MPC V MPK Questions

Right, I know I'm sticking my neck out here on this one, but at the risk of it getting chopped off, here goes...

I use my 1000 to make tracks and that is it, never got into midi, I just do it for fun. I saw this MPK25 with the pads and the keys included, and thought about trading in the 1000 for it and getting some cash back. I just wanted ask anybody that knew/used one:

1. Is it possible to use my existing programs and sequences with it, and how easy would this be?

2. Is it a viable replacement for an MPC 1000 in terms of it's features or would it be more of an add on? (Already have a mac, so I could use it as a standalone device, I think the MPK comes with Ableton lite)

3. Having never used Midi before, how does the process differ between sampling directly into the machine and using the computer to record samples? I take it there is no CF of disk inside the MPK so how easy is it to map sounds to it from a computer?

Once again, thanks for any info, if I am out of order here by posting this thread I apologize in advance to the moderators, I just wanted some perspective on this from the MPC1000 peeps.

i can only speak for myself here as i own both, but theres no way the mpk pads can/could replace a real mpc.
the pads on the mpk25 are garbage. in my opinion there just a gimmick.

I fkd up and got the MPK49. and...

Wise_Dome wrote:in my opinion there just a gimmick.

for wat its worth in my opinion its just a matter of opinion.. i had mpk first then 2500 i would say from my fram of reference there isnt nothing u can do w/mpc that u caint do w/mpk but theres plenty vise versa take the extra money get logic.... .

the mpc pads are stiff/hard like megan fox just walked by in a bikini


where the mpk pads are soft and shallow and kinda make you press em instead of tapping them( like ya wana do to megan fox in a bikini)



I would never trade an mpc for an mpk or mpd or any midi controller only.


simply because being a midi controller to software is one thing an mpc can do fine if needed

just get a midi to usb cord or a midi sport box

matter of opinion.
this is like asking what do you like better? software or hardware?
1) no you can not. the mpk is not a sampler. There are some programs you can use the load mpc programs up on the pc in order to edit them, and I suppose you could use the mpk then to trigger those sounds in your previous kits/programs, but that puts you in the pc/mac solely with the mpk as a controller only, and at that point there are far better programs and methods to go about doing that. so NO, your existing programs are pretty much a loss.

2) there is no comparison. One is a sampler, the other a midi controller.

3) the 1000 is an all in one device that can do pretty much everything you need it to, especially when you work creatively and employ JJ OS.

On the other hand an akai MPK controller simply controls midi. You would then need a good pc or mac, with plenty of power and programs and plugins to act as the brains of your operation, where the mpk simply allows you to enter midi messages to the pc.

so do you want to sample on a pc screen or the mpc screen?

if your new to midi, I would stick with the mpc1000 for now.

Get into PC DAW applications and plugins, and THEN get a midi keyboard.
You can use the 1000's pads via midi as a controller to play drums and samples in the pc, and also use a midi controller with keys to play sounds and patches that require keys to be played, all via midi, whether from the mpc's sounds OR the pc's sounds.

again it depends on what you prefer. at one point back in the day I ran all midi. Then dropped that for all HW to get out of the box (PC). Now I use both to their advantages.

There are so many tools out here to get the job done. As always using the right tool for a job makes all the difference in how good u can do the job, but in this respect, its also a matter of what you can afford, what you prefer, and how You like to to have your work-flow. But with the pc its a controller, apps, plug-ins, a mouse/KB, not to mention a pc good enough to handle all that. with the mpc its just the mpc.

I personally ALWAYS start with my mpc2500. with drums or a sample. and then move to the Keyboards and pc. Lately I just buss my synths/KB's directly into my 2500 and record the audio straight in until I get a take I am happy with. Cutting the PC completely out of the Pre-Production process. every now and then I might start in the pc If I am browsing samples and something inspires me to where I begin editing in the pc immediately, but even then in most cases Ill skip that and just sample it into the mpc since for me its easier and faster to hit MODE/RECORD, then it is to fire up a pc program, import an audio file, and begin editing that way. THe Mpc....Its an all in one device that does everything you need it to.

If you feeling limited by the 1000's pads, You can also plug up a midi keyboard into your 1000. that way you can play piano, strings (or any other sounds that require keys) via the midi controller, but STILL keep all your sounds in the mpc. To go that route however I wouldn't get an mpk. more like a simple 49 or 61 key semi weighted controller, without pads.

Anyway I could go on forever. Bottom line IMO keep the 1000