Help!!! What is the best MPC to go for???

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and have used the search function, but I'm still a bit confused as to which MPC to go for.

Do I go for a MPC 2500 (JJOS), MPC 4000 or MPC 5000??

I've been using my MPC 60 and 3000LE for years now and I love the workflow and groove.

I just need the best of the modern MPC's so I can integrate via USB with OSX, Protools and Logic.

I'm looking for the one with the best features, expandability, work flow and sound.

Which one of the new MPC's would you say is the future classic that could sit happily next my Linn Akai's?


Edit: Budget is not an issue as I recently sold my SP1200 to fund a new purchase.

Hi

We don't know your budget. As you don't mention it I'll take that as a sign that you have money to burn

I have an mpc 2500 with JJOS 2 XL, Im happy with the combination and it works great for me.

But if money were no object - I'd probably - repeat probably go for a 4000.

The 5000 unfortunately comes at the bottom of my list. No JJOS and I've heard too much about issues in the software.

M

Thanks man, I can afford any of the current MPC's just need to make sure which ever one I go for is the best machine and has the feature set of the JJOS.

Retrofreak wrote:Thanks man, I can afford any of the current MPC's just need to make sure which ever one I go for is the best machine and has the feature set of the JJOS.

No worries.

In which case its an open and shut case - go get a 2500. There are some good bargains out there.

M

Thanks.


Just for clarification:

1. Will I be missing out on any important features if I go for the 2500 (JJOS) instead of the 4000 or 5000?

2. Is the synth on the 5000 any good? as I quite like the idea of an all in one workstation.

3. Are you saying that the 2500 is in most ways better than the others?.

This will most likely be the last drum machine/workstation I purchase, so I'm looking for the ultimate in way of sound, build quality, work flow and features.

Retrofreak wrote:Thanks.


Just for clarification:

1. Will I be missing out on any important features if I go for the 2500 (JJOS) instead of the 4000 or 5000? -

I only have a 2500 - so cannot give you a definitive answer- I've used a 5000 though and I personally don't think I'd gain too much by moving from a 2500 to a 5000. I think the 5000s big selling points were direct recording to hard drive and some 'synth' that I used for about 15 seconds....

2. Is the synth on the 5000 any good? as I quite like the idea of an all in one workstation.
I'd love the idea of an all in one workstation - just not one with a crappy synth on it. (Again this is just my opinion)

3. Are you saying that the 2500 is in most ways better than the others?.
Im saying it works well for me. Remember what I said about JJOS - its not on the 4000 or 5000 and to me that makes a massive difference. Yes, out of the 3 - the 2500 is officially the lowest spec'd model. But try using JJOS for a while and compare it to AKAI OS, the difference is immense.

This will most likely be the last drum machine/workstation I purchase, so I'm looking for the ultimate in way of sound, build quality, work flow and features.

Ultimate for you may not be ultimate for me - and thats the truth. Its your money and I can't spend it.
But really - I'd see it as a close thing between the 4000 and 2500 (with JJOS - this is important). You can't really go wrong with either one.

M

Thanks allot for your advice.

Out of curiosity what features etc gives the 2500 (JJOS) the edge over the 4000 in your opinion?.

None of those.

1k with JJ FTW

poundaproblem wrote:None of those.

1k with JJ FTW

Hmm?

Isn't the 2500 a 1K with better hardware?

What makes the 1K with JJOS better than the rest in your opinion?

I'm in the same boat as retrofreak. Was looking at the 2500 or 5000, looks like 2500 is looking to take it.

Retrofreak wrote:

poundaproblem wrote:None of those.

1k with JJ FTW

Hmm?

Isn't the 2500 a 1K with better hardware?

What makes the 1K with JJOS better than the rest in your opinion?

For me its just comfort. I like the 2500 as well but for my limited space at the crib the 1k was perfect. I also travel with it a lot back and forth to the studio so the fact that I could throw it in a case and be out was convenient.

poundaproblem wrote:

Retrofreak wrote:

poundaproblem wrote:None of those.

1k with JJ FTW

Hmm?

Isn't the 2500 a 1K with better hardware?

What makes the 1K with JJOS better than the rest in your opinion?

For me its just comfort. I like the 2500 as well but for my limited space at the crib the 1k was perfect. I also travel with it a lot back and forth to the studio so the fact that I could throw it in a case and be out was convenient.

Ok I understand the portability factor, but that wont be an issue with me as it will be in my studio and i'll be laying into Protools.

1. Are you saying that the 1000 is better in every way to the others?

2. If the price tag was not a problem and you had to buy the one, would you still get a 1K over a 2.5K/4K/5K??

Not to sound like a jerk but money was definitely not the issue. Granted the price compared to the 2500 was an advantage it wasnt the selling point. I just chose the one that I felt comfortable with. Ive owned other MPC's and I can tell you that the JJ0s made me instantly DQ all the other MPCs. The first time I used an MPC witht the OS I fell in love with the straight-forward workflow. The final choice came down to what fit better on the desks and the 1k won. The outputs wasnt a major concern for me since most of my work is either 2 tracked via spdif or ran thru my pre amp which only gives me 2 channels at a time anyways. The flip screen wast an issue.

At the end of the day I wouldnt say there is a "best" machine, just a a choice that suites your needs better than other machines. Definitely try some out before you purchase if you can.

poundaproblem wrote:Not to sound like a jerk but money was definitely not the issue. Granted the price compared to the 2500 was an advantage it wasnt the selling point. I just chose the one that I felt comfortable with. Ive owned other MPC's and I can tell you that the JJ0s made me instantly DQ all the other MPCs. The first time I used an MPC witht the OS I fell in love with the straight-forward workflow. The final choice came down to what fit better on the desks and the 1k won. The outputs wasnt a major concern for me since most of my work is either 2 tracked via spdif or ran thru my pre amp which only gives me 2 channels at a time anyways. The flip screen wast an issue.

At the end of the day I wouldnt say there is a "best" machine, just a a choice that suites your needs better than other machines. Definitely try some out before you purchase if you can.

Ok cool man.

I've got space on my desk and I do need the extra audio and midi outputs, so the 1k is a no go for me.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the 2500 JJOS, but I'm still unclear as to what i'd be missing compared to the 4K?.

The 5K synth seems appealing, but judging by the feedback on here the OS seems a tad premature...not sure if this will be improved with future revisions?.

Peace yall. This post has helped me because I have some of the same questions. I have a 2k classic and just sold an asr10 to get a new mp to work with logic. Usb is important but I also like the idea of a hard drive and synth on board. Im kinda torn between 4k and 5k. Which has better chopping feature in yalls opinion? What's the main issue everyone is running into with the os on th 5k? Both of em look sweet to me. I've banged out bangers on a 4k wit my parter a few years back. I just thought the 5 would be better. Please address some specific issues and likes and dis likes between the 2 machines. This would be very helpfull.