MPC One companion

jabberwalky wrote:I use a PreenFM2 (which destroys the volcaFM). PreenFM is also USB powered, which is a bonus.

Looks compact. Seems highly based on the DX7. There's also the Reface DX which is more a direct clone, and would give the MPCOne a contrller keyboard.

I'm hoping that they release an FM softsynth for The MPC range, as it's interface would suit this style of synth, and it's a processor based synth. I am intrigued bt the OPSix which take FM is a slightly different direction and seems really powerful and intuitive.

Everybody is giving you an answer, but I think this rather begs a question: what are you missing in the MPC?

I have bass station 2 which gets his power via USB from my mpc live. You can use the bs2 as a midi keyboard, a solo synth, paraphonic synth, as an effect (analog filter, and distortion), it's a drummaschien in afxt mode

Another option is Fred's lab töröö which gets his power and midi from the mpc.
It's a 6 voice multitimbral hybrid synth with digital osc and analog filter.

e-smile-z wrote:I have bass station 2 which gets his power via USB from my mpc live. You can use the bs2 as a midi keyboard, a solo synth, paraphonic synth, as an effect (analog filter, and distortion), it's a drummaschien in afxt mode

Another option is Fred's lab töröö which gets his power and midi from the mpc.
It's a 6 voice multitimbral hybrid synth with digital osc and analog filter.

They are analogue oscillators, just digitally controlled, like the Junos Where as the oscillators in the Microfreak are digital, running through a single analogue filter (SEM)

e-smile-z wrote:I have bass station 2 which gets his power via USB from my mpc live. You can use the bs2 as a midi keyboard, a solo synth, paraphonic synth, as an effect (analog filter, and distortion), it's a drummaschien in afxt mode

Another option is Fred's lab töröö which gets his power and midi from the mpc.
It's a 6 voice multitimbral hybrid synth with digital osc and analog filter.

Also some great suggestions there. I might have to dig out my BS2 again. That AFX update was insanity, just thinking of sequencing that with the MPC is getting me intrigued by the possibilities.

had both Bass Stations in the 90's (Drum Station too) but the Bass station2 is heads and shoulders above that synth. So glad I revisited, especially as the first Bass anion was me stepping into electronic music for the first time, so I have an emotional attachment. The bassStation 2 seems a perfect response to all the critics, almost as if they listened to every request an put it in there. LP/BP/HP 12 and 24, a 303 style filter. ring mod, overdrive before filter and distortion after, the Osc Filter Mod came out of now where. but still ekpt the vibe of the original. But then the firmware updates, like the MPC, it's a gift that keeps giving. I'm not too fussed about the AFXmode, but I can see why other are excited about it. The paraphonic mode though is beautiful, especially after running into the input of the MPC and through the Ensemble FX.

I was big fan of my BassStation, but it never was a monster for bass, BaritoneStation would have been a more acurate name, but the Bass Station 2 rips. sings, and thunders.


It's also the same depth and height as the MPCOne, so looks pretty tidy next to it. I have them both on laptop stands, which makes the controls even more inviting.

djst wrote:Everybody is giving you an answer, but I think this rather begs a question: what are you missing in the MPC?

That’s a good question. I like sound design. And even if MPC one has some very interesting plugins there are some sound you can’t create for now. That’s why the Typhon (incredible analog sound) or the Model:Cycles are interesting.

Some of you will say that you can use samples. But these samples were created by somebody who designed it.

You can even automate nearly anything from the bass station 2 or Fred's lab töröö on the mpc

Ok so after 10 month thinking about it and practicing my MPC One I decided to order a Dreadbox Typhon and will received it next week.

The sound of this Typhon is incredible (tried it) and no plugin can produce this warm analog sound (even if I love Odyssey, Hype and OPx4). The effects are very very good also.

So my project is to sequence this Typhon with my MPC One, sample some patches to make polyphonic Keygroups, warm-up MPC’s plug-ins by recording them through the Typhon and use its good FX with my guitar, the MPC or even synths iapps.

I think that I’ll order the Microfreak later, maybe on Christmas. Quite sure that the Typhon will be a good friend with it and will help it getting warmer and fill it’s lacks of FX.

I've got quite a bit of outboard gear paired up with the MPC One and ... it's been a journey, for sure

The MPC One completely covers sampling and sequencing. Having another groove box just complicates things, since you then have to manage project files on 2 devices and control your rig from 2 places. Also you're paying for functionality you already have, so better use the money for gear that does things the MPC does not do. So for me an MC-101 or the Electron boxes are hard to justify, given the added complexity they add to the setup and the workflow for not offering that much the MPC can't do.

Digital synthesis is also something the MPC covers, at least to some extent. What makes a lot of sense is to buy a Wavetable synth, for example, if you want that sound.

I went mostly for analog gear, it's just a lot of fun to patch and tweak, even if it's not the most efficient way to get sounds out. Analog gear pairs well with the MPC with its CV outs and the ability to sample stuff quickly and easily. I always recommend the Behringer Neutron, it's cheap, sounds great and has a ton of stuff built in, and you can route it into the MPC for either sampling or slapping some FX on top of it.

What you also need to think of is the infrastructure part. With one analog monosynth for example you don't need much besides a few cables, but it'll quickly get more complicated, the more gear you add. I think it's not worth the hassle if you're buying something that has a lot of overlap with the MPC, both in terms of functionality and in terms of sound. So I'd generally look for something that is very different to the MPC.

I fully agree. And the Typhon is the kind of synth that can bring an added value to the MPC. It has a 64 step sequencer for sur but it mainly shines as an analog synth with very good effects

For know the USB audio doesn’t work due to the 48hHz sample rate versus 44kHz of the MPC but I’m quite sure that Dreadbox will provide a solution soon. They are very very customers oriented.

mikem wrote:I've got quite a bit of outboard gear paired up with the MPC One and ... it's been a journey, for sure

The MPC One completely covers sampling and sequencing. Having another groove box just complicates things, since you then have to manage project files on 2 devices and control your rig from 2 places. Also you're paying for functionality you already have, so better use the money for gear that does things the MPC does not do. So for me an MC-101 or the Electron boxes are hard to justify, given the added complexity they add to the setup and the workflow for not offering that much the MPC can't do.

Digital synthesis is also something the MPC covers, at least to some extent. What makes a lot of sense is to buy a Wavetable synth, for example, if you want that sound.

I went mostly for analog gear, it's just a lot of fun to patch and tweak, even if it's not the most efficient way to get sounds out. Analog gear pairs well with the MPC with its CV outs and the ability to sample stuff quickly and easily. I always recommend the Behringer Neutron, it's cheap, sounds great and has a ton of stuff built in, and you can route it into the MPC for either sampling or slapping some FX on top of it.

What you also need to think of is the infrastructure part. With one analog monosynth for example you don't need much besides a few cables, but it'll quickly get more complicated, the more gear you add. I think it's not worth the hassle if you're buying something that has a lot of overlap with the MPC, both in terms of functionality and in terms of sound. So I'd generally look for something that is very different to the MPC.

i agree on a synth companion. if you're on a budget, consider some of the behringer clones... model d for the moog sound, k2 for the awesome weirdness of korg ms-20, or others... if you are really into high-tech wavetable sounds, the blofeld might be a good choice. if you can spend more, search for a good deal on a 2nd hand virus TI and you're good for a lot of time

e-smile-z wrote:I have bass station 2 which gets his power via USB from my mpc live. You can use the bs2 as a midi keyboard, a solo synth, paraphonic synth, as an effect (analog filter, and distortion), it's a drummaschien in afxt mode

Just wanted to say, I think this is a genius suggestion - I"ve just tried the BS2 paired with the MPC One and it's completely integrated with it, including getting the power over USB. Not bad for a proper analog synth! I'll keep them together as a unit from now on. I can't think of any other analog synth that would integrate quite as nicely. Thank you for suggesting it!

I finally purchased this Dreadbox Typhon. I have it since 2 weeks and can’t be more happy. This Typhon is so good. This warm analog sound and the FX are great. I also pair it with a MPC One. It can be powered-up by MPC’s USB but there is ground loop noise. So the Typhon is powered by a external USB battery and controlled by the MPC through MIDI Din.

I had mc101 and Microfreak.
I think you'd better wait a bit and get a good bargain for Opx4, I tried it and I found it much better then Microfreak which is too basic and limited in my opinion.
Mc101 is excellent as a ready made box for synth sounds, EP, mallets and the sort.
After a couple of months using 101, I upgraded to mc707 because it also has an editor and turns MC into a very good editable synth of best Roland legacy.
So my suggestion is MPC+MC707.
Or just MPC with Opx4 (you have Hype which has more or less same MC rompler sounds).