If you had to choose between the 4k and 5k based purely on s

What's up guys. I've recently purchased a Maschine Studio to see if it could possibly replace my 4k...and it really can't. The sounds and browsing and control and all that is top notch, everything ive really ever wanted in an mpc (although I hate being tethered to the computer). I've gone on and on for years about how much I hate computers, and I do (actually I dont...it's just that I work on them all day and really don't want to come home to...more computers), and while the Maschine definitely kills it in the "making software feel like hardware" department, I'm trying to do this as mouse-less and screen-less as possible. Im really, really happy I bought it.

However, building tracks in this sequencer is beyond horrible. Its so squarely aimed at dudes building house and rap tracks (nothing wrong with either), but lately I've been trying to get into more cinematic type stuff, and the workflow, the terminology, etc etc is seriously like they decided being different was better than being effective.

So, I think I'm back to my mpc, but at tihs point, it's pretty much just for sequencing/controlling other gear. I currently own the 4k, I've owned the 5k before, but it was a few years ago, and I really, really remember liking the sequencer. I don't remember it being able to do anything in particular that my 4k cant, but I guess my question is how do the 2 stack up against each other? Which do you feel is easier to edit sequnces on, including moving/transposing notes, piano-roll editing like note length (is it visual or numeric like the 4k?)

Something I use constantly on my 4k is the qlink/cc graphics in the Seq Edit mode on the 4k, does the 5k do this as well?


I'm not chopping samples (well I am, but I can do it effectively on either), I don't particularly care about any features in either one for the sake of this post other than just plain building tracks.

So yeah, any thoughts?

Moving notes about on the 5000 piano editor is OK. Say you have a C3 note and you want to move it to F3, you must highlight C3 press window and the use jog wheel or +/- to change note. If you still want C3 as well you must copy and paste it and move it.You can change not duration in the events window, good thing you can press play in real time (F2 button) I like how you can also record CC changes and edit them later. 4 midis out and 2 in. Adat is a real good asset to have. To tell the truth I really only post edit CC's, muck prefer to re record a line or overdub. If just looking at the sequencer I'm not sure how it holds up to the 4000. I know the resolution is better than the 1000, you really notice this playing a piano line.

Ive had 2 mpc5k s and sold 2 mpc 5k s........Kept the 4k.Its faster and more reliable.Far better machine altho the 5k is also quick and the sequencer feels nice.Thats all i got for ya right now.

If you had to choose between Akai and Numark based on...

MPC 2500 with JJOS 3 is an awesome midi controller for hardware synths and software. Because of The arpeggiator and the chord mode. It has your basic chords, and you can use your keyboard to program your own chord voicings on to a pad(s). And set the duration. with my 2500 I can play a 3 6-note chord progression like Beethoven using pads.

With JJOS 3 my 2500 replaced my 4k as a midi controller/sequencer.

If the OP is doing cinematic arrangements he might find the 2500 a bit thin on the polyphony. The 5000 and 4000 have double that, and better resolution

And better FX...

dryad-66 wrote:And better FX...

The OP said he was just using it as a sequencer/controller.

wavemartian wrote:If the OP is doing cinematic arrangements he might find the 2500 a bit thin on the polyphony. The 5000 and 4000 have double that, and better resolution

Yeah, you're right abut that.

MPCWeapon1 wrote:

dryad-66 wrote:And better FX...

The OP said he was just using it as a sequencer/controller.

Maybe but its good to know.Shame tho as it makes a good sampler/synth as well.

dryad-66 wrote:

MPCWeapon1 wrote:

dryad-66 wrote:And better FX...

The OP said he was just using it as a sequencer/controller.

Maybe but its good to know.Shame tho as it makes a good sampler/synth as well.

Definitely. I love my 4k. I use it for pretty much everything except sequencing my Motif.

Sorry to bring this back after a few weeks, i haven't had a chance to get on lately.

The mpc4k is definitely the better machine all around, but I have a Z8 here that I've been trying to get rid of and may end up just keeping. I think the 5k is a little more comfortable to work on, and even though it's still not a ton, the 12 qlinks are really, really nice, although from what I remember, their assignments can't be saved, right?


The Arp in the 5k would be really useful, and it never hurts adding another synth to the setup, but through the few years I had the 5k, I found the synth a lot more frustrating than useful, though it still had some good points.

I think im going to try to trade for the 5k since I've got the Z8 sitting right here and sequencing wise, I can't tell a HUGE difference. Seems like the best of both worlds - a very comfortable machine to use except that stupid jog wheel and a z8, so I've still got that ridiculous sample engine.



That 2500 seems real, real nice though...too bad about the ppqn. If they'd put that up to a real spec like 960, it'd def be my choice.

MPC 5000 Should be fine, all assignments you make with the q links are saved with the program data

manji wrote:
That 2500 seems real, real nice though...too bad about the ppqn. If they'd put that up to a real spec like 960, it'd def be my choice.

Problem with the 2500 (also 1k) will be polyphony especially if you use JJ's added features.