PSP as A SEQUENCER?

[phantom_killer]

http://www.createdigitalmusic.com/2...ith-ableton-gp32-tracker-midi-on-nintendo-ds/

Basically its almost possible to control a computer with ableton live using a PSP as a midi controller. I guess that is cool but im thinking: what about a full fledged sequencer running on a psp, controlling you racks of synths via midi? The PSP has a usb out, so i reckon that a midi interface for it exists and with some hotshot programming a sort of Cubase or logic and be written homebrew for the psp, so instead of bringing your laptop around to run sequences for your synth (motif, triton and other racks), you have a little psp at the side. Of course computer synth plugins are going to kill the psp but for midi data i guess it should suffice.

Cool idea eh.

 

[Cheez]

Technically speaking, as long as there's an appropriate software, almost any type of hardware can become a sequencer. You're right - it can never beat the PC sequencers because of the processing power. But for simple sequences, it should suffice.

PDA as sequencers have been going on for a while.

The problem with these kinds of "alternative" sequencers is that they look cool, but practically is still a problem. It's not just the size. For performances, we want 2 basic things from sequencers: stability and accuracy of midi signals.

 

[phantom_killer]

I think accuracy shouldn't be a problem. There is this step sequencer thing for psp already; rhythm 8 for psp http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/07/26/psp-rhythm-6-samples-skins-solo-stretch-more/

its kind of a fruity loops/reason thing, able to do tb303 and 808 style step sequencing (ala korg electribe) with filters and all sorts of effects, and some onboard virtual modelling synths and drum machines. Sampling is also possible. Some users have already made full tracks using this thing.

So i guess the only problem would be the shuffle rhythm or those hand programmed stuff that is not exactly on beat in computer accuracy terms. But think about midi filers like yamaha mdf3 which are so small; i think the psp should be able to do it better, since it has a 'proper' cpu.

 

[Cheez]

Don't be too sure. When getting into multiple tracks with more complex sequences within each track, if the processor is not fast enough, you may get occasional split second delays. Particularly when the sequences has midi controls programmed into it, things can get complicated.

I do very complex sequences. In the old days, when I was using Cakewalk Pro 7 with a pentium 2, I get occasional inaccuracies in midi with slight delays.

 

[SoNiCbRaT]

Pardon me... PSP or Nintendo DS has been going on with music making. Like Cheez said, it's capable of simple sequencing... 8 tracks is still considered simple using the analogue circuitry concept. If you are interested you might look into open source programming. Basically, you can "mod" any digital hardwares (checking the chips they use) re-programme the chip... basically anything that sends 1s and 0s can be programmed. For a start you might want to look at Max/Msp ... which is writting to interact between phsycial bodies or external hardwares (and more actually... but just take a look at it)

cheers