The MPC sequencing methodology

Forgive me for asking ploker like questions but I have a few fundemental questions for anyone who would be kind enough to answer them.

My question is this for years I have experimented with computer based sequencing but for some reason it just doesn't have that human feel to it. So impersonal and non-tactile; the best time I seem to have is beating the hell out of my Alesis drum machine and dumping it in via midi to cubase.

Basically it has come to a crossroad for me in that I may purchase an MPC4000 having read about the MPC series. Sure their seems to be a mixed bag of feedback in terms of functionality of the different versions of MPC but the 4000 seemed to me to best fit my needs.

This is my main question

It may seem like a hellishly simple question but is the idea of the MPC to give the ability to record MIDI event routed out the various outboard gear? (obviously whilst having the ability to record drum sequences).

If so I can jack in cabase and move onto recording the compositions on the MPC. I wouldnt mind gazing into the lcd screen as opposed to the computer monitor because it seems to me to be A LOT more robust way of composing.

Sure the USB is a hit for me as I can use the PC for storage and wav manipulation via wavelab but the cubase interface for me just does not cut the mustard.

I have been reading numerous posts in relation to MPC vs PC on http://www.illmuzik.com and for a lot of people the MPC is pushed aside for being too expensive and in no way as advatageous as used programs like reason, fruity loops etc on the PC.

I would just generally like to hear from people with opinions as to PC sequencing vs MPC sequencing ... would an MPC owner encourage me to move onboard and sequence / compose on an MPC?

This may open a huge can of worms but "such is life"

All the best

Ade.

I hope this also doesn't cause a heated debate cuz i hate conflicts. Well I used to use the mmt8 then I went to calkwalk for about 5 years and I managed to get some nice sh!t going but it had it's share of problems and I couldn't seem to make a song that felt like I wanted it to sound, how could I if I am painting drums and riffin. When I bought my mpc, It was like using something simple like my old alesis hr16 and sr16 with mmt-8 all over again but not being limited to using the same sounds all over again and I haven't even used 50% of what my mpc can do. cuz I am still using in the same manner as I did my mmt8.

what's a mmt8 ?

I love my MPC!

It is a 8part sequencing machine made by alesis in the late 80's early 90's. Still in use among big name stars. Super easy to use, I even did a live remix of my friends song while he was performing on stage. http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/alesis_mmt-8.cfm
f!ck it I wanna buy another one!!!

oops forgot this one too www.mmt8.com

I take it that that was a resounding yes to if the MPC is capable of recording midi events to be routed to outboard kit. That sounds great ....

I would like nothing more than to centralize my creativity away from the PC. In no way do I intend to disregard my PC as I currently run creamware's pulsar II as well as powersampler (yes I know there will be hoards of people saying "why the hell doesn't he just buy a drum pad kit and use the internal PC cards?"). Again this would mean me using the sequencing capablilities of cubase and this is something I wish to ditch. The creamware products would simply be assigned MIDI channels and played through the MPC.

Thank you all

Best Regards

Ade

thanx for the infos triplegreen

If you're used to working with a "piano roll" and you like it, make sure you investigate the 4000's piano roll, and how hands on it is (or isn't). I know nothing about the 4000's piano roll, but none of the other MPCs have one.

When I made the switch from PC sequencing to MPC, the switch from piano roll to pattern based sequencing was the biggest change for me.
I like piano roll for sculpting out an entire track....but the pads on the MPC are what keeps me convinced.

thanks any time. I was planning to buy Steinberg V-stack and run some cool vsti's I've been seeing recently on my spare computer and slave it to my mpc much like a module. that way I can keep the low budget and flexability of software but the fast and dynamic creativity of hareware.

I have just ordered a 4000 and look forward to spending some time discovering the features available.

Moving into an MPC world looks bright despite the bugs.

Congratulations, adey_fid!

Despite its bugs, the MPC4000 is the nicest MPC. You will like the user interface and the ability to drag and drop files. Which version of the 4000 did you order? Have plenty of free desk space available. The MPC4000 is a big machine.

While you are waiting for it to arrive you should begin reading the User Guide. On your first day using the machine you will have to understand how a Multi, Program, and Sample work together or you will be unable to get any sound out of the MPC.

The MPC4000 should give you that tactile, interactive response you are missing. It is enjoyable to hit the pads, sometimes in seemingly random order, and develop a sound pattern that evolves into a song.

I ordered the stripped down version with 20 meg hard drive (pre loaded). No cd drive etc. Buying or getting hold of the peripherals for this beauty should be no problem.

I just wondered MPC_producer

Do you think that the following link is acceptable memory for the MPC?

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/PartSpe ... 7E&cat=RAM

I have looked around and I thought there must be alternative places to buy memory for the MPC. It would cost me around £240 for the AKAI memory or forty quid for the above. Im sure providing the CL level ( a key factor) is correct that the memory is compatible.

If this is acceptable for UK MPC users the link above could be most useful.

Any comments?

The memory module looks like a perfect match but don't order it yet. Wait and see if you run out of memory. Very few MPC4000 owners use more than 256 MB. There have been reports of machine latency and instability problems when over 256 MB of samples are loaded. The processor and OS seem adequate to handle a lot of files, but when using more than 256 MB of samples machine performance degrades noticeably.

I'm pretty sure that the MPC I ordered only comes with the ind. standard 16mb thererfore I was thinking of changing the 16 for a 256 stick in order to give me more to work with.

By the way I may be moving the flavor of this discussion a little but does the 4000 actually have the ability to stream large files direct from disk. Some people are saying yes some no. Just wondered as this would be a most effective way of playing vocal/synth tracks etc.