InspectahEX wrote:Nice piece of gear, good sounds, pads are ok,
1. but I've come to realize working with software AND hardware at the same time, SLOWS my work flow down CRAZYYYY, it's nuts, software is cool, but I don't think drum machines should run off software, software has too many shortcuts heirarchys etcss anything that can be done in the blink of an eye on an mpc takes 5 times longer on the machine even after you know what you're doing,
2. the software hiccups now and then and there are bugs here and there, software isn't my thing, i think I will pass on the Ren and go for a 2500 with JJOS. Latency, even at the most minimal is still bad, and even if you have 2gb ram you're computer is gonna slow down real quick, i have a new macbook with an i7 2.8 ghz,
3. please akai, check all that BS the machine is doing and just improve on it, and PLEASE keep the workflow exactly the same, once you veer towards the machines workflow style of things, everything is slowed down. I have used fruity loops, mpc1000, mpc2500 and now machine, the mpcs all kicked these products in the butt even with no pre loaded samples, kits, etc...my opinion also I'm working with machine 1.7, i don't know how people can work so much with software except Protools, thats the only software I never had a problem with.
It seems most these kinds of beefs with software are more based off of lack of knowledge than anything. So let me address each of your points.
1. It's not software that is slowing down your workflow. This makes no sense in regards to Maschine, as just about everything can be done on the controller. What's slowing down your workflow is the fact that it's a new piece of gear. I've been using Maschine since last October and only the past couple of months have been able to move around it nearly as quickly as an MPC. It takes time. You're not just going to jump into a completely new piece of gear and have the same workflow as what you had on something you've been using for years. That's just common sense. You just have to stick with it and learn it. Memorize the feature locations and modes. This is the only way to improve your workflow. I know from experience that you can't possibly be 100% fluent on the Maschine yet. You need to be patient and just use the thing and learn it. There isn't really much that can be done faster on an MPC than Maschine. Just about every comparable function can be executed faster on Maschine. And guys that have been on Maschine for years have crazy work flows.
2. First, 2GB ain't shit for a music rig. Most modern OS's use 1.5GB just to operate. Secondly, as for the Latency, this is dependent on your buffer setting and your interface. Set it to the 128 or lower and you will see an immediate improvement. You should also have an adequate interface with up to date drivers, not the MBP's built in sound card. Third, everything has bugs. My 2500 froze plenty of times. The midi notes stuck plenty of times, both resulting in the machine needing to be rebooted. To reduce glitches in Maschine, close all background apps while running it. I run my Maschine on a Core2Quad and it runs great and I browse the internet while making beats. So it should be even better on your MBP with the i7. I suggest upgrading the ram on your MBP as well. I just got a MBP a couple of weeks ago and found that the stock 4GB ram is inadequate for my needs, and I haven't even installed Maschine yet. I installed 8GB and it took a tremendous load off my memory ratio consumption.
3. Again, the key is to master the software and develop the workflow. It's the only way. The same applies to an MPC. When I first got my MPC 2000XL, I had a slow workflow until I mastered the machine. 8 years later when I got my 2500, my workflow slowed down a bit due to the different mode accessing method and learning all the new features and such. But after using it for a while, my workflow improved. Just have to get comfortable with it. It you have to think twice about where a function is, your workflow is going to be terrible.