[Q] Recycle and Reason 5 with Mpd 32 Vs. Mpc workflow

I wasn't going to ask this question as I'm sure there are several threads that discuss the topic in some form or another but I want to get straight answers to my question from specific users without all the searching through threads....with that said here is my question-

Preface- if you don't own or haven't owned both Recycle/Reason 5 AND a full featured Mpc I'd rather not have your input...I'm not trying to hate on your opinion,.. I'm just looking for solid info from users that have spent time in both workflow environments- Thanks


With Reason 5 having Dr.OctoRex and it's multitude of adjustable parameters and Kong I cant seem to find a area where Reason 5, Recycle 2.1 and a Mpd 32 wouldn't match and even surpass that of my Mpc 2500's workflow (non JJOS) especially when coupled as a Rewire device in my DAW. I love my Mpc but can anyone give me a good example as to how the Mpc work environment would be preferred over the above mentioned Propellerhead set up into DAW?

Thanks guys

living under a bridge?

Upright wrote:I wasn't going to ask this question as I'm sure there are several threads that discuss the topic in some form or another but I want to get straight answers to my question from specific users without all the searching through threads....with that said here is my question-

Preface- if you don't own or haven't owned both Recycle/Reason 5 AND a full featured Mpc I'd rather not have your input...I'm not trying to hate on your opinion,.. I'm just looking for solid info from users that have spent time in both workflow environments- Thanks


With Reason 5 having Dr.OctoRex and it's multitude of adjustable parameters and Kong I cant seem to find a area where Reason 5, Recycle 2.1 and a Mpd 32 wouldn't match and even surpass that of my Mpc 2500's workflow (non JJOS) especially when coupled as a Rewire device in my DAW. I love my Mpc but can anyone give me a good example as to how the Mpc work environment would be preferred over the above mentioned Propellerhead set up into DAW?

Thanks guys

Mpc sequencing is more linear.....for me.....it reverts the music writting process back to my ears.....its great to write andsequence.and track visually...but that process is less organic.....for me.....

After owning a 2000xl and learning on that....migrating to completely software (reason,recycle,etc).... im now back to composing with an mpc.....and reason....best of both worlds.....I love the quickness of sound selection and tweaking with reason as a sound module.....and writting on the mpc....with software and controllers alone....it only fueled my beat/loop making adhd. With the mpc back in the mix...im focusing like I should.


My 2¢

dcook79 wrote:
Mpc sequencing is more linear.....for me.....it reverts the music writting process back to my ears.....its great to write andsequence.and track visually...but that process is less organic.....for me.....

After owning a 2000xl and learning on that....migrating to completely software (reason,recycle,etc).... im now back to composing with an mpc.....and reason....best of both worlds.....I love the quickness of sound selection and tweaking with reason as a sound module.....and writting on the mpc....with software and controllers alone....it only fueled my beat/loop making adhd. With the mpc back in the mix...im focusing like I should.


My 2¢

Thanks for the response and I understand exactly where you're coming from.....One of the huge advantages I'm finding in Reason 5 is the arrangement benefit of Blocks....for some reason Blocks really helps me through the arrangement process...Arrangement has never been my strong suit but with Blocks it just seems to flow. My whole Reason for asking is I debating sell my Mpc and going with the Mpd 32/Recycle...this move would net me about $500. If I'm not going to be stagnated in any way.....I think I'm going to do it. Thanks for the input

Anyone else?

Once sold....I think you'll miss and regret it....

dcook79 wrote:Once sold....I think you'll miss and regret it....

Yeah,....that's why I want to be absolutely sure before I sell it. But if I can accomplish everything using Reason I don't think I'll regret it.

It's nice to have a machine independent of the computer sometimes... I don't even have my MP connected via midi to my pc for example. That doesn't mean I'm not proficient with software though, I just like to have the flexibility of two separate sequencers.

Coz wrote:It's nice to have a machine independent of the computer sometimes... I don't even have my MP connected via midi to my pc for example. That doesn't mean I'm not proficient with software though, I just like to have the flexibility of two separate sequencers.

I can definitely respect that. So don't you run outputs to the PC for recording purposes? If not how to you get work done in the MPC into your DAW (assuming you use a DAW).


Would love to get some input from someone that has actually switched from mainly using the MPC to OctoRex.

Upright wrote:

Coz wrote:It's nice to have a machine independent of the computer sometimes... I don't even have my MP connected via midi to my pc for example. That doesn't mean I'm not proficient with software though, I just like to have the flexibility of two separate sequencers.

I can definitely respect that. So don't you run outputs to the PC for recording purposes? If not how to you get work done in the MPC into your DAW (assuming you use a DAW).

I use audio tracks in JJ OS. Solo each track in the mp, record it onto a new audio track. Then I can transfer the perfectly cut (well not 'perfectly'...) wav files to my computer and load them up.

I went from an all hardware (Roland JV-1000 and an ASR-X) setup to an all software (Logic v4) setup years ago. Futzed around, tried this n that, installed add-on, extensions, all kinds of plugins, controllers, you name it. I even tried a few other programs etc. Then I came across FXPansion Guru, and it was like 'hey this is great, maybe I should try an MPC'... I don't regret switching to software, I just wish I had never 'completely' switched to software. Sh1t retarded my growth musically, no lie.

With Reason 5 having Dr.OctoRex and it's multitude of adjustable parameters and Kong I cant seem to find a area where Reason 5, Recycle 2.1 and a Mpd 32 wouldn't match and even surpass that of my Mpc 2500's workflow

Workflow is about how you do things (not what things you can do - that's called features). How do you connect with the operating paradigm of the machine, how do you move from one parameter to the next, how do you audition the parameter you're about to change, how quickly can you capture a new sample and assign it to a pad, etc. In terms of workflow, 'more', 'bigger', and 'faster' do not necessarily mean 'better'. Workflow has an impact on your creative output, moreso than any other factor besides the source material (sounds and samples) you're working with. Software puts things in your way. Its getting better though.

Workflow wise, the only things in the computer that are like an MPC are the things that try to be like an MPC. Reason/Record doesn't. That's not a bad thing, you just have to make sure your expectations are realistic.

My advice: First, get JJ OS, you have no idea what you're missing, ESPECIALLY from a workflow perspective (I'd say JJ is 60% about workflow and 40% new features). If you don't want to go that route (your loss...), then stick your MPC in the closet for six months. If you can get past the 6 month mark without wanting to fire it up, then you should be good. The reason I suggest this is because your stable reliable trustworthy well maintained MPC is of more value to you than it is to anyone on ebay. That means you won't get the proper value for it, and if you buy someone else's, you never really know what you're getting until you've had it for six months (and the pads or display crap out).
JM2C.

mp3 wrote:I use audio tracks in JJ OS. Solo each track in the mp, record it onto a new audio track. Then I can transfer the perfectly cut (well not 'perfectly'...) wav files to my computer and load them up.

I went from an all hardware (Roland JV-1000 and an ASR-X) setup to an all software (Logic v4) setup years ago. Futzed around, tried this n that, installed add-on, extensions, all kinds of plugins, controllers, you name it. I even tried a few other programs etc. Then I came across FXPansion Guru, and it was like 'hey this is great, maybe I should try an MPC'... I don't regret switching to software, I just wish I had never 'completely' switched to software. Sh1t retarded my growth musically, no lie.

Workflow wise, the only things in the computer that are like an MPC are the things that try to be like an MPC. Reason/Record doesn't. That's not a bad thing, you just have to make sure your expectations are realistic.

My advice: First, get JJ OS, you have no idea what you're missing. If you don't want to go that route (your loss...), then stick your MPC in the closet for six months. If you can get past the 6 month mark without wanting to fire it up, then you should be good. The reason I suggest this is because your stable reliable trustworthy well maintained MPC is of more value to you than it is to anyone on ebay. That means you won't get the proper value for it, and if you buy someone else's, you never really know what you're getting until you've had it for six months (and the pads or display **** out).
JM2C.

Coo,...and thank you for the input . I was thinking the same about putting it in the closet for a while...the only problem with that is I don't want to buy Recycle and end up not liking the workflow in Reason/Recycle and waste that cash...but the more I think about it the more I feel like there isn't anything I wouldn't be able to do in Recycle/Reason/DAW that I wouldn't be able to do in my MPC.

I am a die hard Mpc user and I didn't really expect the forums here to love the idea of selling my Mpc but I'm trying to make a move that won't cost me a hassle workflow wise and put some money in my pocket from the sale of the Mpc....that's really what this is all about.

I revised my post after you had quoted it...

Are they still selling recycle? Wow. Anyway, I don't wanna come off like I know what's best for you, but I have done a lot of gear flipping, and I regret it. Retarded my growth musically (I was in an endless gear-researching -> gear selling -> gear-buying -> gear-learning cycle), I missed some opportunities because I couldn't track out a certain beat, because I had sold the sampler I used to make it. Not to mention that it takes time to master any piece of gear. You can learn any gear quick, but it takes a year or more to really master it, understand how to use its capabilities and (especially) its limitations to your advantage, find its sweet spots, etc.

And that's the trickiest part is that when you feel like you have mastered something you start to get bored with it. But that's also when you have the best opportunity to make your best music with it.

Anyway my basic rule f thumb nowadays: If you wanna switch it up, do it because you're unhappy with what you have, not because you think that other piece might make you happier. Same goes for girlfriends ...

mp3 wrote:Workflow is about how you do things (not what things you can do - that's called features). How do you connect with the operating paradigm of the machine, how do you move from one parameter to the next, how do you audition the parameter you're about to change, how quickly can you capture a new sample and assign it to a pad, etc. In terms of workflow, 'more', 'bigger', and 'faster' do not necessarily mean 'better'. Workflow has an impact on your creative output, moreso than any other factor besides the source material (sounds and samples) you're working with. Software puts things in your way. Its getting better though.

You're completely right about the workflow/features statement but I am concerned with workflow as well as features.Although I think it's pretty fair to say that Reason/Recycle/DAW offers more than the Mpc in terms of features so that isn't my main concern...it's more about workflow. I'm wondering if the process of getting a sample from vinyl to Recycle to Dr. OctoRex is a pain. Basically for those that have worked with both is this process of getting a sample chopped up and into Reason when compared to the Mpc a justifiable reason for to keep the Mpc.

Upright wrote:So don't you run outputs to the PC for recording purposes? If not how to you get work done in the MPC into your DAW (assuming you use a DAW).

Yeah, everything is fully connected up audio wise. I use the analogue and digital inputs and outputs on the MP, plus I send midi to it from my synth but also usb midi back to my daw for added flexibility.

It's a simple setup but it works well for me.

Upright wrote:I'm wondering if the process of getting a sample from vinyl to Recycle to Dr. OctoRex is a pain. Basically for those that have worked with both is this process of getting a sample chopped up and into Reason when compared to the Mpc a justifiable reason for to keep the Mpc.

One man's inspiration and workflow is another man's pain. I mainly stay away from itb stuff nowadays, but others enjoy it. My advice; think it through and then try it out on demo's or whatever.

jimmie wrote:. I mainly stay away from itb stuff nowadays,

itb?