MPC vs S-series Sampler

I was wondering what the workflow is like using an MPC, vs using some sort of sequencer with an Alsi S series sampler -- like the S1000. How come they are so much less desirable if they also sound great?

dtirer wrote:I was wondering what the workflow is like using an MPC, vs using some sort of sequencer with an Alsi S series sampler -- like the S1000. How come they are so much less desirable if they also sound great?

because the s series is a series of samplers... the mpc is a series of drum machine sampler sequencers..... you can make a full beat on an mpc alone... cant do that on an s series. P.S. the s series is in demand, look how prices on the s900 and s950 has doubled in the last year or two.

That wasn't really my question. I know that an S series is just a sampler. I was asking how using an MPC vs using a sequencer in conjunction with an S series differ? Is it about the same or is it harder to work with the rack units?

mr_debauch wrote:

dtirer wrote:I was wondering what the workflow is like using an MPC, vs using some sort of sequencer with an Alsi S series sampler -- like the S1000. How come they are so much less desirable if they also sound great?

because the s series is a series of samplers... the mpc is a series of drum machine sampler sequencers..... you can make a full beat on an mpc alone... cant do that on an s series. P.S. the s series is in demand, look how prices on the s900 and s950 has doubled in the last year or two.

well it's harder to use a sequencer (like an mpc, asq, etc..) and s-series than it is to use an mpc because you need to connect midi cables... and know how it should be rigged up. After you know those things, it's the same almost... except you would need to power on more than one piece of gear.

Chances are you would be using an mpc to sequence the s series anyways... it winds up basically being the same workflow process as only using the mpc, except you might have a midi keyboard for triggering the s series samples.

mr_debauch wrote:the s series is in demand, look how prices on the s900 and s950 has doubled in the last year or two.

The S series are definitely in demand because they have the sound characteristics associated with a particular period in time S900/S950 = 1980's 12 bit Akai sound, S1000/S1100 = 1990's 16 bit Akai sound, S3000/S3200/XL = mid to late 1990's 16 bit Akai sound on so on. Also the features improved with each new generation.

The early MPC's were lacking in features when compared to their S series cousins, so using the two in combination is also a popular setup choice. The S1000/S1100's are beginning to pick up in price too as people realise just how good they actually sound for an early 16 bit rack sampler.

If you're considering an S series rack, I suggest you get one while their still quite cheap. These are/ were the most popular sampler range on the planet for good reason.

Yeah can't get to specific because your not asking about any particular machines, just mpc's and s-samplers in general. Are there some machines your looking at specifically?

Some details on the S series samplers, written in 1996.

http://machines.hyperreal.org/manufactu ... mplers.txt

my s3000i had a great sound. but to me it was a pita to program. something like the s6000 with it´s detachable display would have come in handy.

plus i like to stay focused on one machine. so i am rocking the 2500 with jjosxl now.

but that´s just me...

I guess the S1000, but i'm talking mostly about the general workflow of using a separate rack sampler and a separate sequencer of some sort, vs an 'all in one' MPC

m56p87 wrote:Yeah can't get to specific because your not asking about any particular machines, just mpc's and s-samplers in general. Are there some machines your looking at specifically?

Some reasons they may be less desirable:

* Racks samplers are less comfortable to use than an mpc.. unless you have a tilted rack.
* Storage is more complicated using a seq and separate rack sampler... as opposed to just one mpc.
* The s series racks are really heavy and big, not so easy to package well for shipping... and not cheap to ship either.
* People are sleeping.

With that said, you will find lots of great gear that's not desirable for no good reason at all....
Is fashion based on reason?

... By right the s1100 should go for the same price or more than the asr10, it has tighter midi, is more reliable... has a stable os etc. fx unit is on the same level IMHO .....
More options regarding modern storage, 32MB max RAM.

On the flipside, the asr is sexier looking, has a nicer display... and a very nice, but more coloured sound... As as synth the asr is also more interesting (transwaves)... and has more depth feature-wise.

All in all I put them on the same level... and think that if fashion was a reflection of knowledge/logic .. they would be both desired equally as much.

Back to the topic, if you can get an s series rack for cheap, and there are still lots of good deals... get it, try it out with an mpc... decide for yourself if you like it, if not, sell it.

szr wrote:
... By right the s1100 should go for the same price or more than the asr10,

I'm thinking of scooping up some of those, while the going is good (and cheap)...

clint246clint wrote:

szr wrote:
... By right the s1100 should go for the same price or more than the asr10,

I'm thinking of scooping up some of those, while the going is good (and cheap)...

The 1100 is one I just dont remember the facts about... this one is similar to the 1000, no? I always wanted my own s1000...

mr_debauch wrote:The 1100 is one I just dont remember the facts about... this one is similar to the 1000, no? I always wanted my own s1000...

A review of the Akai S1100 by Mike Collins (1990), it certainly wasn't cheap at a similar price to the MPC60.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j& ... 4A&cad=rja

The Official Akai S Series Thread...

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=128963

Happy reading.

re:1100
I was told by a few ppl from the US that bought them back in the day, that maxed out they cost 8-10k$
The RAM expansion alone was in the thousands.
There's some hardcore tech info in this: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep05/a ... cience.htm

Wish more newbies would read stuff like that before hitting the forums.

.... I've watched alot of ebay auctions for s1000/s1100 s ... most are not maxed out RAM-wise.... that's the only problem with them. I maxed out all 3 of mine.... but I cheated by using ram I got from an s1000 I bought just cos it was maxed on the RAM front.. I left a 2MB module in it and sold it on the cheap.

Also selling them maxed out doesn't seem to bring in alot more money.... You can also buy the RAM new.... for 400$ or something close to that.

http://www.firstpr.com.au/rwi/smem/ (AUD$541.20)

http://www.masterbits.de/exp_e.htm (119€ per 8mb) ... I heard this place are sold out on them... but can't confirm if thats the case.

**** the newbies. More cheap and quanties for us.