u/Ashamed_Throat3620

I mainly use step sequencing, so I’m wondering if the MPC XL is really worth it for me.

When I saw the XL videos showing the 16-step sequencer buttons and the 16 Q-Link knobs, I thought it might be somewhat similar to the workflow of a Cirklon, and that made me seriously consider getting one.

However, after watching a lot of videos, it seems that the 16 Q-Link knobs can only be used to control velocity in the Step Sequencer. For things like note values, prob, nudge, etc., you still have to go into the Step Edit menu and use the touchscreen, right?

If that’s the case, I’m wondering whether the XL actually offers much of an advantage over the MPC Live 3 for someone who mainly uses step sequencing.

Do you think this is something that could potentially be improved in a future update, or would it be difficult to implement? For example, would something like this require a major change to the OS or the underlying architecture?

I’d really appreciate any insight. Thank you!

I'm completely new to modular and want to sequence some drum modules and a bass module, but I'm not sure what the best approach is.

I'm wondering whether there is a hardware sequencer that can meet all of my requirements, or whether I should use a DAW with a MIDI-to-CV interface, or an MPC with its CV outputs.

These are the features I really want:

• Basic drum sequencing
• Per-step note length
• Selective slide / tie / glide on individual notes
• Different glide times for different steps
• Parameter locks / per-step CV values
• LFOs
• Long, freely programmable envelopes (I've seen this demonstrated with MPC CV outputs)
• Recording knob movements in real time
• Multiple independent CV outputs, since I expect to need more than 4

I'm considering something like an Elektron sequencer, MPC + MIDI-to-CV, or FL Studio + a multichannel CV interface, but I'm not sure which approach can actually do all of this.

What would you recommend for this kind of setup?
Is there a hardware sequencer that can do all of this without a DAW?

One more thing: per-step slide/glide with individually adjustable glide times is especially important to me. I've seen this kind of function on sequencers such as the Erica Synths Drum Sequencer, but it doesn't seem to have the automation capabilities I'm looking for.

DAW + MIDI-to-CV seems like a good solution for automation, but as far as I understand, it may be difficult or impossible to achieve per-step slide/glide with individually adjustable glide times that way.

I'm not very familiar with Elektron devices, but from what I've seen, they seem to offer almost all of these sequencing functions. Can all of those functions—especially per-step slide/glide, parameter locks, and automation—actually be transferred to modular gear through MIDI-to-CV? Or are some of those functions only available when controlling the Elektron's own internal synth/drum engines?

Thanks!