Workflow question - a MPC for my situation?

Hey guys,

it's my first post here. I already used the search function but wasn't able to find a topic related to my question.

So here we go:

I'm producing electronic music since 18 years and I use Cubase as my sequencer. Since I produce some dancemusic I notice more n more that there is no kind of groove in Cubase. I imported some MPC-grooves-Midifiles with various groove-percentages to quantize my beats and give them more life. But I still have the feeling thats not the groove that I need for this kind of dance/electromusic. So I decided to buy a MPC 1000 or 500 just to get rid of the shitty computer-groove of Cubase.

My question: As I process my drums with a lot of plugs/outboard gear and also layer a lot I don't know how to get a good or acceptable workflow with a MPC. Usually I have 10-20 tracks of drums (because of layering) inside Cubase. I guess the only way to get the 'real' MPC-groove is to transfer all the processed and layered drums to the MPC, programm the drum-arrangement in MPC and transfer it back or sample it to my sequencer. Would this be the 'right' way that you experienced MPC-users would recommend for my situation? Or is there a more easy way that I don't know yet? Would you put the unprocessed drums into the MPC and do the processing after transfering it to the DAW? Cause for my workflow it would be a pain in the ass.. But regarding the groove I'm afraid that's the only way.. Perhaps you guys have any clever recommendations how I could get a good n fast workflow...

Thanks in advance

As a huge MPC fan, I have to come forward and admit-- The mysterious special groove of the MPC is a myth. The machine will not make it groovy for you. It sounds like you need to stick to Cubase, based on your current workflow.

You may want to get a nice midi controller, if you don't have one already.

make your layered drums in cubase, and run your computer stereo output into your mpc and record it. it will be easier the make 20 layer drum sounds on the PC for sure.... the mpc is a sampler first and foremost. you record the drum one shots or maybe loops if you have the ram upgrade... and you build the songs from scratch on the mpc.

check out some videos on youtube.

also, may I suggest that if you dont 100% require the battery powered portability of the 500, go with the 1000. The 1000 and 2500 models have the option of installing a FAR FAR superior 3rd party operating system that offers piles and piles of features not advertised by akai even though the machine is capable of it and even though it was originally intended.

Hey guys,

thanks a lot for the advices and opinions so far. And yes you're right, for JJ OS I would have to take a 1000. But before I go on asking about workflow stuff I have to say wow - is the groove of the MPC really a myth? The groove is the only reason why I would buy it. I'm a lil bit shocked about elevated's opinion because the whole world tries to tell me that the MPC is the reason why sth grooves or not. For sure also the sound of the D/A converters from MPC 2000 should have sth to do with the 'only a MPC-beat is a good beat' - phenomenon. But what's about the groove? Is it really a myth? Anymore experienced MPC users and fan-opinions pls?

elevated wrote:The mysterious special groove of the MPC is a myth. The machine will not make it groovy for you. It sounds like you need to stick to Cubase, based on your current workflow.

I agree.

knipfie wrote:Hey guys,

thanks a lot for the advices and opinions so far. And yes you're right, for JJ OS I would have to take a 1000. But before I go on asking about workflow stuff I have to say wow - is the groove of the MPC really a myth? The groove is the only reason why I would buy it. I'm a lil bit shocked about elevated's opinion because the whole world tries to tell me that the MPC is the reason why sth grooves or not. For sure also the sound of the D/A converters from MPC 2000 should have sth to do with the 'only a MPC-beat is a good beat' - phenomenon. But what's about the groove? Is it really a myth? Anymore experienced MPC users and fan-opinions pls?

well the groove is a myth only because it is easy to get the same groove elsewhere. The thing about the mpc is that you dont need to tweak anything to get that nice triplet kick sound for example.. you just change the timing and record... it shifts the note to a spot that sounds good every time without needing to screw around. But honestly, big deal... is that worth a grand extra? that cash could be better spent.

advantage to mpcs? sure, you dont look like a d-bag on stage when you are playing live... you look like you are playing a real instrument as opposed to spinning with cd tables. Also flipping beats and loops live is way nicer then those trance fools who do nothing but ssslllloooowwwllllyyy adjust the treble knob on the mixer.

mpcs have an adjustable swing function - work with that and you'll find the groove you're after. of course, mpcs aren't the only things that have adjustable swing.

Thanks again for your opinions. I think I will order a 1000 with 30 days money-back-guarantee. Then I'm able to find out how it fits into my setup and if the swing option is giving me the groove that I'm after..

Just to get sure: I dont know whether I will keep the 1000 or send it back. So I don't want to pay the extra money for JJ OS just for the case that I would send it back. What do you think, does the MPC 1000 have a chance to convince me with just with the standard OS? Or is the Akai OS still unstable/buggy so it doesn't represent what the MPC is able to do? I took a look at the pdf-comparison and already noticed that there are many features missing in the original OS (or added in JJ OS). But besides the features what's about the stability?

You can install JJOS without buying a password so you can see if you prefer it - but you won't be able to save your programs and sequences

elevated wrote:As a huge MPC fan, I have to come forward and admit-- The mysterious special groove of the MPC is a myth. The machine will not make it groovy for you. .

For a minute there I thought you was gonna flip some Gil Scott-Heron.

"The machine will not make it groovy for you, it will not taste better with Coke, Lil Wayne will not drop by asking for a beat. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!"