Should I buy an ASR-10 or should I buy a MPK?

I fully understant that an asr-10 is a sampler and the mpk series are midi controllers but I'm wondering which one I should buy to get the most of of any Keyboard. I have a MPC2K but I need a Keyboard to accompany it. I am doing very well on my MPC but I need to find another direction for creating a unit. I know that both MPC and ASR-10 are Samplers. Have anyone experimented with an MPC and MPK? I need some good suggestions.

they are both so different. it all depends on what you're trying to do with your music and whether you prefer hardware or software..

I enjoy using Hardware(MPC2K) but I wonder which 1 I should buy. I do make hot Samples based records but at the same time I like the Midi because it has so many plugins, VST's, and updated features. If I have a Sampler(MPC2K) then would I need another Sampler(ASR-10). Is it more efficient to to load sounds into the ASR-10 or use a Midi Controller and have it all waiting for me to play? Thats why? I ask these question because I need to know which is a better investment. I'm a very fast learner so either way I have to find which one will go better with my MPC2K. My music is New School Hip Hop like those real classic sounding Vinyl Records. I'm really good at sampling and I know that the ASR-10 is good for chopping samples into pieces like the MPC2K. I can also chop within a Midi based program and play the samples from a Midi Controller. I would like to hear the suggestion of the Veterans who own an ASR-10. I know they have the right answer for me.

Guys with an ASR would tell u to get an ASR because THEY like to work with it.

Like drunkenmonkey said, the best investment is the piece of equipment that compliments the way ur working.

If I were in ur position I would get the ASR and sequence it with the mpc. The mpc's sequencer is all midi so it wouldn't be a problem to also sequence vst's with it. Same for the ASR, u can also use that as ur midi controller. Through the mpc or straight into the computer.

Now I'm typing this I'm starting to think that going for the asr might be the most versatile decision with a lot of options in ur setup.

But of course it's all up to u.

Only one thing though. DON'T get the mpk. Look for a nice korg or m-audio or whatever kind of midi keyboard.

Thanks for the information Menco, I figured all along that I should just get the ASR-10 Also if it can be used as a midi control. And if the MPK is a stand-alone midi control i'll be very limited compared to the variety that come with the ASR-10. I'm just reading up on the Asr-10. So that I can come to a final decision and that I can be confident when purchasing my ASR-10. So I can know what I'm getting in it. I have heard many people say that the MPC AND ASR-10 goes perfect together They both compliment and blend with each other as if they were made for each other. Yes, I have a MPC2K and I use Pro-Tools. I also have a Roland VS-1824 I want to create a music production unit. I have been reading my MPC Manual back and forth and asking forum question for a very good time now. I want my unit to consist of a very fluent and efficient workflow. I love workflow because when I create music I create it with a flow. And I also love the sound I get from Analog compared to computerized sounds. Since I'm a self taught musician and I taught myself how to use the MPC even though it took awhile I managed to teach myself how to use the MPC and i'm still learning more and more about it through this wonderful forum. I know when I get my ASR-10 it's going to be another challenge learning it but I'm up and ready for it. Ready to create some Beautiful Music!

I got both... I like both... it all depends all on want you want to do with them.

TuffKaz333 wrote:I enjoy using Hardware(MPC2K) but I wonder which 1 I should buy. I do make hot Samples based records but at the same time I like the Midi because it has so many plugins, VST's, and updated features. If I have a Sampler(MPC2K) then would I need another Sampler(ASR-10). Is it more efficient to to load sounds into the ASR-10 or use a Midi Controller and have it all waiting for me to play? Thats why? I ask these question because I need to know which is a better investment. I'm a very fast learner so either way I have to find which one will go better with my MPC2K. My music is New School Hip Hop like those real classic sounding Vinyl Records. I'm really good at sampling and I know that the ASR-10 is good for chopping samples into pieces like the MPC2K. I can also chop within a Midi based program and play the samples from a Midi Controller. I would like to hear the suggestion of the Veterans who own an ASR-10. I know they have the right answer for me.

Are you planing on working with software also? If you're planning on using software too, I would go mpk. Your quest is basically hardware vs. software right?

you know, considering the mpk is a midi controller only and the asr 10 is a midi controller as well as a sequencer and sampler


If you are getting for same price, go with the asr 10


it has a higher resale value already and if your computer/software ever conks out you can keep on making tracks with the asr 10 by iteself


Hell, I think Rza said he even recorded odb's vocals straight into his asr 10( tape recorder mode) for the song "shimmy shimmy yal"l


mpk needs computer and software or another midi module to be of use

asr 10 can do that or be used alone

The ASR will be a limited MIDI controller.
You won't get knobs or sliders that can be assigned to control other units.

The reason the ASR and MPC go together is based on using the MPC for drums, sampling and sequencing while the ASR is used for sampling, playing keys, effects etc.

The MPK would go well with the MPC if you wanted to do drums, sampling and seq on the MPC with an external module (or some VST's) being controlled and manipulated by the MPK.

It's apples to oranges.

TuffKaz333 wrote:Thanks for the information Menco, I figured all along that I should just get the ASR-10 Also if it can be used as a midi control. And if the MPK is a stand-alone midi control i'll be very limited compared to the variety that come with the ASR-10. I'm just reading up on the Asr-10. So that I can come to a final decision and that I can be confident when purchasing my ASR-10. So I can know what I'm getting in it. I have heard many people say that the MPC AND ASR-10 goes perfect together They both compliment and blend with each other as if they were made for each other. Yes, I have a MPC2K and I use Pro-Tools. I also have a Roland VS-1824 I want to create a music production unit. I have been reading my MPC Manual back and forth and asking forum question for a very good time now. I want my unit to consist of a very fluent and efficient workflow. I love workflow because when I create music I create it with a flow. And I also love the sound I get from Analog compared to computerized sounds. Since I'm a self taught musician and I taught myself how to use the MPC even though it took awhile I managed to teach myself how to use the MPC and i'm still learning more and more about it through this wonderful forum. I know when I get my ASR-10 it's going to be another challenge learning it but I'm up and ready for it. Ready to create some Beautiful Music!

Go for the mpc-4000 and a alienator. The ASR is so old that the components soon will die, it's not worth the money.

You won't miss those few knobs on the MPK that you have to manually assign to everything anyway. It does not really help that much over just using a mouse. If you want better control over software then get a Novation remote sl keyboard or Maschine. Otherwise, get the ASR.

get a rhodes and a beat boxer!

Personally i dont see the point of you buying an MIDI controller that has Pads, Swing, Note repeat and other functions you already have on your MPC, it whould problably be better to buy a normal midi keyboard.
But if you looking to use VSTi Plugs on your PC to use with the MPC than and MPK migth be a good choice because you will use its features to control software in a way that is simillar to the MPC.
I had and MPK and i didnt like it much, the pads feel like buttons.
The ASR kind of old but is one cool machine, it has multi-sample instruments wich you might find interesting, personally i think having 2 sligthy diferrent samplers is not much of an adavantage unless you ave a lot of gear, if thats not the case, get a Korg Triton, a Yamaha Fantom, Kurzweil..

b-righteous wrote:You won't miss those few knobs on the MPK that you have to manually assign to everything anyway.

Thats not true. Mpk has map files for the most commom software. Reason, Cubase, Fruity, Logic, Live, etc..
It even has them built in the memory wich you can switch in the machine itself.
But if you want you can custom map as the controllers and then save a preset for it.

D-One wrote:get a Korg Triton Extreme

....so Lampdog won't be the only Tri Ext user on the frigging boards here.

am working like Menco said, sequence the ASR 10 with the MPC60

the combo is great, but when you ask mainly for a great sampler i say ASR 10 without second thoughts... the workflow allready is worth it!!!! nothing is that ast and intuitive

if you need an extra sequencer, i cant comment about teh ASR one but in that case i d get an old mpc just for the seuencer

i am not even sampling into the mpc anymore... only very seldom.. just not as fast and easy as ASR

good luck