HARDWARE: Ren VS Studio

I am sure this path has been beaten down but I am curious...

Are the hardware differences between the two controllers worth the price difference if I already have audio interfaces to cover the I/O? I understand the benefits of the Ren's hardware I/O for convenience sake (the MIDI I/O is not such a big deal BUT I do like the room for future growth)

Outside of this obvious difference... are there any features of the Renaissance hardware that could tip a future buyer's final choice between it and the Studio?

I will be using an Audient iD22 for audio I/O if this makes any difference.


Thanks again mi amigos

If you think you plan to take full advantage of the Q links (e.g. live performances, using them for editing and parameter changes etc) then the Ren is probably the best option. The Studio data wheel is a bit crap as well.

But if you accept it's compromises, all in all, I'd say the Studio is better value for money, conveniently small and light, and gets the job done (i.e. a controller for the software, decent pads, same size screen, same software features).

If MPC Stuff came out with replacement Q links and data wheel for the Studio that were more raised, smaller, easier to control etc, it would make it significantly better IMO

MPC-Tutor wrote:If MPC Stuff came out with replacement Q links and data wheel for the Studio that were more raised, smaller, easier to control etc, it would make it significantly better IMO

+1 yes!

I have post them this request for better qlinks, if i well remember their response, they said it would expensive, there would have to be more ppl dwanting it for them to start investing.

Have also requested a new screen, like the ren, they replied "you mental?"

jsf wrote:they said it would expensive

So is everything else they sell!

I wouldn't even contemplate buying a Ren or Studio this close to Musikmesse.

jsf wrote:I have post them this request for better qlinks, if i well remember their response, they said it would expensive, there would have to be more ppl dwanting it for them to start investing.

The problem is that a lot of people may state a desire for something like this, but often never follow through in buying them if/when they eventually get made.

Another issue is that it's easy to assume that it's an obvious 'best seller' because there's a couple of topics about it here, but the reality is most people are probably not that bothered, and will happily live with their gear as it was intended. Average Joe does not want to start tinkering with his gear.

I suspect the best way to get stuff like this produced would be the kickstarter route or similar, get people to put their money where their mouth is etc.

Man i'd pay in advance... well in general, that's how transactions are made via the internet, I should say I'd pre-order it, eventually!

I have never thought of that, but got to agree with the 2nd point, but let me add, before considering "that it's an obvious 'best seller' because there's a couple of topics about it here" i think "i love tinkering, let me do this!" lol

Side note, I have thought of spending some time creating a 3d model of one qlink and start approaching online 3d printing companies and get some prices, but then i just didn't want to spend any time on it yet, maybe because, in the back of my mind i know this will also be very expensive.

3rd point, got to agree, again, but let me add, how many ppl want to do something and just don't have the means, knowledge, time for researching, and money for equipment, materials and so on?
And, to finish, picking on a very well reminded point by Coz, Musikmess is right around the corner, it might not to be the right time to think about this stuff, everybody knows something's wrapped for release, at some point, possibly..

We'll see what MM brings to the table but that's a whole other story

As far as the Renaissance/Studio goes, I am really just making sure that I don't end up in the same situation I did with the Maschine Mikro (feeling like I skimped myself not getting the full-size controller).

Thanks for the replies, my dudes. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for deals on the Renaissance just to avoid the "shoulda got the other..." type situation.

medearis wrote:I am sure this path has been beaten down but I am curious...

Are the hardware differences between the two controllers worth the price difference

Outside of this obvious difference... are there any features of the Renaissance hardware that could tip a future buyer's final choice between it and the Studio?

Thanks again mi amigos

Dedicated Q-Links, Dedicated number pad, tilt screen, better button feel (clicky, not squishy), hand rest, direct sampling input, headphone outs, usb hub. Well worth it IMO.

It is decided:
When I make the jump to the software - the Ren is the right choice for me.

Think it will be a good mix of soft & hardware... I dig the idea of having the computer's power behind my sampler + being able to track out from the hardware (or record straight from the outs to a tapedeck, etc).

Shweeeeeetness.

medearis wrote:Are the hardware differences between the two controllers worth the price difference..

For me yes! I copped the studio got it back to the lab and took it back 2 hrs later and got the ren.. Although it's a cool looking lil piece of gear...and from what I heard functions well aside from the q link issues... It just didn't do it for me on inspiration and feel department..I couldn't get that I want to create vibe from it... But the ren on the other hand it has that old mpc60 mpc2000xl gravitational pull that makes you want to sit in front of it for hours and make heat!..