Need assistance on Gear!

Hello…

After a long and hard decision, i've decided to invest into some beat-making equipment, as my dream is to become a hip-hop producer..

I currently have this array of equipment:

Macbook 13inch Laptop
Akai LPK25 MIDI controller keyboard
Logic Pro 8
Turntable (not sure of exact model)

I have decided to start off with purchasing an MPC1000, yet I am not going to buy it until I learn every single little detail about the equipment and what I will need to successfully and efficiently make beats..

I have been told that I will need an audio interface, and a fair amount of cables to connect all my equipment together, plus, I would like to know how to transfer samples from my macbook onto my mpc?

I'd appreciate it if anyone could help me out with this, what Audio Interface I would need, what cables I would need, etc, as I am very eager to start as have been saving for this equipment for months!

Thanks very much

Jynks

Best advice I can give you is as you lead up to your decisions treat this forum's archives like going to the library every day. Everything you need info on is here. The more you immerse yourself in all that the clearer it all becomes.

You could go without an interface but life is better with one. Your software stuff benefits and you have better inputs to record into than the laptops in built 1/8" jacks.

The 1000 could work alone or with the computer so you have some versatility there. Be sure to get one with the 128MB of RAM already installed. (although cheap sticks are out there if it isn't already maxed) If properly looked over before purchase used MPC's are not a huge risk given how much you will save. The pads on a 1000 are lacking even on a newer black model, so maybe factor in the $40 bucks to get the Fat Pads from MPCStuff.com.

If you don't get an interface (they usually have MIDI I/O built in) figure 20-40 bucks for a basic USB to MIDI interface. Then you can use the 1000's pads to control any instrument software you may end up with.

I've had many interfaces so just elaborate on your budget and the basics of how you envision your recording and I'd be happy to recommend some.

But generally the more you research the more pointed your questions will be and it's easier for guys who've been at this for a minute to assist.

definitely get the mpc 1000 first and ASAP!..with a pair of headphones or active monitor speakers (dont need to be too big or expensive) to go with it and a CF card. upgrade the pads, maybe install a hdm-10 kit and hard drive if not done already

-then get a used turntable and turnatable preamp.. and maybe a new stylus if necessary

-then, once you're an MPC master, get a computer running some sort of multitracking software and an interface that will allow you to make use of the MPC's multiple outputs.. you may consider a USB or firewire mixer to function as an interface so that you can hook up its sends to the MPC for re-sampling etc - but youll know by then how you want to use it.

but also dont think about it too much at this point - just get the MPC and start practicing on it.. the cables and other necessary gear will become obvious, and you can be having fun playing on it while you are learning it in the meantime.

like metatron72 said - do your research on what to look for in purchasing an MPC, especially if used:

-specifically ask seller if all buttons are working
-specifically ask seller if pad sensors are working
-specifically ask seller if all knobs and sliders are working
-make sure its got the new style pads (either with pad upgrade or is a newer black MPC)
-buy a can of deoxit D5 - youll need it for the buttons

you could also go with the laptop and software first. but not as fun in my opinion.. become a master of one thing before moving on to the next thing.

golfdogz wrote:In my opinion.. become a master of one thing before moving on to the next thing.

Co-sign

Thankyou very much to the both of you, I agree with both of your statements, just need to purchase the MPC in the next few days, get practicing on it and learn the techniques!

Then i'll purchase an interface to use with my Logic Pro 8 when i'm comfortable with the equipment! Only one more question, in your experience, what is a great and affordable audio interface to get the best out of the MPC?

As for the pads, i'll ask the required questions and may purchase a set of new pads and the HDM-10 kit, to make sure i'm fully equipped for a long period of time.

Thanks again,

Jynks

mpc1000 with the new pads and jjos makes an excellent first mpc... all you ever need right there.

Jynks I'm going to guess that affordable bordering on dirt cheap interface was what you implied.

I think the Presonus FireStudio mobile is one of the best sub $300 interfaces at $249. It has enough inputs to cover a 6 or 8 out MPC as far as analog, and you get MIDI and SPIDF digital connections on a breakout cable keeping the overall size really small. It sounds great and does lower latencies for your software stuff very well. Probably the best low latency performance I've seen on an interface that cheap.

http://www.presonus.com/products/FireStudio-Mobile

just a few more questions, (im relatively new to the hardware side of production)

is using an audio interface the only way of getting my mpc tracks and data onto my computer? or is there another way?

Can i import samples that i have cut down from music off my computer straight into my mpc, thus defeating the need for using the turtables?

thanks again,

JYnks