Hey guys! I'm new and need some help picking stuff out.

Hey guys! My name's La'Vonte. Some call me Stratosquare (Stage name). I've got a MAJOR problem. Okay, so I originally was going to get the Maschine Mikro Mk2, then I found out that the Machine MK1 was suuuper cheap IF you can find it online. So, I had to do my last resort option which was ebay and found some killer deals. I sent them to my Aunt (who's buying me whichever is chosen) but, we all know ebay isn't 100% reliable and it's still all luck/chance. So, I decided I'd look at some Akai products! I really liked the look of the MPD32, but then I realized it's super old. That's not a problem of course, but it might not be what I'm looking forward to. See, I really idol Jeremy Ellis and all of his music/performances. In his tutorials, they say "Machine/MPC" notice the /. So, I immediately had thought, hey! Let's look at MPC's! Went to the Akai site blah blah. I'm basically repeating what I just said. The MPD's are really nice IMO. I mean, I looked up "Trigger Finger" on Amazon and the M-Audio Trigger Finger obviously came up, but guess what was under it. MPD32! So, that sparked me right away. I like the Maschine because it's got pads, knobs, and pretty much everything I could ask for. Not to mention, the programs. Maschine, Komplete 8, and Massive! Which those cost a whole lot of money! I need a beat making machine, has full function over tempo, pitch, swing, etc. Has fast reaction speed (a.k.a. NO delay), I can pick up my fingers fast and blah blah you get the deal! I'm NOT looking for a mixer much at all.. My friend recommended the N4 and I'm like Bro, I'm not looking for a mixer. I need a sequencer pattern 16 pad machine! So, he obviously thought I should get the trigger finger because he's a fan of Skrillex and thinks the thing is tight. Well, IMO the Maschine and MPC/MPD's are way better. I don't know what to pick. My overall choice is the Maschine but like I mentioned those are all on ebay and I might end up picking Akai either way. My price range is from 0-250ish. Like the price of the MPD32. I don't really like that 85$ MPC. It's too small, doesn't have enough knobs, and just.. It looks cheap. And, I like the maschine because it tells you if you hit it by glowing. I like the lights in general. Please reply! Reply to THIS please do! But, I'd get around faster to my email which is [email protected]. Thanks guys! ~Stratosquare

First off, I can't tell if you know this(you may), but an MPD is NOT the same thing as an MPC. Two totally different things.

An MPC is a sampler and sequencer. You do not need anything other than MPC and samples to make music with it. Also, it can be used as a MIDI controller.

An MPD is just a MIDI controller. Without software, you cannot make music. Ableton Live and the MPD seem to be popular match.

The Maschine comes with it's own software....you can start making music right out of the box.

So, with that said, my question for you is: what exactly are you wanting? Software or Hardware? If software, what software are you going to be running?

Peace.

Thanks for the feedback! Also, thank you sooo much for that info. I didn't know that and I would have been done for. I have FL Studio with a lot of VST's sonibwould have been fine somewhat but I guess I'm set up with mpc or Maschine. You ask for Hardware or Software and I can't even decide. Hardware I guess because I could fine software anywhere not to mention Maschine has its own. I have a lot of samples I could provide for the MPC if It doesn't come with it. So what mpc do you think would be good? Remember not over 250. Anything that Jeremy Ellis used ill check out too 8; it's an acceptable. Let me know!

Stratosquare wrote:Thanks for the feedback! Also, thank you sooo much for that info. I didn't know that and I would have been done for. I have FL Studio with a lot of VST's sonibwould have been fine somewhat but I guess I'm set up with mpc or Maschine. You ask for Hardware or Software and I can't even decide. Hardware I guess because I could fine software anywhere not to mention Maschine has its own. I have a lot of samples I could provide for the MPC if It doesn't come with it. So what mpc do you think would be good? Remember not over 250. Anything that Jeremy Ellis used ill check out too 8; it's an acceptable. Let me know!

Well, the thing about software like fruity loops, is that you can use the MPD to control things by assigning stuff like sample chops/drums/etc to the pads. What kind of music do you make? The only fully hardware MPC's you are probably going to get for $250 or under are the 2k Classic or MAYBE a 500(probably not). If you make sample based music rather than VST's, I guess I would grab the 2k. Even then, you could still sequence out bass or synth parts in your DAW after your tracks from the MPC are synched up to the DAW. The next cheapest hardware MPC's are the 2k XL's.....which range from $250-500 depending on what upgrades they have.

Hmm. Alright! Electronic, if you will. I dint stuck to just dubstep because people are biased and opinionated so I make moonbahton, dubstep, house, etc. I mess around a lot my songs suck loll. Soundcloud.com/Lavonte-clark

Well if I were to not get the Masching or Mikro, what do you suggest by akai. Or maybe the trigger finger. Trigger finger. Last resort. Something close to the Maschine a/o Mikro. Adjustable knobs.. Hm. Easy group selection. Ya know the deal. Thanks.

Listened to your stuff...and know people who make that kind of stuff....my honest thoughts? Get an MPD and Ableton Live. You obviously can't get both right now, but I know dude's that make electronic music that love Ableton's workflow. But an MPD26 is $199...you can use that with fruity loops immediately.

sirparksalot wrote:Listened to your stuff...and know people who make that kind of stuff....my honest thoughts? Get an MPD and Ableton Live. You obviously can't get both right now, but I know dude's that make electronic music that love Ableton's workflow. But an MPD26 is $199...you can use that with fruity loops immediately.

MPD 32s are $219 with an additional 15% off right now at Guitar Center. Great deal!

sirparksalot wrote:An MPC is a sampler and sequencer. You do not need anything other than MPC and samples to make music with it.

Not anymore

sirparksalot wrote:Listened to your stuff...and know people who make that kind of stuff....my honest thoughts? Get an MPD and Ableton Live. You obviously can't get both right now, but I know dude's that make electronic music that love Ableton's workflow. But an MPD26 is $199...you can use that with fruity loops immediately.

So, pretty much I'm good with an MPD? I mean, to me I THINK I want more than a Midi controller. Pretty sure. I just liked how the MPD32 had more knobs and stuff. The 26 is exceptional as well though. So say, all of the ebay offers I mention go negatively and don't work out, and my choice is to get an Akai product. Which should I get? Remembering that I have FL, plenty of samples and VST's including massive (it was shared, so not official.), etc. Why an MPD over an MPC? The MPC seems are alike to the Maschine from what I've read from you. Say, I have a live show. I've got my laptop up there.. And I'm going to play songs (maybe with like an N4, because my friend said he'll let me borrow it and maybe keep it), but also play a beat with a beat making device. What would be the one, disregarding any of the NI's? Which would last longer, which is in my price range, which is the most compatible.. I mean, I really would like to use the device WITHOUT FL. It'd be cool with it, no doubt.. But like you said earlier.. The Maschine's and MPC's can play right out of the box because I'm guessing the software and samples.

Stratosquare wrote:[So, pretty much I'm good with an MPD? I mean, to me I THINK I want more than a Midi controller. Pretty sure. I just liked how the MPD32 had more knobs and stuff. The 26 is exceptional as well though. So say, all of the ebay offers I mention go negatively and don't work out, and my choice is to get an Akai product. Which should I get? Remembering that I have FL, plenty of samples and VST's including massive (it was shared, so not official.), etc. Why an MPD over an MPC? The MPC seems are alike to the Maschine from what I've read from you. Say, I have a live show. I've got my laptop up there.. And I'm going to play songs (maybe with like an N4, because my friend said he'll let me borrow it and maybe keep it), but also play a beat with a beat making device. What would be the one, disregarding any of the NI's? Which would last longer, which is in my price range, which is the most compatible.. I mean, I really would like to use the device WITHOUT FL. It'd be cool with it, no doubt.. But like you said earlier.. The Maschine's and MPC's can play right out of the box because I'm guessing the software and samples.

The mpd32 is still a midi controller, even if you had 1000 knobs it's still a midi controller. The Maschine is a midi controller. So no the MPC is not more like Mashcine than an mpd. With Maschine it's just a controller for software on the computer,with a Mpd it's just a controller for software on the computer. An MPC is a controller with the software inside it, no computer needed in the equation.

Just with where your at and what music you make, get an Mpd or a Maschine. Not an MPC... Until your at the point to know why exactly your doing it, and that's it right for you. Keep the computer as the main hub of what's going on, and just get a controller.

m56p87 wrote:

Stratosquare wrote:[So, pretty much I'm good with an MPD? I mean, to me I THINK I want more than a Midi controller. Pretty sure. I just liked how the MPD32 had more knobs and stuff. The 26 is exceptional as well though. So say, all of the ebay offers I mention go negatively and don't work out, and my choice is to get an Akai product. Which should I get? Remembering that I have FL, plenty of samples and VST's including massive (it was shared, so not official.), etc. Why an MPD over an MPC? The MPC seems are alike to the Maschine from what I've read from you. Say, I have a live show. I've got my laptop up there.. And I'm going to play songs (maybe with like an N4, because my friend said he'll let me borrow it and maybe keep it), but also play a beat with a beat making device. What would be the one, disregarding any of the NI's? Which would last longer, which is in my price range, which is the most compatible.. I mean, I really would like to use the device WITHOUT FL. It'd be cool with it, no doubt.. But like you said earlier.. The Maschine's and MPC's can play right out of the box because I'm guessing the software and samples.

The mpd32 is still a midi controller, even if you had 1000 knobs it's still a midi controller. The Maschine is a midi controller. So no the MPC is not more like Mashcine than an mpd. With Maschine it's just a controller for software on the computer,with a Mpd it's just a controller for software on the computer. An MPC is a controller with the software inside it, no computer needed in the equation.

Just with where your at and what music you make, get an Mpd or a Maschine. Not an MPC... Until your at the point to know why exactly your doing it, and that's it right for you. Keep the computer as the main hub of what's going on, and just get a controller.

Okay thank you! That made up that idea! So, which do I pick now.. MPD32 or MPD26?

Get a glock 9 and blow your brains out.

Ill-Green wrote:Get a glock 9 and blow your brains out.

Harsh Ill.

@Strat. Get the 32.

MeSoHordey wrote:

Ill-Green wrote:Get a glock 9 and blow your brains out.

Harsh Ill.

@Strat. Get the 32.

What a dick.. Anyway, thanks. Everyone's been a lot of help! Back to where I was, just with more info. Maschine if I'm lucky, but MPD32 is a for sure.

Sounds like you'll get more out of Maschine.