First MPC///2500 vs Renaissance///2013/2014 Updates?

Hey there! New and first post...I have been looking through the forums but couldn't find this topic with any updated information. Everything seemed to be from before 2010 ish

So I understand that the 2500 is stand alone and the Ren is slaved to the computer and aside from having the dials on the Ren instead of the 2 sliders, I can't tell much of a difference in the two... Maybe its my MPC ignorance!

Any information in making the right decision would be great!!

Have there been software updates for the Ren, since that seems to be what everybody is complaining about? Is the newest 2500 update better than the Ren newest update or is the Ren still a work in progress?

I am looking to spend between 600-900$ on used hardware.

I have a iMac and will be focusing on beat making, sampling, and creating mixes along with my own music.

Obviously we are moving to computer based music production and I just don't want to get the wrong piece of hardware when I could of spent a few more dollars to get what I needed. Thanks in advance community!!

JJOS XL or OS3?

Seems like there was a recent release date of the latter but Im guessing you may need them all?

And what is your reasoning behind your choice? I read people going back in forth between which one to choose but not why that is the choice.. What is so wrong with the Ren?

JJOS much more refined and feature rich.

MPC Software has VST instruments and effects, but MPC functionality is still fairly basic and unpolished.

SimonInAustralia wrote:JJOS much more refined and feature rich.

MPC Software has VST instruments and effects, but MPC functionality is still fairly basic and unpolished.

So the OS3 is the MPC software I'm guessing?

bearju wrote:So the OS3 is the MPC software I'm guessing?

MPC Software is Akai's computer MPC application that the Renaissance and Studio MPC controllers operate with.

SimonInAustralia wrote:

bearju wrote:So the OS3 is the MPC software I'm guessing?

MPC Software is Akai's computer MPC application that the Renaissance and Studio MPC controllers operate with.

So the MPC software seems to be what nobody likes, correct?

But the 2500 can still work with a computer and software, right? Does MPC have software from that or does abelton work?

Yes, some don't like MPC Software, some do.

Some with a hardware MPC background do not like the idea of a software MPC at all.

Some have tried it, and found that the workflow or missing features did not gel with their own workflow, or that there were too many workarounds to do what they want.

Some love it, can live with any workarounds they need to use, or their workflow and use of it does not require any workarounds.


JJOS gives the hardware MPCs maximum features.

MPC Software gives full computer integration, including plugin instruments and effects.


JJOS on an MPC1000/25000 is still a hardware MPC, with all it's limitations, it does not provide any additional computer integration.

SimonInAustralia wrote:Yes, some don't like MPC Software, some do.

Some with a hardware MPC background do not like the idea of a software MPC at all.

Some have tried it, and found that the workflow or missing features did not gel with their own workflow, or that there were too many workarounds to do what they want.

Some love it, can live with any workarounds they need to use, or their workflow and use of it does not require any workarounds.


JJOS gives the hardware MPCs maximum features.

MPC Software gives full computer integration, including plugin instruments and effects.


JJOS on an MPC1000/25000 is still a hardware MPC, with all it's limitations, it does not provide any additional computer integration.

I gotcha, cool. My main issue is I don't want to get stuck just on the hardware or stuck to just working on the computer. I like the idea of drag and drop from files on the computer to the pads on the MPC… is this not available with the 2500 or just limited without the effects and filters?

For what he mentioned he is trying to accomplish....

bearju wrote:
I am looking to spend between 600-900$ on used hardware.

I have a iMac and will be focusing on beat making, sampling, and creating mixes along with my own music.

Not to make his decision any more confusing, but to give more options, he may want to toss the 1k with JJOS or the MPC studio into the choice selection, brand new for under $400

MPCTNT wrote:For what he mentioned he is trying to accomplish....

bearju wrote:
I am looking to spend between 600-900$ on used hardware.

I have a iMac and will be focusing on beat making, sampling, and creating mixes along with my own music.

Not to make his decision any more confusing, but to give more options, he may want to toss the 1k with JJOS or the MPC studio into the choice selection, brand new for under $400

Just curious as to why you would throw those into the comparison? I am having a hard time being able to tell the differences between 1000 vs 2500 vs Studio and what I will actually need.

It seemed like the 2500 and the Ren were well rounded machines when the 4000 & 5000 are out of my price range. Does the 16 bit on the 2500 have any issues or does an update mod it to 24?

New to all of this so I apologize for all the harassing!

Thank you all!

1000 is a smaller version of the 2500, with less MIDI I/O and audio outs.

Studio is a smaller version of the Renaissance.


MPC4000 and 5000 can be found <$900.

Renaissance is $750 on eBay, and <$600 second hand.

Size is not an issue, I have plenty of space.

Mostly i don't want to buy the 2500 and then in 6 months realize I need more features and should of gotten the Ren/4000/5000 since the price seems to be in my area.

I am learning, so i know getting the 4k or 5k may be overkill…. but I also am a fast learner and have mastered a lot of computer programs and equipment.

Just want the most for my money and features!

SimonInAustralia wrote:1000 is a smaller version of the 2500, with less MIDI I/O and audio outs.

Studio is a smaller version of the Renaissance.


MPC4000 and 5000 can be found <$900.

Renaissance is $750 on eBay, and <$600 second hand.

As Simon stated. I tossed them in the mix because the 1k is small 2500 (less investment) and the Studio is approx half the price of the Ren, (Identical software)

(Simon and myself use Studio) and yes, I came from long line of hardware MPC usage

Hell, for you budget, you could get both a 1K and Studio, bounce between hardware and software, See what works for you, keep both, or resale one lol

bearju wrote:Size is not an issue, I have plenty of space.

Mostly i don't want to buy the 2500 and then in 6 months realize I need more features and should of gotten the Ren/4000/5000 since the price seems to be in my area.

I am learning, so i know getting the 4k or 5k may be overkill…. but I also am a fast learner and have mastered a lot of computer programs and equipment.

Just want the most for my money and features!

Your problem with the 5k won't be over kill, it would be gonna kill.
As in gonna kill yourself for buying it.

Just spend $200 and get yourself a MPC500 to test the water.
Then you can decide which way to go from there.

Between using the 500 and your computer you can get up to speed with a small investment and also understand what else you would like to accomplish.

As mentioned a Studio is pretty cheap and gives you the MPC Software.
If you can deal with the encoders you can get a lot done with the Studiostraight out the box.