A studio decision... (fag post)

...yeah another fag-post across the lines of "should I ditch my MPC X for MPC Y?"

I got a maxed 2.5K, full package (jjXL, HD, DVD, RAM) just missing the XLCD.

I normally work bouncing samples from my 303 and 404 into the MPC, sequencing there and re-flipping the master into the SPs for added FX-flava:-)

Often the 303 will collect the master-out while the 404 acts as a send-return fx-unit from the individual out 1-2 into the record-in (input thru)

No mixer, I track into a USB edirol Audio card, and I'm pretty satisfied with it.

Lately, I've been **** around solely with the 303/404 combo, feeling a great deal of immediate satisfaction. It surely differs from the MPC workflow I'm used too, it brings a different set of options to the table. I'm surely left without fine control on trimming/slicing BUT with a finer focus on sample character/texture.

So I wonder: should I sell my **** (and buy that €199 MPC500 I saw at the pawn-shop, should I ever need a better sequencer) ?

In other words: MPC500 with ext. Mixer = MPC2500 ?

I know, there is no good/bad answer and I will have to figure it out by myself... just what do you think about this scenario?

PS
Yeah, it's kinda gay (no stab/disrespect... they can marry/adopt/buy minivans)

The MPC2500 is so versatile that you chance is big you will miss it after a while.

Sure the MPC500 has the same tight midi sequencer, it's just not as powerful as the 2500. And even for only sequencing the 500 is in a disadvantage because of the small screen.

If I were you I would keep the MPC2500 on the side and see if you might want to fall back on the 2500 on the long run.

Menco wrote:
If I were you I would keep the MPC2500 on the side and see if you might want to fall back on the 2500 on the long run.

yep... that's pretty much what I was thinking about it. Just I'm fascinated with the idea of a 'small' set up... for the screen estate, I'm not that worried since I prefer chopping/trimming by ear. What I'd miss would be the individual audio outs/input thru facility and the additional midi out sockets... maybe the filter/ AMP ADSR too. I can work-around the smaller polyphony and the absence of audio tracks.

Don't know yet: I'm that kind of cat who gets more creative adapting to a changing environment so redesigning my work-flow appeals to me.

probably not helping you, but just wanted to say how much i like sequencing the 303 from my mpc1000. also easy to sync the sequencers if i want to work on both machines.

Funkydrops wrote:Don't know yet: I'm that kind of cat who gets more creative adapting to a changing environment so redesigning my work-flow appeals to me.

So there will be a day you want to switch back to the MPC 2500. Eventhough if it's just for a few week. There will be a day you want to get away from the SP's to change it up. Or maybe want to throw in another kit. Then the MPC is perfect with the midi outs and the simple sequencer.

Yep... you guys are damn right. I'll save up and eventually buy the cheap-ass 500, without selling my green lady.

Def. keep the 25, and instead of bouncing the sample into the 2500 why don't you just midi sequence the Sp with the 2500 and save a lot of time?

Lampdog wrote:Keep the 2500, I think you will regret it later on.

+1

konc3pt wrote:

Lampdog wrote:Keep the 2500, I think you will regret it later on.

+1

+1,000,000.

Especially when youre thinking about a 500, just for its sequencer, anyways.


EDIT:That green beast is sick. You should sell it to me, lol.

word!

I have both, and in no way I could imagine 0.5k replacing my 2.5k..
and that mpc looks dope!

ArKyve-31 wrote:Def. keep the 25, and instead of bouncing the sample into the 2500 why don't you just midi sequence the Sp with the 2500 and save a lot of time?

+1

chopping by ear... how sweet that sounds... except... you will regret having to hop through piles of extra menus by ear.. track mute by ear (or dots representing tracks).. get used to only 12 pads by ear.. get around the bugs of a non-updated OS by ear.. break your fingers on unresponsive pads by ear.. working with a non-JJOS-nukai mpc by ear.. etc...

they go for a couple hundred bucks used... might as well do as you say... just grab one on the side for the fun of it.

es-k wrote:

ArKyve-31 wrote:Def. keep the 25, and instead of bouncing the sample into the 2500 why don't you just midi sequence the Sp with the 2500 and save a lot of time?

+1

Thanks everybody. Just want to address that one above.

The funny thing using the SPs is their all-in-one factor. Plus, when sequencing into the MPC, I get more control when the samples are into the machine... again a bit of all-in-one mentality. I really like both workflows, it's just that lately I'm having more fun when the mpc is off. But really, I've got your points guys. Won't sell the mpc, I will just leave it off for some times: I've recorded plenty of samples into 303/404 and I'm having fun sequencing them with that limited shit. Some of them already appear into my mpc beats, so it's kind of a reverse-remix project I'm undertaking. Back to the sample sources. Less frills, more fun. Thanks again.