Will the MPC Studio be for me? (Coming from the 3000)

I come from the MPC3000, I still use it till this day for about 7 years. It’s been the only MPC model I have ever used so I couldn’t compare it to anything else. I can work this machine blindfolded and move really fast on it. Now, I feel like it’s time to “graduate”, time for a change and know what it feels like to learn a new piece of machine again and get that excitement. I have been eyeing the Studio for the longest time now, but before I go purchase this thing, I just need to hear from you guys if you think the MPC Studio will be for me from the way I work with my MPC3000.

First, I now and prefer to sample from iTunes. My days of CD’s and vinyl’s are collecting dust.

All my drums I have had on Zip Disk, are now into the computer. I use Workspace (browser In Pro Tools) to audition my drums and then sample them into my 3000.

I use the Step Edit feature in the 3000 a lot when I want to shift or move things around.

I like to do an internal mix inside the MPC (Stereo out mixer) to get it sound as balanced as possible before tracking.

I sample virtual instruments keyboard sounds and prefer to bang my melody rhythm from the MPC pads.

I use the filter on this machine a lot (we know that’s one of the features the 3000 is famous for).

Lastly, I find myself copying a note (pad) parameter to another (open) pad a lot as well. I think that’s about it. I also copy another sound (but you have to rename it) to another pad a lot as well.

Over the years, the 3000 has been great for me and if one day the MPC Studio was not in stores anymore or stop shipping, it wouldn’t be the end of the world and I would still use my 3000. Over the years I have spent good money on my 3000 with proper good customize cables, a flight case and when I first had bought it from the original owner, I wanted the 3000 to be mint, so I sent it out to Bruce Forat to have him bring it back to me as if it was like brand new in the box, which he did (who I highly recommend, great guy!) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a spot and be like, “Damn I wish I had my drum machine here” but the 3000 is too big for that. Now with the MPC Studio, I can eliminate a lot of that. No more cable wires or tracking out, I would no longer need my Mbox 2 Pro. I could just export and then import the files into Pro Tools. My drums are already stored on the hard drive and I could just literally drag and drop onto a pad, so no need to sample in. No more tapping out my tempo to guess my sample loop, because I hear the MPC Studio already determines the BPM for you is that correct? Portability! I could go on but this post is getting long, you get my point.

well first of all... i'm sure you wont but in case... don't sell the 3000 to get the studio. second of all, I think maybe you could get a demo of the mpc software can't you? if that is the case, maybe try it out a bit just to see what it has and lacks for your taste.

mr_debauch wrote:well first of all... i'm sure you wont but in case... don't sell the 3000 to get the studio. second of all, I think maybe you could get a demo of the mpc software can't you? if that is the case, maybe try it out a bit just to see what it has and lacks for your taste.

Knowing the MPC Studio is software, I don’t think it can be returnable once it’s installed. I really just want to hear from people’s experience to further help my decision.

huh? wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:well first of all... i'm sure you wont but in case... don't sell the 3000 to get the studio. second of all, I think maybe you could get a demo of the mpc software can't you? if that is the case, maybe try it out a bit just to see what it has and lacks for your taste.

Knowing the MPC Studio is software, I don’t think it can be returnable once it’s installed. I really just want to hear from people’s experience to further help my decision.

no I don't mean buy it and return it if you dislike it... I mean go to the akai website, download a demo for the software (that normally uses the ren and studio controllers even though you don't have those) and see if it has what you need. Seeing features written on paper isn't always indicative of whether or not a product is for you.

mr_debauch wrote:
no I don't mean buy it and return it if you dislike it... I mean go to the akai website, download a demo for the software (that normally uses the ren and studio controllers even though you don't have those) and see if it has what you need. Seeing features written on paper isn't always indicative of whether or not a product is for you.

Around the time when I started this music thing, I remember when I bought the 3000 (previously I used a Dr. Rhythm drum machine) It was a hit or miss because I didn’t know what kind of model I was buying, it was just the seller was close to my city and he just happened to be selling the 3000. All I remember was I wanted any MPC drum machine, so if he was selling a 2000, 1000 or even a 4000, I’m sure would’ve made the most of what I had. When I got the 3000, I didn’t know what I was in for, I was just working with what I had, but when I heard the songs and albums that were made on this thing, I mean some of the songs and albums I grew up listening to, I was convinced to keep it, master it and work it till the wheels fall off.

I also think you do not need to sell in 3000.

Chapin wrote:I also think you do not need to sell in 3000.

I would never let go of my 3000’s. A lot of memories and sentimental value.

huh? wrote:I would never let go of my 3000’s. A lot of memories and sentimental value.

This is the CORRECT answer!

You might feel a bit more at home with a Ren. The "compactness" of the Studio throws me off from time to time since coming from my 4000. The Ren has that clicky-button goodness!

Mike Boogie wrote:

huh? wrote:I would never let go of my 3000’s. A lot of memories and sentimental value.

This is the CORRECT answer!

You might feel a bit more at home with a Ren. The "compactness" of the Studio throws me off from time to time since coming from my 4000. The Ren has that clicky-button goodness!

Clicky-button goodness? Is that a good thing? So how was your transition from a hardware MPC to the software MPC? Still deciding and I say 3000’s, because I own both the original 3000 and the LE 3000. Original being my first and the LE bought later...... Just because

Lampdog wrote:

huh? wrote:Just because

Coincides with "because I can"

Haha. That’s true, even though I didn’t really need it. I was already 3 years deep with the original 3000 before I got the LE. I was going to do the whole Dr. Dre thing and line up my MPC with different drum sounds. Hahaha. Just joking. I’m on the LE more than the original. Actually, the original is in its original box, all wrapped up. So, back on topic. With my workflow, would the Studio be a good choice?

I don't see why not. The software is just about up to snuff. Just remember to save OFTEN! Even in its current state, the software will still shit the bed from time to time.

It still crosses my mind.

I have zero experience with the Ren or the MPC Studio, but it seems like the biggest selling point is the ability to sync these models with the DAW. However, this means that you cannot use either model away from your computer...not sure if that would be a dealbreaker or not for you.

My suggestion would be a MPC1000 with JJOS. It's very powerful and offers many features not available on the 3000, all in a compact package. Editing with a waveform, nondestructive chopping, grid editing, onboard effects, filters/LFO, and the ability to connect with your computer are the big ones I can think of, but there's plenty more.

You can find a good condition 1000 on craigslist for less than $400 and it's small enough to take places....no computer needed