I never got the Dr. Rhythm to go with it or any other sequencer for that matter. I used to use it with a tape deck. I would record myself playing the pads and then record that back into the machine.
From there, I switched to using my computer for that. I found a program called Internet Audio Mix. It was a multi track recorder. So I’d record my loops on there instead.
Eventually I got into Fruity Loops. For a while I just used the demo version to make loops that I would sequence in Internet Audio Mix. Then I actually bought the software. And that was my whole thing for a while. Then I stopped making music.
When I decided to get back into it, I wanted something more hands on like the 202. I tried the SP-404 and I hated it. I also tried a Yamaha SU10 and a Korg ES-1. I liked the ES-1 but I could never make a whole beat on it.
Then I got the Sampletrak. I loved it. But its sequencer is kind of broken. It’s great for making loops but you’ve got to use some work arounds to put them together.
Around that time the Model: Samples came out and it looked to me like a much better version of the ES-1. I really loved it. I went and got the Cycles to go with it. I eventually upgraded to the Digitakt and the Digitone. And they’re my main thing now.
I sold the Models to fund a Circuit Rhythm so I could have something portable. I’ve got mixed feelings about it. But I’ve made a lot of my favorite beats with it.
Along the way I also picked up some synths. For a while I had a Modal Skulpt and a Craft Synth. I sold the Craft Synth and the Skulpt died on me right after it was outside of the warranty. As much as I liked it when it worked, I don’t think I’ll ever buy another piece from Modal. I also got an Uno Synth and I was gifted an Uno Synth Pro after Noir Et Blanc Vie heard my tale of woe about the dead Skulpt.
So yeah, gear is fun.