So was the MPC REN worth it?

Definitely worth it for me.

MPC Ren has its flaws, but I like the updates Akai have been bringing.

I haven't had any crashes since 1.5 dropped.

Hopefully, Akai will implement more of our feature request and continue to support and update MPC Ren/Studio.

Well worth it! i've been rockin' the 2000XL over 12 years and the workflow on this is exactly what i've been wanting to do with the XL. but that being said, i've never used any software ever until now so i can't compare it to how easy it is to use than some of the other programs. but if you come from an mpc background then this is perfect (maybe not perfect lol) cuz you're not used to having all that extra ish anyway. even tho i got mine for $650, if i copped it at full price i'd have NO regrets! it does exactly what i want it to and haven't had any major issues yet.

Nubian Mindz wrote:For me it has been a godsend (Thanks for the final push Fanu)

I've been a recording artist for almost 20 years now and have used Akai hardware samplers for most of that time but never tried the MPC's. I was very aware of them and what they brought to the table but just didn't feel the need to use them with the type of music I produced (electronic dance music)

Recently I had drifted away from hardware sampling and focussed on the DAW/Soft sampler set up with Cubase/Reaper & Kontakt which, although highly capable, started to feel like something was missing or I missed the tactile nature of using hardware.

At the same time I had to put together the set up for a new live show and thought a self contained drum sampling unit would be ideal so looked at Maschine and the Ren. What pushed me towards the Ren was my familiarity with Akai and missing the way their machines handled samples and that Akai sound which was rampant in the 90's throughout dance music (some might say its golden era). Plus having the soundcard built in and the opportunity to step into the much lauded MPC world of swing was too tempting to resist.

I bit the bullet in August this year and haven't looked back ever since. I came in with version 1.4 and soon after 1.5 hit and things are fairly tight at the moment. No serious hiccups any more, most features implemented and much tighter vst integration.

Alongside that the soundcard actually sounds better than I thought it would, the emulation modes, especially when stacked, sound superb and the ability to sample anything and everything into the Ren at any time is a blessing. This thing can really spark your creativity and help you get ideas down very, very quickly!

I think I've made about 50 tunes since I've got the Ren and the only thing that's slowed me down recently is the new MPC 500 I've just purchased to run along side the Ren in my live setup and to use when on my travels.

So I'm very happy to finally be a part of the MPC world and the Ren, for me, is very much the future, wether live or in the studio. If you can get a chance to try it out and learn it before buying then do so because I get the impression old MPC heads want it to act like an MPC 4000 on steroids or even a fully working 5000 (which never seemed to happen when it was in production) whereas the uninitiated newbies, like myself, are happy to explore what possibilities the Ren offers and take it as far and out there as we possibly can.

In short, am I happy with the Renaissance? Very much so.
Would I recommend it to other producers? Very much so, but try it out and ask what do you want from a drum machine/sampler before you make your final decision.

I knew what I wanted and I got that and a whole lot more besides.

Peace

Bo!

If I was Akai, I'd listen to this guy…with a discography like his, his words actually mean something, meaning the man does have some perspective.

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Alpha+Ome ... leases_All
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Nubian+Mindz

Menco wrote:To me, yes.

I waited for at least a year before I bought the Studio couple of weeks ago. I wanted something to be mobile I could easily hook up with my laptop to use Logic.

There are still some things that need to be addressed, but overall I like the concept and it really matches my workflow.

1. I started to hate to record everything in Logic (MPC+ VST's and Reason). Felt also like a workaround after a while. I made it sound as good as possible inside the MPC, split the sounds for recording, then 'glue' everything back together in Logic.

2. Mobility. I can work on full projects anywhere.

3. I can still use my MPC 2500. I still work a lot of times with it. Start the beat in there and import it in the MPC software once I want to add VST's and FX. Or just import a complete beat into the software while using it in plugin mode to avoid the tracking out process.

Yeah I feel you on #3. Especially with the 2500 as the 2.5k outputs straight suck. It's cool to have a software editor for it now. I don't have to track out beats with those Wack outputs anymore. I can just load up beats to the software and export it to my DAW.

MPC studio was worth it to me. I can't speak on Ren but since I am using same software....

Was it worth it?

I would say yes!

Coming from the 2000XL then the 1000, 2500, I enjoyed the transition to the REN. Everything worked just like it did before, except now it had way more horsepower behind it. I was glad I got it. I was able to open up some old projects and remix them very quickly.

With that said. The software had bugs, and they have worked hard on closing the gaps that we all highlighted in some fashion on this forum. I applaud AKAI for stepping up and making it happen as best they could. This was new for them. And progress takes time.

With that said, I also own a Maschine Studio. Just wanted to give it a try, and I have found that the Ren is off to the side now as I enjoy the better integration of the hardware and the software synths of Komplete 9 and Massive. NI got that part right, with the tagging options for everything. You can search for a sound quickly and easily on the Machine, tweak it and lay it down, way faster than on on the MPC. The use of patterns is hot on the Maschine that allows you to quickly A-B different options on the fly for each track in your sequence is sweet and build songs very quickly.

Thats what the Machine has going for it over the REN. Total workflow integration with all of NI products, makes it easier to make music.

Not saying that either one is better. because the MPC groove is something that you can feel is not there with the Maschine. It just doesn't have that feel. The MPC sounds better as well with its internal sound card.

Don't get it twisted. The MPC is staying in the studio, no plans to sell it at this time. I just wanted to understand what the hype was all about and now I understand. The Ren is an innovation for Akai. Hardware meets software, but it doesn't fall far from what everyone who has used a MPC is familiar with. If you are used to working on that platform then it just WORKS for you. If you are new to the game, then the REN can be a barrier to your creativity.

I'm going to be honest, and I'm a long time MPC user. The Maschine, and the way they connected the dots with everything is slowly taking over and Akai knows it. Thats why they are so quick with the updates. They need to continually improve to stay on top.

Sometimes you have to leave the old behind in order to move forward, don't know if the Ren is going to be able to do that in this marketplace. Then again Apple did it. But they went BIG and bet the company on one product, and it worked. I see tremendous similarities to what's going on here, and what Blackberry tried to do. Put the same old thing in new clothes and expect everyone to buy them in droves. It didn't work for them, so why would we believe that it would work for AKAI.

The REN-2 is going to have to be that REVOLUTIONARY product that will keep the MPC name alive. I honestly don't think this one has the guts to make it happen!

Became a little more worth it to me after 1.5 and some personal usability tweaks (renaming w/o mouse and what not). I use Maschine as well and to me MAschine definitely is blowing the doors off with all the bells and whistles, but I'm now looking at the Ren (The more I use it) as the slow and steady option. I could get around Maschine pretty well, but I have a clarity about what I want to do when working with the Ren as opposed to the hyper feeling I get when working on Maschine, so I use whichever fits my mood at the time. But right now, I feel pretty good about the value I'm getting from the Ren. Truthfully my concern right now is not having a comfortable feeling about where Akai's commitment is to the platform. Not saying they aren't, just saying I have no comfort level as there is not much activity published by the company compared to others in the music production space in this age of social media...it just doesn't feel like they are "in motion" so to speak. Although hearing about the new dev they brought on recently was encouraging.

So far I'd say no.

It's missing a few key things that are very import like FX plugin automation. Pitch Envelopes in the sampler (or mod envelope). Various sampler improvements are also needed IMO. Multicore would be a blessing and a decent group mixer or inserts on submixes. It's packed away right now but once these things are added (if ever) then I'll pull it back out again.

Airyck wrote:So far I'd say no.

It's missing a few key things that are very import like FX plugin automation. Pitch Envelopes in the sampler (or mod envelope). Various sampler improvements are also needed IMO. Multicore would be a blessing and a decent group mixer or inserts on submixes. It's packed away right now but once these things are added (if ever) then I'll pull it back out again.

Ditto. Likewise for me it doesn't do a few key things that I need for my workflow. Barely use it, but itching to use it more once these things are added.

My issues haven't been with the hardware, only the software. Nevertheless, I also don't believe that this current hardware revision is the platform that will take it to the next level.

Eyalc wrote:

Airyck wrote:So far I'd say no.

It's missing a few key things that are very import like FX plugin automation. Pitch Envelopes in the sampler (or mod envelope). Various sampler improvements are also needed IMO. Multicore would be a blessing and a decent group mixer or inserts on submixes. It's packed away right now but once these things are added (if ever) then I'll pull it back out again.

Ditto. Likewise for me it doesn't do a few key things that I need for my workflow. Barely use it, but itching to use it more once these things are added.

My issues haven't been with the hardware, only the software. Nevertheless, I also don't believe that this current hardware revision is the platform that will take it to the next level.

Agree, which is why I haven't sold it, on top of the fact it's worth peanuts compared to what I paid for it when it came out.

Right now I'm using Ableton Push via PXT General in Cubase (no Ableton, though I own a license for Ableton 9 standard) and I'm actually getting music done now. My problem is that without the things I stated above my music sounds too static and bland to inspire me to finish it. So all I've done is make lackluster sounding stuff on the MPC Ren that doesn't inspire me to finish it. The kind of music I make depends heavily on the sounds themselves and how they interact with the other sounds in the song. Without FX automation, group channels, and even sidechaining (I know there are solutions for sidechaining, but I don't want to spend $100+ on it) it's hard for me to get a solid tight sound that I'm looking to achieve.

I'm pretty new to the MPC. Started a few years ago with the MPC 1000, then moved on to the MPC 5000... And finally got the Ren in september 2013. Before buying it, I was a bit reluctant because I didn't like the fact that it is not a stand-alone unit and that it relies on your computer to work (which means if your computer dies, you're left with the most expensive pizza box ever...). But fortunately, a friend of mine made me think it over. Now I just couldn't imagine working without the Ren. It's fast, efficient, powerful and most of all it's fun! Yes it does have some bugs but hey... My MPC 5000 had much more serious bugs (that were never fixed, btw) and lots of useless add-ons. I was finally able to open all my previous MPC work on the Ren, and the plug-in integration is so nice I haven't used Cubase in months. With the regular "legacy" MPC's, I felt like I was stuck in a sample-based "beatmaking" way of composing and with too much hassle connecting and syncing external midi gear, syncing and exporting separate tracks to Daw, etc. With the Ren, I got back to a "music composition" way of life with total transparency, still, keeping the outstanding and legendary MPC workflow. But my mind is now totally free...
There are yet many improvements to be done by Akai but I feel confident. The Ren makes me happy, inspires me and makes anything look so simple... Worth every penny!

I think the thing is this. For most people coming from strictly hardware and have never really used software for production, it will be totally worth it. But for people coming from other established software, they may not be as happy.

DJ Hellfire wrote:I think the thing is this. For most people coming from strictly hardware and have never really used software for production, it will be totally worth it. .

I had a few drumcomputers and samplers, boss an roland stuff, but the Ren is da bomb
with a few minor things that they could make better

I miss it when it's not around



peace

DJ Hellfire wrote:I think the thing is this. For most people coming from strictly hardware and have never really used software for production, it will be totally worth it. But for people coming from other established software, they may not be as happy.

This. I come from a fair bit of both backgrounds, but the DAW experience in me is looking for basic integration capabilities that I'm used to in a plugin (Spectrasonics, Kontakt, etc), and I'm constantly doing this -> because they just aren't there yet ("yet" being the operative and hopeful word).

Yes! A little background: I'm a drummer and came to producing beats after moving out of mama's house. I couldn't bring my drums to my apartment but still wanted to hit something. I've always been a hip-hop head and really wanted to get into digging for records and sampling. It's my new addiction!

I started with the MPC 500, which is a great machine after upgrading the stock pads. I then wanted some computer integration, since I'm a computer nerd anyway. The Ren is a substantial investment for an amateur musician IMHO, but it's worth it if you really know you'll put the time into using it. The first time I chopped a sample and saw it all "come together" when throwing some drums over it... let me tell you that's a golden moment!

I've since built a more powerful PC for the Ren after using it on my laptop (with a few crashes when using VSTs). I also began using Ableton Live, which is awesome as well. I always be coming back to the Ren for its sampler, pads, and track mute. Vintage mode is awesome as well, especially because you can demo it "live" to see how your beat sounds with it on.

My experience is probably not typical, as I'm sure others have come to the Ren after years in computer music production. Honestly, once I figured out how to use my MPCs, I was blown away with how quick the workflow was. It's a lot of fun to use when my musician friends come over and want to sample their own playing or rhyme over a beat.

I really only have a couple gripes. I wish the Ren were cheaper, but it's everything I could ever need (maybe more). Using the device on Windows 7 (32-bit on laptop and 64-bit on the new desktop), there have been some crashes and lost work. However, I work in the IT field. I understand hardware/software doesn't always work 100% of the time, so I'm understanding. As long as the Ren is mostly stable (which it has been), I'm happy.

My setup: Numark NS6 DJ controller/mixer is connected to the Ren for sampling. I run a mic, turntable, and my PC into the mixer. As for output, I'm using my good ol' Logitech speakers from college. Say what you want about my "monitors," but for now they're good enough for me!