MPC500 or MPD32 ?

Hi guys,

First post and looking for a bit of assistance in making a choice between the MPC500 and the MPD32. I am fully aware of the difference between them before anybody asks why I am choosing between a sampler and a midi controller.

Basically 90% of my work is producing R&B and as such I need to be able to play melodies, chord, piano parts from my midi keyboard. However I have been longing to add an MPC "like" element to my studio so I don't have to bang out beats on a keyboard any longer. Another side to this is I want to be able to step away from the computer a little more so I don't have to hold the mouse 24 hours a day.

All of my instrumentation (VSTi's) and samples (kicks, hats, snares etc.) obviously reside on my pc, so I need to continue with the integration for my workflow, i.e. I can't rely on just the sampler on it's own.

What I really want to know about the MPC500 is the following:

1: Can I slave Cubase TO the MPC500 or with that model is it only possible to have the MPC500 as slave. The main reason for this would be for me to use the 500's sequencer to do the majority of the work and use the 500's record/play thus not having to look at the PC much.

2: If I plug my Midi Keyboard into the 500 can I trigger my VSTI's (piano for example) and record the midi data in the 500's sequencer but have it trigger the VSTI still. Basically using Cubase as a virtual sound rack/bank.

3: How is the sequencer on the 500, is there any room for editing/correction after recording, for example editing a piano midi sequence. With the screen so small I can't imagine it's particularly easy to edit a sequence.

Basically as I said before I want to be able to step away from the PC a little bit more and use the MPC500 as a sequencer. The MPD32 has transport control so would be an intermediate step in the right direction (although obviously all sequencing would have to still be done in cubase) but comparing the two and the price would I be better of having the MPC500 over just the controller.

I guess to cut the question right down it would be what is it like sequencing things other than a drum beat on the 500 and can I use the sequencer on the 500 + my midi keyboard to record trigger midi for my VSTi's.

Any suggestions or info would be really appreciated. Obviously there is the 1000 or even Maschine but my budget right now is pretty tight so im down to the 500 or the MPD32.

can I use the sequencer on the 500 + my midi keyboard to record trigger midi for my VSTi's.

yes

It'll be worth it to save for a 1K. There's no jj o.s. for the 500, but there is for the 1k.

All you'll end up doing is teasing yourself with the 500 which will make you want the 1k even that much more.

I had my mpc 500 and despite having no beforehand experiences I was banging rhythms within minutes. So it is quite out-of-boxable. Having batteries is quite a nice option too. I can take it to park, buss, school, where ever I want.

seems to me after a brief 5 min research on the google and older board topics/akai specs and overview, that the mpd32 is the tool for the job you're asking it to do. also mpd32 is way cheaper you could buy so much mountain dew, take a day off work and get so much accomplished with a minus that big. big minus!! hopefully someone with both machines will give you some cold hard facts, good luck!

i cant say sh1t about the MPD series, i dont mess with MIDI. but i can speak for the 500.

i've had the 500 for a little over 2 years now and im getting ready to upgrade to a 1000. im getting a bit fed up with having to constantly use my CF card to copy over sounds. with the 1000, i'll be able to sample inside the box and have it all in one place. quicker workflow and more options, 4 more pads, & 4 extra outs

Fortran wrote:Hi guys,

First post and looking for a bit of assistance in making a choice between the MPC500 and the MPD32. I am fully aware of the difference between them before anybody asks why I am choosing between a sampler and a midi controller.

Basically 90% of my work is producing R&B and as such I need to be able to play melodies, chord, piano parts from my midi keyboard. However I have been longing to add an MPC "like" element to my studio so I don't have to bang out beats on a keyboard any longer. Another side to this is I want to be able to step away from the computer a little more so I don't have to hold the mouse 24 hours a day.

All of my instrumentation (VSTi's) and samples (kicks, hats, snares etc.) obviously reside on my pc, so I need to continue with the integration for my workflow, i.e. I can't rely on just the sampler on it's own.

What I really want to know about the MPC500 is the following:

1: Can I slave Cubase TO the MPC500 or with that model is it only possible to have the MPC500 as slave. The main reason for this would be for me to use the 500's sequencer to do the majority of the work and use the 500's record/play thus not having to look at the PC much.

2: If I plug my Midi Keyboard into the 500 can I trigger my VSTI's (piano for example) and record the midi data in the 500's sequencer but have it trigger the VSTI still. Basically using Cubase as a virtual sound rack/bank.

3: How is the sequencer on the 500, is there any room for editing/correction after recording, for example editing a piano midi sequence. With the screen so small I can't imagine it's particularly easy to edit a sequence.

Basically as I said before I want to be able to step away from the PC a little bit more and use the MPC500 as a sequencer. The MPD32 has transport control so would be an intermediate step in the right direction (although obviously all sequencing would have to still be done in cubase) but comparing the two and the price would I be better of having the MPC500 over just the controller.

I guess to cut the question right down it would be what is it like sequencing things other than a drum beat on the 500 and can I use the sequencer on the 500 + my midi keyboard to record trigger midi for my VSTi's.

Any suggestions or info would be really appreciated. Obviously there is the 1000 or even Maschine but my budget right now is pretty tight so im down to the 500 or the MPD32.

To be honest with your situation I would go with the MPK 25.
1. With the MPK 25 you are midi'd to what ever software you want to use. You can use your transport keys to do what you need to do.
2. MPK 25 will trigger all your VST's....
3. The MPC 500 is limited in it's ability. It is really better as a scratch pad for the road. I use the MPK 25 for the road now instead of both the MPD 32 and the MPC 500. I have the MPK 25, MPD 32 and MPC 500. I personally would stick to a computer, and MPK series keyboard. If you use Battery 3 you can set up your own template for drums and save them for the MPK or the MPD for that matter. So I always have the right drums or I design templates. I can use wav files in battery for my drums and it's ready when needed.
Long story short, you are asking the MPC 500 to do more than it's really designed to do. The MPD will be better if you are sticking with software and will trigger sounds. The MPK will incorporate all those things.

^^^^

That, or if u really looking for a hardware sequencer do like Dab said: save up for the 1k.
That screen is big enough to do comfortable editing after recording. With JJOS u'll have grid edit too. And if u upgrade to one of the more advanced versions it also offers extensive midi grid edit features.