a few questions for a beginner...

[montage]

I have a few questions as I've become more interested in MIDI and how it can help me.
First,(if you don't mind) here's the equipment I have so far:
1) Pentium 450,128MB w/Turtle Beach Monterey card.
2) Currently using Cakewalk Home Studio 8.0 for editing audio.
3) Tascam 488 MKII for some recording,some mixing....(able to do STMPE??)
4) Digitech GSP2101 multi-effects processor,
(I believe there's MIDI connections for this)

Having said that, here goes:

1) Is there a difference between a MIDI controller and a MIDI sequencer?

2) If I'm primarily interested in doing drum related things with this technology, are there any hardware recomendations, keeping in mind best value for $ (I don't mind spending a little, just don't want to go broke...)

3) Do you spend time programming patterns before recording or can you use existing patterns, and modify them as you go (like manipulating "chunks" of audio; post recording editing)?

4) Given question #2 above, would I be better off picking up a drum module and build up a set of pads to capture the "human" element?

Sorry I made it such a long post. I enjoy this site very much and any advice you can send my way is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Bassman]

Hey, a few answers for you

1) Is there a difference between a MIDI controller and a MIDI sequencer?

A midi controller is..well the controller I.e the keyboard , drum pad, breath controller..etc..

A sequencer records the midi information and lets you edit and play it back.

2) If I'm primarily interested in doing drum related things with this technology, are there any hardware recomendations,

You could pick up a used Otcapad or Drumkat.. I found a DRumkat DK10, with a stand for 350.. works great.

3) Do you spend time programming patterns before recording or can you use existing patterns

I usually record it live..then fix my mistakes. I have also taken drum tracks from songs I found on the net..

Hope this helps..