Beginner: MPC1000 vs MPD32

Your first point about trying things out is spot on mate. That's a good attitude to have!

Just so you know the MPC and MPD are two VERY different machines. The MPC is a self-contained unit that you can use exclusively to make music if you choose too, it can also be used as a MIDI controller for a DAW. The MPD on the other hand is ONLY a MIDI controller, and so if you choose that you will have to buy some software to run on the computer. Whether it has the same functionality as an MPC is quite a personal choice and it depends on what else you'd be using/how you'd be using your personal setup.

For example the MPC has rock solid MIDI sequencing abilities, you're not at the big screen for hours on end, and the limitations it has in terms of RAM can really promote creativity. One of the forum members recently posted up a tune he made on the MPC60 using only 13 seconds of sampling time!!! With the JJOS you can also really improve the functionality of the 1000. But then compared to a DAW, there will probably be a steeper learning curve if I'm honest.

As it happens a lack of musical training probably won't be a bad thing, although a little reading on very basic tuning and simple chords and what not might come in handy one day. But a good ear is all you need IMO.

To be honest, you're asking about freeware etc... it doesn't seem like your heart is quite in it yet. If I was you I'd get Garageband, or something else along those lines, a google search will give you plenty of free DAW options. Read up as much as you can on the functions of an MPC, and as you rightly said go and try one out. Mess around with the pads, try and get a basic grasp of the workflow that's available to you and then decide.

Also take time to consider the extra peripherals you might choose to go with both options, such as a basic audio interface, monitors or headphones etc... Good luck.

I actually started off in FL Studio with an MPD24 and to be honest I loved it. Its so boring to be trying to make a beat when you have nothing to jam out on and well the MPD24 did for me. I basically was doing everything an MPC could do but not really. See theirs certain cool features that an MPC has (and can be used to ones creative ability). An Example would be the famous MPC swing, you could never duplicate that on a DAW (**** what those Maschine heads say). Not only that the MPC's resolution is pretty top notch (But w/ these newer versions of DAW's, & with a good a computer they pretty much are the same.) . Of course for me back then when I was just getting started, the MPD was perfect for what I wanted it to do. But in the end the MPD, is just another Midi Controller. It is what it says it is, a Controller. Your basically using it to help your work flow, so its not soo much that the MPD can do everything any MPC can do but its the DAW that can do everything and MPC can do & at this point it can do even more.

The only Con, with an MPC in my opinion is that the process of making music is very time consuming. It takes a little longer then making something in FL and you still have to transfer your beats to the your computer as well. Its not like a DAW, you can't just export it and boom your beat is ready. And another thing is you will probably be spending more money then you would buying an MPD32 or any midi controller for that matter. But the MPC has a certain feel to it. I feel you find yourself concentrating more on perfecting your sound. When your in a DAW looking at all those kool looking buttons and playing with the plug ins, it can become very distracting rather quickly. An MPC gets really personal and its very straight forward. I like how the MPC has limitations. When you work on it, it has more of a natural feel. I mean that sound wise but in the end

It all comes down to money & personal preference.

I hate using computers and a mouse for music production. I stare at a computer enough already without doing that in my studio too. It's great to curl up on the sofa with the mpc and work on some music. You also mentioned the software features. Modern software does so much that it's actually very distracting. I easily get caught tweaking tiny details, or wrestling with the software and controller mapping setups. It's a lot easier for me to just accept the limitations of the MPC and get on with making music. The controls are already well laid out and the mapping doesnt change, but with software and controllers its a constantly changing mess of configurations. Having a very definite layout means you develop muscle memory for doing things, rather than having to think about it. These reasons make it all worth the price imho. Finally, if you choose to sell it you get a reasonable return, but software is totally worthless.

i would definitely go to the store to try out an mpc/ mpd before you buy.

like others have said, the mpd itself makes no sounds, its just a controller for your DAW (logic/cubase/fl studio/ ect).
if you already know how to use FL and own it, it might be fun to add an mpd to your setup, then you can have physical pads to bang out on and your using an interface your already familiar with.

keep in mind that you can use an mpc1000 as a controller as well, so if you did get a 1k, you could have the option of using the unit standalone or in conjunction with FL. so thats pretty cool.

if you did get a 1k, i would recommend upgrading to jjos 2xl or at least the free version of it. this will give you so many extra features! i think the 2xl version is like 120 dollars though. also the 128 mb RAM upgrade is a must. you can get that for cheap though.

buying a second hand mpc is usually better bang for your buck IMO. in my experience they are also very stable machines, so if you have any worries about buying used, you dont really have to because they work for along time if they are taken care of.

although i will say that if you get a mpc 1k used there are a few things to watch out for.

if you get a blue one make sure it has the pad upgrade kit (when they first released the 1k's they had faulty pads, this was fixed on the newer black models ( i think the back of the unit where you plug the cords in has to be black also for this to have the fixed pads; there is also black models with silver back-ends that dont have the upgrade kit) could someone verify this for me? if you do get a blue one it will work fine as long as it has the upgrade kit.

make sure the buttons work on them, its easy to overlook sometimes, just click them all and test them out. if one of them ever breaks you can replace it yourself too.

all that being said, you can find a 1k for as cheap as 350 dollars, and you can find one with all those upgrades for not much more. shop around theres alot of good deals on them.

try out the jjos!

if i were you i would probably go for the 1k because you could find a used one for as cheap or cheaper than a mpd 32. but if you go the mpc route you will need an audio interface to connect it to your computer.

you can plug your mpd directly to your laptop and create music via usb.

with an mpc you have to connect your midi cables and audio cables to an audio interface that is connected to your computer before you can get it to play. the usb cables on the mpc are only used for dragging and dropping samples.

i would suggest at this point maybe just getting the mpd if you already have fl studio.. cause you get the mpc and next thing you know you will wind up needing to dish out more cash for an interface to record your beats into the computer.. which will wind up boiling down to you using a music program too.. plus save the cash and spend just a bit on controller instead of dishing out on a hobby you dont know you really wanna persue later down the road.

dont get me wrong, I use piles of DAWS (fl studio included) and I use piles of mpcs and similar machines too... and the mpc swing can be duplicated on fl studio (though it takes a bit of fiddling to get it down accurately)

I was in the same boat as you about a year ago except I just brought stuff without really thinking about what I need. You should definitely go to your local guitar center and try out whatever they have for you to try and see what you feel more comfortable with. I have both an MPC 1000 and and MPD32 (as well as a couple other pieces). If I had really sat down a thought of it, I would have ended up with an MPK instead as my MIDI controller. Love my MPC because its stand alone and I don't have to fire up the computer when I get inspired. My MPD, I really don't use anymore and I'm probably gonna end up selling it.

As far as freeware, you can download a free version of Ableton Live from their website. It's limited but capable, more than enough to get your feet wet. It's not super simple to use, but it has some tutorials built into the program. Plus there always Google and YouTube if you get stuck somewhere.

Braineater wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:i would suggest at this point maybe just getting the mpd if you already have fl studio..

Well, I don't actually OWN FL Studio

Oh, and since making music is quite a hard thing to do, I also thought about the MPD32 for DJ'ing. I know artists like Flying Lotus and Nosaj Thing perform live with an MPD as opposed to decks and a mixer (in fact a lot of these LA Beat scene artists have dumped turntables). I may be getting a little ahead of myself, I would need the master track that is separated by instruments to really make use of DJ'ing with an MPD, wouldn't I?

And I'm thinking I'd work better with limitations, brought upon by an MPC. DAW's just have to many drop down menus, knobs, plug-ins, VST's, etc. But I also thought maybe the included software that comes with the MPD (Abelton I believe), would be a restricted demo version, that maybe would ease me in (because I like limitations).

I can not say for the demo of ableton you will get.. but often demo versions have bad restrictions like you cant save your work for example..

yes the mpc has limitations.. but it's also an empty box that you must fill with sounds.. you will need to record pieces of songs to sample and cut up to make beats or load up some drum kits.. (obviously i will recommend digging for your own drum samples from songs preferably on vinyl over using sample kits.)

if you find fl studio too complicated... well I dont know then, that is the easiest thing in the world to use and you will be making music in 3 minutes of starting the software... you dont need to use all the features.. just the ones that get the job done. If you get an mpc, be sure that you will need to read a manual just to figure out not only what features do what things.. but how to do those things and what the lingo and terminology is.. you cant get around that really....

DJing with the mpd is possible, but I think you are giving the mpd too much credit, it doesn't do anything more then your computer keyboard does... the difference is it has rubber pads instead of keys.

DJing applications pretty much all accept midi information (midi is a language controllers use to send info to instruments and other music related software and hardware) so those artists are setting up their MPD controllers to control buttons within the DJing program (the play button for example, or the bass/treble/mid with the sliders etc..)


listen I dont want to and cant even tell you what is right for you and your work flow.. however you have one of the most powerful beat making tools already (just saying, fl studio is one of the best DAWs available... ) and if you aren't serious about making music then maybe dropping almost a grand on hardware you aren't sure you need is not the best plan... take it from someone who has a few mpcs, and similar products.

Braineater wrote:
I know artists like Flying Lotus and Nosaj Thing perform live with an MPD as opposed to decks and a mixer (in fact a lot of these LA Beat scene artists have dumped turntables).

DJ = Disc Jockey.

That's not DJ'ing IMO. Particularly when there are programs available that do all the hard work for you.

knob jockey?

scoobylol wrote:

Braineater wrote:
I know artists like Flying Lotus and Nosaj Thing perform live with an MPD as opposed to decks and a mixer (in fact a lot of these LA Beat scene artists have dumped turntables).

DJ = Disc Jockey.

That's not DJ'ing IMO. Particularly when there are programs available that do all the hard work for you.

so true...

well I think some of that is kind of cool... I guess it would be DAW jockeys? cause I know a guy who uses a trigger finger and some fader controller surface thing to run ableton live to "dj" shows.. I dont know what you would call what he does but it is neat because he can use effects and trigger loops as well as full songs if needed... is there a real term for doing that?

mr_debauch wrote:well I think some of that is kind of cool... I guess it would be DAW jockeys? cause I know a guy who uses a trigger finger and some fader controller surface thing to run ableton live to "dj" shows.. I dont know what you would call what he does but it is neat because he can use effects and trigger loops as well as full songs if needed... is there a real term for doing that?

It's putting on a live set, or even more literally a Live set.

Really a very different discipline to DJ'ing generally. I'm certainly not taking away the time it takes to prepare an Ableton set, but the actual performance aspect of it is pretty laclustre in my opinion.

To me a traditional DJ set has that ability to take you on a journey, but it can also be influenced by the crowd, it's really quite a unique method of performing. If you have a pre-made Ableton set I feel you start to lose that immediacy and intimacy that can really take a night to completely different level.