MPC Ren MIDI/DAW Integration

I won't bother re-posting the question/ conversation that I and dazastah had with Pete during the "NAMM 2014 Video" thread because I've asked the SAME question over and over again with the SAME result; straight ignored.

SO, after watching the 15 minute Trigger Finger Pro video review and hearing the rep admit that Akai helped code the MIDI/ DAW integration of the Arsenal software, I am convinced now more than ever, that full Ren MIDI/DAW implementation is not only possible, but not that difficult to accomplish. In the video below, they start talking about the In-Music "family" at 12:18 and the AKAI/ M-Audio co-development of the Arsenal software at 12:54. I would hate to think that AKAI intentionally crippled, then lied about the "seamless" integration into our current studio setups, in order to get the money to fund future product development while leaving us Ren/ Studio owners hanging with a half finished, hyped and rushed-to-market product in order to fund future products. I've been using my Ren and finding MIDI/ DAW workarounds to make music for over a year now and will continue to do so. I appreciate the various updates and don't want to think that AKAI/ In-Music would treat its customers this way but after watching this video, I feel a bit let down.

1. Full MIDI/ DAW integration (including a PROPER controller mode)
2. A global mixer (via Arsenal software)
3. FX automation

It seems that the Trigger Finger Pro and associated Arsenal software has all of the above right out the gate for $399. So I paid $900 for an audio interface and the "classic MPC workflow"? Seems I could've waited and bought the Trigger Finger Pro and a UAD Apollo Duo for the same amount of money. And why does $399 ring a bell?

I Will wait for the actual reviews/rants in theorie every device seems the greatest...but I do think akai is higher in hierarchy...at least I hope and eventually all of inmusic products will use the same software after the hype era has passed....cuz its a waste of development money imo

The Air team makes stable software, this is actually a very exciting product for me, as it seems alot more flexible to work within the daw. I never or rarely work in standalone, I'm not sure why one would,when there are far more better options within a daw.

Keeping my eye on this one, to the point of crippling the Mpc for future development, I would agree to this. These companies all have a template for their goals and products, it's pretty sad,because they will probably have multiple hardware devices out for sale before the software is actually caught up,and the software is the easiest part to build vs. hardware.

Alot is possible in software if they have the talent to code it.Clearly they do, it's just a matter of when they want to release it, should they give it to their customers who spent 1200.00, or should they pimp more hardware, then offer the new code, and charge their customers another 1200.00 - it's common sense.

Their in it to make money.So when you do see a company who offers more options in a flexible product, it's a good idea to not knock it, until you've tried it.

Then again, the NAME and Hype sells most people, I could care less of the Name, like Pro Tools, when I know what Bitwig Studio will be able to do. peace

bobbybland wrote:Then again, the NAME and Hype sells most people, I could care less of the Name, like Pro Tools, when I know what Bitwig Studio will be able to do. peace

SOOOOO TRUE!

Speaking of bitwig, Hows that Nektar Panorama keyboard controller..

I searched for a nektar panorama few years ago, it was the initially released as "the propellerhead reason keyboard" when I saw it I wanted it, but wasn't available anywhere near me... So I forgot about it..and there she is again, still think its a beauty but hasn't got anything to offer I am missing with my mpk49. (apparently it has, mouse free, workflow, touch screen...nice! )

also I don't know bitwig I will,check YouTube pz

dazastah wrote:Speaking of bitwig, Hows that Nektar Panorama keyboard controller..

Damn! And I just bought Ableton 9 in November

Actually tho, all I need is the Ren to be fully MIDI integrated and I'll keep my setup as is = Ren + MPK49 + Logic PX + a TON of VSTs & AUs.

Gotta admit tho, that screen and motorized fader assignable to all mixer channels and channel strips is dope as hell!

I own the Panorama 61key version, the action n keybed are amazing,just as good as my Korg M361 was. The integration with Bitwig is going to be amazing, it's perfect with Reason, and it will be of similar contrast with Bitwig.

Completely assignable, very configurable, I'm controlling my synths within Studio One like I've always wanted to. I prefer it to any other midi controller I've ever owned, if you want a solid product/great midi controller worth every penny, the Panorama will not disappoint you. And this is coming from a total gear snob.

My last midi controller,was only for the action, which was a Roland A-70 (great for controlling piano with a heavy enough feel,but light enough for synths ,keys,and drums),and this action on the Nektar Panorama61,blows the great roland unit away.

The Nektar Panorama's are Built very well, alike the high end workstations. Just the keybed alone would be worth the ticket IMO.

Check it out, obviously the BW integration is going to keep these units in high demand.

bobbybland wrote:I own the Panorama 61key version, the action n keybed are amazing,just as good as my Korg M361 was. The integration with Bitwig is going to be amazing, it's perfect with Reason, and it will be of similar contrast with Bitwig.

Completely assignable, very configurable, I'm controlling my synths within Studio One like I've always wanted to. I prefer it to any other midi controller I've ever owned, if you want a solid product/great midi controller worth every penny, the Panorama will not disappoint you. And this is coming from a total gear snob.

My last midi controller,was only for the action, which was a Roland A-70 (great for controlling piano with a heavy enough feel,but light enough for synths ,keys,and drums),and this action on the Nektar Panorama61,blows the great roland unit away.

The Nektar Panorama's are Built very well, alike the high end workstations. Just the keybed alone would be worth the ticket IMO.

Check it out, obviously the BW integration is going to keep these units in high demand.

Wow. Now that's the kind of feedback/ review I'm looking for. I'm no virtuoso on the keys but I really feel you when it comes to the key action. Just the feel and response of the keys can jump off inspiration. I was saving for the Korg Kronos X73 but after watching and reading reviews of the monstrous capabilities and integration into BitWig and Logic PX, along with your personal testimony of the Panorama, I'll save mysel about $2,800 and get the Panorama 61. As I stated earlier, the only rub I've got with BitWig is that I just bought Live 9 4 months ago. Oh well, this is what we do, + with the stacks I'll save by not buying the Korg, I can get the Panorama AND BitWig and still come out fresh.
Thanks bobby!

Anytime my friend

Hi everybody,

I'm new in the MPC community and pretty much a newbie in making music on PC. I own a MPC Ren with the latest updates and would like to know if it's possible to wire in a MIDI Keyboard (the Nektar LX 49) to play and record VST plugins sound via the MPC software (as keygroup program if I'm right) ?

Can somebody help me or set me on the good path ?

Best regards,

Pramil

pramil wrote:I'm new in the MPC community and pretty much a newbie in making music on PC. I own a MPC Ren with the latest updates and would like to know if it's possible to wire in a MIDI Keyboard (the Nektar LX 49) to play and record VST plugins sound via the MPC software (as keygroup program if I'm right) ?

Hi, welcome to the forums - please start a completely new topic with your question instead of appending it to the end of a different discussion - this way your question will be easier for people to find and answer

bobbybland wrote:I own the Panorama 61key version, the action n keybed are amazing,just as good as my Korg M361 was. The integration with Bitwig is going to be amazing, it's perfect with Reason, and it will be of similar contrast with Bitwig.

Completely assignable, very configurable, I'm controlling my synths within Studio One like I've always wanted to. I prefer it to any other midi controller I've ever owned, if you want a solid product/great midi controller worth every penny, the Panorama will not disappoint you. And this is coming from a total gear snob.

My last midi controller,was only for the action, which was a Roland A-70 (great for controlling piano with a heavy enough feel,but light enough for synths ,keys,and drums),and this action on the Nektar Panorama61,blows the great roland unit away.

The Nektar Panorama's are Built very well, alike the high end workstations. Just the keybed alone would be worth the ticket IMO.

Check it out, obviously the BW integration is going to keep these units in high demand.

the integration is absolutely stunning with Cubase or bitwig but to me the the keybed felt absolutely bad and cheap. I 've send it back after a few days. I hope they change it in version 2.0. I m now with the novation sl 2 which I use without automap. the keys feel okay. my favorite keys had the good old motif es