The Transition From FL To The MPC1000

*This is not another lame software vs. hardware topic*

For those who went from software to hardware, how were you able to adapt to the new interface and how long did it take to get into the groove of things? I'm asking this because I've been using FL for a while now and was planning to buy an MPC 1000, and am just curious for those like me who went the software route first, how was the transition into the hardware? Did it take along time to relearn everything, or was the talent the same just a different way of making beats?

Thanks

~1

I love hardware alot more than software. I never really did anything serious with software cause it was mostly bootlegged shiz or demos, but I like having something in front of me. I love bangin on them pads or preesing the keys and shiz. But like they saiy, to each it's own, hardware might suck for, figure it out...go to sam ash or guitar center and try their shiz. Peace.

I went from FL (and Ableton) to the MPC and I will never, ever go back to software again. I switched mainly because I became very sick of using software. Hardware is much more fun and sounds and feels 1000 times better. The tactile nature of it makes you get more into the songs you are making. This, at least for me has massively improved the quality of my music. The only drawback is that its more expensive (f*** it, though. It's worth every penny).

I mainly use the MPC for sequencing my Virus Classic and Korg EMX-1 but also use it to play a few samples here and there. All in all it is the perfect package for my needs.

I think the main thing you may miss is the piano roll editor but I've found that it is making me get better at actually playing the keyboard. The time-correct function on the MPC is helpful in this regard.

The MPC's user interface is extremely easy to get the hang of. Everything was well thought out and the buttons are right where they should be. I don't think you will have any problems with the switch. You will thank yourself for doing so.

Hey if you miss the piano roll editor u could always opt to get an mpc4k. jus messin. But the 4k does have some really nice features if your lookin for something that has as close to an all in one box type of thing.

I really appreciate all the feedback, keep the replies coming and thanks



~1

I started with reason and got a MPC 1000 a year later. It was way more limited than reason, but like someone said it was more fun. I actually some times just bang the pads and drink and make wack beats and my girl laughs at me, but its soo fun. I think eventually I will go to a hybrid. Software for VSTs and recording. And using the MPC for sampling and making the tracks.

I also used Fruity Loops for about 1 1/2 year, before I got my Mpc.
It took me 2 days to figure out, how the mp was working...pretty easy.

Ye Me 2 i had fruity for about 2 years before i got an mpc, it feels a lot more satisfying to make a beat on an mpc to be honest, it feels more like youve put ur own hard graft into it.
the interface is really easy to adapt to especially if you have experience with fruity or any other program thats similar, i learned the basics in a day, i would reccomend cop an mpc

I went from FL to MPC1k, and back to FL. I went to hardware for the more tactile approach, but I found myself wanting to work less linear again, so I went back to software.

Definite pluses either way; it's all a matter of what works best for you. I know it's a total fence-riding opinion, but it's the truth

if you are using FL and planning to go the 1000 route, the principal is the same regarding beat making. On Fruity, you build your song pattern by pattern and on the mpc you build your song seq by seq. I'm not taking away from the mpc when i say this, if you are used to fruity just buy the akai mpd16. it's akai's pads that you can use to trigger the drums in fruity. I use reason, fruity and the mpc and i like all three. they each have their advantages and disadvantages. like i said, i'm not taking anything away from the mpc and i will never get rid of mine but the don't sleep on the mpd16 either and it only costs around $249US

something to think about.

i used fl for a minute before i got 1000. i was close to buying the mpd16 until i realized in fl you couldn't loop up a couple bars and contiously overdub stuff the way you can on an mpc. once you record you would have to stop and restart the loop to overdub again. i could be wrong about that but whatever,
either way i ended up getting a 1000 and the sound quality difference was ridiculous. drums sound WAY better coming out the 1000. and the interface is really easy to use once you mess with it for a bit....

either way you go you'll have a good setup.
but personally, i don't miss fl at all......

I got a MPC 1K about 3 months ago after having FL studio for about 3 years. I also have a MPD 16. I still use all of them for something. The hardest thing for me on the 1K is the save process after making something.I have lost a lot of stuff I thought was hot because I did not save it properly. It's still a problem but I love having the 1K. Travels well also.

MoneyMarc wrote:I got a MPC 1K about 3 months ago after having FL studio for about 3 years. I also have a MPD 16. I still use all of them for something. The hardest thing for me on the 1K is the save process after making something.I have lost a lot of stuff I thought was hot because I did not save it properly. It's still a problem but I love having the 1K. Travels well also.

that might be how your organising your data. try catorgorising into folders, eg Drums, Sounds, Samples setc.

I had fl for a while. It was so simple. I got the 1k and the learning curve took a while.. I mixer is good on fl is good. My son has fl master now.....

cutting s/w out of the equation entirely is stupid and too limiting for me.

i use the mpc to sample my vinyl...sometimes i dump that into fl...sometime's ill sequence using the mpc as a midi controller...maybe i'll do an instrumentation in FL, then sync the mpc and lay the drums over top...so many ways to go about doing things...