Replace MC505 Groovebox with Drum Machine/Sampler/other?

Hi all need some advise and views (my minds a little scrambled and over fried at the moment with other work). Please bare in mind this is a reflective post to help decide and looking for input from you all please.
Basically my rig I have had an MC505 for many years which sounds are still accessible via midi but the screens gone a several controllers/buttons not functioning and more likely beyond or not able to get repaired. I want to replace it and realise there are many options, different work methods and products options to replace it, so here I am.
What I need is something to replace the groove box (experience), enable to create beats/loops/phrases outside of the PC environment but still be able to integrate it into the DAW (Cubase/Reaper). Already have a massive database of (Battery/Kontakt/VSTs/Samples/Instruments) which has got me thinking about the sampler route, more specific the Akais MPCs 2500/5000.
So this is the headache...electronica music no acoustics music and here’s what I am mulling over :
Sampling :
Akai 2500/5000
The 5000 is pretty much doubling up what I already have in a DAW, however, has ADAT which would be useful as my rig is running out of inputs outputs but I do have other routing (Fireface direct into DAW with send/returns for external effects and inputs from h/ware synths). As the RME Fireface800 has ADAT which can be daisy chained as it is firstly used by the TC fireworx) it would be handy however I am unsure if the ADAT would carry just one stereo signal from the AKAI to the Soundcard/DAW or multitrack 8 tracks at once and what is the maximum stereo channels the ADAT can carry ie 8+1=9 stereo signals? Does it integrate with a PC nicely for sequencing remotely (from DAW to Akai).The 2500 seems better for me as I don’t really need the 5000’s multitracking function but the ADAT is appealing for routing into the DAW...Or could I route external equipment into the DAW via Akai?
Groove boxes :
Elektrons SPS1-MKii (don’t think I would need the UW)
Elektrons Octatrack (when released – but gut feeling its more gimicky than production)
Korgs Electribe
There is a massive difference and comparison which I know is showing my hesitation for the 2.
Main points are :
I have a good rig in a static location with the synths and vst plugins.
I want to be able to create beats more fluidly and using pads and not reltying on a PC/mouse.
Portablility of a drummachine/sampler (I know the Akai 5000 is not that portable but more so than the rig)
I want to be able to integrate whatever I get in with the PC DAW with ease.
I looking for opinions of the S5000 being over the top considering the existing rig, will it integrate nicely and it does provide a 1 unit solution or should I look at the 2500/something else?
Should I simply replace with a drum machine?
Should I be less greedy or more specific and look at a dedicated drum machine/groovebox/sampler.

Thanks for your time



Intel I7 6GC - RME Fireface 800 (P4 3.0Ghz 4GB 800mhz)
Cubase 5. Reason 4. NI Komplete 6. 100's VSTs
Mackie 1620 Firewire, Access Virus TI, JD800, JV1080, MC-505 DSI Prophet 08,
TC E's Triple C, Fireworx, Alesis MV4, Boss SE70.

Just because there are lots of options really means nothing.
What you need to do is stop and get better perspective on what it is you need to do and what it is you want to do.

Since the unit is the MC505 not the MC808 or MC909 is somuch easier to replace or even just grab another if you just wanted to keep you current workflow.

However, it sounds like you are more interested in stepping your game up which it ok but requires more focus thought.

Look at exactly how it is that you currently use the 505 and note any areas that it falls short in or excels in.
Compare that to what changes would make your setup more user friendly or functional with the consideration of any future upgrades you would want to add.
Those factors should at least get you to the, what items should I be considering point.

Don't get caught by internet marking and info that makes every piece look like the next big thing.

Your situation could be as simple as moving up to a bigger MC to grabbing a laptop and going with Maschine.
You would be surprised at how portable a 17" MacBook Pro can be.

Key is to understand your needs and goals, because as you stated there are lots of options out there.

Thanks for the response.

Done a lot of thinking on workflow and what I need to achieve and what I want to achieve vs what tools I perceived to achieve.

I've layed my hands on several bits of kit and decided it's down to the Akai 2500 or the Maschine.

The Maschine is excellent and uses all resources and samples with ease due to easy pc sync where the akai its all got to be taken in step by step and edited.

The MC2500 however is portable without need of laptop.

Sad to say as much as i wanted an Akai (recently sold by S series) the mascine may just win. With a midprice laptop it's about the same price.



Cheers for the feedback.

mfx wrote: With a midprice laptop it's about the same price.

Well 2500's are discontinued and if you find one at a dealer it should be around $899 or less if not they are over charging you.
If Maschine is $599 then you are talking about a $300 laptop.

Oh wait I forgot people do actually buy PC's so maybe you are still on point.

fasttrackpimp wrote:Seems to me going with machine wouldn't be doing that as it's basically a controller and the 2500 would be a better option for creating "outside of the PC environment" , but that's just me. Do whatever works for you.

If "outside of the PC environment" for you means portability without being attached to a computer, then get standalone hardware (I would get an iPad at this point though), although you do lose the type of integration with DAWs that you get with Maschine. And a laptop with the Maschine controller is still more portable than a MPC (other than 500). But if "outside of the PC environment" is mostly being equated with having to use a mouse and stare at a computer screen to make beats, then Maschine would work because it still gives you the workflow environment of standalone hardware using just the dedicated hardware without needing to use the mouse or even have the computer screen on to stare at.

never fails... say the magic word and this viral e-hustler shows up.

crossings wrote:never fails... say the magic word and this viral e-hustler shows up.

He's probably on more FOES list than any else just to avoid the Maschine nonsense.