Just getting started with the OP-1 Field after mainly making music with the Digitakt. The OP-1 workflow is clicking for me and for the most part I appreciate the creativity the limitations and quirks of the sequencers bring. However, sometimes I feel the need for sequencing drum patterns with microtiming and p-locks a la DT.
I’ve hatched a plan to connect the OP-1F to the DT to use one of its midi tracks to sequence a
Drum kit on the OP-1F and use the midi LFO to allow the DT control 4 parameters. I think this could be quite a powerful combo when I’m at home. But it’s got me thinking about what I could use when I’m out and about…
So the question is, what’s a good battery powered (mandatory), usb-c (other usb would do, but usb-c is surprisingly compelling) equipped, portable drum sequencer, that I could hook up to the OP-1F to record some more advanced drum sequences.
Some ideas…
Had good success connecting my Roland J-6 to the OP-1F to record chord sequences and it can sequence OP-1F sounds. I wonder if the Roland T-8 or even the S-1 has the capability to do sequencing of external midi. Does it have microtiming though? I’m guessing it doesn’t have p-locking of midi cc though.
Maybe an MC-101 has this capability?
The OP-Z seems the obvious companion/solution.
An Oxi One would fit the bill, but it’s a bit too big and a bit too expensive for me really.
I guess there’s some suitable iPhone app that would do the trick. Any recommendations?
Anything else suitable? The smaller and more portable the better.
The OP-Z is a great companion for the OP-1. It’s a killer sequencer, super portable, and if you get it with the Line Module, it’s incredibly versatile.
A couple ideas would be a Circuit Rhythm, an MC-101 and a Model:Cycles/Samples.
All of these could work for you. The Models would need a USB adapter cable so you could power them via a powerbank. The MC-101 is battery powered and can also be powered via USB and the Rhythm has a built-in battery and can also be powered by USB.
All of them have great sequencers and MIDI capabilities that will allow you to program interesting things.
Ooh you’ve made me realise it doesn’t need to have its own battery, just be able to be powered by its isb port, since the OP-1F can do that.
The M:C would be great if it weren’t for the need to mess around with a power bank - I’m afraid that kills the appeal for me. For some reason I’m attached the idea of as simple a setup as possible. One usb-c cable between op-1F and the device if at all possible.
I completely understand. The Rhythm can be powered by USB-C, however, the MIDI will go over the 5-pin DIN ports. The 101 can send MIDI and audio over USB but you would need an adapter to make it connect via USB-C.
I’m a big fan of the Rhythm. However, I’ve seen occasional reports that it has some non-trivial issues when syncing, e.g.
I bought it primarily to have a wireless sketchpad, and I haven’t had a chance to pair it with other devices yet, so this hasn’t come up for me. But I would be aware of this (possible) issue @dshipp, since you’re explicitly intending to use it with other devices.
EDIT: shoot, Octachron is iPad-only, apologies. Also, it does most of the Elektron sequencer things, but not microtiming apparently. I’ll see myself out.
Just been checking the specs on the Woovebox. That might fit the bill. Small, battery powered, usb-c, controls external gear, microtiming. I need to check some demos out.
Novation Circuit family certainly does microtiming – each 16th note has 6 microsteps.
Roland MC 101 (and of course 707) too.
if you decide going iPad, look at Drambo – no one obliges you to build synths and other stuff with it, you can just use it as a sequencer (like i do), and it’s great for this job.
