^Hilarious!
While I sincerely hope that Akai gets the MPC Ren right for its current users and for the legacy of the MPC as a whole, I just boxed mine back up and it will be on its way back to the retailer as soon as possible. Should the machine get to where it needs to be in the future, i.e. if it truly becomes an "MPC", I will GLADLY revisit it then. Much love to all the Ren owners and everyone here. Keep bangin'!
By MaZe
Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:18 am
FOR SALE: Akai s950
By DJ Hellfire
Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:29 am
MaZe wrote:Wal Martian wrote:I've had similar experiences with maschine. It's just not the same as hardware for so many reasons. Little things that are so logical on the classic MPCs are left out of these new midi controllers. Even the clocking/timing/swing is not quite the same.
The Maschine is a phenomenal piece of gear, as I said in the OP. But like you said, coming from an MPC background, I couldn't really work within their arrangement system. And trust me, I tried for weeks. I feel that both the Maschine and Ren are probably great pieces for first time music makers. Those that really haven't developed a workflow or a true sense of that they really want to/and can expect to get out of their equipment. For these users, they can develop their own workflow and thought process within the confines of the unit. Whenever I've used an MPC, especially the beast that is the 4000, I never felt that there were ANY confines and this is why I feel that both pieces, the Machine and Ren, are cheating people (not maliciously) from a complete music making experience as they are both missing basic music making tools (the Maschine doesn't have step edit either) that many longtime beatmakers would expect to have. I have no doubt that you could make great music on both units, which I guess is the point. But, I personally don't see how longtime MPC users can really use either unit the way they would expect to coming from an MPC hardware unit, and that's my point.
Honestly, in Akai's defense, I can kinda see why they thought people wouldn't want Step Edit and decided to leave it out. You have the piano roll editor on the big ass screen and can use the mouse which is just so much quicker than the little step edit list, although some people prefer to still use the step editor. I personally prefer to just use the piano roll on the computer screen. Where Akai (as well as NI) dropped the ball, IMO, is like you said, in not being able to tell exactly where your notes are in time. This is a big let down for me. However, doesn't stop me from making music on the Ren! But it does slow the workflow a good amount for the way I like to edit!
By MaZe
Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:38 am
DJ Hellfire wrote:Honestly, in Akai's defense, I can kinda see why they thought people wouldn't want Step Edit and decided to leave it out. You have the piano roll editor on the big ass screen and can use the mouse which is just so much quicker than the little step edit list, although some people prefer to still use the step editor. I personally prefer to just use the piano roll on the computer screen. Where Akai (as well as NI) dropped the ball, IMO, is like you said, in not being able to tell exactly where your notes are in time. This is a big let down for me. However, doesn't stop me from making music on the Ren! But it does slow the workflow a good amount for the way I like to edit!
I've peeped your vids on YouTube. Good work. If it works for you, it works for you, and it looks like, for you, it does. At the end of the day, buy and use what works for you (in the general sense) and have fun. If it doesn't work, move on. Simple. I know several producers that still use the SP1200 and MPC60 because it works for them. I think it's crazy but who I am to tell anyone to stop/not use what works for them. I REALLY wanted the Ren to work for me, but as it stands now, it doesn't. Hopefully, that will change one day!
FOR SALE: Akai s950
By DJ Hellfire
Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:43 am
MaZe wrote:DJ Hellfire wrote:Honestly, in Akai's defense, I can kinda see why they thought people wouldn't want Step Edit and decided to leave it out. You have the piano roll editor on the big ass screen and can use the mouse which is just so much quicker than the little step edit list, although some people prefer to still use the step editor. I personally prefer to just use the piano roll on the computer screen. Where Akai (as well as NI) dropped the ball, IMO, is like you said, in not being able to tell exactly where your notes are in time. This is a big let down for me. However, doesn't stop me from making music on the Ren! But it does slow the workflow a good amount for the way I like to edit!
At the end of the day, buy and use what works for you (in the general sense) and have fun. If it doesn't work, move on. Simple.
That's what I always say!
By MaZe
Sun May 05, 2013 2:10 am
After struggling with the Ren to accomplish even the most basic legacy MPC tasks, I RMA'ed it the hell out the studio and picked up this little beast. Fully maxed out with JJOSXL at a GREAT price. Can't complain at all.
FOR SALE: Akai s950
By JAH
Sun May 05, 2013 2:18 am
Great that you found something that works for you (there is an entire forum dedicated to to your new purchase). Now let's return to the program already in progress.....the MPC Ren!
JAHROME, MPC Aficionado
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.
By MaZe
Sun May 05, 2013 2:21 am
JAH wrote:Great that you found something that works for you (there is an entire forum dedicated to to your new purchase). Now let's return to the program already in progress.....the MPC Ren!
This was my thread and it mapped out my experience with the Ren which is now GONE in favor or a much better machine. Anyway, good luck.
FOR SALE: Akai s950
By JAH
Sun May 05, 2013 4:24 am
MaZe wrote:JAH wrote:Great that you found something that works for you (there is an entire forum dedicated to to your new purchase). Now let's return to the program already in progress.....the MPC Ren!
This was my thread and it mapped out my experience with the Ren which is now GONE in favor or a much better machine. Anyway, good luck.
Of course we are happy that you found a much better machine and put the Ren behind you. I own one myself with the XLCD and the JJ OS installed.
JAHROME, MPC Aficionado
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.
By Danny
Sun May 05, 2013 5:15 am
MaZe wrote:After struggling with the Ren to accomplish even the most basic legacy MPC tasks, I RMA'ed it the hell out the studio and picked up this little beast. Fully maxed out with JJOSXL at a GREAT price. Can't complain at all.
i got a 2500, if i didn't have a computer then this is what i'd use. lovely machine.
By haze3000
Sun May 05, 2013 5:55 pm
JAH wrote:Great that you found something that works for you (there is an entire forum dedicated to to your new purchase). Now let's return to the program already in progress.....the MPC Ren!
maybe you can respond to any questions he might have about the 2500 in that forum then
By jose b
Sun May 05, 2013 6:44 pm
Kinda looks like this thread has reached its conclusion and all interested parties have had there 2p (2c). I think Maze has summed up a lot of legacy MPC owners thoughts (and potential disappointments). I'm waiting on the sidelines for the hope Ren will improve but at the moment IOS has proved the most apt and mobile solution for me and will continue to do so for the foreseeable. Good thread.
http://soundcloud.com/jose-bee
Current: MPC2500, MPC Studio, Mv8800, TR-808, Korg M3, Beatmaker 2, Padkontrol, IMPC-Pro
Past: MPC2000, MPC4000, MPC500, MPC1000, NI Maschine
Current: MPC2500, MPC Studio, Mv8800, TR-808, Korg M3, Beatmaker 2, Padkontrol, IMPC-Pro
Past: MPC2000, MPC4000, MPC500, MPC1000, NI Maschine
By JAH
Sun May 05, 2013 8:16 pm
haze3000 wrote:JAH wrote:Great that you found something that works for you (there is an entire forum dedicated to to your new purchase). Now let's return to the program already in progress.....the MPC Ren!
maybe you can respond to any questions he might have about the 2500 in that forum then
Every question that can possibly be asked about the 2500 has been answered several times already in the forum. He should use the search function.
As far as the Ren....if it could talk it would be saying with a smirk "Wait til the get a load of me!
" The developers have been doing an amazing job crafting the next update.JAHROME, MPC Aficionado
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are of the author and in no way reflect the position of Akai or MPC Forums.
Warning: Beware of trolls posing as MPC Ren users or potentials.