Do i really need a mpc?

http://www.mpc2000xl.com/mpc_vs_computer.htm
There is something about the immediate instant gratification that an MPC delivers that software can't. Notes are easily entered, samples easily trimmed, quick boot-up time, parameters easily changed and editing quickly performed.

mpc2000xl site "What To Expect"
just an opinion, but I have to agree, obviously hardware sampler/sequencers are limited compared to computer software, but for the work flow its nice to just have one box ready to go without having to calibrate controller latency, playback latency, stuff like that.


Also I'm pretty sure there are synths built into some of the higher end boss sp samplers(the ones that more resemble MPCs like sp555). Probably not the best synth tones but its gotta be neat if you can resample it and add more layers

I'd suggest to look for Yamaha RS7000.
It is a great sequencer with synth and sampler to start with, if you really want to produce "dance music" with harware only.

I think if you want instant satisfaction get an MPC. I learned on software for years before I went all analog/hardware with my MPC classic, it was an incredibly easy switch once you have good foundation of knowledge from using software.

You buy and MPC, youll only learn what it does. So if you ever use anything else your knowledge will only extended as far as the MPC did. Something like reason emulates all aspects of an analog setup so your learning about on a whole.

IMHO It would be easier and more beneficial to start with software, but wayyy more fun to ge an MPC. So are you in this for the long haul or just want to play around a bit? I would think a bit, a lot of the cats I know that have MPC's don't know shit about production and if they do it only pertains to their own workflow. I can safely say I use the knowledge I gained from my previous musical incarnations daily.

Most people that make these kind of posts already have their minds made up, but want justification from peers. So if you do get an MPC, just make sure you read beyond simply what the MPC can offer.

Tobando wrote:Hi everyone! I'm totally new to the world of electronic music production, so this is probably quite a simple, dumb question, but i'm just starting to look around.
I noticed the mpc 500, read a few reviews, watched a few videos, and i really liked it. But i'd like to do acid/deep house, techno and minimal (i'm not really into hip hop etc), and many people say that, for that kind of music, the korg electribe emx1 is way better. What i would like to do is to play with the pad, come up with a drum beat, add a bassline and maybe a few melodic synth phrases. (i'm talking about something simple here, since i'm a complete newbie!) The fact is, i don't like the korg's layout, it seems more confusing and complex than the akai, plus, i really love the portability of the 500. I understood that the emx1 is better than the mpc 500 (in this specific case) 'cause it has a built in synth, while the akai doesn't, am i right? On the akai i would have to use either a synth connected to it, either a software synth, sample it and then assign it to a pad, right? would it be possible to assign a single synth note to each single pad (so, as the pads are 12, i would have an octave), and then use it as a keyboard (and would it be quite the same thing as having the korg, in this case? or would it still be quite different?)? I'm sorry if i misunderstood something or if it's really a basic question! anyway, thanks for your help!

You absolutely do not need any MPC. And trying to pair a generic MIDI controller to software is too much hassle and definitely not beginner friendly.

I would recommend Maschine or going the iPad route (Beatmaker2, Nanostudio, Garageband...etc.)

And trying to pair a generic MIDI controller to software is too much hassle and definitely not beginner friendly.

beginners should not be the target market for musical instruments. f*ck em, kindly, until they learn - they have the internet, there is zero excuse for helplessness. the beginner has never been in a better position, ever.

imagine if traditional musical instruments were built for beginners.
jeezus.

m56p87 wrote:I think if you want instant satisfaction get an MPC. I learned on software for years before I went all analog/hardware with my MPC classic, it was an incredibly easy switch once you have good foundation of knowledge from using software.

You buy and MPC, youll only learn what it does. So if you ever use anything else your knowledge will only extended as far as the MPC did. Something like reason emulates all aspects of an analog setup so your learning about on a whole.

IMHO It would be easier and more beneficial to start with software, but wayyy more fun to ge an MPC. So are you in this for the long haul or just want to play around a bit? I would think a bit, a lot of the cats I know that have MPC's don't know **** about production and if they do it only pertains to their own workflow. I can safely say I use the knowledge I gained from my previous musical incarnations daily.

Most people that make these kind of posts already have their minds made up, but want justification from peers. So if you do get an MPC, just make sure you read beyond simply what the MPC can offer.

Starting out do not listen to this guy.This forum has Knowledge from the earliest
to the current in hardware software advice.Good luck and research.

Damn typo, hatin.

I was just saying that starting in software promotes a more balanced knowledge of music production, rather than just an MPC. I'm not saying you can't learn, but are you really gonna tell me a begginer is gonna get the same experience using just a sampler/sequencer compared to a whole enviorment like Reason?

I used reason for a few years before switching to the MPC, and I can say its made using an MPC an absolute breeze and a lot of fun. So by all means "listen to this guy".

I don't really see how there is a right answer here, it was my experience and it obviously worked.... But please educate me TYPO.....

how about a "phrase lab" or an "mc303".. both nice old roland/boss machines
nasty synth sounds. And out there for a budget!
Once u mastered one of those you CAN rock a party.. believe me..

oh, or a korg monotribe ...

Get an MV8800, turns any sound into a synth and the tools to tweak it. Like a Fanthom with 16 pads.