MPC Live price drop: now $999 USD - new hardware incoming?

*Sigh* sometimes I wish I wasn't a prude and smoked.

I'm still not sold on the Fantom price, its just too ridiculous for something that WILL age out, and I'm unsure if it can compete with say the RD-2000 or the Nords - for stage use. I mean that's encrouching on Moog One territory as well as the Waldorf Quantum.

I guess my thing is , I don't like the idea of crossing that $2k threshold for something that will age out ya know? That's like a special line for me, I'm not against crossing $2k, but I have to know that its something I could pass to my son, and not worry about technology completely overtaking its value, its part of why I hemmed and hawed about the X so much and ultimately passed, I wouldn't pass it on to my son, unlike say a Tr-808. Just doesn't feel like a good investment.

But that is me, I don't tour, and haven't rocked a stage in a LONG time (and was rapping then), and in the studio I want one of three types of equipment.
1) Cheap/easily replaceable stuff in case something gets stolen or I get robbed - the travel pack
2) The everything I actually need - computer
3) Gear to break up the monotony of #2, whether it be for live performance/sketching, acting like knob-snob, etc
The Fantom cost too much for me to travel places I could get robbed for it, I doubt it can actually compete with a computer in terms of raw production power/functionality, especially with the current sampling setup, and while it could be useful for breaking out the box, that's a LOT of money for just breaking out the box.
- Unreall

What do you mean by 'age out'? Everything ages man. People are still using the 4K to make nice beats- and that dropped in 2002 with a hefty price tag. The new Fantom is a studio hub that has a lot of updates coming. The connectivity options alone crush anything out there right now- not to mention it's fast and efficient workflow can't be matched by any other workstation out right now.

Thats alot of talk... Not sure if its that good. But maybe...

I would just use a DAW at that point if its over the price tag of the MPCX which is already enough. I would rather have a computer to update as i go along. Just get a i9 32gb ram 1 tb ssd and call it a day.

I love the standalone thing but theres a price point where its like.... yeah... no.... and the MPCX was it....
I own that guy too but i only payed 2/3's the price. I ran into some luck. I would rather get a Macbook or a Desktop PC and Move On, Stop Shopping For Gear and Just Make Music. Go to any keyboard like a Komplete Kontrol S62 MK2 and just maschine or a MPD, whatever.

If i didnt own any piece of gear maybe i would think of something of that sort but otherwise... I can get more done with a computer, or a MPC, a Synth and a Turntable.

I hear you on the Price, if it's not for you then pass on it. For me it's ideal. Aging? Ummm this has NEW technology that none of those keyboards you named have. Check out the specs. It has 4 chips in it to give power! 50 Watt power! And the list goes on. It has new future features so it won't age. Hell I know people that still rock the Korg Trinity and when did that come out? LOL It's all good man. I'm getting it cause it has what I need. Ima get the 61 key and I'm good.

Peace.

Unreallystic wrote:*Sigh* sometimes I wish I wasn't a prude and smoked.

I'm still not sold on the Fantom price, its just too ridiculous for something that WILL age out, and I'm unsure if it can compete with say the RD-2000 or the Nords - for stage use. I mean that's encrouching on Moog One territory as well as the Waldorf Quantum.

I guess my thing is , I don't like the idea of crossing that $2k threshold for something that will age out ya know? That's like a special line for me, I'm not against crossing $2k, but I have to know that its something I could pass to my son, and not worry about technology completely overtaking its value, its part of why I hemmed and hawed about the X so much and ultimately passed, I wouldn't pass it on to my son, unlike say a Tr-808. Just doesn't feel like a good investment.

But that is me, I don't tour, and haven't rocked a stage in a LONG time (and was rapping then), and in the studio I want one of three types of equipment.
1) Cheap/easily replaceable stuff in case something gets stolen or I get robbed - the travel pack
2) The everything I actually need - computer
3) Gear to break up the monotony of #2, whether it be for live performance/sketching, acting like knob-snob, etc
The Fantom cost too much for me to travel places I could get robbed for it, I doubt it can actually compete with a computer in terms of raw production power/functionality, especially with the current sampling setup, and while it could be useful for breaking out the box, that's a LOT of money for just breaking out the box.
- Unreall

Fess wrote:What do you mean by 'age out'? Everything ages man. People are still using the 4K to make nice beats- and that dropped in 2002 with a hefty price tag. The new Fantom is a studio hub that has a lot of updates coming. The connectivity options alone crush anything out there right now- not to mention it's fast and efficient workflow can't be matched by any other workstation out right now.

Thank you. To say something age out, is kinda wild. People use what they use and what's good for them. This thing is a beast, the thing it has is incredible. CV outs, you can plug usb devices to it, I think 3, computer power port that have 32 out, then you have XLR outs and quarter inch outs, then sub outs, it's bananas. I can't mention enough it has the pitch bend options and mod wheel on one keyboard. How many keyboards have that? Hell the new Macs are hella pricey people complain and I am like "Just don't buy it",. People complained about the X and Live being to much .

I meantioned it had litepipe, nah that was my bad, it has that one computer thing. I said it was durable plastic on top, nope it's METAL ALL AROUND! and light weight at that. But to LAST! LOL

Fess wrote:What do you mean by 'age out'? Everything ages man. People are still using the 4K to make nice beats- and that dropped in 2002 with a hefty price tag. The new Fantom is a studio hub that has a lot of updates coming. The connectivity options alone crush anything out there right now- not to mention it's fast and efficient workflow can't be matched by any other workstation out right now.

Yeah but a sampler is alot different than a baked in sound set.. Im not even remotely interested in it so I haven't read up on the sample capabilities/cloud stuff in it. I dont think Id go grab a Roland Sound Canvas or a Korg M1 and expect to sound very 'modern' with it, as great as they may still sound. My 'new' E-Mu has an 8MB flash ROM in it thats loaded with old ass early 90s presets, that shit is a straight chart topper in a box from 1993, I was getting flashbacks to high school going through em hah.

Danoc wrote:

Fess wrote:What do you mean by 'age out'? Everything ages man. People are still using the 4K to make nice beats- and that dropped in 2002 with a hefty price tag. The new Fantom is a studio hub that has a lot of updates coming. The connectivity options alone crush anything out there right now- not to mention it's fast and efficient workflow can't be matched by any other workstation out right now.

Thank you. To say something age out, is kinda wild. People use what they use and what's good for them. This thing is a beast, the thing it has is incredible. CV outs, you can plug usb devices to it, I think 3, computer power port that have 32 out, then you have XLR outs and quarter inch outs, then sub outs, it's bananas. I can't mention enough it has the pitch bend options and mod wheel on one keyboard. How many keyboards have that? Hell the new Macs are hella pricey people complain and I am like "Just don't buy it",. People complained about the X and Live being to much .

I meantioned it had litepipe, nah that was my bad, it has that one computer thing. I said it was durable plastic on top, nope it's METAL ALL AROUND! and light weight at that. But to LAST! LOL

STILL BRAND NEW, heck I wish the price would drop on that Fantom LOL hahahahaaa

The more technology something is based around, the higher the chance that it will become obsolete or functionally over-priced. Its why "classic synths that have that 'sound'" fetch for so much more than synths/keyboards that debatabley sound as good and are definitely more functional. "Oh wow it can talk to Cubase", I don't even hear people on this forum mentioning Cubase, on Facebook, Reaper seems to have a larger following. Talking to one or two DAWs (heard Logic also) also means it is proprietary - like Roland's AIRA link, that kind of tech does not last long, once support gets cut (and at launch everyone says they will support something for "so long") then the tech fades away and feels wasted.

I'm not trying to down the product, I wouldn't turn away receiving one, and I'll be the first to sit down at a bench at Guitar Center to see what it do. Its just that price feels HIGH, and I don't trust being able to etch that kind of value out of it, I look no further than my FA-06, which I only spent like $500-$600 on, and am already ready to move on from - the sounds are great quality, but everything outside of built in sounds, I don't like, the navigation, the button layout, the type of buttons, etc. And while the FA-06 is obviously last generation at this point, for $4k, I'd expect to not feel as though I need to upgrade for a decade plus.

But that is "me", and my needs interest are different than a lot of folks. I could be a billionaire and you still wouldn't catch me in a dumb-priced sportscar, because I don't see the practicality of it all.
- Unreall

For me its right up my alley. Its not a DAW its hardware with pretty cool tech stuff.

The Fantom has a good 10 year life span. If you're going to spend money, buy the best instead of buying 100 little things. Look at Elektron for example. People will buy their system and the total without Taxes is $6,244. Now Elektron could put all that in one keyboard, but they split it, so they make more money. People think they are getting a deal, but they're only spending more.

Even if you chose the 3 of the lowest price items listed here, you're spending $1947 +tax.

Elektron Digitakt 8-voice $749.00
Elektron Octatrack MKII $1,399.00
Elektron Analog Rytm MKII 8 $1,599.00
Elektron Analog Heat MKII $799.00
Elektron Digitone Keys 37-key $1,299.00
Elektron Model:Samples $399.00

Now if I'm going to get the Fantom keyboard, I'll get the 88 key. That way I have a full size piano, plus it would give me more zones to split the keyboard into.

@CharlesRandolph nice analogy.

Reason lm getting the 61 key is l will use it in the stu. If l were playing live hell yeah 88 keys !
I know how to keep mint condition equipment. Imo from past experience l could keep that Fatom over 10 years easy.
I had my Korg Trinity over 10 years.

That’s not a fair comparison Charles. You have three drum machines, a performance sampler, a multi mode midi controllable filter and a fm synth. All of which will outshine this keyboard within each little niche they have...

Maybe a Yamaha modx but still the Roland is two of those. Looking through it seems to be in direct competition with the korg Kronos. About the same price for a korg 88 key.

I have yet to see it in action much but it’s roland is trying to put it in the same class as the prophet x, quantum, and moog one. All of which don’t have as many features but the quality of those companies is something you won’t get from roland.

IMy approach would just to buy an integra, keep the midi keys and call it a day. Especially if I was working itb. Would still be coming in a little over 1/4 the cost of that.

Sure this thing is dope, but the price and the phrase sampler are the big stick outs to me. I am not sure that these new high priced synths they been rolling out are worth it at all. I had a prophet x. Dope as f, not sure if I’ll ever touch anything like it but was the most extreme overkill for my work flow. If I was a paid act, and more of a keyboardist, maybe I would have held on to it. That’s a big maybe. If I was composing movie and game soundtracks, then yes I would have kept. It. I guess it’s different as I’m a hobbiest, just really get into the tech aspect a lot. I could buy this and write it off two through my business, but this thing is for someone who is making a living off music. Like 60-100k a year type of living. Other wise this equipment isn’t economically viable. I could easily make that much buying a beat up work truck for 4K.
Maybe we should start a different thread as this one is way off track.

One the things l notice people keep talking about price, and how expensive it is.
Didn't we have people not to long ago talking bout how the Live/X was over price and to much?

Im ITB l wouldn't get the Integra, its a module, don't want that.
Feature wise, the Prophet X don't have what this new Fantom has. I like that Orb the Fantom has . l like the pitch and mode wheel options you get on the Fantom. I love the fact you can send out 32 tracks va computer using one cable. Touch screen and you can scroll easy through sound. Etc. Prophet X don't have that. Its more analog?
61 key prophet X cost $3,999, Fantom is $3,199.

This would work totally for me.

The prophet x is on a whole different level than this thing. Think like a maybach compared to a Lexus. Same could be said for the moog one, It’s not a workstation, it’s for professional sound designers. Like something you would find in a high end post production movie studio. It has the same aspect fo live professional playing but is sooo much different that this roland. It’s closest to the quantum, but the quantum has better sampling specs and really isn’t that similar.

If you look at the modx and the Kronos they seem to be more true “work stations” with quality sampling and audio recording specs. Where this thing sets apart seems to be in the computer integration, however I really hope roland doesn’t half ass it. They really half assed the computer integration on other new units, for this it would be beyond unacceptable.

I haven’t dug as deep as you on the roland but it would seem that it does more than any of the above mentioned, perhaps not as close with the Yamaha and korg, but even them just being older gives the edge to roland. Things are quickly obsolete these days. I will say thins if it’s using the 32 bit effects processors on the new boss line( md-500, rev-500) they will be dope effects, I’m sure the keybed will be professional, as the build quality. It will have the same, or improved sound module sounds they’ve been using, which are solid, plus I imagine some other goodies. I hope they don’t skimp on the analog filter, I don’t have as much faith compared to the pro x or moog, but different beasts and I’m not a fan of roland filters. Although I never used one of their modern analog filters. I wonder what the specs are for it and if it’s midi controllable.

Price is the only thing besides the sampling, but if you got money to blow go for it the x is still half of the cost of this thing. I’m sure it would be a wonderful addition to your setup, as with anyone else. I just can’t seem to justify it because I know it’s not for me. Trust me, I get gas prolly more than anyone and Can always find ways to justify my purchases even if I know I’ll regret it.

The point was that Elektron is a system and made to work together. I've seen people use the Digitone, Rytm, and Octatrack combo. Along with other smaller pieces. Add them up together and you're spending the same and usually more.

While the Prophet x, Quantum, and Moog one are nice. The Fantom keybed is much better for players. @DANOC has the MPC LIVE, so if he combine the LIVE with the Fantom 6 he'll have very nice combination. (Bypass the roland sampler.) I still say go from the 88 Key and get their top end Keybed.

Cockdiesel wrote:That’s not a fair comparison Charles. You have three drum machines, a performance sampler, a multi mode midi controllable filter and a fm synth. All of which will outshine this keyboard within each little niche they have...

Maybe a Yamaha modx but still the Roland is two of those. Looking through it seems to be in direct competition with the korg Kronos. About the same price for a korg 88 key.

I have yet to see it in action much but it’s roland is trying to put it in the same class as the prophet x, quantum, and moog one. All of which don’t have as many features but the quality of those companies is something you won’t get from roland.

IMy approach would just to buy an integra, keep the midi keys and call it a day. Especially if I was working itb. Would still be coming in a little over 1/4 the cost of that.

Sure this thing is dope, but the price and the phrase sampler are the big stick outs to me. I am not sure that these new high priced synths they been rolling out are worth it at all. I had a prophet x. Dope as f, not sure if I’ll ever touch anything like it but was the most extreme overkill for my work flow. If I was a paid act, and more of a keyboardist, maybe I would have held on to it. That’s a big maybe. If I was composing movie and game soundtracks, then yes I would have kept. It. I guess it’s different as I’m a hobbiest, just really get into the tech aspect a lot. I could buy this and write it off two through my business, but this thing is for someone who is making a living off music. Like 60-100k a year type of living. Other wise this equipment isn’t economically viable. I could easily make that much buying a beat up work truck for 4K.
Maybe we should start a different thread as this one is way off track.