Mutated mod MPC Renaissance proposal and questions

Hello (long winded post)
I recently became aware of the MPC Renaissance and AKAI's latest after the MPC X came into the public eye. I have owned a couple different MPC models over the years (never connected with a digital inst./seq. As much as the MPC) and as my MAC Pro Tower is breathing it's last breath I thought the X would be just what the Dr. ordered. However some assumed some assured limitations are making me reconsider.

So after learning about the renaissance since joining this board, and if 2.0 pans out, I am considering purchasing one installing a computer (mac mini size), cv converters, Presonus recording interface, and slide out CThru music axis 49 in it and a touch screen ala mpc x on top. I assume I will need to create an entire new chassis. I have a laser cutter/engraver, screen print, cnc in house, and the necessary sculpture and analog/digital electronics background as well.
So my questions: I've searched the forum as best I could first.
1. Is the Renaissance a good foundation. It seems as if there were initially some bugs, not sure if that was just software.
2. Any major hardware quirks?
How are the encoders? How are the switches? Are the pads nice? I would be coming from the 60 and 2000xl.
3. If anyone has opened their's up, is there much room to start? Did you take pics?
4. What is the built in screen for/ what kind of feedback does it give?
If any one would like to share their over all thoughts on the project idea I would love the feedback both pos. and neg.
I know I could just purchase a laptop and connect all this together but I'm looking for a seamless embedded instrument that can also substitute as a daw for a 8 channel based project studio.

Thank you,
Joshua

Dude. just buy the mpc x

Yeah! But I've made the majority of the gear I and others use, it is something I really enjoy. Not trying to save money or anything like that, honestly just wish it was possible to track up to 8 channels as that's how my patchbays/everything in my room is setup.

dez perado wrote:Dude. just buy the mpc x

This proposed rig can use vst instruments though which the X will require the separate computer.

Sure it's a bit long-winded for some but it's what the guy wants so it's all in one box and it seems this is something he is capable of doing himself.

How long till his plan works and everyone on here is asking for the details so they can do it as well?

Just keep in mind that the touchscreen you buy wont display the interface like the mpclive or mpcx. it will display the full desktop 2.0 and that isn't designed with touch interaction in mind.

eg: you wont have the ease of use that the standalones have and you will be better off using a mouse and keyboard

Aye! Yes dawned on me as well, and in no way am I up to any GUI augmentation task! That may just halt the thought in its tracks. Glad you mentioned.

Appreciate all of the responses, and the welcoming reception to the forum hope I can contribute.
Also, is there a 60 category on this site?

yup.. http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewforum.php?f=4

Aw shoot, thanks, really don't know how I missed that??? I'm sure it's a pet peeve when new members don't use the search functions etc.

Boosimasjohnson wrote:Aw shoot, thanks, really don't know how I missed that??? I'm sure it's a pet peeve when new members don't use the search functions etc.

personally doesn't bother me at all happy to help

I wouldnt give up on this idea so quickly. I use the ren and have a touch screen laptop . It works but you are still gonna be focused on the ren most of the time .. you can do basic stuff like naming and and simple selecting of midi notes but the thing you should consider is the os.. OS X does not natively support touch ... where as windows 10 does ... also to get the power per dollar I'd be going a desktop CPU vs a laptop mobile class CPU if you plan on using vst instruments ... Mac minis are bascically laptop processors

I never went the Mpc touch because I'm not a fan of touch screens ... (my laptop just happened to be a touch laptop and got a deal on it) . I prefer the ren layout .. 16 qlinks that are contextual on mode .. function keys .. numeric pad .. it's has legacy feel and layout ...
Didn't have to upgrade the pads or sensors but you can if you want to .. I've never opened it up so can't comment on this

The negs are tech support and system tuning .. you have to know the limit of your computer and constantly adjust settings to fine tune it to your workload per project .. you have to watch what plugins you use as there isn't plugin delay compensation .. so any heavy effect plugins are a no go early on in the process ... then with building windows system there isn't the guarantee that it will play nice with your interface...... but you prob already knew this ....

Do we know if the current software is Linux compatible? I do plan on using a Microsoft platform if not. I think I've scrapped the axis 49 in the plans. I'm having trouble getting the drawer to be an elegant system, it seems clunky, currently I'm making use of the arm rest so it pulls out from there and masks the seams (This is all just sketch). Also playing with 8 motorized faders and a midi anything style devboard.
I'm not VST heavy as most is outboard but I'm understanding more the delay compensation I've heard mentioned quite abit, that would drive anybody nuts.
I've also heard people commenting that users have to fix their midi notes in post, after looking at the basic specs though it seems that the renn/software can seq. At 960 ppq as appose to the traditional 96 so it seems that there may be nothing off and it just may need to be set to a lower resolution. Can anyone confirm? A good thing though when dealing with Midi to cv, possibly no more zippering oscilators.

Boosimasjohnson wrote:Do we know if the current software is Linux compatible? I do plan on using a Microsoft platform if not. I think I've scrapped the axis 49 in the plans. I'm having trouble getting the drawer to be an elegant system, it seems clunky, currently I'm making use of the arm rest so it pulls out from there and masks the seams (This is all just sketch). Also playing with 8 motorized faders and a midi anything style devboard.
I'm not VST heavy as most is outboard but I'm understanding more the delay compensation I've heard mentioned quite abit, that would drive anybody nuts.
I've also heard people commenting that users have to fix their midi notes in post, after looking at the basic specs though it seems that the renn/software can seq. At 960 ppq as appose to the traditional 96 so it seems that there may be nothing off and it just may need to be set to a lower resolution. Can anyone confirm? A good thing though when dealing with Midi to cv, possibly no more zippering oscilators.

Mine has always defaulted at 96 akaik. Don't remember changing it ever. Never had a problem. Wonder what will happen if I try 960....

Boosimasjohnson wrote:Do we know if the current software is Linux compatible?

Currently mpc software only supports Osx and Windows.

Boosimasjohnson wrote:Also playing with 8 motorized faders and a midi anything style devboard.

Mpc software desn't support external control like this.. Your motorized faders would work with another daw, but not the mpc software.. Mid in support is only for input of midi notes .

Well again thank you, I think I need to stop assuming that these run like pro tools etc. but that's ok.
So my tascam us2400 won't work with current version software either? Hmmm, well... I'm still going to pursue some of these ideas and I picked up a used renn off CL so I do have a better idea since opening it up (if anyone wants shots let me know). It's been fun romancing thoughts of childhood when production was all hardware without dedicated computers and daws but maybe it's just nostalgia.