Btw. what do you guys think about my idea? I was thinking 'what would be an ideal mpc for 2016' and I came up with this:
1. 240x104 LCD display with integrated OS allowing to switch to 'dot matrix mode emulation' (old school, for heads that can't live without visible square pixels).
2. USB port in/out
3. Soft pads just like akai mpc 2000/2000xl
4. Durable, sturdy tactile switches like akai s1000 and akai mpc 60/3000 had
5. Analogue routing simillar or the same like akai mpc 3000 and akai mpc 60, easily interchangable with a single toggle-switch
6. Basic functions of the machine available as a standalone. By that I mean sequencing, layering, song mode, step edit, mute groups and sample banks.
7. Advanced functions of the machine available upon hooking it up with original mpc software. That is to say: vst/vsti support (including 3rd party stuff), advanced and clearer sequencing, sample chopping and increased computing capabilities (a true hybrid mixing CPU & RAM power of standalone mpc with CPU & RAM of your PC)
8. I'm sorry for that but geez how i miss the Abrams T90 tank size samplers... . If it would be 3/4 of mpc 62's height, width and length then I would be more than pleased.
9. Remember the good times, don't embrace them only in promotional vids for controllers that pretend to be true mpc's. Make main record, overdub, play, stop, play start buttons square like they were before. Protect the letter layer from wearing out. Use sturdy data control wheel just like on mpc 3000, s1000 and mpc 60/62. Don't be ashamed of using high quality components, they cost pennies when you consider that end-user is paying 1299$ for the device (just a price example).
10. Keeping in mind the previous point, use high quality magnet tapes, tactile switches, screens and pad sensors. It often costs just a dollar more but instead of cheap chinese ish you get japanese quality which was always outstanding. Create MPC's that will last another 20 years without major flaws. These devices are known for durability and let it like that. Release limited editions which will surely get increased value over a time which you can use to your own benefit either charging more for LE or re-selling LE's to so-called 'second hand markets' like ebay.
11. Don't forget about 8-out. We love mpc's for their oldschool, we use computer daily, we use old 8 track recorders like TASCAM's etc. We hook things up with mixers and classic analogue synths. Don't take the 8 out. It's cheap nowadays but improves the end-quality of your product.
12. The OS must be bug-less. At least for basic capabilities of the standalone machine. I can't worry about data loss anymore.
13. Leave it oldschool with ability for user to choose a skin for a device. Release 2 color versions of a device but allow users to choose from multiple easily appliable magnetic layers (skins) for the device. If someone want it to be like mpc 2500, let him be. It's pennies but huge satisfaction from end-user. If someone wants it to be like akai mpc 60 let him be, he'll shit his pants when he'll decor his flagship mpc to look just like an old school gear.
14. Side panels need to be durable.
Tell me guys what do you think about my idea
