Nym wrote:as an interested user/developer i wonder some things that i'd like your input on - based on my personal experience with my tools:
what would make VST effects used on MPC tracks in REN any better than VST effects as implemented on an input from MPC in a DAW?
the immediate response, i'd imagine, is that you could do this with as many tracks as you want. however, i question the worth of this. i use an MPC1000, which has 6 outputs. most of my songs cannot be described as minimal, i run a lot of samples out of my MPC into DAW and yet i never feel limited by my admittedly low number of outputs.
Nym, there is no way I could ever sell you on the MPC Ren as a replacement for the MPC 1000 running a JJOS. That would be like trying to convince Preemo to forgo the MPC 60 and S950. If you have something that completely works for you, there is no reason to change.
No matter how much I love MPCs, I have been in these forums supporting MPCs and petitioning Akai to incorporate features that make using them easier in a software environment. The MPC 5000 came close but still came up short. I am pretty sure everyone has seen my feature requests for Akai and JJ OS. I see the MPC Ren as the product I have been waiting years for.
Personally, I don't see the MPC Ren/Studio as a DAW replacement (nor a replacement for hardware MPCs..as I will always keep one). To me...DAW=Multitrack tape deck and MPC=Music Production workstation. An MPC with VST implementation...complete integration of software and hardware can't be duplicated with a generic controller...at least not to my complete satisfaction. The MPC Ren makes it possible to easily control up to 96 parameters of your VST instrument without touching a mouse. This is just scratching the surface. Plus...no more syncing to a DAW...no more tracking into a DAW using multiple passes...no more saving projects in two locations, etc.
Nym wrote:this becomes a touchingly hilarious personal issue between the user and the used. modesty but not jokes aside, i could be described as "Tron-like" in my agility and speed of navigation through JJOS. how does one show evidence that such confidence can be nurtured in a relationship with another platform? let's have a video displaying active REN users working swiftly and confidently in the environment!
to me, one thing that jjos can do that REN can't is automate tasks. let's be straight up. i can build a macro to get me to any screen in JJOS that i want in less than a second. in jjos, i can build a midi controller to trigger specific actions and commands. does REN have a macro or action-chain configuration?
you and i, we are beyond pettiness and deep in the realm of nerdy cliquish intellectualism. my good natured question is, what is REN going to do for users who want to work smart?
I am sure that any user that is as passionate about the MPC Ren as you are with your 1000 and JJOS...and have 6+ years of experience on it...can also move with the same speed and agility. But I also confident that any long time MPC user can swiftly and confidently navigate the MPC Ren. The screens shots pretty much look like every other MPC to include JJ OS. I can't think of a reason why any MPC user can't quickly get aroung the MPC Ren.
In the end, when we talk about these MPCs, we are talking opinions and personal preferences. You speak of external MIDI controllers triggering specific actions and commands. I am personally happy with the MPC Ren's controllers having one-button access to 8 of 12 modes...shift + button to access the other 4 modes. But the reality is..since it is computer software, the product can grow to include shortcuts/keycommands and anything else you might find or want in a software product.
I know you have doubts about support...but this product can grow way beyond that of any MPC as it is not limited by CPU power and RAM. Numark/Akai are putting in a lot of resources to make this a successful product more than any MPC ever made from what I have seen.
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