I've been trying both the MV and 4000 on and off for a while now, attempting to figure out which MPC I was going to buy -- or if I was going to get a MV. I don't own either (yet), so I can't speak in depth of them, but I will say that the MV turned me away. Something about the MV seems like it's everything I'm trying to escape, after working with DAWs for years. On that note, the sequencer of the MV is very much like most pro software sequencers on the market, to me. It reeked of Cubase SX2-3 (definately not a bad thing, though). That may be a good thing for those that like working with computers or need integration, but for me, the 4000 was more appealing (workflow wise). I don't want to have to think about a machine nor software, when creating, I want to make music with a "natural" feeling workflow. Both machines seem very self-contained though, but to me, the MV felt more like an MPD or Trigger Finger hooked up to a hybrid computer, while the 4000 seemed more like a single unit (even though in essence, they are both somewhat hybrid computers). I don't know if that makes sense, or if it's good or bad, but for me.....I liked the 4000.
As a matter of fact, the best way I can describe the 4000's appeal (to me), is that it felt more like an instrument -- it was natural and obvious. The MV, to me, felt like something I'd have to work around, instead of it just working for me. Maybe it's just me and my lack of experience with these machines, but it was almost as if I could navigate and began to use the 4000 on instinct, while I had to figure out the MV. Not sure if that equates to the MV having more features, poor UI design, or good UI design, that just wasn't compatible with me. Both are pretty ill though, when you see what others can do with them. Ofcourse, again, I've only been trying friend's machines, and don't own either (yet).....so don't take any of what I say as scripture. They both sound pretty good. I can't say which sound's best though, because I sampled and edited with the MV probably twice (numerous times, with the 4000 though). The MV seemed a slight faster than the 4000, when processing and the 4000 seems like some of it's cosmetics are botched (paint, etc)....and it froze on me my 4th or 5th time playing with it. I didn't like the MV's pads, even though both it and the MPC4000's were stiff, due to them being somewhat new. In the end, I'm still leaning toward a MPC, 4000 or not.
Obviously, if I'd spent more time with them or had read the manuals (or learned them, from use) I'd probably come to hate or applaud one or the other more, but I still believe that you should atleast feel at home on a machine, even without experience using it -- the 4000 was the one that did, for me.
...Anybody cool on these cock-sucker forums??
