Still confused

What's up everyone,

great site with a lotta information. Basically, I am just discovering the world of digital recording. I've always loved rap music and been writing lyrics for some time, but never got involved with the musical aspect of hip hop.

I've been reading on-line articles and discussion forums I am starting to understand the process of making beats, in theory, at least. Now I'm down to learning about individual pieces of equipment (interfaces, samplers, sequencers, software etc). I am aware that software exists that will accomplish this without the use of external hardware, but being the hands on person that I am, I would prefer to begin with hardware and eventually combine hardware and software elements. All I own at this point is PowerBook G4.

From all the reading I have done so far, I realized there is some equipment that I see mentioned frequently (Akai MPC's, S950, SP1200, ASR 10, ASR X Pro, Mo' Phatt, Triton, Motif, etc).

The Akai MPC samplers/sequencers are mentioned a lot along with heated debates about which model is "the best one". There is also a lot of talk about the "typical sound" of particular models. On the other hand, there are people saying that there isn't such a thing as the "typical sound" and that it all depends on the samples being used (what goes in, comes out).

I was thinkin' that MPC might be a good startin' point for me (but I might be wrong). And that's where my dilemma starts. To give you a better idea what kind of sound I'm really into:

The Goats: Tricks of the Shade
Ice Cube: The Predator
Jurassic 5: Power in Numbers
Blackalicious: Blazing Arrow
KRS-One
RZA

Since I like the old school sound, I'm thinking 60II or 3000. But, more functions and ability to work with software, probably 2000XL. I read that you can get the "gritty" sound (using 2000XL) by resampling in lower bit rate, by using some software plug-ins or running the signal through tube pre-amp. Than, there is the other group, saying this is absolutely impossible, because what matters are the actual components used in the MPC itself and the size of the MPC box. These are different in 2000XL (I also read it's the least durable out of them). And than, you got the third group, using the argument "Dre uses this, Primo uses that and that's why it's gotta be the best choice".

Can you save me from going insane over this? I'm torn between 60II / 3000 / 2000XL. Am I completely wrong?

I feel like I'm close to making a decision and then I read something the next day and it completely destroys my little theory and I'm starting all over again.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Peace

TZ

I have the perfect solution for you. Buy a copy of the December 2003 issue of The Source magazine. You can find it in the music section at the magazine stand. The December issue has a back & white photo of D-Block on the cover.

http://thesource.com/intro/

On page 122 you will find an article for new bedroom producers. It has 3 different budget categories and a gear list to go with them. Pages 124 - 125 has photos of more than a dozen upcoming producers who have made some progress in the music business. There is a profile of each one and a list of their basic gear, which almost always contains an MPC2000, MPC2000XL, or MPC4000. None of these newcomers are wasting their time and money on old gear like the MPC60 and the MPC3000.

Don't lock yourself into gear limitations by basing your decision on old information. The leaders are also using Logic and Pro Tools. Current conditions with the MPC60 and the MPC3000 are temporary. Prices have come back down to reality. Give it another year. After AKAI has 2 new MPCs and a full line with a new paint scheme people aren't going to care anymore about the old models. They will go back into history. Save yourself headaches and buy something you know can work right now out of the new box.

It seems like the .snd is a dying format (60, 3000)
I know there are programs to convert to .wav, but after you've built a whole library of .snd stuff, are you really gonna want to convert your entire library once you switch gear again?

Just something to think about - maybe not a deciding factor.

So far I have changed my complete studio set up three times. Orriginaly, I produced my tracks using 6 different beat machines Korg er-1 (drum) korg es1 (phrase sampler) ea1 (synth) Yamaha an200, roland mc303, and a kawai r50 (old school digital drum machine). My studio was rediculous, With all these machines not to mention the rack mounts, mixer, and turntables, I had cables running everywhere. If I wanted to go some where and produce beats with my friends, I had to pack all these machines up and then, once I got there, I would have to spend at least a half hour hooking up all the crap. About a year ago I made a choice to trade ALL of my equipment for a MPC2Kxl. At first I was kicking myself for basically throwing half my equipment away. No, now the beats are better than ever! The best thing is, now I only use my mpc, a mackie mixer for my 8 outs, a Micro korg synth (big bang for the buck) and an EMU mp7. My studio is less than half the size it used to be, and the programming power is more than double.

TZ;
I am a MPC3000 owner. I love the machine. It was served me well and I just got it tightened up with a new backlight and buttons and pads. However, I wouldn't purchase it over a 2000XL today if I had to start over again. Simple stuff matters, at least to me. Size and weight. Visual representation of samples on screen. WAV format capabilities. Factory Internal Zip drive possibilities. And most important, Price point. It's hard to turn all of that down.

Vintage gear is dope, especially eqs, Mic pre amps and compressors, but it terms of the MPCs, I don't think there is that much of a difference or improvement equal to the additional cost. So, take the savings and get to work man.

Peace and good luck.


homershines

for phat drum sounds and samples
contact me at [email protected]-o-m

Thanks a lot for all your helpful replies. Much appreciated.

Seems like 2000XL would be a good way to start. I checked zZounds and they sell four different models.

http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?form=prodsearch&q=Akai+MPC+2000XL&submit.x=0&submit.y=0

Akai MPC2000XL Sampling Drum Machine
Akai MPC2000XL Studio Sampling Drum Machine
Akai MPC2000XL Studio Plus Sampling Drum Machine
Akai MPC2000XL Sampling Drum Machine with Built-In 100MB Zip Drive

Which one should I choose. I've read people saying that the Zip Drive is the most important part and the additional outs can be added later. On the other hand, some say that it's better to get 8 outs right away and add Zip Drive later (it saves money this way?). I'm not sure.

Sorry if what I'm asking is obvious, but I'm completely new to this. Do you guys think that zZounds is a good place to buy from?

Peace

TZ

these different models represent one (same) model, only sporting different combinations of extras. If you have the money to spend, get the one with the most upgrades. If you get one with standard memory, no outs, and no zip, you might find that you will have to purchase those upgraeds down the road. It is more cost effective though to get the box already maxed out.

Zip is more important at first than the 8-outs.

After going through some older posts on the site, I'm still not 100% clear on the "memory and drives" topic.

Should I go for internal or external? From what you guys say, 250MB seems to be the way to go. There is a 2000XL on zZounds that comes with Zip, but it has only 100MB. Can I get a 250MB from them, or do I have to upgrade it myself?

I read on MPC2000xl.com, that Zip drive is not an ideal solution. Hard drive and SCSI PC card drive are mentioned too. Apparently, those are faster and can handle more data.

I guess my main question is, what should I make sure that my MPC has installed when I buy it. Since it's more cost effective, what exactly would be the "maxed out box"?

If anyone could shed some light on this in more detail, I'd appreciate it very much.

Peace

TZ

Since you own a g4 as well, i would go for a 2000xl with maxed out RAM and an internal zip. Get a usb zipdrive for your Mac too, and you can start editing, chopping, processing, sounds on your computer.
I have a 100mb myself and it's enough for me, but i suppose if you can get 250mb it would be even better. I wouldn't pay double the price for it myself though.

I prefer 100MB zips because if one goes bad or gets lost or gets stepped on, you've only lost 100MB worth of stuff rather than 250MB.

Do any of you guys have experience with the other types of drives besides Zip?

I'm still not sure if I should go with an internal or external. Are there any major advantages or disadvantages of each?

I don't know, maybe I'm wording my questions wrong, but could I get some more help, please?

I really appreciate everybody's input so far, but more feedback would be great.

Peace

TZ

"I'm still not sure if I should go with an internal or external. Are there any major advantages or disadvantages of each?"

Replacing one is getting to be chore for either model. External is SCSI, internal is ATAPI. Stores stopped carrying SCSI long ago, and they are clearing out the compatible ATAPI models.