Research prior to purchase - can you program pickoff points?

well i suppose you could set it up to sort of do that.. make a sequence for your verses, sequences for chorus and bridge etc... then you can push play when ever on those sequences.

I think it would work but maybe it won't be the same workflow as the old multi track you were using before.

The MPC can't really do that easily; you can launch a new sequence, though, but cannot jump to it immediately (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Ableton Live can do exactly that and even keep the correct location if you wish (e.g., let's say you're 4 bars in into the 16-bar sequence A [called "Scene" in Ableton Live]…you jump to scene B, and with Legato function, it'll start at those 4 bars in instead of from the beginning if you wish).

Not trying to sell Ableton Live to you if you're set on the MPC…just saying it may be easier with Ableton Live.

MathMedic wrote:Hello,

My band is rocking a VS 1880 that is no longer reliable for touring. One of the features our band relies on, is to have "pickoff" points in sequences/songs - for example song start, 2nd verse, chorus, bridge; in case we need to start at predetermined parts of the song, or jump there if already underway with the song.

I did a search, and read thru the first seven pages on this MPC X forum.

We are looking at the MPC X; other criteria for our needs:

- eight individual outputs

I've worked with other bands that have used all versions of MPCs, startng from the early 1990s up until the mid 2000s. I have zero background as a programmer or musician, this could be considered to be a feasibility study prior to serious consideration for purchase.

Thank you.

I assume you're using markers on your 1880, to get to each part of the song. The way the MPC X works, you'll be able to do that and much more. The key will be wrapping your head around the MPC X for your use case.

I use a VS 1680 and VS 840 ex.

The closest thing is to make sequences like chorus, verse, etc, and use the next sequence screen. The next sequence screen also has an option for sudden so the next sequence immediately plays.

Another work around is converting your sequences to clips and you can launch them ableton style.

kaydigi wrote:I use a VS 1680 and VS 840 ex.

The closest thing is to make sequences like chorus, verse, etc, and use the next sequence screen. The next sequence screen also has an option for sudden so the next sequence immediately plays.

Another work around is converting your sequences to clips and you can launch them ableton style.

That's how we use MPC's on stage. Or with older MPC's just assign each part to separate pad and change the pad banks. No need for sequencing. No need to fuss with the machine on stage.

There are a whole lot of VS 1880’s used. If you guys are just having an issue with the current one and already used to working with it and it still serves your needs, you could buy two used VS 1880’s in good shape for less than an MPC Live. Going from a VS 1880 to an MPC is quite a jump.

Just a thought.

I'd second Wormhelmet... I think there's a lot the Mpc Live/X could offer you, but I don't envy the process of converting VS 1880 tracks to MPC sequences... it'll take some effort to learn.

NearTao wrote:I'd second Wormhelmet... I think there's a lot the Mpc Live/X could offer you, but I don't envy the process of converting VS 1880 tracks to MPC sequences... it'll take some effort to learn.

Wormhelmet wrote:There are a whole lot of VS 1880’s used. If you guys are just having an issue with the current one and already used to working with it and it still serves your needs, you could buy two used VS 1880’s in good shape for less than an MPC Live. Going from a VS 1880 to an MPC is quite a jump. Just a thought.

It's not that tough to learn the MPC X, especially with all the Youtube Video out there to watch. As far as transfering, he could just record each track into the MPC X or if he has the wav file on a computer he could just load them. At some point it best to just move on and take the jump.

Used prices are dropping.

$1700 - https://reverb.com/item/19293208-akai-m ... -sequencer

$1750 - https://reverb.com/item/17988387-akai-m ... -sequencer

$1860 - https://reverb.com/item/19293208-akai-m ... -sequencer

$1599 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Akai-Professio ... 4#viTabs_0

$1699 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Akai-Professio ... :rk:3:pf:0

$1600 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Akai-MPC-X-Sta ... rk:27:pf:0

Fanu wrote:The MPC can't really do that easily; you can launch a new sequence, though, but cannot jump to it immediately (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

oh, the MV-8000 and 8800 can do that.. you can make patterns in pattern mode and either have them play one after the other the usual way or do it in a way that jumps right to that pattern the second you hit the pad.

mr_debauch wrote:oh, the MV-8000 and 8800 can do that.. you can make patterns in pattern mode and either have them play one after the other the usual way or do it in a way that jumps right to that pattern the second you hit the pad.

Only issue with the MV is by the time it loads, the gig will be over.

CharlesRandolph wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:oh, the MV-8000 and 8800 can do that.. you can make patterns in pattern mode and either have them play one after the other the usual way or do it in a way that jumps right to that pattern the second you hit the pad.

Only issue with the MV is by the time it loads, the gig will be over.

very true... gotta load the set the night before