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

ntalec wrote:

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.

I have to agree. the 500s and 1k resale well so you can try one and ebay for most of your money back.

In short, If you want to put your stuff together without touching your iMac, consider 2500/1k (or maybe even 500). You want integration with your iMac, DAW, VSTs, consider Ren/Studio.

This is not about physical size, it's about you being able to accomplish what you mentioned that you're trying to do with your music, and come in well below your budget.

MPCTNT wrote:

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

I had never considered the 1k because of less outputs then the 2.5k (didn't want to get stuck with out something) and the smaller pads.

Can the 2500 not be integrated with my iMac?

You guys are making this already difficult decision even harder!

Well here's a used Ren, and at Guitar center, not a person for $499 and a used Studio for $279.

Save some money, make some music!

GL!

http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedgear/index.cfm?page=1&sort=price&dir=asc&srch&q=akai%20mpc&distance=100

MPCTNT wrote:Well here's a used Ren, and at Guitar center, not a person for $499 and a used Studio for $279.

Save some money, make some music!

GL!

http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedgear/index.cfm?page=1&sort=price&dir=asc&srch&q=akai%20mpc&distance=100

Thanks man!

There was a 5000 on there for under $600 too

That Ren is at a GC about 45 min from me

I am starting to lean more to the Ren and then maybe having another piece of hardware later down the line if I don't like the computer integration.


But since I have most of my music on my computer and want to be able to switch back and forth, Im thinking the Ren may be the better choice unless somebody can talk me out of it

I try to avoid telling anyone what to get because it's always their choice and they have to live with it, but based on the usage that you mentioned, and the fact you alrdy work within the computer realm, the hardware/software combo may be the likely choice and a workflow that you can comfortably adapt to

45 min away... nice. means you get to actually go look at it and if you like it, be back home making beats in less than 2 hrs, and saving almost 1/2 your budget

MPCTNT wrote:I try to avoid telling anyone what to get because it's always their choice and they have to live with it, but based on the usage that you mentioned, and the fact you alrdy work within the computer realm, the hardware/software combo may be the likely choice and a workflow that you can comfortably adapt to

45 min away... nice. means you get to actually go look at it and if you like it, be back home making beats in less than 2 hrs, and saving almost 1/2 your budget

Understandable..

I do photo/video and people ask me all the time what lens and cameras to get and I come across the same problem.


Seems like you have owned them all or at least played on them all.. Is there any feature with the 2500 that the Ren doesn't have that is just awesome, and i may hate myself for not having it? haha or is it mostly just preference and old school/new school?

bearju wrote:

MPCTNT wrote:I try to avoid telling anyone what to get because it's always their choice and they have to live with it, but based on the usage that you mentioned, and the fact you alrdy work within the computer realm, the hardware/software combo may be the likely choice and a workflow that you can comfortably adapt to

45 min away... nice. means you get to actually go look at it and if you like it, be back home making beats in less than 2 hrs, and saving almost 1/2 your budget

Understandable..

I do photo/video and people ask me all the time what lens and cameras to get and I come across the same problem.


Seems like you have owned them all or at least played on them all.. Is there any feature with the 2500 that the Ren doesn't have that is just awesome, and i may hate myself for not having it? haha or is it mostly just preference and old school/new school?

I miss my hardware at times when I just wanna power on 1 thing, plug in headphones, and start tapping.....

Otherwise

As you can see in my sig, I have used quite a few MPCs since last millennium... I have to say that I never used every feature on every MPC that I owned, but I have so far been able to do everything on my MPC studio in combination with it's software, that I 'needed' to do on my hardware MPCs, along with faster loads and tighter computer integration. I never tried the Ren but other than the Audio interface (vintage mode) and all the Qlinks, I'd say the same of the Ren's functionality.

Some do not like being 'forced' to look at the PC to get some things done and there are various desired features that various people want, (me included) but with what it can already do, I enjoy banging out stuff.

I think its great for sampled based music as U mentioned originally

I really think it depends on your background, studio environment and your workflow.

I've worked years on my 2500, and I will never sell it. But since I bought the Studio I found myself working on the Studio more often than on my 2500 lately. To me it really improved my productivity.

All though there are still a few basic features missing on the MPC Software, I still haven't stumbled on any problems that prevented me to do things I want to do.
But I also believe that the missing features and some of the bugs can be really demotivating to some people with a specific kind of workflow.

The 2500 can also be integrated into a software environment, but the Ren's integration is much smoother, but forces you to look at your computer screen and use the mouse every now and then. For some that that is a plus, for some (especially for people coming from a hardware background) this can be a workflow killer.

If you're used to work with software (big screen with piano roll and a more visual sequencer/ interface, more CPU power for more flexibility, better VST/AU integration), then the Ren might be your thing. If you want to go for that 'all in one box' workflow or just want to go the hardware way when creating then you will love the 2500.

I'd take into consideration the 2500/JJOSXL. It beautifully integrates into any DAW setup, being your MASTER MIDI sequencer. Nobody force you not to open any VSTi instance you may need into the DAW, map some CC to your Qlinks and sequence it tightly. Spare some change and buy some multi-ins audio interface and you'll quickly find that you don't need any more gimmick to integrate the MPC in a DAW workflow.

Please also consider that you may do almost the same thing with ANY hardware MPC. Even the little 500 could work this way (it would even be simpler, with just one stereo and a midi out to manage).

If the DRAG and DROP is what you'll looking for, bounce your tracks into the MPC and use the USB DnD function... 500/1000/2500 both offer that.

PEACE

Menco wrote:The 2500 can also be integrated into a software environment, but the Ren's integration is much smoother, but forces you to look at your computer screen and use the mouse every now and then. For some that that is a plus, for some (especially for people coming from a hardware background) this can be a workflow killer.

I am definitely an exception to that rule. Old school hardware user and owned almost every version of the MPC created at some point. (Minus the 60 and 2500) and using the mouse and keyboard today, has improved my workflow. I do understand why some do no like looking at a PC but I.T. is what I do and I am comfortable with the technology.

Funkydrops wrote:I'd take into consideration the 2500/JJOSXL. It beautifully integrates into any DAW setup, being your MASTER MIDI sequencer. Nobody force you not to open any VSTi instance you may need into the DAW, map some CC to your Qlinks and sequence it tightly. Spare some change and buy some multi-ins audio interface and you'll quickly find that you don't need any more gimmick to integrate the MPC in a DAW workflow.

Well I don't record to DAW, even I know I could do that easily with Reaper or Ableton in current setup. I just use PC as sound module with VST in standalone mode, knob controller + keyboard also with some knobs.

Both controllers are not going thru USB, but are connected thru DIN cables to MPC, than I sequence VST with MPC connected thru MIDI-USB. I'm not tied up to having controllers just for the playback. VST MIDI out is going back to knob controller for parameter feedback. Software knobs can be mapped thru MIDI Learn (working both ways) to respond to CCs or Poly Aftertouch which MPC handles, it also records knob movements from the screen if you use a mouse

Basically I got 4channels for VST tracks and 4 channels for MPC with drums, for little separation of drum track or just 4 different beats. Integration?

For instance, on a controller I got a 8-row of volume (or pan, cutoff, pitch) 4 knobs tied up to VST tracks, and 4 to MPC track mixer and if I record volume changes (JJOS can record on 16 channels at once) from 8 tracks it is constantly updated on controller LEDs on one board while play and playback. Also mute/solo of Vst/MPC tracks is made from controller (again JJOS)

Sending CCs or Program Changes to change Preset in VST can be made from 3 boxes and the Preset info from VST is updated on controller. On JJOS there is very cool set where you can map pads to send Program Changes and it's recordable to sequence. With "Wait for key" -rec armed mode on MPC, I don't even have to go to PC to store a preset, because I can store it on the sequence with a touch of a button from controller.

It can record from few channels splitted keyboard + having drum track under pads, and it's all recording to it's own channel. It really feels like it's one machine. Really great is you can operate and record on different tracks, but not having to change a track.

E: Reading about the Ren on here (I don't own it, can't say it's bad ) and some other threads I see many people (incl myself) would be pleasant ONLY
with "MPC 4000 Renaissance" powered forever by JJOS..
..or sh1t like that

Funkydrops wrote:I'd take into consideration the 2500/JJOSXL. It beautifully integrates into any DAW setup, being your MASTER MIDI sequencer. Nobody force you not to open any VSTi instance you may need into the DAW, map some CC to your Qlinks and sequence it tightly. Spare some change and buy some multi-ins audio interface and you'll quickly find that you don't need any more gimmick to integrate the MPC in a DAW workflow.

Please also consider that you may do almost the same thing with ANY hardware MPC. Even the little 500 could work this way (it would even be simpler, with just one stereo and a midi out to manage).

If the DRAG and DROP is what you'll looking for, bounce your tracks into the MPC and use the USB DnD function... 500/1000/2500 both offer that.

PEACE

Thanks, this was very helpful!

I will be incorporating my computer into whatever set up I get. Is there no drag n drop feature with the Ren or does it have a comparable feature?

bearju wrote:
Thanks, this was very helpful!

I will be incorporating my computer into whatever set up I get. Is there no drag n drop feature with the Ren or does it have a comparable feature?

Apparently reading your post for dragging and dropping samples you either want the ren or the studio. Also I can tell you want more control over the software, than you want the ren and since you never use any mpc before and looking to get your feet wet with your computer software background, go for the ren.

If you want make a one time purchase without regrets for more bells and whistle than get a ren.

You can also consider a maschine mk2 or maschine studio.

Heavie wrote:
You can also consider a maschine mk2 or maschine studio.

No he shouldn't if he wants something that is even remotely close to using a MPC .

ntalec wrote:

Heavie wrote:
You can also consider a maschine mk2 or maschine studio.

No he shouldn't if he wants something that is even remotely close to using a MPC .

haha yeah I like alai and the mpc history, I will want a piece of hardware to accompany my set up in the future. If not the 2500 then I've always liked the 2000xl

My final question I believe is:

I've heard about bugs and shit when people complained about the Ren. Have or will there be any software updates to fix whatever "bugs" they are talking about?