first look at the new Mpc Element(video)

I see it as once an MPC Element/Essentials user gets a taste of it...they will be looking to upgrade to the Studio or the Ren.

Unlock the software with any controller? The Ren controller is the best drum pad controller ever built. Why would someone want to use a generic controller when there is a dedicated one for it? I can see perhaps using an additional controller in conjunction with it but not to replace it.

I can only tell you why I would...

I have a controller with 16 encoders already...so if I was to cop the Element, if I can map the loop points/markers to the controller I already have....it would be a boon to my workflow. I understand AKAI's strategy...but you have to look at the target market, the DAW user.

And I find the loop points feature to be the most desirable parameter to map with midi cc...it's the one parameter that would greatly reduce a hand on the mouse. I think if Akai is trying to convert "X" DAW user who is looking for a pad controller to either the Ren/Studio...they might have a pretty tough line to tow.

..it's a clever scheme because at that price point they are going to pull in new users.. as well as current Ren users who may appreciate the DAW instances functionality..

as far as it being a Ren killer.. let's not forget Ren's main concept is to emulate the hardware standalone MPC experience.. Element/Essentials is just a DAW plugin with a bare bones cheap controller.. not a bad deal for $149 but not really a Ren killer for those that value standalone type workflow.. that being said i do think that Nukai need to cut prices on Ren to make it a more viable upgrade path.. priced aggressively it could even sway maschine users to switch..

I like it hardware.

So I can't see any difference in using a software instead of another. Once you're bound to the DAW/VST/CONTROLLER environment, you can always found better options to do what you do in terms of software. I'm just saying that beatcleaver or recycle can emulate the chopshop, and opening a VST into Reaper instead of opening a track into the MPC REN software is not that different... map your knobs/faders to the DAW and you're set and in control, aren't you?

That said, gimme a proper sampler/drummachine instead of an emulator any day of the year. But that's me, I merely use the DAW as a multitracker so it won't make no sense for me to ditch the 2.5K for it, but if I was a REN user, well I'd think about it.

Again, if someone is fond of the LIVE/Reason combo and it's struggling to integrate that with the REN (no multiple instances - no multicore support...) the Element would be the perfect solution.

Financially, for AKAI, it makes perfect sense. Sure they getting better marginal gain from a cheap and light controller than manufacturing the rest of MPC Controllers.

Whatever, I could even think about buying one (after a SP505, a kaossilator, a mixer and plenty of smartmedia cards for my 303 and 404, LOL!!!) just to be able to have fun on the move.

PEACE

Well the one feather in the cap for Maschine and the Ren is how it deals with handling the loop/chop markers in a hands on way via.encoders. No other vst/program I am aware of does this...and it's a great luxury....albeit, not one I am willing to dump an extra stack on for the Ren.

I believe the plugin Poise MIGHT have mapable loop point controls...not certain tho

I had to re-read some comments. So basically some guys believe there will be features in the MPC Element/MPC Essential Software that won't be available in the flagship products? Does that really make any sense?

Would this work similar to having a bunch of battery instances up in your daw, but with a controller?

Will note repeat spit out to the track inside your daw or only for the elements software?
I hope it will shoot it to you daw!

dorsey wrote:Would this work similar to having a bunch of battery instances up in your daw, but with a controller?

Exactly.

dorsey wrote:Will note repeat spit out to the track inside your daw or only for the elements software?
I hope it will shoot it to you daw!

Good question...

JAH wrote:I had to re-read some comments. So basically some guys believe there will be features in the MPC Element/MPC Essential Software that won't be available in the flagship products? Does that really make any sense?

Well the new feature seems to be that you can open multiple instances of the Essential plug and change MPC DAW tracks and such with the controller, all of which you currently cannot do with Ren. unless you know for certain these things are coming, we can only comment on the available specs...

Well in logic, you can map next/previous track in daw to the track buttons in a matter of seconds. I have that even on my keyboard controller. might not be so easy in other daws...

Any info on the note repeat time signature options? I see the note repeat but no time signature buttons, short cuts. That would kind of be lame

daftmunk wrote:

JAH wrote:I had to re-read some comments. So basically some guys believe there will be features in the MPC Element/MPC Essential Software that won't be available in the flagship products? Does that really make any sense?

Well the new feature seems to be that you can open multiple instances of the Essential plug and change MPC DAW tracks and such with the controller, all of which you currently cannot do with Ren. unless you know for certain these things are coming, we can only comment on the available specs...

no new features here, Ren/studio has virtual outputs which is better than opening multiple instances of a plug in. Also the Ren/Studio CAN change tracks of the mpc software from the controller, it can NOT change tracks inside your daw like PT, cubase, or logic, etc... neither can the element, those track toggle buttons refer to the mpc software/plugin not your daw that is hosting it.

I wonder how element compares to fxpansion giest

dorsey wrote:Any info on the note repeat time signature options? I see the note repeat but no time signature buttons, short cuts. That would kind of be lame

I'm sure note repeat works like note repeat???

Time signature buttons? what mpc has a time sig button? This is something you adjust in the mpc software, no dedicated buttons here

lol@half the people here dont even understand what this product is, smh

UMMMM... mpc studio, ren, 5k,2500, 1k, all have buttons to adjust the time sig of the roll as you play......