Trigger Finger Pro As Sequencer?

Mihajlo · 2014-10-07T20:40:56.000Z

Anyone used this device for controlling various number of synths/modules, without the use of computer/laptop??

How does it work as a standalone sequencer??

Thanks.

Mihajlo · 2014-10-08T14:01:19.000Z

C’mon guys… Anyone used it? Planning to buy it…

ZenPunkHippy · 2014-10-08T14:12:27.000Z

I have the Trigger Finger Pro mainly as a replacement for NI Maschine (MK1) because it has a proper MIDI out port that does not require the device is connected to a computer to work.

I use the pads / controls to enter notes in to hardware sequencers.

The built in sequencer is quite nice … good enough for basic x0x style sequencing across 16 tracks. So it’s nothing fancy, but if I didn’t already have multiple hardware sequencers yes I think it would be useful.

What you don’t get are features we take for granted like transpose pattern etc. It’s just very basic sequencing to send out the notes assigned to each pad.

I have not tested how tight the timing is compared to other hardwares sequencers.

The MIDI clock seems stable enough, but it has to act as master as there is no MIDI in port, only MIDI out.

Overall, I really like the TFP - it’s pretty solid, the pads are nice, the pads / knobs / faders are customisable with channel / note / CC# so it’s very flexible in that regard.

ZenPunkHippy · 2014-10-08T14:13:54.000Z

One more thing … minor, but important

As purchased, it does not include the power pack so if you want to run it stand alone make sure you have one suitable or get the official one.

Otherwise, you’ll need to power it over USB …

Mihajlo · 2014-10-10T15:12:29.000Z

That was really helpfull! Thanks!

Can you tell in what contest were you using it?

I am planning to sequence three Virus B tracks and one for Slim Phatty…
later on ill think ill add some nord drum2 and just record the jams into zoom R16… looks promising?

ZenPunkHippy · 2014-10-11T05:00:26.000Z

Context …

I have several hardware sequencers: various Elektron boxes, Cirklon so the TFP is perfect for recording drum patterns or note sequences live directly to other hardware sequencers. Real time pressure / MIDI CC control is useful for recording real time modulation.

It works great like this, especially since each pad or knob/slider can be configured to work with different MIDI channels across 4 different layers i.e. 16 x 4 pads and 8 x 4 knobs/sliders all configured to control different channels / instruments. Very configurable, this and direct MIDI out are the main selling points for me.

The TFP sequencer …

For my needs, the sequencer really isn’t that useful but I checked it out in more detail because you want to use it to sequence synths.

Unfortunately, this is where it’s a bit of a let down. It is possible to sequence notes longer than a single step, but it’s done using note ties and these have to be entered manually - the internal sequencer does not record the note ties in real time. Every pad hit results in a single step note.

Not a great work flow … seems like a bit of an oversight, but I suppose they might add this in a future update.

However, it’s never a good idea to purchase something on a “maybe, someday” feature set … you need to purchase for what the gear does now.

Is there a specific reason you are interested in the TFP? The pads? Price? Just the sequencer?

For sequencing there are plenty of other options.

A 2nd hand Yamaha RM1X would be a great choice. It has internal sounds (which are average at best) but the sequencer is great. Many albums and live performances have been created with the RM1X.

Mihajlo · 2014-10-12T21:44:10.000Z

Sorry for the missspelling… Not a native speaker. You learn each day…

And the things you said in the last post were really all i needed to know to decide not to buy it. Maybe if it is updated with longer notes input…

I actually decided to buy new Electribe when it is out. I used the EMX before and loved it… seems it is not going far from the same old concept, and it actually ads new stuff (except degrading from 128 to 64 steps)…

Big thanks for the extensive explanation. Helps me decide for the possible next buy after Electribe.