MPC Element: is there really any value to this?

Just bought an MPC Element last week and I'm considering returning it. I'm just baffled by this product, mainly the Essentials software that you're limited to using.

1) We all know about the '1-track' thing, so it's basically useless as a standalone. Without more than one track you can't use more than one program at a time per song.

2) When I'm using it in my DAW (Logic Pro), sure I can fire up a zillion instances of it. But I'm curious to hear from others on this forum who use it this way. My main issue is workflow. If I'm working with a project in Logic that's 100 bars long for instance and I created a bunch of 8-bar drum and sample sequences in Essentials that I want to come in and drop off at different points throughout that song, how do you go about that? Since the Essentials tracks in your DAW aren't writing MIDI to trigger the events do you just automate the mute/unmute on those tracks? Do you put each Essentials instance in "Song Mode" and fill it with a bunch of empty sequences until you want to hear your actual drum/sample sequences? Do you export them as MIDI files and import the MIDI files to your DAW? Do you export them as audio files and import those files into your DAW?

There just doesn't seem to be any value to this thing except if you want to use for quick sample chop ideas or quick drum loop ideas. But have any of you found a way to easily incorporate it into your entire DAW project?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

"There just doesn't seem to be any value to this thing except if you want to use for quick sample chop ideas or quick drum loop ideas"

^this

I know a bunch of folks that came to this same conclusion.

If you're used to the composition capabilities of Logic, Element isn't going to do anything for you. I downloaded the software, tried to use it in my Logic workflow, deleted it, and haven't tried to use it since.

I think you answered your own question, and I'm not sure you'll get any justifications for keeping it from this board. But will let others speak for themselves. IMO, return it, and save for a Studio. But beware, the MPC software still isn't prime time ready for plugin use, and it doesn't seem to be headed in that direction. I've been disappointed with it as a plugin, but I imagine others have found some usefulness. IMO, for what it does as a plugin, you can use EXS24 and accomplish the same thing without the limitations, multiple sequencers, etc.

But if you're open to using the MPC stand alone, that's where you'll be best. As a plugin, meh.

I think the problem here is with the MPC Essentials software more than the Element itself.

I use the Element as a controller for the full MPC Software when I'm out with my laptop as I obviously can't carry the Renaissance out with me. There are things I can't do on the Element, such as copying sequences, that can be frustrating but in my opinion that's really something you should be able to do with the software only if need be. It works fine as a controller itself. For me at least

Purely speculation, but IMO the problem is that rather than meeting a 'customer' need, the Element/Essentials most likely exists in order to make some use of the investment in the failed MPC Fly project (left over stock & components, R&D costs, etc).

A piece of dog sh!t has really no value. But spray paint it gold and wine and stick little martini umbrellas in it and its a piece of work!

Really saying is that any machine has no value until you put the work in it.