best MPC and software for a beginner

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best MPC and software for a beginner

By dutch$ Thu Jun 14, 2012 10:20 pm
What up

So Ive been playing the drums for a pretty long time and have been interested in hip hop as long as i can remember. I want to try and start making beats with the finger drumming and sampling but I'm not really too educated with the technology. What I would like to know for starters is -
Good beginner MCP
What software to use
Does the MPC come with drum sound effects or do they need to be downloaded
Do i need a midi Keyboard for other sounds

not too worried about the sampling right now, i just want to get comfortable with the finger drumming and software with out spending a ton of money. Once i get the hang of it obviously ill upgrade my stuff.

thanks - Dutch$

Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By substance Fri Jun 15, 2012 2:35 pm
dutch$ wrote:What up

So Ive been playing the drums for a pretty long time and have been interested in hip hop as long as i can remember. I want to try and start making beats with the finger drumming and sampling but I'm not really too educated with the technology. What I would like to know for starters is -
Good beginner MCP


What software to use
I use ableton live, i find it a good sound editing/chopping as wel as sequencing program.
Does the MPC come with drum sound effects or do they need to be downloaded
Yes it does come with presets but you will have to download your own sounds. Sounds are not huge memory eaters, and if you get the 1000 you will have more than enough space on a CF Card.
Do i need a midi Keyboard for other sounds

not too worried about the sampling right now, i just want to get comfortable with the
finger drumming and software with out spending a ton of money. Once i get the hang of it obviously ill upgrade my stuff.

thanks - Dutch$


1- I would say to invest in an MPC 1000. Very compact and powerful and easy to learn.

2- I use ableton live, i find it a good sound editing/chopping as wel as sequencing program.

3- Yes it does come with presets but you will have to download your own sounds. Sounds are not huge memory eaters, and if you get the 1000 you will have more than enough space on a CF Card.

4- Not for "other" sounds, all wav sounds can be loaded into the MPC. Midi keyboard would be useful for many things like triggering sounds, basslines...

Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By dutch$ Sat Jun 16, 2012 1:29 am
thanks substance, what would i be missing out if i went with the 500 vs the 1000 since money is a little tight. Also whats a good program to use to download sounds since i dont have the money for a table to sample off of
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Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By Menco Sat Jun 16, 2012 8:30 am
The MPC1000 just has more to offer. 16 pads instead of 12, better screen and tools for sample editing. Plus the 1k can run a 3rd party OS named JJOS. This really turns the mpc into a powerful sampler. They are not that expensive on ebay.

For free software you can download audacity. You can import files in there, crop the sample and then copy it to the MPC's CF card.
Or try to get a hand on a lite version of one of the daw's.
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Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By dudi Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:10 pm
If it's not the matter of money get 1000.
If you want it for practicing finger drumming 500 would be enough (despite the fact it has got 12 instead of 16 pads). But it's also a good machine.
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Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By Ian Canefire Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:23 pm
If you don't care about the sampler side of things then get a Boss DR880. It is a great sounding drum machine. It has a great layout, magnificient drum sound, and it is easy to learn. Can be had for $250 or less.
If you insist on an mpc all I can say is I bought a 4000 for $500 and it is incredible. Probably the best gear purchase I have ever made(especially considering the price point) People are selling them lately because they want to buy the MPC Renaissance.
If you really want to go cheap and you don't care about the 16 pad layout, then get a Yamaha SU700. It is a great drum machine/sampler that can be had for any where from $75-$200.
cheers,
Ian

Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By dutch$ Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:03 pm
thanks everyone, what do you think about buying one off a website like craigslist where i could go and actually look at it in person. What should i check for the most if im buying one used
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Re: best MPC and software for a beginner

By Roger Nodge Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:25 pm
dutch$ wrote:thanks everyone, what do you think about buying one off a website like craigslist where i could go and actually look at it in person. What should i check for the most if im buying one used

I found my 1000 on the Guitar Center used page at a local enough store for $400. Felt a little safer than off of craigslist. When I got home and fired it up it already had the mem upgrade and some drum kits on the CF card. hat's the flipside of not knowing exactly what you get when it's not NIB. Good luck.
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