Kawai Q-80EX

I got my Q80EX without a manual, so I had to figure it all out by myself... I have to say it was a bit tricky at first!
There still are a few functions that I don't understand (how exactly does the Quantizing work?)
Overall, this is a very simple machine to use.

Features both realtime and step sequencing (I prefer the latter since I still don't understand the quantizer!)
Has enough memory for my use.
Cannot record MIDI events other than notes... (the Q80EX is oblivious to knob tweaking, so you'll have to program all those tiny events, making songwriting a bit tedious unless you like clockwork precision!)

It has all the editing functions you need: copy, delete, erase, mix, split, velocity/gate modify, etc.

I'm not sure I understand the punch in/punch out mode (though I haven't really tried it yet)
Haven't found any use for motifs either (why bother when you can just copy/paste in song mode - it's so much simpler!) I guess they could be used for controller events now that I think of it...

Now here's something really great: you can use this unit to store ANY SysEx data (i.e. synth patches)

With 32 MIDI tracks (assignable to any channel you want), I think you've got enough to work with... I barely ever use more than 14 of them.

Repeat mode is another great function: tracks can be looped, but they don't need to be of the same length. Excellent for live performances! (Works very well coupled with a knob controller)

This is a sequencer.

Has never crashed on me or lost data. I have gigged with it, to great results. It loads fast enough for me.

A small problem for some people: it only uses double density floppy disks, better make sure you can find some! You shouldn't need more than 1 or 2, as they can store about 100 songs each.

Most important of all, it is a TIGHT sequencer: it will not skip and lag and do other nasties, like some machines do...

Haven't dealt with them.

Nothing much else to add... as I said above, the only thing this machine lacks is the capability to record Controller events; otherwise it's very satisfying.
I also wish the tempo could go below 40 and above 250 BPM, but you can work your way around this very easily.

easy as pie,..like an analog cassette portastudio (with a few extra
buttom presses).

32 channels. NOT sophisticated,..but i like it. plug in your midi
cables and sequence your modules. for those of us that shudder at the
thought of powering up a PC in order to layer some synth sounds,..
this is STILL as good as it gets...sorta like a multi-track recorder
for midi. back up your sequence data to a floppy. it's no CUBASE, but
so what?? for your basic home studio hobbyist it has all you need.

no sounds. very basic sequencing (for those of us who ONLY need basic
sequencing).

NEVER FAILS. NEVER CRASHES. ROCK SOLID. flick the power switch and you
are up and running INSTANTANEOUSLY! i love it.

called them a couple of times and guess what??.......I ACTUALLY SPOKE
TO A HUMAN RIGHT AWAY!!! this deserves a 10 by itself!!

i've had if for a few years. at some point i'll probably upgrade to
a system (both audio AND midi) that is ENTIRELY computer based. TILL
THEN,..my Kawai Q-80EX syncs with my Tascam recorder and layers my
modules JUST FINE. it is as easy to use as a tape deck and offers just
enough editing to keep your music tight and in control. A GREAT
INVESTMENT for a "sequencing neophyte" and,..well, hell...i'm STILL
using mine 6 years later. I LOVE MY Q-80EX!!!

IT IS A MULTITRACK TYPE ,VERY EASY TO USE SEQUENCER.WORKS ABSOLUTELY GREAT,VERY INTUITIVE,HAS A VERY GOOD MANUAL

POLY 32 ,52000 NOTES ,32 REAL TRACKS ,1 TEMPO TRACK ,40-250BPM , EDIT 96 TICKS PER QUARTER NOTE,ACTIVE QUANTIZER ,TAPE SYNC,MIDI 1 IN ,OUT A,OUT B

IT IS ONLY A SEQUENCER

IT IS VERY SENSITIVE TO EXTERNAL ENERGETIC FIELDS. DON'T GET NERVOUS NEAR IT! (I MEAN IT!).SOMETIMES IT LOSES A WHOLE TRACK (AT LOW MEMORY USE!),SOMETIMES IT IS FULL AND WORKS FOR 10 HOURS AND NEVER MISSES A BEAT-REALLY ODD! THE HOUSING LOOKS INCREDIBLE,THE DRIVE IS SAFE.I WOULDN'T USE IT WITHOUT A BACKUP ON A GIG BECAUSE OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS WHICH CAN LEAD TO MISOPERATIONS.

BEST 32 TRACK SEQUENCER EVER MADE.I HAVE IT FOR 5 YEARS ,WITH A ROLAND SC 88 SOUND CANVAS,ALSO ON 32 TRACKS,AND THEY ARE INSEPARABLE.TODAY THE SEQ SOFTS ARE CHEAPER,BUT THIS IS THE REAL MIDI STUDIO,NOT JUST A SCREEN AND A MOUSE.I OPERATE IT LIKE A TAPE RECORDER,FROM A KEYBOARD AND A GUITAR SYNTH.IF YOU HAVE A WEIGHTED KBD,YOU CAN'T ASK FOR MORE.I HAVE RECORDED MATERIAL FOR DOZENS OF SONGS WITH IT.ALSO IT IS PORTABLE(CAN YOU CARRY THE COMPUTER SO EASILY?).IT IS THE LAST OF ITS KIND(IT IS INCOMPARABLE BETTER THAN THE ROLAND MC SEQS). I REALLY LOVE IT.