the 404 over the ESX sampler?

I know I'm asking many questions and heading in many directions, but I WANT ANSWERS!!!!

http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/reviews/sp-404

http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/revie ... on-station

The 404 is a phrase sampler with an assload built in fx and a basic drum machine style sequencer. It sounds like what ever you sample into it.

The EMX is a groovebox/desktop synthesizer it has a built in X0X style sequencer with tracks for drums, synths, and pcm sound in the EMX. Also has fx builtin. It's not a sampler though so you can't ass sounds to it, just tweak what's already there.

There's a couple really good reviews on both machines (you gotta register to download em but they're definitely worth it). Enough depth to give an idea of what each of em are and what they can do. Also how about some links to some good psytrance and psybient so those of us who are unfamiliar with those genres can get a good idea of what your aiming for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROI1W3Lg ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm8HVbq2Z_I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH_8e9JYtRs

I understand much of that is created with computers, plugins, expensive synthesizers, etc.

I'm not looking to play around. I want to create lines with my synthesizer, and build sequences. I want to warp vocals and synth lines and create drum loops from scratch. It seems, if the EMX is uncapable of sampling anything, that it is more of a toy than a tool.

Hey, thanks for your time so far.

great selection of tracks! i'm a huge fan of early psy as well

for that style of more fixed sequencing and complex acidlines etc, the Electribe might suit you more with it's X0X-style sequencing (rather than the SP's 'tap it in' sequencing)
but with the SP you can import loops you've made with VST's/DAW and tweak them live...giving you a sort of best of both worlds (produce on your computer, use SP to perform)

The EMX is a very capable synth and a lot of fun. It's very easy to dial in Juno Reactor psytrance like sounds.

What you need is both.

You all are great.

I'm not really looking for a live application; I'm looking to create beats and stuff and then bring it into my computer. I use Adobe Audition with XP.

Is there a sampler out there that has seperate channels for each sample, so I can feed it into a mixing deck?

this is one of my favourite tracks
here's the full version for anyone interested:
Hallucinogen - LSD

the way the patterns shift

Posford is genius.

just get Logic 8 or Acid Pro 7 and call it a day...