MPC's & Computer Setups

Hi, I originally started making music a few years ago. I cut my teeth on Live on a pretty shit laptop and a couple of VST's and a midi controller. I learned as much as I could about synthesis mainly through NI's synths.

At the time I thought I wouldn't go further than that setup but yeah well gear is sort of addictive like vinyl and once you start..... Well I gradually built up my hardware setup with a few choice synths, a drum machine. Still running it all into Live tho and processing with UAD.

Now after a few hard drive crashes and coming to the stage where I want to step it up a bit I'm thinking of picking up a cheap 2500 and possibly a small mackie desk and in the future a couple of outboard pieces

Where I first thought I would only ever stick inside the computer I've been gradually and kinda naturally gravitating to a less computer focused setup even to the point where I'm considering experiementing to other rec formats, tape etc. Tbh I do like getting away from the screen

So I'm considering just using the decks, the vinyl, the synths and the mp a lot more if I end up picking it up and not making the computer the central point. Is there anyone here who (still) has a more mp centred approach like this?

i dun even have a pc in the same room.

the computer is for tracking and mixing and for me that allows me to focus on writing and practicing.

used to spend too much time half assed-ly mixing as i went, which meant i was half assed-ly writing as well. so it forces you to focus on what it is you're doing.

i would recommend in your scenario to run your comp based stuff on a seprate computer with your outs going to another computer/mixer to record....will free up needed ram so that one focuses on making the music the other records it.


i personally dont like the comp. for anything but rec. and mixing..but when i do use computer based music stuff..i run it on my laptop,i dedicate 100 percent resources to it..then i run it into my mixer and then into whatever im recording to mpc if im going to chop it or work it differant or straight to other computer if im just going to record as is.

There is some important info missing in your question--

What styles of music are u working on?

For Hip-hop or pop, hell naw u don't need to sequence on a computer ! However for newer styles with the glitchy and highly-produced sound-- U may be taking a step backwards.