4k and 5k Workflow

I'd like to ask, if the 5000 has the ability to connect a midi keyboard and play keygroups.Anyone?

Dr. Lecter wrote:I'd like to ask, if the 5000 has the ability to connect a midi keyboard and play keygroups.Anyone?

Connect a midi keyboard yes and play synth patches yes too. However the 5k is a phrase sampler but if one use a emulation function a psuedo one program synth sample can be transposed up the keys not for real instrumental multisamples unless one were to assign each sample and midi key assign number by hand maybe. Jah could fill in on the rest. But working with a hardware full sampler or soft sampler could overcome that limitation if one view it as such. I think soft samplers are the way to go.

I don't like how you have to select mode and hit a pad to get into your different screens on the 5000. Seems like you will wear the pads out quicker. What happened to dedicated buttons?

bomb beats wrote:I don't like how you have to select mode and hit a pad to get into your different screens on the 5000. Seems like you will wear the pads out quicker. What happened to dedicated buttons?

I have used MPCs for just over a decade. From my experiences, the last thing that goes on an MPC are its pads. Even when I found MPCs in terrible condition, the pads were pretty much fully operational. The buttons on MPCs are the first thing you have problems with. The tact switches underneath the buttons will eventually wear out and you need to have them replaced. The only concern I have with the newer MPCs (all of which use the pads to access menus) is the MODE button. Only time will tell on how long this button will last.

^ agreed, fsrs are built tough. tact switches will go out quicker.
i have replaced my mode button once (purchased in 2004) and have replaced two cursor keys as well. all three (and more) are often used keys.

Both points are valid. I recently replaced my 4k keys after yrs of procrastinating. However I have yet to replace my 3k buttons on figure. I think it is a matter of preference and one has to weigh the pros and the cons for self. I prefer dedicated buttons on units my preference.

By to the workflow I`m working with Kontakt 3 finally an early christmas ha, ha, and sound design to bring more of a arsenal to my production. Chopping small note by note and layering is ways of working too.

The MPC 3K tact switches/buttons are no more robust than any MPC. I owned several MPC 3000s. I sent quite a few to Akai Japan to repair.

Back in the day, I thought I couldn't work without dedicated buttons. But once you get use to the way the new MPCs work, it feels awkward to go back to older MPCs.

Askia Shaheed wrote:The MPC 3K tact switches/buttons are no more robust than any MPC. I owned several MPC 3000s. I sent quite a few to Akai Japan to repair.

Back in the day, I thought I couldn't work without dedicated buttons. But once you get use to the way the new MPCs work, it feels awkward to go back to older MPCs.

Funny we are saying the exact things the 3k it is no more robust than other mpc. Lol I own a few mpcs too over the yrs. It is just a preference on how one wants to work. Once you get use to the 4k and the 3k you would feel awkward going to the 1k, 2k, 25, and now the 5k pad menu buttons.

It doesn`t matter on the real as how as you are happy making music.

Back to workflow the beats starts in the head first before I even touch the machine I just listen to my inner rhythms, rush to find the sounds I imagined and create on the mpc.