Just last week, I picked up a Muse Research Receptor 2 that had Native Instruments Komplete installed on it just last week.  All I can say is WOW!

In a previous post, I described my recent experiences with drum software (Superior Drummer 2.0 + Metal Foundry SDX) running from my computer.  I was pretty impressed then and there.  That same software has now been moved from my quad core computer to this new Receptor.  It seems as if the Receptor was designed specifically for me, and how I use it.  By far, the most amazing thing about it seems to be the responsiveness.  I’m able to have the Receptor running at as few as 32 samples, and I have it connected to my audio interface via optical cable.  Latency is negligible, and it feels like I’m playing an acoustic kit now.  It’s because of this, that I’ve been playing drums again… for hours on end.

Also noteworthy though, is the way that the system was designed.  It’s a pretty sturdy unit, and I think it will be able to handle its own on the road.  No more need to lug a desktop computer (or very expensive laptop) around.  It boots up in about a minute, and changing patches/banks takes no more than a few seconds – even if I’m loading an entirely new drumkit into memory.

My only complaints about the unit pertain to the MIDI out.  It seems as if that port is pretty much useless unless the Receptor itself is generating the MIDI signal.  My class-compliant USB keyboard garners power from the Receptor, and the Receptor can receive its MIDI signal, however that MIDI will not travel OUT or THROUGH the unit.  That’s something I’d like to see changed, however, I can deal with that.

I’ll post some audio and/or video soon.