Considering an M50 for second keyboard. Questions.

stheri88 · Post by **stheri88** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:10 am

Hi Everyone,

I currently own a Yamaha XS6 and am considering an M50 for a second board. I realize that some of you may say, why, but my reasons are:

1) I need something light and portable
2) I really like the arps on the board
3) I want something that seems to instantly inspire me.

The XS does not meet #1 since it is over 30 pounds. It does meet #2, but not for drums as much as the M50 IMHP. #3 it does, but so does the M50. Finally, the cost of the M50 is pretty darn reasonable.

With that aside, my only concern is the sequencer. I have managed to completely eliminate the need for a computer in my current setup and really don't want one. Just seems to drain my inspiration with all the configuring, etc. Anyway, I have come to really like recording my music using the pattern recorder in the motif series of synths which allows you to compose in sections and string them together. Looping, etc. is allowed. Sort of like Ableton live in a way. However, I get the impression that the Korg M50's sequencer is linear more like a standard song. I realize you can loop tracks, but that alone would not be the same as what I am referring to.

If anyone can fill me in on how this works (particularly those of you who have worked with the Motif), I would appreciate your input.

thanks,
Stephen

candlewick · Post by **candlewick** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 2:22 am

You can record similarly by using songs as individual "patterns" then use the que list function to piece or loop your arrangement together.

kimu · Post by **kimu** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:57 am

further, the M50 has the RPPR functionalities that allows you to create step-by-step any pattern you need and to associate it to any key on the keyboard for istant triggering

stheri88 · Post by **stheri88** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:16 pm

HI,

Thanks for the replies. So, as a practical matter, how would you use the RPPR function to help you compose a song made up of patterns? Do you have to keep the original pattern which was assigned to an RPPR and then start a second song and incorporate it via the RPPR and so on. Or is there an easier method?

I appreciate the help so far. Just need a little more info to get my head around this one.

Thanks,
Stephen

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:39 pm

The RPPR and Cue list are two different methods. or they can be used together.

RPPR allows you to create a pattern or determined length, and then assign it to a key, so that when you press a key it plays that pattern through. there are various different playback modes, like looping, playing through to the end regardless of when you let go, etc...

The Sequencer can also contain a number of 'songs', just like you have a number of combis in combi mode or programs in program mode. for example on my TR I use the different 'songs' in the sequencer as different scenes for playing live, rather than actually using them as a sequencer.
the Cue list allows you to set a run through of different songs, you can set how many times each one repeats, and also can set it to repeat untill you press the footswitch.

so you can also create your different sections, and string them together with the cue list to make a complete track. I beleive there is also then the option to 'bounce' this to a single 'song' in the sequencer, thus flattening it. It certainly seems the easiest way - I haven't mastered the RPPR yet.