monogee
Member
Out of the latest sampling workstations, which is the best for sampling hip hop music?
thunderkyss
Member
I've got to say........The FantomX.
1) Skip Back Sampling....truly awesome
2) Auto Chop
3) Auto tempo match
4) Audio Tracks....with all other samplers, if you drop in a sampled phrase at bar 14 beat 3, you wont hear the phrase, if you start the sequencer at bar 15. With the Fantom audio tracks, you do. Works really well for editing your sequence.
5) over 500mb of sampling memory
6) your choice of storage media
7) USB midi/data interface
Of course all this is available on the MV8000. The MV8000 also adds a VGA screen, and a real pattern mode.
The Fantom X gives you a keybed, and a bunch of sounds, that are readily available.
1) Skip Back Sampling....truly awesome
2) Auto Chop
3) Auto tempo match
4) Audio Tracks....with all other samplers, if you drop in a sampled phrase at bar 14 beat 3, you wont hear the phrase, if you start the sequencer at bar 15. With the Fantom audio tracks, you do. Works really well for editing your sequence.
5) over 500mb of sampling memory
6) your choice of storage media
7) USB midi/data interface
Of course all this is available on the MV8000. The MV8000 also adds a VGA screen, and a real pattern mode.
The Fantom X gives you a keybed, and a bunch of sounds, that are readily available.
balma
New member
The finest workstation with sampler is the Kurzweil K2500 indeed.
Phantom S can`t even touch it....
changing pitch to samples really sucks on Phantom. No variphrase.
Phantom S can`t even touch it....
changing pitch to samples really sucks on Phantom. No variphrase.
jahrome
Diamond Member
Insert the name of the flagship workstation from Akai, Roland, Korg, Yamaha, or Kurtzweil <here>.
They all have pretty much the same functions. The function that is king in one..is adequate in another. There really is no clear winner..but the Kurzweil keyboards are incredible...incredibly more expensive.
They all have pretty much the same functions. The function that is king in one..is adequate in another. There really is no clear winner..but the Kurzweil keyboards are incredible...incredibly more expensive.
thunderkyss
Member
The Kurzwill samplers have variphrase??
cool, I didn't know that.
cool, I didn't know that.
jahrome
Diamond Member
You know Roland products are the only ones that have variphrase. In fact...just about all of their products do. This does not make a workstation the best.
I got rid of my Triton Studio below to replace it with a Fantom X. There variphrase feature of Roland synths was not in my thoughts when I made the choice for the Triton to go.
The only reason why I didn't get the Kurzweil right away because it was $800 more than the Fantom X.
I got rid of my Triton Studio below to replace it with a Fantom X. There variphrase feature of Roland synths was not in my thoughts when I made the choice for the Triton to go.
The only reason why I didn't get the Kurzweil right away because it was $800 more than the Fantom X.
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balma
New member
Variphrase technology belongs to Roland.
Kurzweil uses its own technology. VAST.
Kurzweil are expensive because they are high quality synths and not "mainstream" products.
They are simple the best workstations.
Kurzweil uses its own technology. VAST.
Kurzweil are expensive because they are high quality synths and not "mainstream" products.
They are simple the best workstations.
thunderkyss
Member
dude asked which workstation was the best, I figured I'd give him my opinion.
So I listed the reasons for my opinion, and I stand by those reasons. If.......the only thing Kurz has got going for them is that their pitch shifting is better(that's if, I'm not saying that it is or isn't) Then whoop-dee-dooo. All the other reasons I listed still makes the Fantom's sampler better............for me. So when asked which is the best workstation sampler, I'll reply as I did above.
So I listed the reasons for my opinion, and I stand by those reasons. If.......the only thing Kurz has got going for them is that their pitch shifting is better(that's if, I'm not saying that it is or isn't) Then whoop-dee-dooo. All the other reasons I listed still makes the Fantom's sampler better............for me. So when asked which is the best workstation sampler, I'll reply as I did above.
jahrome
Diamond Member
Everybody has opinions..but the only standout feature in any Roland product is the variphrase technology..incorporated in all their products. Everything else is average..nothing really special.
thunderkyss
Member
jahrome said:
& That's what I was giving him, my opinion.
Lack of Audio Tracks, Skip Back Sampling, AutoChop, and AutoAssign, makes me want to go buy a FantomX above all other Sampling workstations right now.
G
gskowal
Guest
i think MOTIF ES has a better quality sound banks but its hard to use it... i am in the same boat trying to choose either FANTOM or MOTIF ES.. i`m leaning towards MOTIF ES cause i mainly need it for sound rather then workstation..i`m still using my computer for sequencing and chopping stuff... I don`t want to go with software instruments cause they need MAD AMOUNT OF HARD DRIVES and RAM.... I think MOTIF has better sounds then FANTOM.. and i`m going with RACK.. saving more money.. 
)
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balma
New member
jahrome said:
Is a shame, but Variphrase technology is not incorporated in all Roland`s products, even on dedicated hardware samplers like the SP 808.
The variphrase helps specially when changing the pitch of the samples. It reduces the distortion of the samples, reducing at the minimum that annoying "doubling" effect, specially on samples with beats. Also helps on wavetables when there are only one note sampled for an entire instrument, and improves the notes that are have a very low or very high pitch.
You can even get a Roland variphrase rack, wich is around $200.
Even some arranging keyboards, wich are not entirelly synths, but church keyboards, have variphrase.
Seems hard to believe, but the "mighty" Fantom S does not comes with variphrase...
There are several sampling workstations, like the Yamaha EX5. EX5 is a lot better than the Motif. Motif is just AWM and sampler, but EX5 is AWM, VA, Virtual Acustic, FDSP and sampler. But is not the best workstation/sampler. For changing the pitch or stretch time on these Yamaha keyboards, you have to work a long time with pitch change effects.
Now, try the Kurzweil K2500, and change the pitch of any sample.
.I learned by the hard way, to never praise again a synth, just because I have it. Just try to see the facts. Sometimes, we want to defend our investment.
jahrome
Diamond Member
My statement amount the varipharse technolgy wasn't accurate for ALL Roland products.
But ROlands current crop of highend gear: Fantom X, MV-8000, VP-9000, MC-909, V-Synth all use the same technology.
As far as the current crop of workstations, all measure up quite nicely to one another.
The Motif with the mLan solution is much better solution for recording audio tracks. The Motif allow direct interfacing with a computer DAW. The Motifs Integrates Sampling Sequencer is juts as hot as Roland's technology. The Motif ES is also compatible with USB storage drives.
But ROlands current crop of highend gear: Fantom X, MV-8000, VP-9000, MC-909, V-Synth all use the same technology.
As far as the current crop of workstations, all measure up quite nicely to one another.
The Motif with the mLan solution is much better solution for recording audio tracks. The Motif allow direct interfacing with a computer DAW. The Motifs Integrates Sampling Sequencer is juts as hot as Roland's technology. The Motif ES is also compatible with USB storage drives.
thunderkyss
Member
thunderkyss said:
I'm not defending anything. As a matter of fact, I'm getting ready to buy my daughter a Sampling Workstation. Looking over the choices, I'm leaning towards the FantomX. I don't own a FantomX.
I've never thought about the Kurz workstations......I think they have 32 midi tracks, which is sweet, but other than that, I don't know anything about them.
What I like most about the FantomX, is:
1) Skip Back Sampling....truly awesome
2) Auto Chop
3) Auto tempo match
4) Audio Tracks....with all other samplers, if you drop in a sampled phrase at bar 14 beat 3, you wont hear the phrase, if you start the sequencer at bar 15. With the Fantom audio tracks, you do. Works really well for editing your sequence.
5) over 500mb of sampling memory
6) your choice of storage media
7) USB midi/data interface
Notice Pitch shifting isn't in the list......
Why don't you give me a few more reasons why you think the Kurz would be a better sampling workstation. OR a Motif Rack....or Whatever.
[editied to remove a double negative]
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jahrome
Diamond Member
The USB function on the Fantom X is nothing to rave about. All the newer workstations are adding this. The Fantom X/XR have PC card slots..but I would have liked a multi-card drive of some sort..or at least let me use compaq flash or one of the other compaq media storage devices without need for an adaptor.
One of the main features Fantom X users are hyping is the 8 audio tracks. Don't get me wrong...I own both the Fantom X and the Fantom XR (which has no audio tracks). The audio tracks were far from my thoughts as well. If I wanted to record audio tracks, I would have went for the Motif ES and the mLan option and record into a real multi-track. It would be no contest. I can't even sell the Motif ES to anyone since I haven't touched one in a minute. But I have touched the Fantom and if all the features that you listed were removed...I wouldn't care.
Honestly, I can't sell anyone on the Fantom or the Motif. They pretty much do the samething and in the same price range.
If I had to buy a Fantom X again..I would advoid the X6 and go for the X8. Though the have the same features (with the exception of the X8 weighted keys)...the Fantom X6 is one of the cheapest looking keyboard workstations that I have ever touched or laid my eyes on. It looks like a little cheap toy. Built like crap.
One of the main features Fantom X users are hyping is the 8 audio tracks. Don't get me wrong...I own both the Fantom X and the Fantom XR (which has no audio tracks). The audio tracks were far from my thoughts as well. If I wanted to record audio tracks, I would have went for the Motif ES and the mLan option and record into a real multi-track. It would be no contest. I can't even sell the Motif ES to anyone since I haven't touched one in a minute. But I have touched the Fantom and if all the features that you listed were removed...I wouldn't care.
Honestly, I can't sell anyone on the Fantom or the Motif. They pretty much do the samething and in the same price range.
If I had to buy a Fantom X again..I would advoid the X6 and go for the X8. Though the have the same features (with the exception of the X8 weighted keys)...the Fantom X6 is one of the cheapest looking keyboard workstations that I have ever touched or laid my eyes on. It looks like a little cheap toy. Built like crap.
thunderkyss
Member
I want to put down drums, then come back and add a real bass line, then a guitar line, add a couple of lyrics....just some ideas..... a couple of guitar solo ideas, you know, scratch pad kinda stuff. When I'm ready to go into production, Then I'll fire up Sonar & the computer, or take my Fantom into the studio.jahrome said:
jahrome said:
if mLan was standard on the Motif, then we'd have something to talk about. It is nice to have the option....it'll save me some time, but getting my tracks to the Computer, isn't really that difficult.
The Motifs sampling sequencer is nice, but not in the same leagu with audio tracks. For hip-hop....it may satisfy, but for a Santana wanna be like me.......it doesn't cut it.
Storage drives, compact flash..etc....I've never put a storage card of any kind in my FantomS.....That's what the USB is for.
thunderkyss
Member
jahrome said:
I'm not raving. simply listing it as a feature I like.
That's fine and dandy, what's that got to do with my opinion?? Have you yet to mention what you think is the best sampling workstation yet, or are you simply in this thread to argue with me?? Getting bored with Trusty??jahrome said:
So why are you in this thread again??jahrome said:
Now you've hurt my feelings.....are you happy now??jahrome said:
Trusty
I use reason and logic.
While Kurzweil may be the 'best' technically, and I like Kurzweil gear (PC2R is the greatest rack mount rompler ever), I don't think they are the 'best' for most people because they are such a labored learn for many people...especially with the engine.
That said, I still think the best sampling keyboard workstation is the FantomX because it is the most well-rounded and easy to use and most of its features are either on par or better than the Triton or Motif. The reason for this being the best sampling keyboard workstation is that it simply has the best sampler and sampling functions in a keyboard workstation. The Motif has a better advantage only in that it can house the AN and the DX engines in it...something that is LOST around here for most Motif hip-hop producers..no offence. But that is it's edge and only edge for being a 'better' workstation than the others. So for synthesis, Motif, for sampling, the FantomX. For wasting money on a gimmicky, thin-sounding chirpbox...get a Triton.
The best sampling workstation is either the MV-8000 or a good computer.
The best "sampler" ever is the V-Synth.
That said, I still think the best sampling keyboard workstation is the FantomX because it is the most well-rounded and easy to use and most of its features are either on par or better than the Triton or Motif. The reason for this being the best sampling keyboard workstation is that it simply has the best sampler and sampling functions in a keyboard workstation. The Motif has a better advantage only in that it can house the AN and the DX engines in it...something that is LOST around here for most Motif hip-hop producers..no offence. But that is it's edge and only edge for being a 'better' workstation than the others. So for synthesis, Motif, for sampling, the FantomX. For wasting money on a gimmicky, thin-sounding chirpbox...get a Triton.
The best sampling workstation is either the MV-8000 or a good computer.
The best "sampler" ever is the V-Synth.
jahrome
Diamond Member
I knew Trusty would be along soon to rave about Roland products
Korg with their Trinity/Triton series has had the sampling keyboard workstation business in a head-lock for quite some time now. Only recently have Roland and Yamaha stepped up to the plate to challenge Korg....very recently. When Roland and Yamaha dropped the original Fantom and Motif..they were a joke compairing them to the Triton Studio. It wasn't too lomg that the went right back to the drawing board to create new versions of these workstations..the Motif ES and Fantom X. I am glad that these companies went back in to enhance their products because this has kept Korg on their toes. Korg has recently released the Oasys..but this is one of the most expensive workstations around..by far. I am excited about the possibilities of a scaled down version that will make Yamaha and Roland go back to the drawing board once more.
After owning the Fantom X for a few days..the user interace is not that bad. I still haven't opened up the manual. Sampling and sequencing is as easy as any other workstation out there. Its much easier to use than an MV (which is in the same price range). Although I bought the Fantom X6 to replace my Triton Studio (which is sitting to the side awaiting payment from a buyer)..I will miss not having an on-board CDRW drive and internal hard drive. I will also miss the Tritons ADAT output, and SCSI interface. I am stuck with the Fantoms USB port and a PC card slot that I have to get an adaptor to use Compaq Flash or Smart Media disks
If Roland was going to force users into connecting it to a PC, they could have at least made the USB port more useful. Now that I think more about it..Roland needs to revamp the Fantom again adding a hard drive and on-board CDRW burning....the same goes for the Motif.
The best sampling keyboard workstation is Korg's Oasys....but I just read the specs
Korg with their Trinity/Triton series has had the sampling keyboard workstation business in a head-lock for quite some time now. Only recently have Roland and Yamaha stepped up to the plate to challenge Korg....very recently. When Roland and Yamaha dropped the original Fantom and Motif..they were a joke compairing them to the Triton Studio. It wasn't too lomg that the went right back to the drawing board to create new versions of these workstations..the Motif ES and Fantom X. I am glad that these companies went back in to enhance their products because this has kept Korg on their toes. Korg has recently released the Oasys..but this is one of the most expensive workstations around..by far. I am excited about the possibilities of a scaled down version that will make Yamaha and Roland go back to the drawing board once more.
After owning the Fantom X for a few days..the user interace is not that bad. I still haven't opened up the manual. Sampling and sequencing is as easy as any other workstation out there. Its much easier to use than an MV (which is in the same price range). Although I bought the Fantom X6 to replace my Triton Studio (which is sitting to the side awaiting payment from a buyer)..I will miss not having an on-board CDRW drive and internal hard drive. I will also miss the Tritons ADAT output, and SCSI interface. I am stuck with the Fantoms USB port and a PC card slot that I have to get an adaptor to use Compaq Flash or Smart Media disks
If Roland was going to force users into connecting it to a PC, they could have at least made the USB port more useful. Now that I think more about it..Roland needs to revamp the Fantom again adding a hard drive and on-board CDRW burning....the same goes for the Motif.The best sampling keyboard workstation is Korg's Oasys....but I just read the specs
thunderkyss
Member
Ok, fine......give me a couple of reasons why the Oasys' sampling/sequencing features make it a better Sampling Workstation than...anything. What can you tell me about the Oasys' Sampling??
I just got finished hooking up my daughters brand new FantomX8.......that thing is awesome.
I don't understand the need for SCSI, an internal HD, or on board CD burning. Especially if you are going to be producing on Nuendo through a PC(Mac whatever). A 2GB SmartMedia card ought to handle sample storage fine. I'll be using a laptop which has a cd burner, hard drive, and a DVD Player.
Now the Triton is without a doubt a bad MoFo....never said it wasn't. But the features I mentioned earlier, are missing. I want them....I chose FantomX.
Heck I hope(really really hope) Roland comes out with something next year to drive down the price of the X6, so I can get one of those to replace my FantomS.
I just got finished hooking up my daughters brand new FantomX8.......that thing is awesome.
I don't understand the need for SCSI, an internal HD, or on board CD burning. Especially if you are going to be producing on Nuendo through a PC(Mac whatever). A 2GB SmartMedia card ought to handle sample storage fine. I'll be using a laptop which has a cd burner, hard drive, and a DVD Player.
Now the Triton is without a doubt a bad MoFo....never said it wasn't. But the features I mentioned earlier, are missing. I want them....I chose FantomX.
Heck I hope(really really hope) Roland comes out with something next year to drive down the price of the X6, so I can get one of those to replace my FantomS.