Sequencer Question...MPC 60, 3000, 4000 owners?

I am about to delve into the World of the Akai MPC. I own three hardware sample boxes(2 yamaha A4000's, Akai Z4). I am either going to purchase the MPC 60, 3000 or the 4000.
My question is very basic...

Are the sequencers in the three above named MPC's the exact same thing?
If not can someone please explain the differences?

I really only need the sequencer, the multiple midi outs, and the great timing. If you are wondering why I simply don't want the ASQ10, it is because I need the pads. I have a roland dr880 and the pads are small, I want to have a larger pad surface for inputing data.
I have heard that the mpc 60 can be upgraded to be similar to a mpc3000. I have also read about the sonic differences of these units. Hopefully I can get a thorough explanation of how the sequencer works as I have never used one of these machines.

Presently, I sequence in my roland fantom, or on my roland VS2000(it has a larger screen). I make DnB, House, and Dub reggae music.

Thanks,
Ian

Lamp, I gather you already know that the z4/8 does not have a sequencer.
Most of what you stated I already knew. Thanks for responding, nonetheless. I will look up those noted individuals.
Hopefully someone will answer.
Cheers,
Ian

if you only need the MPC to be used as a MIDI sequencer... any MPC will do to be honest. just get whatever you can find cheapest. personally i wouldn't go all out and buy a huge machine like the mpc4000 if all it's gonna be doing is sending MIDI data... i'd just get an mpc1000. no need to focus on the "sonic differences" if you're only gonna be using it for midi.

April 6 2012

I think my big mistake was in the title. I should have noted the machines and typed it like this...."MPC 60, 3000 or 4000 owners... Sequencer Differences?"

I know that people get upset about double postings. I may have to post this question in another area in this forum.
Although I appreciate the additional comments, it was a bit off topic. I have no interest in the other mpc variations. I did my research on those units already, what I am not finding is discussion on how the sequencers work.

Does anyone own (or once owned) a combination of any of these three MPC's (60, 3000, 4000)? If you have or still do...please tell me some (all) of the differences between the SEQUENCING functionality. (if there is any)

In my locale these are for sale and I want to get one... MPC4000 =$500, MPC 60= $650, MPC 3000= $1300, ASQ10 =$450.

thanks.
ian

Ian Canefire wrote:April 6 2012

I think my big mistake was in the title. I should have noted the machines and typed it like this...."MPC 60, 3000 or 4000 owners... Sequencer Differences?"


ian

You can edit your post title to try and attract some of the OG's who know what you need to know, they may pass by with your current title

Thanks for the heads up I changed the title.

no need to move this Lamp.
Cheers,
Ian

Ive owned all 3, the sequencer is basically the same, but if the 4k is the cheapest for you to get I would grab that one because its the more in depth one as far as graphical display, but really the 4 k is overkill just for pure sequencing. I know its been said already but a 1000 is perfect for what you asked for, a 60 will eventually need repairs or go out and is dated as far as saving, the 3k is only slightly better in that department. the 60 does not have a track mute screen either

Altho the 4k might seem like overkill for just sequencing i feel its the best choice if your serious.Due to the fact its all there on a nice big screen and all tweakable on the fly.Pad mutes ect ect.Q links and all.......Would like to knw also if the 60 and 3k really have a different feel?sequencer wise.....

edit-yeah-maybe the 1k and 2.5k too.Why not?

dryad-66 wrote:
edit-yeah-maybe the 1k and 2.5k too.Why not?

the only thing I can think of it because the 3000 and 60 have 4 midi outs..

if you are doing basically just sequencing, even look at the 2000 or 2000xl if low cost is a factor... they have 2 midi outs.

if you are doing a lot of stuff in a song (VA synth knob tweaks etc... as well as notes and the whole 9) the 60 might run out of sequencer events (note on/off etc) so that is one thing the 60 can fall short in... but it is simple and flexible.

I forget if the 3000 has more midi events than the 60.

I bought a MPC4000 last night...$500. Drove 150 to get it. It is in excellent condition, does not have the individual out expansion or the digital i/o. It is also on version 1.71.
I already own a z4 that has all the bells and whistles so I may not expand the 4000. After reading up on these units for about 6 months, I came to the conclusion that the best mpc's for me are the 60, 3000 and 4000. The only thing I did not have knowledge of is exactly how the sequencer works. I watched a few videos on YOUTUBE with the asq10 and I got an idea of its process. (Funny how people aren't good at explaining basic things)
After reading about midi jitter in the newer akai models(5000, 2500, 1000, 500) and the fact that in many of them you have to change the OS to JJOS(except for the 5000) I did not want to waste my time with them. My gear list at the bottom of the page will show you that I did not need the features of the 5000. The death knell for ME regarding the 5000 was really the innerclock systems midi timing test.
The inner clock page and many other forum discussions got me interested in the Roland MC 909 (positives-great sequencer, easy, perfect time. negatives- 16 tracks, one midi out) and the MPC 3000 and 4000. I was also in the market for an Yamaha RS7000(complex).
I may still get a MC909 just for the immediate tweakability, however it is not a priority. I really wanted a unit for the sequencing of around 8 other machines live. Then I will record that on separate channels in my Roland VS mixer. Then I will further mix and record my end product. I also wanted the big pads to better learn finger drumming.
I am stoked! A mpc4000 for $500 is a homerun. I am a bargain hunter and never generally buy music stuff brand new because I simply don't believe in subjecting myself to the devaluation process.
In any case I look forward to learning more in here. Who knows I may still buy an asq10 just to try for myself and see if the swing theory is real. I doubt I will ever buy another mpc however.
Happy music (& hopefully money) making everyone.
Cheers,
Ian

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