Do I need an MPC?

Hi guys!
This is my first post here on this forum. I've been following it for days and searching before posting to know a little bit more and try to answer my question.

I've been interested in music since ever, mainly hiphop but for the last years i've started to listen to lots of other styles, mainly electronicaly produced (don't know if this is the best way to say it).

So, after so these years, I want to start making my own sounds and to explore music production.
As i've always been on the hip hop side, i've always seen MPC's and that's probably what lead me here.
If you would ask me what kind of sounds I'd like to explore, I would have to say hip hop but not mainly. I want to make some house, dance music, passing by chillwave. Also, I have a big jazz background and I want to be able to "play" with that kind of sound too, whatever style i'm producing.

The problem is, I have no ideia of how to use an MPC or any other "hardware" product.
I've been making some experiments on ableton live which I think is quite easy (at least for the basics) but I definately need a controller (not only to fire tracks) for it as the integration with my laptop keyboard is really bad and doesn't really work how it should.

So, I'm a complete noob. If you ask me my ideia of producing in a "physical" thing, this is it:
Loading some song I like, sample it to get a part I like (I know I won't get it perfect), change its pitch and speed an play it to record it.

I have some musical background as I play guitar (classical).

So, my question is: Do I need an MPC? Or it would be good for me to get a MIDI controler with pads, to get me started on the pad feeling? (saw the MPK 25...)
I understand that there's no sampling on controlers but could I do that with software on the same level as an MPC?
I hope this question isn't hard to understand and that you can give me some help. I tried to explain it the best way I could.

Thank you all for your time.

I think you should get a midi keyboard like an axiom 25 or what have you... just try and get one that comes with midi out so you can use it with hardware if you ever get any..

ableton has more features and capabilities then the mpc does, and it will perform pretty much as well so long as your computer can handle it. (ie: can perform well with the samplerate buffer set low etc)

Here is the thing, I suggest getting the keyboard (aiming for one with midi out as I said) ... that wont be a wasted move or bad spending anyways... then do what you do on ableton. Once you get that feeling like you need an mpc again (which will come eventually ) then go and grab one.

Hello! Thank you for your reply
I'll search for the controller you said also.
Hope some more users reply.thanks!

Buy 10 MPC 5000's, i think AKAI need the money


JOKES

Try the controller route, maybe get a cheap axiom 49 or MPD from ebay

You probably don't need an MPC, but might still end up wanting one.
A lot of people gravitate toward software for speed and the huge screen. Sometimes they end up where they can't make tracks on hardware, because they've come to rely on the LCD and the giant waveforms too much. But you said you play guitar, so even after extended time on a PC, you could probably get used to an MPC too. The tactile nature of MPC always seems to appeal to people who play traditional instruments.

Like Debauch said, grab the keyboard for now, and if you get an MPC down the road you'll have 2 methods of making tracks. Plus the MPC could be used to send MIDI to Ableton or record the MPC to Live, they make for good MIDI controllers if you don't need many knobs and sliders.

One last suggestion, if you want to try out pads in Ableton, the new Korg Nanopad now has 16 pads and is only $60. I have the Padkontrol and the original 12 pad Nano, and the pad response is every bit as good as an MPC, with a slightly smaller pad square. (make sure latency settings are sorted like Debauch said).

Nobody really "needs" an MPC. But since I got mine, I don't want to miss it.
I used to use FruityLoops, you can import samples as well.
Which was OK. I just got sick of it I guess, and I wanted something to touch, instead of clicking around on a mouse.. I basicly didn't want to sit infront of a computer making my music anymore.. Which is why I went for the MPC and not for a controller.. It's really up to urself.. Both have they pros and cons.. personally though, I find hardware is a lot more fun

I agree, the mpc is just another appreciated tool... I suggested the midi controller because there was no way that would be a waste. If he winds up getting the mpc in the long run the controller will be a very nice tool to go with that... if he gets the mpc and it's not for him... well the controller will still be an addition to the computer. You simply cant go wrong with one (so long as it has midi out).

^truth. Your prolly gonna end up getting a midi keyboard anyway so why not start with that and then maybe get the MPC evetually..

the mpc is the best piece of gear i've had in 29 years of making music.
maybe you'll hate it. but i think it's more than worth taking a chance on this.

wow! what else you had? Any comparable equipment (sampler/sequencers)?
honestly I think the MPC has had mad influence on my view on music. I was sampling before for like 1 or 2 years (sampling also changed my life ). But to me the MPC is the SH!T

Peace, if I may add my 2 cents, if you have any friends that make beats, get with them and see how you feel with they're are using. I think the MPC is dope (for me) because I like the analog/manual way of doing things. But, I have an old soul; if you like to expeditiously work on tracks then stick to the PC route with a midi controller as kats were suggesting. Unfortunately, you cant go off of what other heads say because its you thats the deciding factor, you know...When it comes to creativity its all about what you are comfortable with, some artist use paint others use pencil but the end result is how they used their medium not what medium they used...