Best to software and keyboard to use with mpc 1000

Hey guys. I'm new to the hip hop producing world. I currently have an mpc 1000. While at a friends studio I played around on a M-Audio Oxygen 61 keyboard. He ran one of the reason software programs along with it. I was wondering what is a good keyboard and software I can get to pair with my mpc 1000? Hip hop type music. Thank you



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Reason is a good choice. Version 7 has just been announced which adds MIDI out. Previously you could trigger Reason with for example an MPC, but you couldn't have Reason trigger sounds from the MPC. With MIDI out that is now possible and if you ever have external synths or sound modules now Reason can send MIDI out to those too.

Reason doesn't host VST and AU instruments and FX. They have created the Reason Rack Extensions with various third parties to serve the general purpose of VST/AU using a proprietary format. Normally VST and AU's will load in any host program after you buy one. These Rack Extensions will only work in Reason after buying them separately.

There are other choices like Ableton Live, which while very different from Reason does some really cool stuff with time stretching and matching audio. Next to that you have more traditional linear audio/MIDI sequencers like Pro Tools and Cubase. There is also Reaper DAW which is only $60 and has an unlimited fully functional trial. (After 30 days a screen appears for 30 seconds asking you to please pay).

So really there's lot's of choices. You'll have to ask your self what you want the software to do for you. Do you want to run the MPC and the software together. Mentioning Reason it seems like you might. Some people use traditional linear sequencers like Pro Tools to record the tracks ion the MPC, and use the software like a tape recorder. Then maybe apply FX and mix down in the software. With stuff like Reason and Live you might be more likely to see an MPC running along side the instruments and also triggering them over MIDI. People use linear sequencers this way too, but Reason and Live are especially suited for it.

Keyboards are mostly the same in sub $300 range. M-Audio, Novation and others all have decent offerings. And in the case of those two companies there are current controllers that will automap to your software. So I might focus more on the amount of sliders, faders and possible extra drum pads that a keyboard might offer. The synth action keys on most $300-ish boards is about the same.

Thank you man you have awesome insight. I'm thinking the version 7 reason software with the Akai mpk61. Do you think that is a good combo?

DJTravisty wrote:Thank you man you have awesome insight. I'm thinking the version 7 reason software with the Akai mpk61. Do you think that is a good combo?

You don't need Reason 7, 5 & 6/6.5 are just as capable for your needs. M-Audio Axiom controller keyboards are good quality, but if you want to stick with Akai MPK61 is a fair choice.

All the advice from Metatron remains valid, if I was starting out I'd recommend Reason to myself. Its a really good program and somewhat easier to learn than the established DAW software programs.

Metatron72 Reason is a good choice. Version 7 has just been announced which adds MIDI out.

It is the first time I am interested in the purchase.

If the OP buys Reason 6 right now or the very near future he'll get a free upgrade to 7. Even if the MIDI out addition isn't as useful the slice audio to REX should be a god send to anyone who never spent the $200 on Recycle over the years. (18+ at this point ).

On the MPK61, some people had issues on the 49/61 with a key on the last octave popping off, but I would guess that isn't going to happen on every one them. Although it was concerning to see it more than once.

The pads on MPK's are mounted wrong and really need to be on full level to be used. But you have the 1000 and would be better off maybe buying a $40 set of Fat Pads from MPCStuff.com rather than Fat Pads for the keyboard.

I have an MPD32 and the faders, knobs, buttons and presets are identical to an MPK, it's 78 total assignable MIDI controls and the Reason and Live bundled presets work well with out much additional mapping. (Mapping is quite easy, could be done on the unit or even easier in the software and saved as templates).

Metatron72 wrote:Even if the MIDI out addition isn't as useful the slice audio to REX should be a god send to anyone who never spent the $200 on Recycle over the years.

Sounds all good to me, need to check out the specs on Reason 7.

Sorry for late reply fellas. I tried to post when you guys answered but I guess it never posted. Thank you for all the great advice