Question For DAW Users

Once again lol. Can a brother get some audio tracks and basic editing features so I can lay some vocal tracks down in the mpc along with my beats? If the dev's can put audio tracks in the mpc-5000 with it's limited processor/OS and resources I'm sure they can ad them in the mpc software.

Mistamixx wrote:Once again lol. Can a brother get some audio tracks and basic editing features so I can lay some vocal tracks down in the mpc along with my beats? If the dev's can put audio tracks in the mpc-5000 with it's limited processor/OS and resources I'm sure they can ad them in the mpc software.

Rest assured the devs are well aware of some people's desire to have audio tracks, along with all the other thousands of feature requests. It's a long list.

MPC-Tutor wrote:

Mistamixx wrote:Once again lol. Can a brother get some audio tracks and basic editing features so I can lay some vocal tracks down in the mpc along with my beats? If the dev's can put audio tracks in the mpc-5000 with it's limited processor/OS and resources I'm sure they can ad them in the mpc software.

Rest assured the devs are well aware of some people's desire to have audio tracks, along with all the other thousands of feature requests. It's a long list.

Thanks for the reply Tutor. Audio tracks would be a HUGE addition for getting keyboards, and vocals down for mixtape clients/demos and ruff drafts. Audio tracks in the MPC software = a major move ahead of the competition! It most likely will spike sales as well. I have the Studio, but if audio tracks are added I will purchase the Ren so I can utilize my keyboard modules via the four midi outs and audio tracks.

Bain wrote:

MPC-Tutor wrote:I really believe that once Akai go down the path of adding more and more 'DAW' features, they are making a rather gargantuan rod for their own back. People will never be happy with the way these DAW features are implemented, because ultimately the MPC was never envisaged to have these features and the entire core infrastructure wasn't designed with that in mind; it will always be a 'fudge'.

There has to be a cut-off point IMO where we accept that an MPC is an MPC, it was never intended to be a DAW replacement.

The other issue is that all these extra features will eventually have to come at a price, I simply cannot see Akai indefinitely adding major features to the MPC Software for free. Then the question is - are the purist MPC users willing to pay for v2.0, v3.0 etc upgrades whose main purpose is to transform the MPC into a half-baked DAW? Or would people rather the developers concentrate on creating more innovative features based around the core MPC workflow and ethos - e.g. improved chopping, new program features, live performance enhancements etc?

If Akai is happy with the sales of the Mpc Ren/Studio then our requests for daw like features may be falling on def ears. I don't see why it would be so hard to create an environment like Reason Record inside of the mpc software. I would definitely pay for an upgrade with these features an believe a lot of others would also. It doesn't have to have a million features. Basic audio editing features would allow people to use the Ren to create an arrange an entire song with vocals if necessary.

Honestly, in 2015 there is nothing special about the Ren that sets it apart from other production equipment, it's a nice nostalgic controller without these features at the end of the day.

Truth!!

What editing features would you want to be added in when audio tracks are implemented?

dazastah wrote:What editing features would you want to be added in when audio tracks are implemented?

The basics. Cut/copy/paste/reverse/snap/grid/nudge/markers/render/freeze tracks/zoom/split at cursor and time selection/trim/punch in-out. I'll be happy with just copy/cut/paste/punch in and out.

I started off wanting to use the MPC from within Logic Pro X but it seemed such a fiddly and time consuming thing to set up, which never really worked well.

I seem to have settled (for now) by using the MPC in standalone mode for mostly everything. If I need some of the Logic stuff, I will often fire it up alongside, and then channel the audio through to the MPC as a new sample which can then be manipulated. If I am done with my track, and want to add audio (vocals), I will often layer this on using Adobe Audition (force of habit), and then occasionally will also track out to Logic for additional mixing. A PITA again but hey.

It is annoying not having a one-stop shop, and I'd love to see how Logic can integrate with the MPC workflow properly, but I haven't worked that out yet.

If I could get a good mastering plugin, I'd probably be set.

As for all the discussion though - it's really a case of what works well for the individual, what they are comfortable with. Best results always come from being able to navigate a workflow with minimal distraction from the creative stuff - it's one of the reasons I got an MPC in the first place. The moment you have to stop work and spend 20 minutes trying to figure something out in an alien DAW, the moment is gone and your end result will no doubt suffer. There is no right or wrong answer. Stick with whatever method you feel suits you best IMO

Mink wrote:I started off wanting to use the MPC from within Logic Pro X but it seemed such a fiddly and time consuming thing to set up, which never really worked well.

I seem to have settled (for now) by using the MPC in standalone mode for mostly everything. If I need some of the Logic stuff, I will often fire it up alongside, and then channel the audio through to the MPC as a new sample which can then be manipulated. If I am done with my track, and want to add audio (vocals), I will often layer this on using Adobe Audition (force of habit), and then occasionally will also track out to Logic for additional mixing. A PITA again but hey.

It is annoying not having a one-stop shop, and I'd love to see how Logic can integrate with the MPC workflow properly, but I haven't worked that out yet.

If I could get a good mastering plugin, I'd probably be set.

As for all the discussion though - it's really a case of what works well for the individual, what they are comfortable with. Best results always come from being able to navigate a workflow with minimal distraction from the creative stuff - it's one of the reasons I got an MPC in the first place. The moment you have to stop work and spend 20 minutes trying to figure something out in an alien DAW, the moment is gone and your end result will no doubt suffer. There is no right or wrong answer. Stick with whatever method you feel suits you best IMO

The beauty of the MPC line starting with the MPC-60 is that you could sequence your entire music track within. Ad audio tracks with editing features! The MPC will be the best hardware/software combo ever made. I've been dreaming, and wanting this for 28 years. I purchased these units when they first hit the market: The Roland Tr-808 TR-707, TR-727, TR-909, EMU SP-12, EMU SP-1200, Alesis HR-16, Roland Boss DR-660 Dr. Rhythm, AKAI MPC60II, ROLAND MV-8000, MPC-5000, Native Instruments Maschine, and now the MPC-STUDIO. I still own a few of them. I've always wanted to be able to complete a entire song in one unit, (Without using anything else) but none of them had audio tracks except the MPC-5000. Out of all the machines I've owned/and still own, the MPC is it! Hopefully one day soon (WE CAN DO IT ALL WITH THE MPC!) I've been waiting a long time for this. Here's some Oldschool for you that I produced back in 1992. it peaked at 88 on the billboard charts.http://www.billboard.com/artist/389702/ ... tion/chart Everything was done with the MPC-60II except the vocals and the scratches lol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZG5MuEpudM Let's do it (ALL) in the MPC.

The wait has been long. I know Akai can make happen (FINALLY)

Regarding Brotherhood Nation - nice work. That's that golden era hiphop - love that era.

I don't know how anyone could actually use MPC as a plug-in considering the MPC sequencer doesn't sync up correctly if you loop any portion of your DAW project. The MPC just keeps on playing and doesn't loop at all, it's like being back on MTC. No good!

The MPC can handle synth, and effects plugins now. If they ad audio tracks WATCH OUT!! because it will be a done deal. Ren here I come! lol.