How many people use hardware synths with their MPC Ren?

In this day and age I know a lot of people are probably using VSTs only but I know there must be people like myself that use both VSTs and hardware synths. What synths are you using and what is your workflow using it with the Ren? Is there a feature that you would like added to the Ren that would help you use hardware synths more effectively? I'm using a Korg Triton, a Proteus 2000, and a Xtreme Lead 1 Turbo (XL-1) and the way that I use it is when sequencing I always make sure to input program changes for each track. Two features that I would like added is system exclusive capabilities and I would like something added that would allow integration of your synth's sound into the Ren (just like it's done in Daws) something like an external input plugin. What are some of your ideas?

Additionally to the Ren and a few Arturia VST synths (which I rarely use as I prefer to work with actual hardware), I use a Korg MicroKorg and a Novation Bass Station II. My workflow is kind of what I am forced to do. Meaning that I record, let's say a bassline with the Bass Station. I then tweak it and work on it until I am pleased with the result. Then, as I want to export my song, I have to re-sample the bassline inside the Ren. Then I can export everything and I can actually hear what I played with the synth. As far as I understand this work around is necessary as otherwise I would only be exporting MIDI information but not the actual sounds. So, basically what I wish for are real audio tracks for the Ren in order to have a few work steps less.
Also I may have to add that I work with the Ren only, I do not have any other DAW where I export my songs to (not yet, anyway, I am quite new to the game of making beats. I hope what I just wrote is not complete BS, correct me, if I am wrong somewhere).

It's not BS, I think it would be nice to have more features that would make working with hardware synths much easier.

I totally agree! I mean it is ok that I can use it as described, but it could really be more comfortable. Just like with recording vocals. I know that the MPC is not primarily intended for that, but damn it is inconvenient. Many will now argue that I could use another DAW for that, I know, I know, but I want to keep things simple and would like to be able to do as much as possible inside the Ren. But I am pretty positive that there will be some nice new features with future updates... At least I hope so...

Jonespnice1 wrote:It's not BS, I think it would be nice to have more features that would make working with hardware synths much easier.

++1

I use a Ren with a Roland FA-06 & Emu mp-7. I find a sample, then use the MP7 to craft my drums & bass. One I get the guts to the beat down, I start using my Fa-06 for synth sounds, extra piano, horns, etc. All of it is controlled by the Ren's midi outs. I also have an MPC 1K for sampling non music related samples. Like clips from movies and such. I think the Ren compliments it all nicely. The only thing I really need is a ren software update so I can get that sustain feature for my samples. I have work arounds for now but it would be nice to not have to.

I use the Ren with a Bass station II, a novation KS-Rack, Korg Volca Keys, and 2 akai s1100.
My workflow is to route everything through the Zed-r16, sequence with midi and then recording prior to close the mpc software.
What I would like to see is selectable record inputs per track, so the 16 inputs of the zed can be tracked at once.
So more or less what you all have described already...

Audio tracks sounds a good idea - but isn't that current sampling just with longer times? I usually work with it until the last minute/mix down when I sample as much as I need into the Ren. Just getting the best level over a longer period is tricky, but not that difficult

Poptik wrote:Audio tracks sounds a good idea - but isn't that current sampling just with longer times? I usually work with it until the last minute/mix down when I sample as much as I need into the Ren. Just getting the best level over a longer period is tricky, but not that difficult

yeah i think people want the audio tracks within song mode, so that you could resample hardware across all sequences all in one pass, then those tracks would export with the rest.

Moog Little Phatty and Korg SV1

Audio tracks would be great.

IMAKEMADBEATS wrote:Moog Little Phatty and Korg SV1

Audio tracks would be great.

Curious, what's the difference between Audio Tracks, and direct record?

I know direct record, puts the recorded sample at specific point in the timeline. Does Audio tracks do anything different than that?

I use audio tracks on the mpc 1000 (jjos 128xl) but just as a direct record option from the my hardware synths.

With multi input interface each track can record different inputs at the same time...or at least that's what I miss in the Mpc Software that I can only select 1 input stereo, Or 2 mono and then separate the channels into 2 mono channels.

kaydigi wrote:

IMAKEMADBEATS wrote:Moog Little Phatty and Korg SV1

Audio tracks would be great.

Curious, what's the difference between Audio Tracks, and direct record?

I know direct record, puts the recorded sample at specific point in the timeline. Does Audio tracks do anything different than that?

I use audio tracks on the mpc 1000 (jjos 128xl) but just as a direct record option from the my hardware synths.

Think of it the same way you'd think of using midi instruments in Pro Tools, and eventually printing them out as audio/wavs in Pro Tools. You can manipulate wavs differently and in my opinion better than you can manipulate midi.
Like if I have a 16 bar sequence, and I wanna play my Korg SV1 Rhodes into it starting at bar 2, If I do direct record, its really a sample and a midi note place to trigger the sample. Now If I go to bar 3 and start playing from there, I won't hear that Rhodes until the sequence loops and hits bar 2 again.
If it triggered the sample and once I get to bar 8 I hit the << button to hear that bar again... sample is off... gotta wait to loop back to bar two to retrigger it.
Especially with pianos.... if I chop up the sample just so I can place the new trigger throughout the sequence, I gotta deal with the pops and clicks and be extremely precise. Pianos are really sensitive in that regard.
There's more, but these are some examples.

Direct Record is def a come up from no option at all for that kinda thing... or sampling and having to place it yourself... but Audio Tracks would be the most ideal.... where you can edit the audio right there in the sequence. Like Pro Tools, or even FL.

IMAKEMADBEATS wrote:

kaydigi wrote:

IMAKEMADBEATS wrote:Moog Little Phatty and Korg SV1

Audio tracks would be great.

Curious, what's the difference between Audio Tracks, and direct record?

I know direct record, puts the recorded sample at specific point in the timeline. Does Audio tracks do anything different than that?

I use audio tracks on the mpc 1000 (jjos 128xl) but just as a direct record option from the my hardware synths.

Think of it the same way you'd think of using midi instruments in Pro Tools, and eventually printing them out as audio/wavs in Pro Tools. You can manipulate wavs differently and in my opinion better than you can manipulate midi.
Like if I have a 16 bar sequence, and I wanna play my Korg SV1 Rhodes into it starting at bar 2, If I do direct record, its really a sample and a midi note place to trigger the sample. Now If I go to bar 3 and start playing from there, I won't hear that Rhodes until the sequence loops and hits bar 2 again.
If it triggered the sample and once I get to bar at I hit the << button to hear that bar again... sample is off... gotta wait to loop back to bar two to retrigger it.
Especially with pianos.... if I chop up the sample just so I can place the new trigger throughout the sequence, I gotta deal with the pops and clicks and be extremely precise. Pianos are really sensitive in that regard.
There's more, but these are some examples.

Direct Record is def a come up from no option at all for that kinda thing... or sampling and having to place it yourself... but Audio Tracks would be the most ideal.... where you can edit the audio right there in the sequence. Like Pro Tools, or even FL.

Dope dope dope, fantastic explanation.

kaydigi wrote:Dope dope dope, fantastic explanation.

Thanks man.