Why are the new MPCs so counterintuitive?

MPC-Tutor wrote:Compared to Elektron gear the MPCs are definitely miles behind in terms of workflow, there doesn't seem to be too much thought put into how they structure things (both in terms of the firmware and the hardware design), more a feeling of just stuffing it full of features wherever they'll fit. You get used to it, but the first time I played with a Digitakt or Syntkat I immediately felt that it had been designed by someone who actually used the gear to make music (just like JJOS is created by someone who clearly understands the MPC brain).

MPCs these days feel like they are built by software programmers, not MPC users.

eight_trx wrote:something being "intuitive" is fairly new. back in the day when you dropped a few bands on a device to make music you figured out the vision of the creator and worked along those lines. if you're seeking things that are intuitive, its best to find a proper match rather than imprint your vision on someone elses design. maybe the mpc isnt for you.

johnnytravels wrote: That’s the thing though isn’t it. InMusic’s vision for the new MPCs is “jam it full of stuff, sell downloadable content, call it a day”. The problem is not that these machines have quirks but that the quirks are shifting as the software swells and take over the experience.

RandomVibration wrote:The take away I get is what is intuitive to you isn’t necessarily intuitive to others. Use what works for you. I don’t waste my time going to Elektron and Ableton Live forums complaining how inconvenient the workflow is. I just choose not to use it. As for Ableton Live, I use it sparingly and accept that it is what it is and it isn’t going to change for me. Bugs are free game to complain about. If something doesn’t work to my liking but isn’t a bug, I just choose something that does. They make competing products with different work flows for a reason. Not everything is for you. Find the things that are and double down on them.

Lazarillo wrote:Not for me. Touching a screen isn’t playing a musical instrument. What a terrible experience. I’ll be staying back at the 1000/2000 era. After that era it’s a shitshow.

B-Wise wrote:But using a data wheel & directional arrows keys & a number keypad is?

Lazarillo wrote:It sure is, buddy. Literally the definition of intuitive.

eight_trx wrote:this is where i feel people miss the point of the touchscreen and plenty other shit with the new gen of mpcs. that touchscreen is extra ontop of a classic workflow. even if it wasnt touch capable, it would be an amazing screen for a mpc.

so the OP says hes going to go for the 1000/2000's which have a fraction of the ram and misc other specs. for shits n giggles lets say you got a 2kxl, and i told you i could mod it so it could take 2gb of ram and hook up a huge screen replacement thats been customized with a modern look for the info thats being displayed. not a touchscreen, just a huge screen. sick right?

.....

my solution for OP is to not touch the screen. then you're pretty much working with the 1000/2000 with max specs and a nice ass display.

eight_trx wrote:
my solution for OP is to not touch the screen. then you're pretty much working with the 1000/2000 with max specs and a nice ass display.

Ill-Green wrote:I transitioned from an MV8800 to the MPC Live and it was a breath of fresh air for me. Everything felt slow and clunky on the MV after owning the Live which was smoother and faster. I have used MPCs before, so it helps getting around the newer models. Just go out and get the sampler thats for you.

mpc_fan_2022 wrote:...It was design to be use with the touchscreen, it's not something that can be avoided, even on the MPC X.

Lazarillo wrote:

djchucknorris wrote:1. Read the manual (as with any piece of gear)

2. Learn to speak Akai

3. Benefit greatly

“Learn to speak Akai”!!!

That’s literally my point, man. I speak Akai. I’ve been speaking Akai since 1994. These new toys speak InMusic, via Neumark. Your ignorance is embarrassing.