Is the MPC Studio Really Worth Getting?

I come from a mpc1000 background. Learned it like the back of my hand, and I recently bought maschine mikro. In my opinion, it sucks, I have to go through a few steps just to layer drums, and 16 levels, and chopping up samples is quite like how it is on a mpc.

The reason I want to switch to mpc studio is because of convenience. See the 1000 is great, but I have cables, have to save seq on there and the computer, and trackout any sounds I use to make a beat on there.

I am using cubase. This is what I weighed in. Keep in mind, I have a pretty fast computer, so it can handle it as a plugin for my daw:

Pros:
- Only 1 cable, and I can bring it with me if I get a laptop
- I can finally have a plugin I can layer drums, chop samples with ease
- I finally can do note repeat and 16 levels feature properly in cubase
- I do not have to worry about tracking out beats/save and reloading seq on another piece of hard (save time).

Cons:
- I heard it was glitchy (not sure about the plugin though).
- Price ($500)
- Has to be plugged in at all times (only thing maschine beats it in).
- A user told me its off by 1 bar in cubase. Not sure how this will affect my workflow.

You've already posted a thread on using the MPC Studio with Cubase, and there is countless information about the MPC Studio in this forum and the comparison forum. Only you can answer the question posed here "Is the MPC Studio Really Worth Getting?" no matter what. So do your research, and make your decision.

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I ask Clint because if you go to the mpc ren/studio forum, you hear a mixture of complaints. I mean Idk if people are complaining because the software is actually buggy, or because they are using a computer not quite optimized for it.

And I've done my research. Went on GC, Sweetwater, Amazon, and the official Akai Pro Forums, only to hear a 50/50 opinion on it as well.

I mean if it works great as a plugin, and the workflow works just like a 1000, then thats a plus. But I am looking for a solid, valued opinion.

Do you own the studio/ren? What do you think about it?

The MPC Software is not there yet IMO, still a few more updates to get it to the level where I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. As you've heard there are still issues, but really it just depends on the individual user and their needs as to whether you can workaround or ignore some of these problems. I don't use Cubase so cannot comment.

As a hardware controller, the Studio is alright, but I prefer using the Ren to control the MPC Software, clearly the better experience in my opinion.

But either way, the workflow is not like an MPC1000. Some aspects are different, some are better, some are worse, and of course this varies even more if you run JJOSXL etc. But you will have to adapt the way you work (whether you want to or not).

Thanks for the insight MpcTutor. See I intend to use the Studio like this in Cubase (as a plugin):

Chop up samples, vocals, and use it for samples/drums. I will take advantage of the 16 levels function too for 808's and bass.

Then i want to use note repeat for snare rolls.

Route 8 outs in cubase, and sequence in cubase and the plugin.


So my issue is probably wondering if the next few updates will make it a stable product, or am I investing in a piece of gear that might not last the next few years?

If there is any doubt, don't buy it. Follow the progress of the MPC Software in the Ren forum to get feedback. Nobody can make the decision for you, but you can make an informed decision.