Mine thoughts about MPC4000.

Hi. I've learned a lot in a past half year and I started to wonder if I really will use my MPC4K to the fullest.
1. Build in sampler - computer have better possibilities. It's much easier and faster to set zero points in software sampler.
2. Effect - I don't like them.
3. Timestreching, pitch-shifting - computer is also more accurate than this MPC.
4. Compressor - like above.
5. One of factors why I bought it was memory. I use maybe 25% of 272MB. ]
6. 24bit, nice to have but it is not that important for me.

I've bought MPC4K to do things in one box only but as I've learned a lot about how music is made and what is what I am thinking about switching to MPC3000 + Laptop. I'm not afraid that I haven't learned it to 100% but I know what can it do for me and I see new possibilities that could improve my workflow.
Not long time before there was thread about 4k being outdated and I'm starting to think it is. I do like this MPC, but I see there are better combinations that I could afford.
How do you think, what will I lack if I exchange MPC4K to MPC3000 + Software?
I'm not looking for answers like: "hey man do this, this shit rocks". I wanna know your point of view, your opinion and I wanna know what is technicall side of this.

why not just go with ni mashine if your into pc...

You see the trick is I don't really know if I will make the move 'cus I like MPC4000, but I was looking around and I see people using computer along with MPC4K and this is what I don't wan't. MPC4K can do all the sampling inside the box and I see people are using MPC4K with some computer shit. I don't want to go with computer only I want to rock on MPC also. I just don't get the idea of using MPC4K with some software shit. Someone can explain to me why they are doing it? Why you are using software sampler when you have Z4/8 built in?

So to sum it up: I don't wanna get down with computer only, but it won't be problem for me to combine it with MPC as I was making beats for long time on computer. I'm just trying to compare it and then decide.

Sorry dude but you make no sense.

64hz wrote:Sorry dude but you make no sense.

Well, you said nothing.

Why not get some analog gear? A mixer and a few good effects racks (effects, compressor etc) will keep you working outside the pc/mac. Only thing you would need to go to the computer for would be timestretching.

why not just get a computer?? the reason he is saying you make no sense is because you are wanting to sell ur 4000, buy a 3000, and a computer,. if ur gonna be complaining about using a computer with a 4000, why are you wanting to go to a 3000, why not go with a 500?? or a 1000?

shimmyshimmy wrote:

Hi. I've learned a lot in a past half year and I started to wonder if I really will use my MPC4K to the fullest.
1. Build in sampler - computer have better possibilities. It's much easier and faster to set zero points in software sampler.
2. Effect - I don't like them.
3. Timestreching, pitch-shifting - computer is also more accurate than this MPC.
4. Compressor - like above.
5. One of factors why I bought it was memory. I use maybe 25% of 272MB. ]
6. 24bit, nice to have but it is not that important for me.

I've bought MPC4K to do things in one box only but as I've learned a lot about how music is made and what is what I am thinking about switching to MPC3000 + Laptop. I'm not afraid that I haven't learned it to 100% but I know what can it do for me and I see new possibilities that could improve my workflow.
Not long time before there was thread about 4k being outdated and I'm starting to think it is. I do like this MPC, but I see there are better combinations that I could afford.
How do you think, what will I lack if I exchange MPC4K to MPC3000 + Software?

Hello shimmyshimmy,

I have seen you around the board and I think you are a good learner as you always tried first before questions and made efforts to learn the gear from the manuals. Congratulations much respect to you. My two cents for what it`s worth I am one of those you talked about with a 4k and computer workflow and setup so I will give my own reasoning and basic workflow on how I use them.

First I have to ask you what kind of music are you aiming at as I make house and hip hop.

I aim at this composition for house http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3igweoXlDZo


And I aim at this composition for hip hop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVYza0NiWuU

I will come back as it is time for dinner he, he, for each type there will be fundamental approaches to sampling.

Hardware and Software samplers for making music needs to fulfill three tasks.

1 Realistic/Recreation of a musical instruments - Steinway Grand Piano, Aggregio Strings, and etc

2. Sampled waves used as the sound source in a synthesizer- Access Virus, Moog Bass, and Roland JP8000

3. Loops -Footstairs in the Dark aka Isleys Bs like J Dilla and Cube used, Big Beat- drum break in 99 questions Jay-Z.



Each different parts of the sampling process lends itself to different gears and libraries on the market and the best of both worlds covers all of this.

I have to go but I will hit you back later. And a side note I have a 4k and 3k and the 4k is way easier in my book to work with software and plus use as a controller.


Some of the other guys will hit you with insights and opinions in the mean time keep your head up shim you are at a crossroads.

get an apc and ableton software.

Uffff. I made some mess. Selling 4K and going for computer and MPC3000 would be bad idea. I was always curious about 3K and I decided I will get it later and I will keep my 4K as I feel comfortable working on it, instead of this I will add computer to 4K when I will be able to afford it. I am aiming to make hip hop and rnb beats and I think 4K is great. Thanks guys for your help.

It is all good shimmy but as far as hip hop and rnb or anything for that matter the sequencer on the 4k is tight as one can get.

As far as sample based beats use a reference cd to build and mix as you producer it does wonders and helps to use your gear too. As it informs your ear what the next step you should take. Same for rnb.

My two cents... the sequencer in the MPC is waaayyy better than any software that i have used. it just feels more natural. period.

4k might be outdated, but the workflow and ease of laying down ideas makes up for that. plus, i think folks need to stop trying to buy the latest hyped gear and LEARN HOW TO USE WHAT YOU HAVE, whatever if maybe. shit i still got PT 6 on my mac, but whatever it works and i know how to manipulate it.

for sample based music, the 4k is hard to beat. I recently bought Recycle, and that is a nice addition to... type of deal.

just a guy talkin

MPC 4k / Z8 are the most advanced hardware samplers of all times.
If you like working with samples in a creative way - MPC is it.
If you use big orchestra libaries or check your emails ... use the computer

zzz wrote:MPC 4k / Z8 are the most advanced hardware samplers of all times.
If you like working with samples in a creative way - MPC is it.
If you use big orchestra libaries or check your emails ... use the computer

hahaha nice

I think you made the right decision man...

adding a computer to the mix is better than ditching the mpc for a computer.

Then you can see how you want to work with both in your setup.

As for me, I just use the computer as a sound module, it's midi up to my mpc just like my other racks.

There are some tools and editors on a computer that make things a lot quicker.

Don't ditch the 4k for a computer though lol.