Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves swi

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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By Modus Sollers Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:02 pm
MPC-Tutor wrote:As people have already stated, all MPC's have tight sequencing, so paying the premium for a 3000 or 4000 when a 1000 (or even 500) will do the trick seems an unnecessary waste of money. Go beyond sequencing and you may need to think more carefully, for example if you need 8 outputs, or more memory or all the other things that make each MPC different to the other.

I also agree that you can get tight sequencing in a computer, as long as its set up correctly.



Basically i already work well with a DAW, so i'm not looking for an mpc to change production machine, just looking for a different style of sequencing. I think that, for example, if ableton have mpc templates... there will be a reason for this. Better a virtual template or the original mpc? My think was this.
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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By Pastor-of-Muppets Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:28 am
if you want an MPC to get a different workflow or to work outside the computer, that's a sensible reason

wanting "strong Akai quantization" is a silly reason

I don't use a DAW at all and only have hardware, but that's because I want to do that, not because I think it's superior or gives me anything that couldn't be done by a computer
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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By dabmeister Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:24 pm
The best sequencer in my book is my daw. My mpc just follows its sync commands and that's it.

Built my own intel based daw from the ground up, made sure no bs was installed and went for quality build components.

Been like this for me for the past three or so years now. No need to upgrade when nothing's broke, acting weird, or funny.

Some viable info has been given already.

There's plenty of crap to be had if you don't know any of what I just stated, and you end up falling for it without doing your own homework.
Last edited by dabmeister on Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By thx Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:30 pm
Pastor-of-Muppets wrote:not exactly techno, but http://www.musicradar.com/futuremusic/w ... mpc-246543

Autechre use an mpc1000 live

erm, can't remember anyone else now


Dr. Walker of Air Liquid was using 2 mpc3000 live in the 90s

Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By mpc3000 Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:32 am
Pastor-of-Muppets wrote:
do you realise a "hardware" sequencer is just a cheap piece of electronics running some software?

a modern computer is many times more powerful than any mpc, with a faster processor clock



In defense of specialized computing there is something to be said for picking the right tool for the job. I would no more pick a Intel Core 2 Quad processor to drive my new cell phone design, much less use it in a hardware sequencer simply because of processor clock speed or any other consumerized spec. If a modern computer is so good, why aren't "modern" computers used more? Actually, dedicated/embedded/specialized computing systems far out-number the so-called modern computer by many times.

A desktop processor has a different task at hand, most notably continually fighting off viral infections, displaying graphics, and *ugh* running flash. Plus, I suggest you learn a bit about the actual design of some of the [older] Akai gear before discounting it as "slow processors running software". Akai Samplers from the early 90's were already incorporating customized audio DSP chips. From there they moved on to FPGA designs. These two things are not found in desktop designs. No, I am not saying it makes them sound any different, but rather they are built for one task and do it well (as opposed to a general computing platform that can do anything, albeit less efficiently).

Note: I say older meaning pre MPC1000 and the Numark buyout. The MPC1000 looks to be a simple SOC and I suspect the models that followed are too.
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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By thx Sun Jan 30, 2011 11:07 am
mpc3000 wrote:I suggest you learn a bit about the actual design of some of the [older] Akai gear before discounting it as "slow processors running software". Akai Samplers from the early 90's were already incorporating customized audio DSP chips. From there they moved on to FPGA designs. These two things are not found in desktop designs. No, I am not saying it makes them sound any different, but rather they are built for one task and do it well (as opposed to a general computing platform that can do anything, albeit less efficiently).


100% true
a dedicated machine is incomparable to any new generation laptop pc/mac etc etc

back in topic:
Mika Vainio of Pan Sonic was using an mpc2000 classic at their gigs
(see the "Kuvaputki" DVD and the minimal music video interview with Bjiork on youtube)
i think there's a lot of dance music producers using an mpc
but, usually, techno beats are made with the roland tr-909 drum machine
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Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By Pastor-of-Muppets Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:43 pm
mpc3000 wrote:A desktop processor has a different task at hand, most notably continually fighting off viral infections, displaying graphics, and *ugh* running flash.


I agree with everything else you said, but this bit's only true if you run a poorly-designed OS (Windows) or try to run other apps while running your DAW. Don't allow flash to run while you're doing anything important! :)

I certainly wasn't discounting the old hardware, just saying that there's nothing magical about it (though I didn't know they used FPGAs, so thanks for that info)

Re: Best mpc sequencer for Techno and similar (tight grooves

By jimmie Mon Feb 14, 2011 12:09 am
I make electronic stuff, amongst other genres, on the mpc2500 with JJOSXL.

I originally bought the mpc (in 2007) because it has 4 dedicated midi outs and two midi in's, to sequence my hardware synths and drum machines. Here there is definitely an advantage because my soundcard (RME Fireface 800) only has 1 midi out.
I've since found the capabilities of the JJOS to be absolutely amazing for workflow, ideas and inspiration. It is a wonder to work with :)

I'd love an mpc60 or 3000 for the sound, but I'd feel like I'd had my sequencing arm chopped off after coming from the 2500 with JJOS (same OS as JJOS for 1000 btw). It can do a lot. But there's nowt wrong with keeping it simple and going for the 3000. The 4000 would be cool too.

Your call. :|
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