Bought an MPC 1000... now what?

I bought an MPC1000 but now I feel very overwhelemed looking at sites like this because everyone seems to have nice setups and several grand to spend on new equipment. I literally bought the MPC (16MB) and a power cord, and thats it. Beyond that, I have a stereo system setup (decently nice receiver, old school record player) and I have a laptop.

So... can I get anywhere at all with what I have now and a few cables or where do I go from here? Is there specific software I should have on my computer? Do I need a Midi controller? Is there an advantage to adding other synths? Any advice or recommendations at all would be much appreciated.

Congratulations on the sweet new purchase. These things have a fairly large learning curve, but pretty soon they'll literally feel like an instrument in your hand. Start just by learning the mpc itself. Don't complicate things by interfacing with a pc to start. You can do everything directly on the mpc. get the guide on this site and read it twice. Sample into it. Chop. Sart making beats. It's a damned beautiful thing. Good luck man!

Buy this right now!!!

http://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/ ... e-mpc1000/

This will help you a lot!!

YouTube is your best friend.....

you have the tools now so "experiment..." don't worry about the other stuff, as said already, "Read the Manual and Read the Manual again and again." you'll find what you need there... "learn the in and outs of your mpc," learn how to sample, edit and sequence, practice, practice, practice... eat, sleep & breathe mpc... peace

doombringer wrote:I bought an MPC1000 but now I feel very overwhelemed looking at sites like this because everyone seems to have nice setups and several grand to spend on new equipment. I literally bought the MPC (16MB) and a power cord, and thats it. Beyond that, I have a stereo system setup (decently nice receiver, old school record player) and I have a laptop.

So... can I get anywhere at all with what I have now and a few cables or where do I go from here? Is there specific software I should have on my computer? Do I need a Midi controller? Is there an advantage to adding other synths? Any advice or recommendations at all would be much appreciated.

Sounds like a great setup to me, especially when you consider how much amazing music has been made on far less. If you search the forum you'll find a great interview posted with DJ Shadow talking about making Endtroducing, so that should help you keep things in perspective in terms of masses of equipment.

As everyone has said, read the manul and experiment. It's about your experience so have fun!

In terms of upgrading later down the line there is an option you will stumble across to install a new operating system on your MPC by a guy called JJ. A lot of members here have upgraded to his operating system because it's incredibly efficient. If you do a google search for JJOS you'll find his website. There's also plenty of info on here.

At a later date you may also want to upgrade the RAM in your MPC. My advice here is shop around, Akai charge a ridiculous amount for their "official" RAM but I got mine off ebay for £6 and it's perfect.

As for your PC some sort of DAW (digital audio workstation) such as Ableton, or Logic may come in handy eventually but for now you've got enough to be getting on with. If you need to clean up or add some extra processing to your samples you might want to look at a program called Audacity, which is free and very capable.

You don't need a MIDI controller at all in my opinion, and don't forget the MPC itself can be used as a fairly comprehensive controller if needed.

In regards to synths, this again depends on your taste and the type of sounds you're looking to aim for. Fun? Absolutely! Necessary? Nope.

Just to reiterate, have fun and sample from ANY sound source you can get your hands on.

I'd upgrade the RAM to 128MB. There are a buncha cheaper alternatives to the AKAI Ram, on ebay.

and try JJOS.

Good, you bought something, you are on your way. **** what everyone else got, most of us took years to build what we got and we started with just one piece like you. So suck it up and keep your chin up. Decent monitor speakers is what I'll look into next, it'll help in the long run when you've defined your sound.

Peace

mp1k that all u need bro. the onnly other things u need(but not immediatly) records, mixer, and turntable

I'm new to the boards and new to the MPC world but I have ton of recording experience. I agree with the guy above a good set of monitors but also Room Treatment! You can get a cool Auralex package for $125 or look on ebay for a cheaper all in one box. This will help seriously. You'll be making a beat go to the car and it will sound totally different. Treatment will play a huge role into whatyou are actually hearing from your monitors. Thats a whole different discussion tho. Good luck on the new purchase!!!