What's good everyone!

I'm new to MPC (about 2 years) and new to the forum. I'm already finding the forum to be very helpful and look forward to building with all of y'all, well maybe not all, but you know what I mean.

Currently, I'm just using the 2500, a Technics 1200-mk2, a Numark M1 DJ mixer, an Alesis USB mixer, and a pair M-Audio StudioPhile AV-30 speakers. I also bought a MacBookPro recently and plan to add a DAW to the set up soon.

I already have some questions like, "which OS is better? Akai Standard or JJOS?", "analog keyboard or midi-keyboard controller?" "or both", "pro tools or reason?" I'll spend some time researching the forum on my own. I know find enough information about what i'm looking for and more.

I'm not a "fly by night" type and plan on gaining knowledge from trial and error, listening to the legends, and outlets like this forum to further my skills on the 16 pads.

So feel free to reply, and any insight, or tell me to get the "fawk outta here"... Peace.

KME177 wrote:"which OS is better? Akai Standard or JJOS?"

A lot of people, probably more than half of this forum sides with JJ OS over the Akai OS, but me personally, I'm doing just great with the Akai OS (only want the Track Mixer that JJ OS offers). Best thing to do is just try out the free version of JJ OS and see if you like that, then cash out for the latest version or go back to the Akai OS.

KME177 wrote:"analog keyboard or midi-keyboard controller?" "or both"

This all depends on what you're looking to do. If you want addictional sounds to accompany what you're doing on the MPC, then a synth, or rompler (I take it that's what you mean by analog vs. MIDI). If you just want to trigger the sounds/samples on the MPC or your software, then a MIDI keyboard is all you need. But note that 99% of keyboard synth and workstations have MIDI outs so you will be able to use them to trigger sounds on the MPC or software.

KME177 wrote:"pro tools or reason?"

Pro Tools or Reason... First thing first, Reason does not allow you to record any audio, and I'm sure you're going to want to record and track out your beats on the computer; Reason won't handle this, you're going to need a DAW capable of recording audio. Now, as far as Pro Tools, its not necessary, there are a lot more DAWs out there that can do exactly what Pro Tools can, and sometimes more. Do some reseaching on some of them (since you have a Mac look into Logic, Cubase, and Live). And with these you get VSTs and other "softsynths", Pro Tools as well, so this could eliminate the need for Reason (or you could use Reason with them if that works for you).

Yo, thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. If you don't mind have a few more questions?

This all depends on what you're looking to do. If you want addictional sounds to accompany what you're doing on the MPC, then a synth, or rompler (I take it that's what you mean by analog vs. MIDI). If you just want to trigger the sounds/samples on the MPC or your software, then a MIDI keyboard is all you need. But note that 99% of keyboard synth and workstations have MIDI outs so you will be able to use them to trigger sounds on the MPC or software.

What I'd like to do, and what I think you're trying to explain, is be able to bang out the sample and drum tracks on the MPC. Next, add keys and a bass line with the keyboard (obviously, lol). Ultimately, recording the tracks and mix and on the computer. I need an audio interface to record to my Mac, right? I considered purchasing a MBox and a MIDI keyboard controller, but after reading in the forum that in order to run Pro Tools you need to have the interface with you. Kinda lame for being "on the go". Logic seems like a great option but does it require the same type of dedicated interface like PT? Also, with so many different MIDI controllers out there what might be something I can look for to narrow down my search?

I appreciate the views and replies. Trying to gather as much information before dropping any $$$ at my "not so local" Guitar Centers or online retailers.

Peace.

KME177 wrote:What I'd like to do, and what I think you're trying to explain, is be able to bang out the sample and drum tracks on the MPC. Next, add keys and a bass line with the keyboard (obviously, lol). Ultimately, recording the tracks and mix and on the computer. I need an audio interface to record to my Mac, right? I considered purchasing a MBox and a MIDI keyboard controller, but after reading in the forum that in order to run Pro Tools you need to have the interface with you. Kinda lame for being "on the go". Logic seems like a great option but does it require the same type of dedicated interface like PT? Also, with so many different MIDI controllers out there what might be something I can look for to narrow down my search?

I appreciate the views and replies. Trying to gather as much information before dropping any $$$ at my "not so local" Guitar Centers or online retailers.

Peace.

Like I said before, if you're planning on using software for your additional sounds (keys, bass, etc.) then you can go with a MIDI controller. Again, Pro Tools includes some decent RTAS instruments, but from what I've heard and read (since I'm on a PC) Logic has A LOT more instruments and they are a lot better then those included with Pro Tools; though you can always purchase 3rd party software for instruments.

As far as the Mbox goes, the Mbox Mini will do exactly what you need, and its small enough to where it wouldn't, or shouldn't, be a hassle to carry it around; a MacBook, Mbox Mini, and a 25-key controller would be able to fit into a nice sized backpack with not problem.

As far as Logic goes, it doesn't require any specific interface to run, but I'm not positive if it will run on just the standard sound device built into the MacBook (as far as playback and latency goes).

With MIDI controllers, if you're trying to be portable, 25-keys is the way to go. The Korg Nano series is out there, but I'm not really a fan of those, I'd rather have an actual keyboard. Currently I have an E-MU Xboard 25, which I love to use when I'm out. I always wanted the M-Audio Axiom 25 or 49, but my money never allowed me to have one of those, ha ha. But if you need/want something a little bigger, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 or 61 is great; I currently use my Oxygen 61 for everything, triggering Reason, triggering my MPC, and triggering rack-mounts. But there are a lot of other keyboards out there that I haven't tried, so maybe someone else will post a response to some of your questions.

thanks kavie. great insight.

i'm researching how to record my tracks from the MPC to Garageband. That should give me some experience/practice with using computer software.

Kavie wrote:
As far as the Mbox goes, the Mbox Mini will do exactly what you need, and its small enough to where it wouldn't, or shouldn't, be a hassle to carry it around; a MacBook, Mbox Mini, and a 25-key controller would be able to fit into a nice sized backpack with not problem.

the mbox mini has no midi so be sure the controller will do an adequate job if you want to sync mpc to computer or vice verse

I purchased a M-Audio keystudio 49 (M-Powered). The Pro Tools M-Powered software doesn't work with Snow Leopard. So, I'm using GarageBand to record and mix until another solution presents itself.