I’m going to visit family and friends for two weeks, which will involve a couple of long haul flights, some trains, and hopefully some down time by myself to relax with music. I’d like to take a minimal setup with me, but I’m not sure what to take. Advice welcome!
Setup 1 MC101
Haven’t played with this much since I got it, but it sounds great, sequencing is ok, random tone generator is very cool, effects are deep. This would give me some time to focus on the box and I can see myself focusing on a project of 16 linked clip/patterns and make some electro.
Setup 2 OP-Z + Lemondrop (+Korg nanokey studio)
I have four songs written I’d like to work on. Realistically I might get two done. I tried op-z sequencing mc-101 for this but it wasn’t a huge success the first time. I think I’d prefer to sample mc into the op. I don’t have time to do that sampling before the trip.
Setup 3 MC101 + OP-Z + Lemondrop (+Korg nanokey studio)
This is basically all my gear. I’m not sure I can fit it all into my hand luggage! But it would allow me to sample mc, but will introduce a “sprawl” of gear and cables.
Extras I could bring or an alternative setup with OP-Z
MS70CDR
Distortion pedal
Envelope filter pedal
I’m leaning towards the MC-101 as a time to learn and as a one box solution, but the risk is I get frustrated by my lack of knowledge and the interface. The OP-Z is guaranteed fun, and I’m feel inspired by all the op-xy froth, but I feel I need to sample if I’m going to finish those songs. Otherwise maybe I should treat it as a time to experiment and just bring a pedal with the OP-Z.
Thoughts? What has worked for you all when travelling?
Having done a fair bit of traveling with gear, I’ve found the gear I’m most familiar with is the better option. Trying to learn new gear on a plane hasn’t worked out for me as there’s really not enough room to break out a manual. Additionally, there’s always something that comes up that interrupts the flow.
I faced exactly the same situation last summer and went for the mC-101 as you say as an opportunity to learn it, but also because I was afraid of damaging the op-z. It’s a bit bulkier though. But I’ve taken the op-z, the Seqtrak and my QY-70 on 2-day trips.
The funny thing is I always think I will have more spare time than I end up having when travelling, so sometimes I don’t get much done. But it’s reassuring to know that I have a device with me.
personally when i tried traveling with my mc-101 i rarely pulled it out because it is just large enough to feel too big in a small space. especially with a case, then you just have extra bulk floating around. i would go with just the op-z and a pedal. easy to just stick with the op-z standalone on the plane rides if you dont want to sprawl, can still do more experiments with the pedal if you have more time and space
The OP-Z is like the most robust device ever cmon. I mean some issues but mine lives in my bag. I’ve thought about getting the 101, it seems like a great choice for sequencing with the OP-Z.
From experience take the MC101 and a cable to connect your USB-B with your phone ( e.g. USB-C). I use Koala capture longer loops or to record some vocals via Phone Mic. You actually can get a lot done with the MC101.
This is great feedback, thank you all for sharing.
Generally people are advocating for familiar, robust, and less is better. So either MC-101 on its own or the OP-Z (maybe with a pedal).
MC-101 is a learning opportunity and hopefully a fun one. OP-Z would be a fun one, maybe experimental with a pedal or two, but maybe not much to show for it at the end.
Not sure, what you mean.
You can randomize a step if gets muted or not. often called Step Probability.
Is that what you looking at?
Very useful to get some variation in drum patterns.