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FP User
Published on 10/31/08 at 16:00
As a groovebox and sequencer, this machine is AMAZING. It met my expectations in every regard and then some. As a bonus, I thought it could serve as a sampler as well. While you can use it to sample in real-time, it is far too complicated and limited in this regard for use as a sampler during live performances. But for studio use, it rocks.
Price paid
$1495
UTILIZATION
I was a total novice to grooveboxes. There was a bit of a learning curve and the manual wasnt the best. Still, customer service has been helpful the 2 times I've called them and now that I've been messing around with it for an hour a day for a week, I'm now making some great-sounding beats. The interface is very easy and intuitive once you get the hang of it. This coming from someone with no musical background whatsoever, but a decent familiarity with computers.
I think I will use it only as a studio device. Also, its too pricey for me to want to bring it to a gig. I thought the sampler functions would be a nice plus, so when it left a lil to be desired in that regard I wasnt too upset. What it lacks as a sampler it more than makes up for as a groovebox. The ability to quickly, easily and digitally transfer files from a PC for me made it worth every penny. Yamaha and Akai have comparable products that I was looking at. Lots of people recommend the MPC, which Ive never used, so I cant compare the 909 with these products. But, on its own, coupled with a couple turntables and a PC with a few decent audio editing programs, the sky is the limit with this thing. I'm soooo glad I bought it.
SOUNDS
The ability to transfer files back and forth to a computer thru USB means the quality is as good as it gets. While the presets focus on techno, I find it great for making hip-hop, since support for 128mb smart cards mean you can input any sounds you want from your PC without any lose in fidelity.
OVERALL OPINION
Id made a few mediocre beats before I got my 909. Now, I can make insane jams with the greatest of ease. I would wholeheartedly recommend the 909. I havent encountered a single bug or serious shortcoming (aside from its limitations as a real-time sampler in a live setting).
Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 3-, 2003)
Price paid
$1495
UTILIZATION
I was a total novice to grooveboxes. There was a bit of a learning curve and the manual wasnt the best. Still, customer service has been helpful the 2 times I've called them and now that I've been messing around with it for an hour a day for a week, I'm now making some great-sounding beats. The interface is very easy and intuitive once you get the hang of it. This coming from someone with no musical background whatsoever, but a decent familiarity with computers.
I think I will use it only as a studio device. Also, its too pricey for me to want to bring it to a gig. I thought the sampler functions would be a nice plus, so when it left a lil to be desired in that regard I wasnt too upset. What it lacks as a sampler it more than makes up for as a groovebox. The ability to quickly, easily and digitally transfer files from a PC for me made it worth every penny. Yamaha and Akai have comparable products that I was looking at. Lots of people recommend the MPC, which Ive never used, so I cant compare the 909 with these products. But, on its own, coupled with a couple turntables and a PC with a few decent audio editing programs, the sky is the limit with this thing. I'm soooo glad I bought it.
SOUNDS
The ability to transfer files back and forth to a computer thru USB means the quality is as good as it gets. While the presets focus on techno, I find it great for making hip-hop, since support for 128mb smart cards mean you can input any sounds you want from your PC without any lose in fidelity.
OVERALL OPINION
Id made a few mediocre beats before I got my 909. Now, I can make insane jams with the greatest of ease. I would wholeheartedly recommend the 909. I havent encountered a single bug or serious shortcoming (aside from its limitations as a real-time sampler in a live setting).
Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 3-, 2003)