Share your knowledge on these two classic MPCs
By boobz707 Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:47 pm
Whats Good fellas

So i have an MPC 3000 already but i want to lay some gritty drums on top of my beats so i decided to invest in either a sp-12 or sp-1200. i know they both sound the same but i have some other ?'s. how many recordable sample banks does the sp-12 have. im thinking only one, so does that mean i have to resample my drum samples into the sp-12 each time i want to change up my drums since there is no floppy drive. that would kinda be a pain in the ass. im guessing the preset drums on the sp-12 are doo doo as well. i just need to know if i should shell out the extra cash for the 1200 if all im doing is laying down drums with the sp and doing all my sequencing and other samples on my 3k. thanks for any input fellas. and if any of you are using this combo, tell me how you like it. peeez out

By csmealer Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:49 pm
If you're not goin to use the SP as a sequencer, you should look into an E-Mu EMAX I rack (NOT EMAX II). They sound similar and have a variable sample rate and a great analog filter. They are much less expensive than either of the SPs as well--you should be able to find one for less than $200. If you're interested, try to get a + model, as these have a built-in SCSI port. An s900/950 would also be a good choice, although it seems like they are getting a bit more expensive.

By sequoia1232 Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:52 pm
Get an emax rack and midi it to your 3000. You'll have that SP sound with lots more sampling time, nice features (like controllable filters), and the mpc sequencer and pads. I think this is a killer combo, your drums will thank you!

If not, sp1200 all day!

By sequoia1232 Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:53 pm
Jinx!
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By 950skweezyotitties Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:59 pm
the analog filters on the emax are adjustable which makes them alot more versatile than the fixed filters of the sp. emax has more time.

By sequoia1232 Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:24 pm
I really think the EPS is great for the money too...

By boobz707 Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:11 am
thanks for the responses guys. i was wondering if emu ever made an sp rack.
i guess the emax rack is it ehhh. i actually just got my mpc 3000 in the mail today and god damn let me tell you guys. the first kick snare drum beat i just laid down almost made me cream in my pants. the way this thing sounds and swings almost brought a tear to my eye. i think i may be calling in sick to work tomorrow to mess with this thing all day. this thing kicks my 2000xl's ass......im speechless rite now

By zeusmajor Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:37 am
boobz707 wrote:i was wondering if emu ever made an sp rack.

Emu didn't. But...

There is an infamous Armenian technician in Manhattan who rack mounted many devices, both Keyboards and Drum Machines alike, and he for several years rack-mounted SP's for those who could afford his head-buster prices :wink:

I used to have a picture of one, but I can't find it.

Paul

By winz Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:28 am
950skweezyotitties wrote:the analog filters on the emax are adjustable which makes them alot more versatile than the fixed filters of the sp. emax has more time.


how many versions of the emax I (rack) exist???

is the emax HD SE still a "I"?

confusing......

By csmealer Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:03 pm
Yes, the emax HD SE is still an emax I.

From:
http://www.emulatorarchive.com/Samplers ... rview.html

Emax
* 512 KB sample memory
* Launched mid 1986

Emax HD
* 512 KB sample memory
* Internal 20MB Hard Drive
* Launched mid 1987

Emax SE / Emax SE HD
* 512 KB sample memory
* HD model available
* SE OS included
* Launched mid 1988

Emax Plus / Emax HD Plus
* 512 KB sample memory
* HD model available
* SE features included
* External SCSI
* Plus OS included
* Launched early 1989

* All Models deleted 12/89
* 3000+ manufactured
* Emax Plus is rare

And here are the specs for the machine from the same page:

* 12/8-bit Digital Sampler
* 8 voices, multi-timbral
* Max 42kHz sample rate
* 5-octave touch sensitive
keyboard and 3U Rack
* Low Pass Analog Filters
* Up to 512 KB sample RAM
* Sequencer

Keep in mind that the hard drives in most of the HD models are dead (and replacing the 20MB HD w/ the correct model is expensive), so you will need either a functioning floppy drive or a + model w/ external SCSI capabilities.

By fritzifratzi Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:22 pm
Here is my setup that I use at the moment:

-mpc60 for sequencing

-S950 for drums triggered by mpc60. Sounds better to me than the mpc60
-Bassounds from mpc2000 (dare I say: here i like 16bit better, it has more bounce to me)
- Weird stuff on Emax 1. Great for samples that sound like they are falling apart with plenty of aliasing. Onboard analogue filter/LFO/arpeggio is nice.
- i filter stuff through a yamaha cs10 analogue keyboard with filter input.
- i record/mix onto an sp808 from roland

In short:
Drums: 12 bit
Bass: 16bit
the rest 8-12 bit

S950 is punchy and CHEAP. Best hifi - lofi trade off 12bit I know. Emax is supergritty but can be difficult with some samples (the aliasing can be a pain if you not want it). S950 is easier to operate for me, especially when using in Omni mode.

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By Moody Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:38 pm
boobz707 wrote:thanks for the responses guys. i was wondering if emu ever made an sp rack.
i guess the emax rack is it ehhh. i actually just got my mpc 3000 in the mail today and god damn let me tell you guys. the first kick snare drum beat i just laid down almost made me cream in my pants. the way this thing sounds and swings almost brought a tear to my eye. i think i may be calling in sick to work tomorrow to mess with this thing all day. this thing kicks my 2000xl's ass......im speechless rite now


been seeing a lot of these posts latley.. i just might have to get rid of my XL and try out a 3000.

By boobz707 Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:08 am
thanks for the input everyone! i was about to go for the emax rack but i just found and bought an sp-1200 i saw for cheap.its coming in the mail. im pretty damn excited right now. cant wait to midi these mofo's up and make some killer stuff. ill post pics of my setup when i get her in! ive come a long way in my musical journey from FL studio + cheap casio keyboard --> MPC 1000 --> ASR 10 --> mpc 2000xl + SP-404 --> now MPC 3000 + SP-1200. i never thought i would have this combo. peace yall.
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By the average man Sat Dec 08, 2007 3:17 pm
found this in the manual:

Image

dayum! An SP with 26/19 seconds of sampling time.... :shock: