MPC500 or MPC Studio

I'm relatively new to producing. I recently purchased a MPK Mini (Has 8 Drums pads and 25 Keys), however it's mainly a MIDI Controller for any DAW.

The problem is I absolutely hate using DAW and Software programs for making music. I originally set my eyes on the MPC Studio but the release date has (repeatedly) been pushed back until November.

However, I was looking around in the store and they have a lone MPC500 sitting on the shelf screaming at me. I've seen youtube videos and I love the workflow of simply putting in samples and banging out beats right away instead of figuring out how to use software programs on my computer.

Now the question is:
Wait until the MPC-Studio comes out or purchase the MPC500?

They're both in the same price range (500-600) bucks, I'm mainly producing hip-hop beats because I also rap, and I figured I might as well learn to do both since I'm surrounded by [censored] in my hometown of Brampton.

Thanks,

-Falox

Well the Studio will obviously still have you tethered to a computer, but of course it's designed to let you focus on the controller itself as if it were hardware. I guess you'd have to weigh the benefits to you personally of a totally standalone unit (that can still send and receive MIDI to/from a DAW) or the benefits of plugin hosting and access to more sample memory and faster loading of sounds. But generally yeah I think you wait for the Studio to drop to make a more informed comparison. The Ren/Studio software should have it's first update by then too. Personally I almost feel a MPC 1000 would be the one to pit against the Studio, and those can easily be found for $500-$600 used.

Just a tip, I see used 500's for $250-$300 lately.

T Dot area? PM me if you're ever down in WNY.

Falox wrote:The problem is I absolutely hate using DAW and Software programs for making music.

You said it, but if your new to this music thing the benefits of using software may not be obvious to you yet. Remember that hardware relies on software to to work, so the "I don't like software" argument is moot.

I'd leave the 500 on the shelf if I were you and consider a used 1000 and a download of Reaper.

Falox wrote:I've seen youtube videos and I love the workflow of simply putting in samples and banging out beats right away instead of figuring out how to use software programs on my computer.

those videos only show the person "simply" banging samples on the pads.... they didn't magically get there when the machine was turned on.... a lot of work goes into finding samples, editing them in software or on the machine (which takes even longer than in software when using the 500) .... they just dont show you that in the video because it would be boring...... in other words, they aren't showing you the workflow of the 500..... they are hiding it from you.

honestly, i would go with a mpc 1000 over an mpc 500 for your first mpc.

you can see the waveforms and you have the jjos2xl you can buy for 123 dollars.
its way more powerful than the 500 will ever be (because akai stopped updating the 500 os, and probably never will again) but the jjos is an aftermarket os which is constatly updated and bug-fixed.

you can find on on ebay with the jjos2xl for about 5 to 6 hundred. i wouldnt look for any other one than wiht 2xl.

also the xlcd screen will be constantly being upgraded which willl add a whole nother level of funcionality to the 1000.

i would say a 500 would be good for your second mpc or third, after you already have the workflow down.

the 1k has so much more potential than the 500 does, and honestly, if you get one that hasnt been dropped off a building or abused, they hold up well; buying used is something that anyone that has been in the market for mpc's for awhile does.

I started on the 500 and switched to Maschine and haven't really used the 500 since. On that basis alone I'd recommend the studio over the 500.

The 500 is a nice, easy to use box though - just limited compared to a software/hardware combo.

mastasteez wrote:I started on the 500 and switched to Maschine and haven't really used the 500 since.

Yeah, I wouldn't go with either the MPC500 or Studio. I'd recommend Maschine.

emptysea wrote:

mastasteez wrote:I started on the 500 and switched to Maschine and haven't really used the 500 since.

Yeah, I wouldn't go with either the MPC500 or Studio. I'd recommend Maschine.

what a suprise!

m56p87 wrote:

emptysea wrote:

mastasteez wrote:I started on the 500 and switched to Maschine and haven't really used the 500 since.

Yeah, I wouldn't go with either the MPC500 or Studio. I'd recommend Maschine.

what a suprise!

peace

IMO, Used 1000 for $400- $600 depending on extras.

I understand how a MPC machine works, although I've technically never owned one lol. At the moment I'm using the MPK Mini drum pads as a substitute sampler when I'm using Fruity Loops or Audacity. However I /really/ want a MPC machine.

I'm a highschool student and can't afford a 1,200$ drum machine. That's why I was looking forward to the MPC Studio, but it doesn't seem like it's going to be released any time soon.

Falox wrote:I understand how a MPC machine works, although I've technically never owned one lol. At the moment I'm using the MPK Mini drum pads as a substitute sampler when I'm using Fruity Loops or Audacity. However I /really/ want a MPC machine.

I'm a highschool student and can't afford a 1,200$ drum machine. That's why I was looking forward to the MPC Studio, but it doesn't seem like it's going to be released any time soon.

There's a black MPC 1000 for $449USD at the Buffalo,NY Guitar Center if you decide you want a 1000 and would travel 2 hours to get it. (put 14216 in the zip code box on the GC used gear search to view it, you can't link to the individual listings)

I ended up buying a MPC500 and XR-20 for 300$.

Falox wrote:I ended up buying a MPC500 and XR-20 for 300$.

Let us know when you inevitably buy a 1000.

I probably won't end up making the MPC1000 my next purchase. I've already per-ordered the MPC Studio.

The guy who sold me the MPC 500 and XR-20 also included the 128mb RAM Upgrade, a 2GB memory card, and an Akai Pro Soundcard for free!