MPC Renaissance vs Legacy MPCs

Sooty_G wrote:1. i bet by around the end of the year they will release one or more new hardware MPCs that will be fully compatible with the software that they've already released for the Ren & the Studio, but can also be used fully standalone without a computer. if Akai is smart, the first one they release will be based on the form factor of their biggest seller: the MPC 1000.

2. now my wildest dream, which would be mindblowing if Akai could make happen, would be for this new hardware MPC to also be able to host VST plugins (like the Ren and Maschine do virtually on a computer). so you could load the plugins into the MPC and then take it out and use them standalone as built-in fx or synths, sequenced and automated internally inside the MPC via midi.

1. HIGHLY doubt it. Not only will it piss customers off that would have bypassed purchase of the Ren/Studio and waited 3-4 more months for this "dream MPC", but that MPC would hurt the sales and success of the Ren/Studio.

2. Again, highly doubt it. Not only would they have to put a huge processor in the thing to handle the VST's, but they'd also need a video system to display it. Sure some of the parameters can be mapped, but it's never as intuitive as having the actual GUI. What you're talking about here is something like a Miko/Neko! $$$

Yeah I got from my contact at Akai Japan aka Pro Audio that the 5k is the last
of the hardware based mpcs. The new hybrid mpc (akai talk) are the direction and
future of the brand. Hence I'm adding my two cents if you have a legacy mpc keep it.

By all means if you are accustom to software like hellfire, cyrus, jah, rookie, boon, lamp, coz, toranga, saint, and others in working with software, getting the new Ren/studio will represent a low to next to nothing learning curve working within a daw or standalone. If Ren is going to be your first foray into software daw and you were use to tracking onto a Roland v2400, D12 or tape for that matter may it may be a bit of adjustment.

Some may learn to adjust quickly with no daw experience who knows. I'm no Einstein and i had logic since version 7 and im still learning new stuff cuz in the beginning for me DAWs were intimidating and complicated. And my 2xl and D12 recorder was simple and easy. Going from the 2xl to the 4k actually help me get insights to working with daws. Same thing happened when working with ableton and later maschine. As I gained in understanding I could use both hardware and software interchangingly.

This understanding helped me decide that I could use the Ren in my production. Without these experiences getting a brand new software based instrument may seem like a big challenge. So I wouldn't sell my hardware units yet or just dive in with no understanding of a daws or software sequencers.

Although I am looking forward to the MPC Ren, I will never let go of a hardware MPC. I am currently using an MPC 2000XL. But once I locate a reasonably priced MPC 2500...I am picking it up.

JAH wrote:Although I am looking forward to the MPC Ren, I will never let go of a hardware MPC. I am currently using an MPC 2000XL. But once I locate a reasonably priced MPC 2500...I am picking it up.

What happened to your 5K?

he sold it to finance his maschine

Blue Haze wrote:Yeah I got from my contact at Akai Japan aka Pro Audio that the 5k is the last
of the hardware based mpcs. The new hybrid mpc (akai talk) are the direction and
future of the brand. Hence I'm adding my two cents if you have a legacy mpc keep it.

By all means if you are accustom to software like hellfire, cyrus, jah, rookie, boon, lamp, coz, toranga, saint, and others in working with software, getting the new Ren/studio will represent a low to next to nothing learning curve working within a daw or standalone. If Ren is going to be your first foray into software daw and you were use to tracking onto a Roland v2400, D12 or tape for that matter may it may be a bit of adjustment.

Some may learn to adjust quickly with no daw experience who knows. I'm no Einstein and i had logic since version 7 and im still learning new stuff cuz in the beginning for me DAWs were intimidating and complicated. And my 2xl and D12 recorder was simple and easy. Going from the 2xl to the 4k actually help me get insights to working with daws. Same thing happened when working with ableton and later maschine. As I gained in understanding I could use both hardware and software interchangingly.

This understanding helped me decide that I could use the Ren in my production. Without these experiences getting a brand new software based instrument may seem like a big challenge. So I wouldn't sell my hardware units yet or just dive in with no understanding of a daws or software sequencers.

Truth.com!

But yeah man, I'm keeping my 2500 and XL forever!

DJ Hellfire wrote:

JAH wrote:Although I am looking forward to the MPC Ren, I will never let go of a hardware MPC. I am currently using an MPC 2000XL. But once I locate a reasonably priced MPC 2500...I am picking it up.

What happened to your 5K?

Was about to ask the same question. Any drawbacks with it? I love the XL with effects card! The 2500 with the midi capabilities of JJOS is on a whole other level when you throw a iPad as a controller in the mix.

I agree, I like the Ren but will still keep my hardware too. I still enjoy using all my old stuff plus alot of the things I bought 5-6 years ago are scarce now and would be hard to get back in the same working order.

If I was new to the scene and the Ren was my first setup, I would probaby still seek out an original hardware mpc knowing me. Especially after going through these forums. lol

I sold my MPC 5000 after I moved to Japan. I wasnt using it that much. And since secondhand MPC 5000s were going for nearly $2000 in Japan, I sold it.

As far as drawbacks, it did what I needed it to do. There are issues where changing modes is not as smooth on OS2. It could use a maintenance update to fine tune it and fix any remaining issues that I here some guys have experienced.

DJ Hellfire wrote:

Blue Haze wrote:Yeah I got from my contact at Akai Japan aka Pro Audio that the 5k is the last
of the hardware based mpcs. The new hybrid mpc (akai talk) are the direction and
future of the brand. Hence I'm adding my two cents if you have a legacy mpc keep it.

By all means if you are accustom to software like hellfire, cyrus, jah, rookie, boon, lamp, coz, toranga, saint, and others in working with software, getting the new Ren/studio will represent a low to next to nothing learning curve working within a daw or standalone. If Ren is going to be your first foray into software daw and you were use to tracking onto a Roland v2400, D12 or tape for that matter may it may be a bit of adjustment.

Some may learn to adjust quickly with no daw experience who knows. I'm no Einstein and i had logic since version 7 and im still learning new stuff cuz in the beginning for me DAWs were intimidating and complicated. And my 2xl and D12 recorder was simple and easy. Going from the 2xl to the 4k actually help me get insights to working with daws. Same thing happened when working with ableton and later maschine. As I gained in understanding I could use both hardware and software interchangingly.

This understanding helped me decide that I could use the Ren in my production. Without these experiences getting a brand new software based instrument may seem like a big challenge. So I wouldn't sell my hardware units yet or just dive in with no understanding of a daws or software sequencers.

Truth.com!

But yeah man, I'm keeping my 2500 and XL forever!

forever,ever yeah me 2,I'm keep my 4k.I know its gonna be looking at that REN reeeeal funny.

Blue Haze wrote:By all means if you are accustom to software like hellfire, cyrus, jah, rookie, boon, lamp, coz, toranga, saint, and others in working with software, getting the new Ren/studio will represent a low to next to nothing learning curve working within a daw or standalone.

I've been working 'in the box' since 2003, but the MP and a bit of synth work always seems to make a cameo appearance. Making the jump to another controller and piece of software won't be a problem.

Maschine has slowly found its place, but I've still got a weird mental block where I feel like I'm playing the computer and not an instrument. I'm hoping the MP software will be more intuitive.

Step 1: Come into a large sum of money
Step 2: Buy every model of the MPC
Step 3: Make hot beats for years, when you get old sell for more $$$

okay, sorry to go off topic, but I decided to play gertie's track whilst watching hellfires sig. haha! that dudes grooving to gertie's tune! lolz

nice track btw gertie! peace

DJ Hellfire wrote:

Sooty_G wrote:1. i bet by around the end of the year they will release one or more new hardware MPCs that will be fully compatible with the software that they've already released for the Ren & the Studio, but can also be used fully standalone without a computer. if Akai is smart, the first one they release will be based on the form factor of their biggest seller: the MPC 1000.

2. now my wildest dream, which would be mindblowing if Akai could make happen, would be for this new hardware MPC to also be able to host VST plugins (like the Ren and Maschine do virtually on a computer). so you could load the plugins into the MPC and then take it out and use them standalone as built-in fx or synths, sequenced and automated internally inside the MPC via midi.

1. HIGHLY doubt it. Not only will it piss customers off that would have bypassed purchase of the Ren/Studio and waited 3-4 more months for this "dream MPC", but that MPC would hurt the sales and success of the Ren/Studio.

2. Again, highly doubt it. Not only would they have to put a huge processor in the thing to handle the VST's, but they'd also need a video system to display it. Sure some of the parameters can be mapped, but it's never as intuitive as having the actual GUI. What you're talking about here is something like a Miko/Neko! $$$

On 2. I think the very reason that there is rock solid hardware is that nothing new gets introduced that could crash the system. At this point, the second that you can introduce any third part plugins into a hardware unit, there is a chance that the software programs won't play nice and cause unexpected results. I'm not an expert though so I might be wrong.

cyrus wrote:okay, sorry to go off topic, but I decided to play gertie's track whilst watching hellfires sig. haha! that dudes grooving to gertie's tune! lolz

nice track btw gertie! peace

LMFAO! Hell yeah!

audiounity111 wrote:

DJ Hellfire wrote:

Sooty_G wrote:1. i bet by around the end of the year they will release one or more new hardware MPCs that will be fully compatible with the software that they've already released for the Ren & the Studio, but can also be used fully standalone without a computer. if Akai is smart, the first one they release will be based on the form factor of their biggest seller: the MPC 1000.

2. now my wildest dream, which would be mindblowing if Akai could make happen, would be for this new hardware MPC to also be able to host VST plugins (like the Ren and Maschine do virtually on a computer). so you could load the plugins into the MPC and then take it out and use them standalone as built-in fx or synths, sequenced and automated internally inside the MPC via midi.

1. HIGHLY doubt it. Not only will it piss customers off that would have bypassed purchase of the Ren/Studio and waited 3-4 more months for this "dream MPC", but that MPC would hurt the sales and success of the Ren/Studio.

2. Again, highly doubt it. Not only would they have to put a huge processor in the thing to handle the VST's, but they'd also need a video system to display it. Sure some of the parameters can be mapped, but it's never as intuitive as having the actual GUI. What you're talking about here is something like a Miko/Neko! $$$

On 2. I think the very reason that there is rock solid hardware is that nothing new gets introduced that could crash the system. At this point, the second that you can introduce any third part plugins into a hardware unit, there is a chance that the software programs won't play nice and cause unexpected results. I'm not an expert though so I might be wrong.

Nah, you make perfect sense!