Should I switch from 4000 to 3000?

I can't fully explain why, but I am considering switching down to the 3000. I really like my 4000 and feel I have a pretty good hang of it, but like most people there are a ton of features I really don't use and I am considering something a little more clean and streamlined. I'm sure most of you can dig that too many options can get in the way (à la computer and such). Probably not a logical reason but a reason nonetheless; I also dig the classicness of the 3000. Obviously the correct answer is whatever fits my needs, but fact of the matter I'm not sure of all my present and future needs... do you think I will eventually miss all the features of the 4000?

Not trying to sound baller but money isn't really an issue, besides I'm guessing the 3000 is roughly the same price so it would be a simple swap?

AleksKlax wrote:I can't fully explain why, but I am considering switching down to the 3000. I really like my 4000 and feel I have a pretty good hang of it, but like most people there are a ton of features I really don't use and I am considering something a little more clean and streamlined. I'm sure most of you can dig that too many options can get in the way (à la computer and such). Probably not a logical reason but a reason nonetheless; I also dig the classicness of the 3000. Obviously the correct answer is whatever fits my needs, but fact of the matter I'm not sure of all my present and future... do you think I will eventually miss all the features of the 4000?

Not trying to sound baller but money isn't really an issue, besides I'm guessing the 3000 is roughly the same price so it would be a simple swap?

I have both. I recently put my 4000 in the closet, for now, for the exact same reason that you stated above, the abundance of options was getting in my head. Keep in mind, that I know the 4K like the back of my hand so it's not like it was too many options that I didn't know how to use. Some people strive with limitations, I am one of them, you may be one of them. Options wise, the 3K and the 4K aren't in same galaxy. The 3K shines as an extremely easy to use sequencer and drum machine, the two reasons that it was created. On the sample side of things, it is extremely limited. You can sample, chop (very manually and pragmatically by ear and numbers/no waveform, which I prefer), LP filter, layer, and that's about it. With all of that said, I feel like I've done some of my best work on the 3K. Now with that said, you will likely find that you will need something else to accompany the 3K. Depending on what you produce, it can be a synth or a sampler or rompler and when you get to that point, you have to question whether or not you should just use the 4K. Feel me? I personally have the 3K, a rack sampler, and some other weapons. I could just as easily get rid of all of it and take my 4K out of the closet. One day, I might, but not now. As of the time of this post, working in a way that this does this, this does this, and this does this, works well with me mentally. Also why I don't use a computer for music.

AleksKlax wrote:do you think I will eventually miss all the features of the 4000?

You can't miss what you don't use.

If you were a heavy Mod Matrix and Keygroup user you wouldn't even be considering the switch, because no other MPC excels in those departments.

IMO the 4K is equally as easy to use and mostly better than any MPC for workflow, sequencing and filtering. There's nothing wrong with switching up your gear though.

If money isn't an issue you should probably buy a 3K so you can check it out first.

Coz wrote:

AleksKlax wrote:do you think I will eventually miss all the features of the 4000?

You can't miss what you don't use.

If you were a heavy Mod Matrix and Keygroup user you wouldn't even be considering the switch, because no other MPC excels in those departments.

IMO the 4K is equally as easy to use and mostly better than any MPC for workflow, sequencing and filtering. There's nothing wrong with switching up your gear though.

If money isn't an issue you should probably buy a 3K so you can check it out first.

Agree with all of this. There is really no comparison options wise and it goes back to my point about the 3K, its a sequencer and a drum machine. If you used the advanced features of the 4K, you're going to have to add another piece and then you have to ask yourself if you should just use the 4K. Your call.

Thanks guys. i know that it is a hard question to answer but I totally catch what you are saying. I'm probably going to downsize, but I'm definitely going to give it a little time to digest. Respect.

As someone who owns both: keep the 4000. Now, if you are going to add it and keep the 4000, I would say go for it. But the 3000 is extremely limited compared to the 4000, and as mentioned above you basically have:

-Only 1 program active at a time (that means 4 pad banks active....but don't worry, chopping is such a pain in the ass that you won't ever fill those up)
-Only the low pass filter, no high pass. Gotta do that on your mixer sampling in.
-As mentioned before, chopping takes longer.....but strangely enough it's actually fun
-You lose mute groups. It's like the 2000xl where each pad can mute 2 other pads and that's it. If this is important to you then stay away.

Ok, now that I got the negative out of the way, I'll finish up with:
-The 3000 is built like a tank...it even makes the 4000 feel cheap.
-The simple menus are actually really nice. This machine is straight to the point.
-If you are sampling breaks and loops it really is a dream machine. The sampling engine is warm but still very clear. Drums actually DO sound fatter on the 3000 when sampled in.
-It's fun as hell. Making a beat on the 3000 is probably the most fun that I have on an MPC. However, due to the limitations I often find myself reaching for a different MPC with more features.

Hope this helped at least a little bit.....let us know what you decide!

I've just bought a 3000, and put my Ren in the closet for the same reasons. So far I'm loving the 3000. The sound is AMAZING! Drums sound heavy punchy and warm. The low pass filter is great, It just all sounds so hip hop. It really brings out character and a great feeling out of vinyl. If you make beats sampling vinyl I can't recommend it enough. There are some cons obviously, when you first fire it up you really feel like you've taken a BIG step back in time. It really is lacking in features, even small things like not having the ability to save in folders. The lack of features is a gift and a curse tho, the limitations make you work in a more creative way, and you really feel like your making music, not the computer. Chopping is LONG but fun, chopping by ear is better than looking at a waveform. Also your a lot careful about sample selection because you don't wanna waste time by looping up/chopping up a wack sample or break.

In a nutshell the 3k is DOPE, but it really is a dinosaur. I would def get one if I were you you won't regret it.
Peace

Since money is no issue, dont flip one just to get the other. That is the classic misjudgement, although many are forced into it due to finances.

Have both for a while, and if you cannot see the benefit of having arguably the two best two hardware MPC's together, then discard what you dont need.

Together the MPC3000 and MPC4000 is an incredible combo for sampling, chopping, sequencing, filters, FX, keygroups, I/O options, Aksys, file compatibility, CD-Rom, Mod matrix, Sound quality, build quality etc etc...

this is actually one of the better threads I've read on any forums about the differences between the two MPC's.

I'm a 3000 owner thats been thinking about getting a 4000 within the next year or so.

main thing drawing me to the 4000 are:
the mute groups,
better options for previewing sounds - I'd like to fill a internal drive full of drums
ADAT outs
Balanced XLR outs
WAV etc support

but:

really interesting to hear how other people are digging the straight forward basic nature of the 3000, personally I find this a great bonus too and am really pleased to hear others say the same thing. when you spend a few days on the 3000 you start to FLY through those menu's

I too like the LPF very much, can cause madness with kick drums!

for the price of a MPC3000 how about teaming your MPC4000 with a Akai 3200 (not XL version), AND a ASR10 - or a S950, or a S1100. rack samplers are DIRT cheap right now... or get a Akai ASQ10 if you want a more basic sequencer.

Of course, with the MPC4000 you dont need a pre-amp/DJ mixer, plug your TT right in the back. Sample into the 4000 to get your chops sorted/organised, then sample into the MPC3000 thru analogue (or digital if you wish) having added any of the MPC4000 filters or FX.

As SEED78 rightly states, if you dont need the extra pads hogging your desk, an Akai S3000/S3200 rack (not the XL range) is to the MPC3000 what the Akai Z4/Z8 is to the MPC4000. I will pick up an S3200 one of these days when I get a rack to put it in.

Also IMHO the MPC3000 sounds pretty much like my ASR-X and ASR-10, creamy, richand full. The way those early nineties 16-bit convertors colour your sound is just bananas...no other MPC sounds like the MPC3000 off the bat.

The average MPC user can work out the MPC3000 pretty quickly, we're talking hours or maybe days. The MPC4000 will have you finding new tricks after years of ownership, and they'll be good tricks. It's like learning the ins and outs of a new DAW. Throw in Aksys and you'll be in sampling/sound authoring heaven.

SEED78 wrote:this is actually one of the better threads I've read on any forums about the differences between the two MPC's.

I'm a 3000 owner thats been thinking about getting a 4000 within the next year or so.

main thing drawing me to the 4000 are:
the mute groups,
better options for previewing sounds - I'd like to fill a internal drive full of drums
ADAT outs
Balanced XLR outs
WAV etc support

but:

really interesting to hear how other people are digging the straight forward basic nature of the 3000, personally I find this a great bonus too and am really pleased to hear others say the same thing. when you spend a few days on the 3000 you start to FLY through those menu's

I too like the LPF very much, can cause madness with kick drums!

for the price of a MPC3000 how about teaming your MPC4000 with a Akai 3200 (not XL version), AND a ASR10 - or a S950, or a S1100. rack samplers are DIRT cheap right now... or get a Akai ASQ10 if you want a more basic sequencer.

If you are a 3000 owner already, there really isn't a need to get the 4K. I had the 3000 before I bought the 4000 and like I said, I absolutely love the 4K but, IMHO, get an s5000/s6000 or a z4/z8 instead and you'll have the best of both worlds. And you'll save space. You can't go wrong with a 3K and a good sampler on the side. It's impossible.

and not to go too off topic with s-series stuff... but the s2800, is that in the s3000 line or the s3000xl line? (ie: sample engine)... I know somebody here has one of those..

I think though comparing the 3000 to 4000 is apples to oranges really... it's hard to say if the sacrifice of features is a pro or a con for somebody else.. I agree with getting both and deciding later. That would leave you with 3 options.. not 1. (ie: selling the 3k, selling the 4k, or keeping both)

clint hold on a sec.. i have used a friends' s3000 and its a good rack but, for sure, it doesnt add any 'punch' or 'warmth' to the sound, so that should make it drastically different from an mpc3000, which is well known to do so soundwise.


...but it's also true that I have never played with an mpc3000, so maybe it actually sounds exactly like an s3000, and that would make my point be: dont go for an mpc3000, all the talking about its 'punch' is utter bullsh1t.

to the guy who asked prolly you should just get a really punchy rack (950 or emax) to midi to the 4k. thats what id do. peace!

Phra*DOC wrote: dont go for an mpc3000, all the talking about its 'punch' is utter bullsh1t.

Man, this forum never ceases to amaze me....

Phra*DOC wrote:...but it's also true that I have never played with an mpc3000

Ok, I have one and use it. The drums are fatter and the samples more round when sampled into the 3000 than the 4000. A lot? No. But definitely noticeable to a mix engineer.