Ren or 2000xl?

Will the Ren really have the classic sound of the original mpcs?
Because I've found a 2000xl for half the price of a Ren, but then I'm more used to making tracks in computers, finding it a hard decision, any advice?

Sam.

FinalRound wrote:Will the Ren really have the classic sound of the original mpcs?
Because I've found a 2000xl for half the price of a Ren, but then I'm more used to making tracks in computers, finding it a hard decision, any advice?

Sam.

well, you can get a 2000xl for what? 400 bucks? the ren is what? 1200-1300 plus tax?

the 2000xl is a 10+ year old machine that has limited features for today's standards (still fully workable though, but if you are a hard core software/daw user... you may feel like you are taking a step backwards... in fact you also may feel that way with the ren)

the ren is a usb pad controller that comes with software based around that controller...


look at some beat making youtube videos for both models and see what you like about each of them..

The MPC2000XL does not have a classic sound, it sounds pretty much as you'd expect any half decent pro audio gear to sound and it sounds pretty much no different to an MPC1000 or 2500 etc.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the sound coming out of an MPC2000XL, but there's simply nothing classic about it. If you are talking about the classic 12 bit sound, grab yourself a cheap Akai s950 off ebay and sample through that.

MPC-Tutor wrote:The MPC2000XL does not have a classic sound, it sounds pretty much as you'd expect any half decent pro audio gear to sound and it sounds pretty much no different to an MPC1000 or 2500 etc.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the sound coming out of an MPC2000XL, but there's simply nothing classic about it. If you are talking about the classic 12 bit sound, grab yourself a cheap Akai s950 off ebay and sample through that.

allow me to disagree... i find that all the akai japan samplers had a type of sound, even the 16-bit models (S1000 sounds different to S2000 & S3000) and this absolutely includes the MPC2000(XL) series. I currently have side by side an MPC60II,SP-1200, MPC2000XL & Octatrack sampling drum machines. they each have their character. i also briefly had the MPC1000 which i hated the sound. the 2000XL definitely has a "classic" sound to me, very percussive and wide stereo field. even more pronounced is it's filter which i love despite it's metallic overtone.

daftmunk wrote:allow me to disagree... i find that all the akai japan samplers had a type of sound, even the 16-bit models.

+1 on this, have to disagree with tutor as well. I think most of the 16bit models were made in china though?

production moved to china mid-way through the 3000XL production, but i don't think it affected the sound (perhaps build quality) anyways i meant Akai Japan as in the company (vs Numark Akai)

MPC-Tutor wrote:The MPC2000XL does not have a classic sound, it sounds pretty much as you'd expect any half decent pro audio gear to sound and it sounds pretty much no different to an MPC1000 or 2500 etc.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the sound coming out of an MPC2000XL, but there's simply nothing classic about it. If you are talking about the classic 12 bit sound, grab yourself a cheap Akai s950 off ebay and sample through that.

I've never seen Akai S950 for cheap... I'd get it, if I can find it cheap.

My opinion on this is similar to MPC-Tutor's.

The thing is that MPC-2000XL sounds very different from audio interface (USB, Firewire, etc.) for PC / Mac. It definitely colors sounds, which may or may not be a good thing.
But, I think this MPC's "classic sound" thing is a bit over brown (well, the low pass filter sounds good to me though, maybe that's MPC's "classic sound" thing is about). To me, I totally disliked the sound of 2000XL at first, but I ended up "kind of" liking it. I do like the low pass filter on XL.

2000XL's sound definitely differs from regular USB audio interfaces (for instance), but if that's the main reason for buying XL, you'll be disappointed, or that your XL will collect dust (maybe after running silly sound comparison tests with other samplers.)

this is where the classic car analogy works really well - do you want a new honda with bells and whistles and great gas mileage, or do you want a vintage chevy that you have to work on yourself and eats a lot of gas?

I will chime in and say that I think my 2000xl sounds better than my 2500 especially when it comes to sampling drums.

BOT: I would get the MPC Ren and grab a s950 in the future to add on if you still feel the need for punch.

I love my xl. I Got two of em. But based on price and this maxed out MacBook pro I bought recently, I'm def considering updating to the maschine.

But the xl's will never go anywhere

bicedidit wrote:I'm def considering updating to the maschine.

Now that's going backwards.

And the 2kxl does have a distinct sound Tutor.

ceasi wrote:
And the 2kxl does have a distinct sound Tutor.

lol... who says "that classic 2000xl sound?" when do you ever hear that? Who puts in effort to get that sound? and what exactly makes the xl's sound so distinct?

the 60 ... yes, i'm inclined to agree... the 3000 also, but mostly when a full set of samples are coming out the main outputs is when the machine really shines...

the xl, well that aint that spectacular... you can get great results from multiband eqs in a daw.

I mean if that's what you think, that's what you think, have you ever owned a 2kxl.

ceasi wrote:I mean if that's what you think, that's what you think, have you ever owned a 2kxl.

^ Yes!..


my favourite mpc to use right now is the 2000 classic .. and i still bring out my 60 when i am in the mood to work on that. I have a few other samplers by akai like the x7000 and s900...

I was hoping u said no. .