Looking for a sequencer/keyboard

[Budmas21]

Hi guys. I've been reading the forums a lot lately (probably a bit too much, lol) and noticed a majority of you guys do quite a bit of MIDI work. I've never messed with MIDI other than importing a MIDI file into a DAW and assigning them instruments based on what it tells me it is. I play in a 3 piece cover band and some of the songs have other instruments (i.e. horn section, some random type instruments here and there). One of my friend's band uses a Roland X-60 (I believe that's the model) to sequence all their parts that require the same thing. I believe they send a click to the drum and he counts off for them. I would like to do the same thing. I've been looking at the Korg X50 and the Roland Juno-G. Do you guys recommend any of these? I would like to be able to use DP to help create my sequence and then import it to the keyboard for live performance. I assume it's all done in MIDI. Maybe these keyboards won't do what I think they will. Any help would be appreciated to point in the right direction for my over all goal. Thanks again.

[BradLyons]

There are two options out there that are somewhat affordable ($1,000) that offer a good sequencer, but also good sounds for the money. One of those is certainly the Roland Juno-G as this is a compact instrument with a wide variety of really good sounds that isn't terribly expensive. Another option is the Alesis Fusion6, but not the normal model--I'm referring to our own Sweetwater edition. The original unit is decent, but I'm not a fan of the factory sound programs. Under the hood, it's quite powerful actually--just the "tuning" isn't as good as it could be. We re-programmed the instrument and offer our own special edition for the same price that is quite improved to say the least with very good sounds.

[HCMarkus]

Motif ES is a powerhouse, with 8 sets of insert effects, 128 voice polyphony and a sequencer. I use its sounds along with VIs in most of my productions. But it IS by Yamaha, so the learning curve is a bit steep. The breath controller option is so cool for live horn doubling.

[terry1]

HCMarkus

I totally agree the Yamaha es is a great piece of equipment. I use to own one and love it once i got past the learning curve.