Thinking About "Switching"

Alright, it's like this. I absolutely LOVE the MPC4000 but in some ways I feel like I need an updated MPC but not one with as many features as the 4000. Here's a few reason's why I say this :

1. I don't use multi mode, I don't make multi's and don't plan to. I purchased a few sample CD's and honestly, using my 4000 as a sound module for keygroups isn't appealing and it's also a hassle. I'd only like drums & samples coming thru my MPC, I'd prefer the other sounds to come from other sources like romplers and sound modules.

2. SINCE I'm not planning on creating my own sounds with sample cd's and whatnot, the synth engine also IMO is probably un-necessary for me. Realistically speaking, I'm not gonna run LFO's on a marvin gaye sample. I don't really need this part of the MPC either.

3. I prefer to make my drum patterns on keys. Why? well when all 61 keys are in your face, it allows me to be more creative instead of being limited to 16 pads then going thru different banks. There's NOTHING like having pads though so I'm not trying to get rid of them.

So this all brings me to what I think may fit for me. For the price of the MPC4000 plus I own, I could have a MPC 2500 (used) & a Fantom X6 (used). I'd have all the MPC features I'd need (the sequencer, the drum pads & the familiarity of chopping samples and whatnot) & a rompler which has better effects, filters & possibly even deeper editing AND sounds. I'd personally HATE going back to that 2000-ish screen but I'm familiar with it so it wouldn't such a bad thing.

I'm not thinking about this because the 4000 is 'hard' or anything, it's an incredibly easy piece IMO. But being that I don't utilize these features & still need a true sound module, I'd feel like the 2500/X6 combo might be better suited for me.

Opinions?

Why are you asking for opinions? It sounds like you already made your decision.

adrian wrote:Why are you asking for opinions? It sounds like you already made your decision.

Pretty much. If u feel the mpc4000 is offering to much then go with the mpc that offers u exactly what u need. You dont need permission to go for it. I know i know u wanted suggestions but from what u just wrote YOU HAVE it figured out. So what more is left to say other than get rid of it or keep it?

Nicole

adrian wrote:Why are you asking for opinions? It sounds like you already made your decision.

Nah, I haven't made up my mind yet. I just felt maybe some could understand why I'm THINKING about changing. See, the thing is, some of the features I don't use now may possibly be needed in the future but I doubt I'll still need those features out of an MPC.

Getting a 2500 then having to buy a HD & compact flash cards are a HEADACHE, same thing with buying flash cards for the 2500, then getting memory upgrades & buying srx expansions.

On top of all that, I'd have to RE-PURCHASE a mixer for my Stanton turntable since the 2500 and the Fantom don't have that direct ground conenction the 4000 has.

There's pluses and minuses to the decision so I'm not rushing it. I might not even do it at all.

mnh2410 wrote:

adrian wrote:Why are you asking for opinions? It sounds like you already made your decision.

Pretty much. If u feel the mpc4000 is offering to much then go with the mpc that offers u exactly what u need. You dont need permission to go for it. I know i know u wanted suggestions but from what u just wrote YOU HAVE it figured out. So what more is left to say other than get rid of it or keep it?

Nicole

Yeah, I've figured it out but it was just something I was thinking about is all. If I don't wind up doing it, I'll just get a Proteus 2000 and chill for a while with that combo. Honestly, I really don't wanna let go of my 4000.

u really never use the full-sampler capabilities of the 4k?

hyena wrote:u really never use the full-sampler capabilities of the 4k?

Yes, I have.

I've purchased 4 or 5 sample cd's for the 4000's sampler capabilities but I just don't need all that IN my 4000.

first of all, loading up large groups takes ridiculous time. I have synth beats that take up to 5 minutes to load because of all the multi programs I have being used.

I don't like having to load up individual patches just to check em out, I'd rather have the sounds at my finger tips just scrolling like a fantom or motif.

yeah , i feel you.
i have a quasimidi technox that is pretty much a 16 parts multitimbric expander with fx's, so when i just need an organ, or a lead, i scroll thru the presets in no time and thats easy.

but i think i'll tweak hell outta the 4k in terms of layers and modulation...

Does the 960ppqn versus 96ppqn make a difference to you? I use a lot of outboard sound modules, but I really like the high resolution of the MPC4000's sequencer.

-illiac

illiac wrote:Does the 960ppqn versus 96ppqn make a difference to you? I use a lot of outboard sound modules, but I really like the high resolution of the MPC4000's sequencer.

-illiac

Honestly, I have no idea what that means.

I won't be using using alot of outboard modules, just the Fantom X6 and maybe some other things wayyy down the line.

Are u saying that the 4000 can handle alots of outboard gear alot easier?

yeah.. SELL IT!!

I would keep the 4k,because you may not be into multi-and layering, multiple modules,filtering now,you will be in a year or two down the line.
The Proteus 2k is a nice mod,but still it's not like the fantom or triton. Again I would keep the 4k,get the fantom and the Proteus 2k... add the Mo-Phatt chip in it......if it's not already included.I had the P2k plenty of sounds and is expandable,problem is..... Emu discontinued mostly all the hardware soundmodules.I would get a nice one off ebay.I was thinking of getting the 25k,but thought about what I'm saying to you,and is deciding to go with the 4k,I regret selling the 2XL,now I'm just working with the 1k.Still nice machine ,jus limiting on editing ability's.

DJ-T wrote:I would keep the 4k,because you may not be into multi-and layering, multiple modules,filtering now,you will be in a year or two down the line.
The Proteus 2k is a nice mod,but still it's not like the fantom or triton. Again I would keep the 4k,get the fantom and the Proteus 2k... add the Mo-Phatt chip in it......if it's not already included.I had the P2k plenty of sounds and is expandable,problem is..... Emu discontinued mostly all the hardware soundmodules.I would get a nice one off ebay.I was thinking of getting the 25k,but thought about what I'm saying to you,and is deciding to go with the 4k,I regret selling the 2XL,now I'm just working with the 1k.Still nice machine ,jus limiting on editing ability's.

I'm into layering and filtering, I just don't need my 4000 to act as my sound module. Like I said, I just need chopped samples and drums coming out of it and if I dig the Fantom's sampler more, I might just use the MPC as the sequencer ONLY.

I wouldn't need to run a bunch of modules right now, just the Fantom.

No way I could afford to get the Proteus & Fantom right now without selling the 4000. Hell, if I had the Fantom, I wouldn't even want a Proteus unless it was wayyyy down the line when I wanted new inspiration.

Different needs and different wants for different people. As long as you have no regrets later on sell it and get the tools that suit you. As you are considering a 2500 I send this out so you can get more opinions of different setups. Ultimately it always comes down to the craftsman working with his favorite tools. Ideas into the gear onto the cds into the hands of the listeners.

Good luck on your next purchase.

Thanks Blue

I'm still 50/50 on this idea. I love my 4K to much to go down to a 2500 but someone told me on here before I'm pretty much using the 4K as an expensive drum machine and sequencer if I don't wanna take advantage of it's other features. At the time, I was sort of offended LOL but that person was right.

I think the biggest question to me may be, how does the 2500 SOUND compared to the 4000? I don't dig the sound out of the 1000 much, it's a bit flat IMO, so if the 2500 sounds anything like that, I'll just end this now. No offense to the 1000 users.