Mpc Ren - Coming from 1000/2500

Maybe a little background - coming from a 1000/2500 background. I used to have my 2500 with a midi keyboard hooked up to Reason and my DAW (Cubase or Logic). About 5 years ago I sold my MPC and went strictly Reason. I miss the old workflow and I'm looking again for a MPC.

I've done about a week of research on the MPC Ren, but am I wrong in thinking I can do the exact same with the 2500, but keep the standalone aspect? With the exception of the chopping and having the MPC computer software, can't I run my MPC 2500 through my DAW or Reason to get access to VST's\AU's and basically achieve the same thing?

I know the build of the Ren is supposed to be crazy good, but I do like using my MPC standalone, and I'm thinking I can get 90% of what's going on with the REN now by running my 2500 through MIDI\Reason\DAW.

I came from a 1000, and honestly, it's a bit different, but not to the point where its counter intuitive, or totally new. I actually think it has more features than a 1k. Mpc software is mainly focused on being standalone (which I would love more support for the vst, and multi-trimbal, more outs, etc), but overall, its a cool switch.

Pros:
- No more recording analog outs.
- Tight sequencing
- Vintage mode to get sp1200 type of feel.
- Updates (subjective, some updates are good, some are eh).

Cons:
- Crashes alot (coming from a custom built audio pc with i7 processor, lot of ram, etc).
- Some plugins are a pain to get running.
- Needs some better vst support (I heard it works good with studio one, but I havent done enough research to claim that myself).

So the choice is really yours. It's not perfect, but it's not horrible either. Maybe if they could stop it from crashing as much and have it working like maschine works in a vst mode, I think they would out do the competition.

By there you have it.

One good feature is that you can open 2500 projects on the Ren. You may lose some of the settings but most of the project should be in tact.

Thanks for the feedback.

Yea I thought about the 2500 projects being compatible, which is HUGE. I have so much work just sitting on a HD with no way of getting them right now. I also like the "vintage" mode though I've never experienced it.

But my main thing is - it's not an actual MPC, right? It's simply a controller.

Why wouldn't I just save $$ and get the MPC Studio which has the hardware component to use, but still controls via the same MPC program on the computer? I know I'd lose some of the features like the preamp, XLR inputs, etc., but there's easy workarounds to that.

I still think getting the 2500 is the best bet because I can still use that as a controller for the DAW on the computer.

Oh yes, you can load your 1000/2500 files on the studio/ren. Imo it doesnt sound 100% (might have to do slight adjustments on volume), but it's still a good feature none the less.

Here's your situation:

- It's a mpc midi controller and software. Yes, you can purchase the studio and run it like that, and you can buy a audio interface. That is basically what the ren is, it is its own interface.

- Or yes, you could buy a 2500 and do it that way, but you would still need to purchase a interface.

I'd say do what works for you. I think the studio/audio interface is a great option, as I like the mpc software interface. Coming from a 1000 background, I think I made the right decision. Plus you have to realize you still need to buy cables, midi cables, etc with the 2500. The studio/ren provides me with a much cleaner setup.

But ultimately, the choice is yours.

You can import your 1000/2500 projects in the demo right now. That way you can get a feeling on how it transfers your projects. Go to akaipro.com and head over to the mpc section.

I use a 2500s for live and mpc studio at home for editing exporting (all the boring stuff) i still prefer to make a beat on the 2500 but finishing and editing is much easier with software. cantr beat stand alone for live use but i would like to see a new stand alone unit come out from akai that can properly replace a 2500 as ren is still missing some of the oldest most basic mpc functions, its always getting better tho, the software is rock solid stability for me, no probs there, regaurdless of any of the vintage modes the 2500 sounds a heap punchier when going thru some nice pre amps, mpc ren studio sound clean sterile, pitch/time strech artifacts are pretty much gone from the software including the funk those old algorithms bring. get all the mpcs

Before the REN, I used my 2500 to control the MPC Software. You don't have total control but the main functions (play,stop, pads, note repeat) work. Anything else you can handle manually on the software itself (sample editing and such). I think the REN is pretty much an MPC2500 on steroids with an Mbox in the back. LOL
While you can't use the REN stand alone like a 2500, the control you get over the software mixed with the features is a clear upgrade from the 2500.
nothing you haven't already heard but coming from someone who's 2500 was the flagship of my set up for 7 years, the REN is worth it.

Sharp wrote:Before the REN, I used my 2500 to control the MPC Software. You don't have total control but the main functions (play,stop, pads, note repeat) work. Anything else you can handle manually on the software itself (sample editing and such). I think the REN is pretty much an MPC2500 on steroids with an Mbox in the back. LOL
While you can't use the REN stand alone like a 2500, the control you get over the software mixed with the features is a clear upgrade from the 2500.
nothing you haven't already heard but coming from someone who's 2500 was the flagship of my set up for 7 years, the REN is worth it.

Appreciate all the feedback from everybody.

So really the appeal of the MPC software is more versatility\control over the MPC functions - chopping, assigning samples, etc. Workflow things. In terms of midi controller, or sounds, I can always sync my MPC with Reason or my DAW with VST\AU instruments and control it that way, right? As in, the Ren doesn't add too much extra in that aspect.

I just feel like for ~$800 with tax, I can get a 2500 to be more or less the same thing, but it's actually an MPC and not just controlling software.

I'm just having trouble seeing the MPC Software on the computer as THAT much of a game changer.

Now if they did the Ren with a standalone function, I'd probably be using it right now.

JrTMoney2 wrote:

Sharp wrote:Before the REN, I used my 2500 to control the MPC Software. You don't have total control but the main functions (play,stop, pads, note repeat) work. Anything else you can handle manually on the software itself (sample editing and such). I think the REN is pretty much an MPC2500 on steroids with an Mbox in the back. LOL
While you can't use the REN stand alone like a 2500, the control you get over the software mixed with the features is a clear upgrade from the 2500.
nothing you haven't already heard but coming from someone who's 2500 was the flagship of my set up for 7 years, the REN is worth it.

Appreciate all the feedback from everybody.

So really the appeal of the MPC software is more versatility\control over the MPC functions - chopping, assigning samples, etc. Workflow things. In terms of midi controller, or sounds, I can always sync my MPC with Reason or my DAW with VST\AU instruments and control it that way, right? As in, the Ren doesn't add too much extra in that aspect.

I just feel like for ~$800 with tax, I can get a 2500 to be more or less the same thing, but it's actually an MPC and not just controlling software.

I'm just having trouble seeing the MPC Software on the computer as THAT much of a game changer.

Now if they did the Ren with a standalone function, I'd probably be using it right now.

Before you buy the 2500 download the demo and take a look at the options that it has.

http://www.akaipro.com/product/mpcrenaissance#downloads


Also if you are getting a 2500 don't forget to factor in the license cost of JJOS 2XL.

1.8 is more then stable on my i5 win 8.1 64 but system...had a few legacy mpc s now on the ren won t look back anymore.

Ill be honest, I look at the studio screen more than the computer one when making a track. I use both though, because the studio interface, mix wise, is like night and day compared to the 2500/1000.

I'd say get the studio, which is cheaper, and same features, but just get a good interface. Technically speaking, you dont need one (I'm using asio4all), but it certainly does help.

the studio/ren is def a upgrade though.

pull-over wrote:1.8 is more then stable on my i5 win 8.1 64 but system...had a few legacy mpc s now on the ren won t look back anymore.

Are there issues with stability? I'm running OS X. I've also heard issues with syncing the MPC software with the hardware each time. Sometimes dudes gotta turn it off and on 5 or 6 times for it to sync.

I downloaded the demo and have been running my old PGM's through it. Nice to hear those old beats! Only issue is there were settings within the MPC (compressor settings, program settings for the samples, etc.) where they just don't play the same.

Maybe it's the loss of the standalone I'm focusing too hard on. Everything I hear about the build of the actual MPC sounds great. And a couple cool features, even though those can be done outside pretty easily. I'm trying to figure out what I am really losing with the MPC Ren than I would have with the 2500.

JrTMoney2 wrote:

pull-over wrote:1.8 is more then stable on my i5 win 8.1 64 but system...had a few legacy mpc s now on the ren won t look back anymore.

Are there issues with stability? I'm running OS X. I've also heard issues with syncing the MPC software with the hardware each time. Sometimes dudes gotta turn it off and on 5 or 6 times for it to sync.

I downloaded the demo and have been running my old PGM's through it. Nice to hear those old beats! Only issue is there were settings within the MPC (compressor settings, program settings for the samples, etc.) where they just don't play the same.

Maybe it's the loss of the standalone I'm focusing too hard on. Everything I hear about the build of the actual MPC sounds great. And a couple cool features, even though those can be done outside pretty easily. I'm trying to figure out what I am really losing with the MPC Ren than I would have with the 2500.

Have you tried the NDC chopping in the MPC Software?

kaydigi wrote:
Have you tried the NDC chopping in the MPC Software?

Not yet - I'll check it out later. I used JJ OS on my 2500 when I had it so a lot of features aren't new.