MPC2500 vs Live

Too be honest after everything I've seen the OP post, it sounds like the Live would fit his workflow better (especially being able to easily track out to a DAW)

Sharris wrote:

Danoc wrote:Hmmmm there's no such thing as SUPER PORTABLE! The Live is definitely portable , more so than a 2500 or 2000XL or 500! Id rather port that around than the 500 or 2500.
Here's the scenario , you just left your house to go to the major studio, YOU FORGET YOUR POWER CORD, now you have to go all the way back home then go all the way back to the stu. If l leave my cord home l can stay at the stu for at least 7 hours on battery without worry. I wont have to worry about TRACKING OUT IN 2018. Making it great l don't waste more time on my battery.
You get 2 options on getting tracks out.
1. Tracking out (old way)
2. Bouncing or Exporting stems (fast way). This eliminates extra cords to be attached to the machine. The only cord that is hooked up is my power cord (if l take it) and my head phone cord That's it. Now that's what you call portability! There are two jacks in the stu that can connect into the live to hear over the monitors or just wait until l drop it in Protools. Ask the many people who port their Live aound is it a big problem. Put it in the bag and go!
I never heard the OP say he wanted the 500. Yeah its smaller but you can't compare it to the Live on any scale!
At some point you dump your music into a DAW am l correct? So how are you dumping your tracks?
You get to put a HHD in the 2500 but IDE? That's old ribbon technology once that ribbon goes you gotta replace the HHD. The live takes Sata connection and SSD (no movable parts) drive.
It's cool if you wanna stay in the archaic world but don't make it seem like the Live can't handle its business. Its a power house with new technology in it.
Peace

I never said ANYTHING bad about the Live & I never said the 2500 or 500 was better. How did I make it sound like the Live can't handle it's business? So confused by your comment, not sure where you're getting this stuff.

I understand OP is NOT discussing the 500. I mentioned I could sell my 2500 AND my 500, get the Live & have money left over. I gave examples as to why I don't. The OP has made a few threads about this, so I explained WHAT is important to ME, to hopefully help him think about WHAT is important to HIM. I even flat out said if I used a computer I would get the Live (I DO NOT USE A COMPUTER FOR MUSIC, so to answer your question I DO NOT TRACK OUT TO A DAW).

Of course the Live is more portable than the 2500, I was talking about the 500. No power cord needed for the 500. It's smaller, lighter, cheaper. To me that equals more portable. Totally fine if the Live is more portable for you. That's awesome.

I do not use a DAW for MANY reasons. The most important reason being I sit in front of a computer for work, so the last thing I want to do when I get home is....sit in front of a computer. I understand using software makes things easier & I COMPLETELY understand why people love it. I didn't even use a sequencer for the first year I made beats & I didn't look at waveforms when I chopped (now I do sometimes). Why? Because I wanted to get good at playin the pads. I wanted to be able to HEAR things better & use my ears more. What is most important to me? Gaining skill, knowledge & enjoying myself. I am completely fascinated with music production. I've taken 3 days off in 3 years. I spend at least 40 hours a week in my studio & I have a full time job. It has consumed me in the most beautiful way & I actually believe it saved my life (that's a whole nother story).

I do not have an issue with the Live. I LOVE MPC's period.

It seems people are running away from the computer, when all they have to do is change their perspective. We tend to forget that the drum machine is a computer and its the same thing many drummers said about the drum machines when it came out. "Drum machines have no soul." But it's about using them as tools.

You could use a computer strictly as a multi tracking system, two track mastering system, big effect box, or vsti machine. Nevertheless, I understand your workflow. Sometimes, it nice to actually feel like you're working. I do that sometimes, when I record to 2 inch tape, using nothing but my owns human timing.

However the key to any tool, is to learn it so well that it's no longer in the way. Less programming and more actually making music. Because who wants to sit down and edit drums and sounds all day. My dream drum machine , would allow me to create music without ever stopping it. Sample, Midi Instruments, Import sound, delete sounds, record live instruments, chop samples, apply effects, and so on.

At this point for the OP it really won't matter what machine he gets, the 2500 or LIVE. The key is to get something that allows him to make music ASAP. Otherwise it's all talk. No matter what machine, there will be a learning curve and he's going to have to put the time in.

profound.

That's how l see the computer l use its power for my advantage.

CharlesRandolph wrote:I never said ANYTHING bad about the Live & I never said the 2500 or 500 was better. How did I make it sound like the Live can't handle it's business? So confused by your comment, not sure where you're getting this stuff.

I understand OP is NOT discussing the 500. I mentioned I could sell my 2500 AND my 500, get the Live & have money left over. I gave examples as to why I don't. The OP has made a few threads about this, so I explained WHAT is important to ME, to hopefully help him think about WHAT is important to HIM. I even flat out said if I used a computer I would get the Live (I DO NOT USE A COMPUTER FOR MUSIC, so to answer your question I DO NOT TRACK OUT TO A DAW).

Of course the Live is more portable than the 2500, I was talking about the 500. No power cord needed for the 500. It's smaller, lighter, cheaper. To me that equals more portable. Totally fine if the Live is more portable for you. That's awesome.

I do not use a DAW for MANY reasons. The most important reason being I sit in front of a computer for work, so the last thing I want to do when I get home is....sit in front of a computer. I understand using software makes things easier & I COMPLETELY understand why people love it. I didn't even use a sequencer for the first year I made beats & I didn't look at waveforms when I chopped (now I do sometimes). Why? Because I wanted to get good at playin the pads. I wanted to be able to HEAR things better & use my ears more. What is most important to me? Gaining skill, knowledge & enjoying myself. I am completely fascinated with music production. I've taken 3 days off in 3 years. I spend at least 40 hours a week in my studio & I have a full time job. It has consumed me in the most beautiful way & I actually believe it saved my life (that's a whole nother story).

I do not have an issue with the Live. I LOVE MPC's period.

It seems people are running away from the computer, when all they have to do is change their perceptive. We tend to forget that the drum machine is a computer and its the same thing many drummers said about the drum machines when it came out. "Drum machines have no soul." But it's about using them as tools.

You could use a computer strictly as a multi tracking system, two track mastering system, big effect box, or vsti machine. Nevertheless, I understand your workflow. Sometimes, it nice to actually feel like you're working. I do that sometimes, when I record to 2 inch tape, using nothing but my owns human timing.

However the key to any tool, is to learn it so well that it's no longer in the way. Less programming and more actually making music. Because who wants to sit down and edit drums and sounds all day. My dream drum machine , would allow me to create music without ever stopping it. Sample, Midi Instruments, Import sound, delete sounds, record live instruments, chop samples, apply effects, and so on.

At this point for the OP it really won't matter what machine he gets, the 2500 or LIVE. The key is to get something that allows him to make music ASAP. Otherwise it's all talk. No matter what machine, there will be a learning curve and he's going to have to put the time in.[/quote]

You're right a drum machine is a computer. & a man is a human. Doesn't mean you want to suck that d!ck. "Just pretend you're sucking on a boob. Change your perspective!!!!"

I have Ableton Suite with a Launchpad Pro & Maschine Mk3. Believe me man, I'm not a hardware snob, I WANT to love software, I've TRIED to love software it just hasn't happened yet.

I think the ultimate set up is a mix of hardware & software & digital & analog. Hopefully someday I'll be able to use what I consider the ultimate set up.

Mpc Live is my favorite MPC: I don’t have any complaints.

Actually it’s the only MPC where I don’t miss the JJOS.

Mines too. 2000XL is next, after that the 3000 and Thats it.

MPCWeapon1 wrote:Mpc Live is my favorite MPC: I don’t have any complaints.

Actually it’s the only MPC where I don’t miss the JJOS.

Sharris wrote:You're right a drum machine is a computer. & a man is a human. Doesn't mean you want to suck that d!ck. "Just pretend you're sucking on a boob. Change your perspective!!!!"

I have Ableton Suite with a Launchpad Pro & Maschine Mk3. Believe me man, I'm not a hardware snob, I WANT to love software, I've TRIED to love software it just hasn't happened yet.

I think the ultimate set up is a mix of hardware & software & digital & analog. Hopefully someday I'll be able to use what I consider the ultimate set up.

A flexible Hybrid studio is the best options. It allows for a greater sound experimentation and it easier on the budget. I'm not sure where you are in your career, however most of the people I work with we track out everything because it gives us the greatest flexibility. I.E. Makes it easier to replace drums or melody parts as well as a more controlled mix. It also future proof us when we change DAWs.

I'm only loyal to my music, also the MPC X/LIve stem export in stand alone is a critical time saver. Perhaps the best feature on the machine. I remember on GS, when DANOC told people he did not need a sound card to the computer because he exports his stems and load them into DAW and they called his crazy.

Not to mention the LIVE or X works as an Audio Interface. Can't do that with a 2500.

Someone always tryin to tell others the best way to get down with makin music. Seriously, just worry about your own ways. Some of us get down without the need for DAWs or exporting stems. No need to worry about iloks or updates or changing DAWs, or patches, updates, OS changes, drivers, etc

Wormhelmet wrote:Someone always tryin to tell others the best way to get down with makin music. Seriously, just worry about your own ways. Some of us get down without the need for DAWs or exporting stems. No need to worry about iloks or updates or changing DAWs, or patches, updates, OS changes, drivers, etc

Never said how you should get down with making music. If you read up, you'll see I said, that I understand his workflow. We are exchanging ideas.

But let me play devils advocate.

Even using just a MPC, what happens when the HD crash, the OS get corrupted, the screen breaks, the sensor pads go out, you qlink knobs go bad. Guess what, you're going to need to be flexible so that you can keep creating.

Looks like you're going to have to load up your projects, inside the Akai Software 2.0 with all the iloks, updates, patches, updates, drivers, and OS Changes. Equipment is not designed to last forever and in this day and time it's really designed to be obsolete in 4 years.

Key: Stay Flexible.

CharlesRandolph wrote:

Wormhelmet wrote:Someone always tryin to tell others the best way to get down with makin music. Seriously, just worry about your own ways. Some of us get down without the need for DAWs or exporting stems. No need to worry about iloks or updates or changing DAWs, or patches, updates, OS changes, drivers, etc

Never said how you should get down with making music. If you read up, you'll see I said, that I understand his workflow. We are exchanging ideas. But let me play devils advocate. Even using just a MPC, what happens when the HD crash, the OS get corrupted, the screen breaks, the sensor pads go out, you qlink knobs go bad. Guess what, you're going to need a flexible setup so that you can keep creating.

Looks like you're going to have to load up your projects, inside the Akai Software 2.0 with all the iloks, updates, patches, updates, drivers, and OS Changes. Equipment is not designed to last forever and in this day and time it's really designed to be obsolete in 4 years.

Key: Stay Flexible.

Maybe the equipment you buy isn’t. I don’t use a new MPC so I don’t worry about it. I have plenty of gear older than 10 years too. I also have a second piece of gear setup in another part of the house to create on so if the first breaks anyway, I’ll load it on the second. Didn’t cost me anything more than a laptop and everything spits to wav on storable media regardless. It’s not rocket science chief.

I’m not telling you how to do it or what the best way is

Bottom line is if dude wants to roll with a 2500, then roll with it. Just be sure to research known issues before you buy and be prepared to deal with em.

Wormhelmet wrote:Maybe the equipment you buy isn’t. I don’t use a new MPC so I don’t worry about it. I have plenty of gear older than 10 years too. I also have a second piece of gear setup in another part of the house to create on so if the first breaks anyway, I’ll load it on the second. Didn’t cost me anything more than a laptop and everything spits to wav on storable media regardless. It’s not rocket science chief.

I’m not telling you how to do it or what the best way is

Bottom line is if dude wants to roll with a 2500, then roll with it. Just be sure to research known issues before you buy and be prepared to deal with em.

I believe that is why he ask the question, to help with the research of buying one or the other. Both machine are more than capable in capable hands. But if we are talking features, support, warranty and flexibility. The LIVE wins hands down over the 2500.

I agree 100%

I my case if the Live went down l can make music either in Reason 10 or Studio One, l would never run to the 2.2.1 software. So lm good.

CharlesRandolph wrote:I believe that is why he ask the question, to help with the research of buying one or the other. Both machine are more than capable in capable hands. But if we are talking features, support, warranty and flexibility. The LIVE wins hands down over the 2500.

Charles Randolph, I do not work in music. That is not my dream. I said in 1 of the posts you quoted, I work a full time job sitting in front of a computer & it is 1 reason I do not use a computer for music (1 reason). Not sure where you got I work in music. Danoc has mentioned it several times. He works in music.

I buy gear that fits me best. Op should buy what fits him best. Both are capable machines. Both are very capable machines especially for the music you make (I make the same sh!t). You should let us know what you get & how you get a long with it.

I don't work in music, in fact I dont work at all yet. I'm 18.
Yeah, MPC Live, MPC2500, who knows man. One day it's this, one day it's that.
Another nice feature of the Live is audio tracks... there's also some kind of audio track on the 2500 but the Live's ones are pretty dope as I have seen in a video by a youtuber called DJ Reggiereg. That would give the opportunity to playback some acapellas after making a beat on the Live, without adding them on the PC (for example when I make a beat at a friends house and dont have my PC with me)
I love the 2500 for the features it got, and I am tempted to go the 2500 way. On the other hand, the Live is dope too, so the balance is holding more or less...
In almost all cases my beat will at some point undergo the mixing state in my PC... so I'll make the beat, if at home or at a friends house, or even in another country, in the end it will be tracked out to PC... mixed, mastered, uploaded. 2500, or Live, i dont know yet...

I like Dj Reggiereg's videos

Honestly it seems like the Live would fit you best when it comes to features. But at the same time you have to enjoy the process & the workflow or you won't use it. I learned that when I first got into beat making.

BUT, if you make sure you can return the Live it's a win win. If you buy the Live & realize you don't like the workflow, you can return it, get your money back & buy something else. Not only that, I bet you would learn a lot from the experience. You will learn what you like & don't like when it comes to a hardware sampler & how it interacts with your DAW & what ever else you have.

You can do the same with the 2500, depending on where you buy it, some places have a 30 day money back guarantee policy. Or sell it, but you might lose a little money.

I wouldn't stress too much about it. Get the one you "feel" the most. Learn from the experience. Worst case, you return it or sell it & get something else.