I been using one for a while and in general it has worked fine. Prior to
getting the SCSI interface I experienced a freeze-up during the final
recording of a song and that was very frustrating (one does not back up 18
floppies worth of data very regularly). Since that one incident things have
been fine.
Speculation, but when the crash occurred the SU700 was slaved to MTC. Since
then I have avoided using the SU700 as a slave, only as a master. Maybe the
problem was related to the syncing, a well known stress.
As far as the lost of track data I have not experienced that one.
Incidentally I have the 1.03 release of the ROM, which I believe is most
current.
The SU700 has a very unique feature set that is frankly very difficult to
replicate with other pieces of gear if it is being used "as intended". It
is a very productive instrument for taking audio clips and quickly
assembling those into an arrangement with "life" (because of all the
synth-like processing available to the loops and samples).
Once you get outside of its envelop it is less spectacular. It is a poor
substitute for a traditional sampler, and really doesn't cover the same
ground that the Roland SP808 does (long samples with near-zero load time
playing back in concert with pre-recorded tracks). It is definitely not an
MPC-like device. The sequencer is really best used for what it was
intended - trigger the SU's samples.
In many ways it is a hardware version of a "Tracker" program. In fact the
closest equivalent is not Acid but something like FruityLoops. The ability
to tweak until the cows come home all of the sound parameters, and those are
recorded over the duration of the song, is its most powerful feature IMO.
It is a very nice complement to a traditional sequencer set-up, especially
if you like to work up compositions from bits and pieces that you create on
the spur of the moment. Something like The RM1x serves as a nice sketchpad
to create loops and samples which are then further sequenced and processed
by the SU700. If you have limited or unique "one of a kind" instruments and
wish to use them multitimbrally in a composition then this is a dream tool.
it is very easy to whip up a sound, a riff, or even a complex evolving sound
and then put that on a SU700 pad for further sequencing. Move right on to
the next sound needed, using the same synth if need be.
I too was worried by the reports of the crashes and problems. For that
reason I got it with the idea that if it messed up I could return it to the
store. The one crash I experienced occurred around day 28 (of 30). I
anguished over returning it, but in the end I was finding myself too
productive with it to give it up. And I knew after many months of searching
that I had no known alternative. So I chanced it. So far it has worked out
well.
I must add, though, that I view this only from a studio perspective. While
I can see a great deal of utility in using the SU700 live, I personally
would be very cautious before committing to that.
If you have additional questions please ask them here or directly to me.
drk
www.delora.com/music
----- Original Message -----
From: A. J. Rolle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 8:03 PM
Subject: SU700 (not OT)
> Hi!
>
> Well, I hope that this isn't considered 'off topic' as the SU700 is a
> 'hardware' device and can be used to create sequences (even if it's more
> commonly referred to as a phrase sampler).
>
> Anyway, I'm considering purchasing an SU700 but I've seen some less
> flattering reviews about it freezing up and losing previously recorded
data
> when new data is pasted into a track, etc. How stable is this machine?
>
>
> Arien
>
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