Couldn't find an answer - Any Help?

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I Don't Do Software
Member Since: Jan 26, 2009

HI there
Newbie here asking for help.
We plan on using a recording of TR 606 analogue drum machine patterns to play to at live gigs. Problem is the TR doesn't have enough memeory for a band.
We're thinking of recording the song patterns and loading it to something like a "Line6 BackTrack" and then plugging that into the PA at the gig so we can press go and play (We then get the 606 sound we want without having to reprogram it every few songs).

Are there any problems with recording in this way? Would a "BackTrack be a feesable piece of hardware for this?

We don't want to use a computer or lap top and want to have control over start/stop for the drums on stage!

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 26, 2009 06:11 pm

Well it looks like it might work, but I don't see a way to turn it on or off except right on the unit itself. If that's not a problem then it might be OK.

Have you ever thought of just using an external sequencer such as an old Alesis MMT-8 or something along those lines to store the drum pattern's? Then it would be a simple matter of starting and stopping the sequence and you would have the 606 plugged right into the PA for a better sound.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Jan 27, 2009 05:57 am

To be honest no, but I'll check it out.
Cheers

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Jan 27, 2009 07:13 am

OK That looks like fun. However I have no idea about all this so just wanted to clarify something.
The MMT-8 appears to be what I perseeve to be a basic recording instrument (with loads of options for editing).
It is able to play back programmed sequences (ie the recording of the TR 606 patterns as a full song) However I'm not sure what you meant by having the 606 plugged to the PA.

Are you saying the MMT-8 will playback the recorded patterns through the 606 or will it just play back a recording of the 606?

(Please excuse my ignorance, I've played with drum kits and guitars and amps in the past so getting all this around my little head is like going to school for tech heads - I have much to learn it would seem).

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 27, 2009 08:41 pm

The MMT-8 is an old school midi sequencer. It simply records the midi data or drum patterns you have programed. Then simply hooked to the 606 via midi it will playback the midi data of drum patterns you programmed on the 606. And yes, you simply plug the 606 into the PA at that point.

I don't honestly remember how much memory it had, but I do remember it could store a good deal of data.

I used a stack of 4 in the early days. All chained together. It was a lot of fun to use that little bugger.

There are others out there as well, I remember I think Kawai had a few, Q-10 or something like that.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Jan 28, 2009 07:02 am

Thanks That makes much more sense.

I checked out the net and found details for a Kawai (Q-80) and a Roland MC50 (which also looks suitable but these are pricey.

The MMT-8 looks like a cheaper option but I'm concerned by reports of memory crashes.

Do you remember experienceing alot of these or is it just internet talk?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 28, 2009 07:03 pm

Look for the newer black units. And also there are a few sites that have the firmware updates that fixed all those past issues. Just google MMT-8 and you'll find a ton of sites on it.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Jan 29, 2009 03:46 am

Cheers for everything. I'll leave you alone now and start looking! I already found a few from the states but I'll keep my eyes open for one in the UK.

Thanks again!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 29, 2009 07:13 pm

Good luck. Hope you can find a nice clean one.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Feb 08, 2009 02:56 pm

(This is a bit more of a hardware/opinion question but I wanted to keep the relevance of the thread)

I've been on a very indepth search on the web and around music stores (of older equipment) but with no success on any UK MMT-8's. :-(

I have however found a Kawai Q80 32 track midi sequencer.

The inter web suggests it would do the job of a MMT-8 but does any one have any experience of these for recording TR606's? Are they any good? Easy to use?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 08, 2009 07:56 pm

Yes, it has a bigger track count then the MMT-8. Not that it would be an advantage though in your case. But it won't hurt either. They are dependable and pretty straight up to use as was the MMT-8.

The only warning I would give is to double check the floppy drive on it and make certain it is in working order. That will be a big thing. but it can as well do a memory dump just as the MMT-8 did. But it is nice to have the extra space available right on board the unit.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Feb 09, 2009 07:12 am

Yeah the floppy does appear to be a bit unstable now these units are getting on a bit. Maybe a newer EX or EXE would would work out more stable! (?)

The only thing I can see being an issue is a 10 Song memory limitation. That works out to be a fairly short set.

However as my track use would be very miniscule I wondered if it was possible to run off track one for one set of songs and then run track two for the next set. Is it possible to mute track play and start from the beginning again using a different track?

I realize the other option is to load up a new floppy but this isn't ideal between songs (I could always learn some jokes!)


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 09, 2009 09:14 pm

Ya, you can actually set up like this. Song 1 could contain 2 or 3, even more really drum parts or songs. Then you simply pause the unit between song's if you like, or simply do the 2 or 3 songs right off in a row. Then do the same for the next set of songs.

My stack of MMT-8's were set up to do a similar thing live. But that was a mess with several machines all waiting for the next que. Running one machine would be much easier.

Jokes are good though. :-)

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Feb 10, 2009 06:40 am

I see (I think). Each "Song" could contain 3 actual verse chorus bridge etc, songs. Giving you a total memory of 30 actual songs. I assume, that I would then only be limited to notes (which I beleive is 26000) or is there a way around this as well?

One other question thrown up by my musical partner is how to adjust the output sound of the TR606 at a gig.

We can do this at home with recording but I think they want the TR606 routed through an enhancer or something similar to boost it's sound prior to getting to the PA. However I figured that's what the PA would do anyway (boost and enhance the eq), so couldn't see the point in having an enhancer.

Would you agree or do they have point?

(I sometimes wonder why I started all this new project stuff - please tell me it will be easier than hiring a drummer)

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 10, 2009 09:00 pm

Ya, I guess you can count it that way. But yes, the limiting factor will be the 26000 note count. As far as I know there was no work around for that. You could Google and see, but I have never come across any.

On the enhancer. I'm not sure what they are referring to but yes, adjusting or tweaking the audio coming from the TR606 might not be a bad idea. It will get it to were they want it before it hits the desk. Or they may simply add something to it at the desk.

Easier then hiring a drummer. Well, yes and no. Easier, that you don't have the xtra person to pay, or drink all your beer. Easier, if your good at programming quickly and get a good piece of gear that won't go bonkers on ya at a gig. I personally enjoy the fun of doing that type of thing.

I Don't Do Software
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2009


Feb 11, 2009 05:59 am

Good point, we don't want them stealing our beer!
To be honest I'm getting more joy than frustration and your being more than helpfull (and patient) with all my questions.

I have spoken with the seller about the Kawai Q80 he has and he assures me it's all in perfect working order (why would he tell me any different?). I'm trying to get a chance to view it before it sells.

Tweaking things. Yes I can do a bit with TR606 but it hasn't had a conversion so only has the single line out. I may look at running it through an eq pedal (or similar) to see what effect that has. It should give me a little control before it hits the desk but it probably wouldn't be significant enough.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted on the Q80.





Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 12, 2009 08:53 pm

Gald your getting the info you need then from us.

And HRC is all about the question's so no worries there at all.

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