Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
By hanai Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:49 am
can anyone in the mpc world help me w finding out what software program would be best for my newly inherited mpc 4000 to make hip hop beats. im a newbie to the mpc obviously and would greatly appreciate any feedback. i was told that ableton live was a good platform but i need a second opinion. thanx again fellow m.p.c.erz! :?: :?
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By kevtech Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:31 pm
hanai wrote:can anyone in the mpc world help me w finding out what software program would be best for my newly inherited mpc 4000 to make hip hop beats. im a newbie to the mpc obviously and would greatly appreciate any feedback. i was told that ableton live was a good platform but i need a second opinion. thanx again fellow m.p.c.erz! :?: :?



Pick one everyone has a preference. I have been using Reason for years(some Logic)..works for me. Never tried ableton.
you may like it you may not. See if you can test it out first. Other people might say go ahead it's wicked.
By Clint Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:28 pm
For now learn how to chop/ edit samples in the MPC, it is a fully featured sampler after all.

There is no such thing as 'the best'.

Having said that, there are two 'ubiquitous' programs you should seriously consider to partner your MPC4000. I use both and would recommend then to any beginner to electronic music production.

1. Apple Logic Studio or the 'entry-level' Logic Express, Mac only. Logic Studio includes the Soundtrack Pro audio editor so no need to buy additional software for editing in the box.

2. Propellerhead Reason 4/ 5, benefits from being cross-platform (Mac & PC). Reason is the less attractive of these for standalone use as it does not include audio recording, but you have a sampler....

Both provide loads of different types of instrument sounds, drum samples, FX, mixing & mastering etc right out of the box so no need to purchase additional plug-ins to develop your craft.

Both are well known, quality products ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

You have an MPC, so learn about sampling, synthesis, sequencing, recording and FX without spending too much.

If you are a Mac user Logic has the edge as an all-round DAW, but Reason is dope too despite its limitations.

I think either program can be had for a modest sum, so get yourself a LEGAL COPY and get your learn on...

Clint
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By kevtech Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:01 pm
clint246clint wrote:For now learn how to chop/ edit samples in the MPC, it is a fully featured sampler after all.

There is no such thing as 'the best'.

Having said that, there are two 'ubiquitous' programs you should seriously consider to partner your MPC4000. I use both and would recommend then to any beginner to electronic music production.

1. Apple Logic Studio or the 'entry-level' Logic Express, Mac only. Logic Studio includes the Soundtrack Pro audio editor so no need to buy additional software for editing in the box.

2. Propellerhead Reason 4/ 5, benefits from being cross-platform (Mac & PC). Reason is the less attractive of these for standalone use as it does not include audio recording, but you have a sampler....

Both provide loads of different types of instrument sounds, drum samples, FX, mixing & mastering etc right out of the box so no need to purchase additional plug-ins to develop your craft.

Both are well known, quality products ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

You have an MPC, so learn about sampling, synthesis, sequencing, recording and FX without spending too much.

If you are a Mac user Logic has the edge as an all-round DAW, but Reason is dope too despite its limitations.

I think either program can be had for a modest sum, so get yourself a LEGAL COPY and get your learn on...

Clint


There you go my yout you got a few people saying go for Reason. You may try it and think it sucks. I've been using it for years. i'm considering getting into Logic to see how it is. Like clint said no such thing as the best. People were telling me the MPC 3000 was the best ( for sound or whatever) bought one with flight case for $700. Guess what i didn't like it but that just me..you get mi star. I sold it for more money. it's music preference and what your background is in music...etc
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By Blue Haze Wed Jan 12, 2011 4:12 am
Actually Ableton is pretty damn good if you wanted to use it as a DAW also. It has came a long way since to ableton 8 and the sound engine is on par with most other DAWs now plus the warp engine aka timestrecthing and time slicing is second to now whether in scence or arrangement section. Check it old also. I would say that whatever program play around with it before you buy as the program will be a long term investment as each successive edition will get better and better.
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By dabmeister Wed Jan 12, 2011 3:43 pm
If the o.p. knows what his needs & requirements are, then he shouldn't have much of a problem finding something to fit whatever needs they have.

In some cases you might find this one program and become faithful to it 'cause it does everything you need it to & some.

Then on the other hand you may have to go through a few in order to see which one does it for you.

There's always going to be trial & error at some point but that's just part of the learning curve.

And like clint said, there ain't no best software. There might be a dude out here making fire using some free or le version of something.

It's all in the skills & knowledge, you of course take it from there.