So I'm new to the MPC scene..

I've been producing on FL Studio for the past two years. I enjoy it but I think it is time to move onto the next level. Now I am a big fan of MPCs for the mere fact that many classic hip-hop tracks have been created on it (must be a good thing right?). I am thinking about purchasing the MPC Renaissance when it is released but that may not be until mid-August from what I've heard.. Aside from that, it may also have bugs and problems on its first release.

Would it be a smart idea to drop $600 on a NI Maschine in the meantime while waiting for the Renaissance? I don't have much experience using hardware except for my M-Audio Axiom 25 that I route to FL Studio. Will learning the Maschine help give me skills that I can further use when the Ren comes out?

I have not considered purchasing any other MPCs but if someone can give me a good reason to, I may think about it.. I know the MPC1000 is only $400 more than the Maschine at retail price.

Input would be appreciated, thanks.

For the true classic MPC experience, and the workflow improvements they may provide--

I would get a machine that doesn't depend on computer software. Pick up a used MPC1000. Or even a 500. See how you like it

elevated wrote:For the true classic MPC experience, and the workflow improvements they may provide--

I would get a machine that doesn't depend on computer software. Pick up a used MPC1000. Or even a 500. See how you like it

Is there any reason why the MPC2500 and MPC1000 are practically the same price? I would assume the 2500 would be the better buy, no?

I prefer the 2500, mainly for the full-size pads. The only advantage of the 1000 is the compact size. (Which is pretty sweet)

illfated wrote:Now I am a big fan of MPCs for the mere fact that many classic hip-hop tracks have been created on it (must be a good thing right?).

so why think about a renaissance, which has had zero tracks produced on it?

man, i feel like the 2500 is the perfect MPC. its faster than the older models, 8 extra outs, tilt screen, with JJOS it is insane. im saving for a 2500 of my own. i've used a 500 and 1000 and dabbled with the 2500, dont even want to mess with the older machines honestly. 2500 all the way

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've decided to purchase the 2500. However, I have a few questions.

1) How do I save my instrumentals as an MP3 format with the MPC? When I used to work on FL Studio, it allowed me to export my tracks as an MP3. Normally, that's the type of file I would bring to my rappers during our studio sessions.

2) I've found "maxed out" versions of the 2500 online (ie. extra memory, CD drive, etc). Are all the extra features really necessary or should I go with the basic product?

3) I purchased a pair of studio monitors for this. Is there any way I can hook up both my laptop AND the MPC to the studio monitors? I'd like to streamline my workspace as much as possible. I don't want to have a pair of monitor speakers with another set of computer speakers if it's not necessary.

4) Is purchasing a mixer needed to get the most out of my tracks? I see a lot of producers that have their MPC routed to a mixer.

5) I know that the JJOS is an alternative firmware for the MPC. With that being said, what's so special about it? And does it come with stock versions of the MPC 2500 or would I have to install it?

I appreciate the input.

1) How do I save my instrumentals as an MP3 format with the MPC?
No save as mp3, use a computer for that.

2) I've found "maxed out" versions of the 2500 online (ie. extra memory, CD drive, etc). Are all the extra features really necessary or should I go with the basic product?
Only you can answer that for your own production processes and needs. No one can tell you what you absolutely need except you. If you understand what "max" means and what it entails you can tailor your workflow within that ya dig.

3) I purchased a pair of studio monitors for this. Is there any way I can hook up both my laptop AND the MPC to the studio monitors? I'd like to streamline my workspace as much as possible. I don't want to have a pair of monitor speakers with another set of computer speakers if it's not necessary.
Laptop audio out -> mixer
Mpc audio out -> mixer
mixer main outs to -> active monitors.

4) Is purchasing a mixer needed to get the most out of my tracks? I see a lot of producers that have their MPC routed to a mixer.
Mixers are good for a number of things, breaking out channels is a big one, separation of channels allows you to control eq, vol, pan (the basics). Each sound in your song should have it's one channel. That would equate to full control over your mix. Also look into Audio interface w/ mixer, if you don't already have a mixer or audio interface.

5) I know that the JJOS is an alternative firmware for the MPC. With that being said, what's so special about it? And does it come with stock versions of the MPC 2500 or would I have to install it?
You have to install it, search the forums, there are hundreds of threads with info on this.

Lampdog wrote:1) How do I save my instrumentals as an MP3 format with the MPC?
No save as mp3, use a computer for that.

2) I've found "maxed out" versions of the 2500 online (ie. extra memory, CD drive, etc). Are all the extra features really necessary or should I go with the basic product?
Only you can answer that for your own production processes and needs. No one can tell you what you absolutely need except you. If you understand what "max" means and what it entails you can tailor your workflow within that ya dig.

3) I purchased a pair of studio monitors for this. Is there any way I can hook up both my laptop AND the MPC to the studio monitors? I'd like to streamline my workspace as much as possible. I don't want to have a pair of monitor speakers with another set of computer speakers if it's not necessary.
Laptop audio out -> mixer
Mpc audio out -> mixer
mixer main outs to -> active monitors.

4) Is purchasing a mixer needed to get the most out of my tracks? I see a lot of producers that have their MPC routed to a mixer.
Mixers are good for a number of things, breaking out channels is a big one, separation of channels allows you to control eq, vol, pan (the basics). Each sound in your song should have it's one channel. That would equate to full control over your mix. Also look into Audio interface w/ mixer, if you don't already have a mixer or audio interface.

5) I know that the JJOS is an alternative firmware for the MPC. With that being said, what's so special about it? And does it come with stock versions of the MPC 2500 or would I have to install it?
You have to install it, search the forums, there are hundreds of threads with info on this.

Thanks for the feedback.

In regards to #1, how am I supposed to record vocals on the instrumental then? Would that have to be a separate track on the MPC? What I want to do is bring in my beats into the studio, have my artists record on top of them, and distribute them on a mixtape (obviously as a mixed down MP3 file). Is there a way to convert MPC files to MP3? What's the process for this?

Oh, and what type of mixer would you recommend to go along with the 2500? I'm producing hip-hop music so I'm heavily interested in equipment that goes well with it.

illfated wrote:In regards to #1, how am I supposed to record vocals on the instrumental then? Would that have to be a separate track on the MPC? What I want to do is bring in my beats into the studio, have my artists record on top of them, and distribute them on a mixtape (obviously as a mixed down MP3 file). Is there a way to convert MPC files to MP3? What's the process for this?

Oh, and what type of mixer would you recommend to go along with the 2500? I'm producing hip-hop music so I'm heavily interested in equipment that goes well with it.

The 5000 has mic inputs and a hard disk recorder, which you would use to record vocals and instrumental tracks to your beats. But the 5000 is overkill if you're just getting into MPCs. The rest of the MPC line are *just* samplers/sequencers. They have no facility for recording song-length audio like vocals.

You really need to figure out what you want your new MPC to do. For example, the 2500 has 8 mono outs, which you could bus to 8 mixer channels and do your mixing there (adding vocals). Or all the MPCs have internal mixers and stereo outs, so you'd just be layering your stereo "beats" track with vocals in a DAW or multitrack recorder.

Just be aware that the MPCs are instruments, not studios in a box (except the 5000). Asking how you convert to MP3 on a MPC is like asking how you convert to MP3 on a guitar.

And good mixers shouldn't colour your sound, apart from the mic pres and EQs. There is no mixer that is "good for hip-hop" or any other kind of music, they're just a tool. Shop around a bit for one with features and layout that you like, within your budget. Names like Mackie and Yamaha are good places to start, and then you gotta worry about how you're going to record it. But honestly, for mixing stereo outs from an MPC with vocals and recording, any DJ mixer and tape deck would do it.

Hence why you need to figure out what you want from your studio. But speccing out a new studio is kinda fun, right?