3k for equipment to record mpc 2500.

i will have 3k at the end of this month to finally start recording my stuff,

im trying to get a feel of the different setups people are using to record

my first option was to get the apogee/avid interface but then i also want to sync my mpc via midi but it does not come equipped with it, is this even necessary?

my second option would be to get the avid mbox pro and a midas venice.

i want to make sure i get this right the first time.

i make sampled based music, i have a moog voyager which i use for bass lines while the mpc plays sequenced drums along with samples i also have a phatty which is on the sidelines since i can only have one thing plugged into the mpc.

what are some of the ways you guys with mpc 2500s are recording?

thanks.

Get a card with plenty of inputs to save yourself the hassle of doing multiple passes, and then having to do lots of minute realigning of tracks in your DAW.

Is this simply to get what you have on the MPC to the computer?

If you don't want to mix on a hardware mixer and simply want to record what's on your mpc, i wouldn't get a mixer. The advice of an audio interface with enough inputs is quite good in this case. If you just want to record the audio, midi isn't needed.

If you fancy hardware and mixing out of the box, then get a mixer.

If you get a mixer, depending on the model, you still need an audio interface to record what's coming out of the mixer.

Also depends on your workflow. Indeed, a mixer isn't necessary, but if you like to be focused purely on your MPC and Moog without turin' on the computer then a mixer might come in handy. If so, Mackie has the Onyx line which is a hardware mixer and interface in one.

Also quite important: the best monitors you can afford yourself with the budget you have.

Maybe I would also buy a few decent plugins with that money.

I have all the outputs of the mpc and all my synths and hardware fx going thru a Mackie 1604VLZ. I can then record 6 channels at a time (main outs + 2 sub groups) thru a focusrite card.

Personally I really like this work flow, as it's very hands on, and I can get a decent mix going without turning on the Mac with it's many distractions.

One day I will probably have to switch to a bigger soundcard/no hardware mixer as my wife will eventually get fed up with having a 16 channel mixer in the living room.

sorry i should've mentioned this, i have an imac 2.7 ghz 8gb ram.

the mixer i was interested has firewire, its the midas 16 channel.


he duet was an option because it came with protools and heard it sounds great, but no midi ins or outs except for a usb input for a controller.


i just wanted it to talk with my machines but i dont even know if thats necessary.

thanks for the responses guys, i dont want to use plug in instruments so thats no use to me.

the pro tools interest is because everyone uses it and just in case someone wanted something i made i could just hand it over.

naw mean? i've been doing alot of reading for a while, i dont expect everyone to understand what im trying to do as we all have different workflows.

i think i will just keep making sequence after sequence of the 2500 and cop that midas.

have garageband so i could record into that

Presonus 16.0.2, best hybrid mixer/interface I ever used,

You can get more outs on te mackie 1604 if you use the aux sends to your soundcard. 2 main outs, 4 sub groups, 4 aux sends if you want. Used to do this on a 2404 vlz.

i've heard the vlz's and other mackies but they sound horribly thin..

i'll more than likely just cop the midas f-16, i need to practice on a mixer anyway as i am an A/V tech.

then i will decide on an interface, i was thinking about getting the duet w/ pro tools bundle but that can wait.

i also have to upgrade my turntable cartridge with an ortofon and cop and get a j33 preamp so that later if i want to throw a mic pre on it i could.

the midas has firewire buillt in but it doesnt utilize the preamps, its just a huge sound card.

ideally i would like to avoid the computer all together, but i know that will be impossible.

Any particular reason that you want to avoid using a DAW for tracking and mixing? For 3 grand you can get a very nice interface and a full version of Pro Tools.

If not, that's cool too. Do you!

I just can't deal with all the clicking sitting at the computer hunched over

I've looked at several options just like that vs track recorder but I just rather get a couple of really great pieces as opposed to a bunch of cheap ones.

Im still doing a lot of reading, I know its going to be hard to do any recording without the computer.

It switches to a mixer+duet w pro tools rig then another day its eff a daw...