Do i need a hardware based standalone MPC?

Hi

Im hopingnto get some useful info here.

Im relatively new hardware based music production. Ive always used software based daws like Reason. However i have been interested in hardware based tools such as the MPC. I have heard good things about it so i decided to buy the MPC X, In my quest to learn this product, i have seen countless videos offering help, but in most of them, it seemed like the user was using the MPC in controller mode with the MPC 2 Software. Which leads me to my question. Is the hardware based MPC X justified if its just going to be used as a controller? I was looking at the MPC X because i thought it was only hardware standalone. I didnt realize you could also buy the MPC software and use a controller like the MPC studio. So im trying to get a feel of how people are using their MPC X? If its being used just as a controller, then thats a pretty expensive controller. Ive been testing the MPC X in both standalone and controller mode and its looking like im leaning towards pretty much always using in controller mode. Any feedback and insight is helpful. Thanks

I have an MPC One, not an X and I ONLY use it in standalone mode.

I have a One, standalone too. In fact, I don't even have a computer with music software installed...

At some point, I had to install the MPC software on a VM to convert some expansions that for some reason were not available for standalone. Apart from that, I've never missed the computer.

EDIT: well, to be honest, you might need a computer or some sort of separate recorder if you really need **serious** multitrack recording. Not that the MPC lacks the capabilities, but you can only record audio inside patterns. Some people don't see a problem in that, but I do.

The MPC-X as „just“ a controller contains:
10“ multitouch display, 16 dials (each with display), 8 CV outs (control voltage for modular hardware), 5 Midi outs, 8 channel audio in/out (simplified), transport control and the obvious 16 drum pads.

Buy that as dedicated units for a PC/Mac adds up to a serious amount... and cables plus configuration. The MPC has it all under 1 hood, ready to go.
Plus a sequencer, a DAW and storage. The 10GB factory content is a matter of taste, but seems to hit contemporary taste. Audio quality is excellent.

If you don‘t need that many option, there are Live and One models, adding mobility.

dghrael wrote:In my quest to learn this product, i have seen countless videos offering help, but in most of them, it seemed like the user was using the MPC in controller mode with the MPC 2 Software. Which leads me to my question. Is the hardware based MPC X justified if its just going to be used as a controller?

It should be pointed out that most "YouTubers" use their X with the MPC Software connected to a computer because it's easier to record/screen cap and drive viewership. The vast majority of users buy MPC's (X or otherwise) to use standalone, away from a computer. That's literally the entire purpose of the instrument.

I'm also a Reasoner, and came to the MPC (and Akai Force) to primarily get away from my computer. If you don't feel inspired or just want to try something different, stick with your X - but for the love of all that is holy - TURN YOUR COMPUTER OFF AND GET AWAY FROM IT. Having a machine like the MPC-X affords you a great way to focus on just the music. Use it!

Lampdog wrote:1. Get an X.
2. Get a mixstage 400 stand for you r X.
3. Sit in chair and pull the X on the stand close in.
4. Have fun creating.

THIS is the best thing when I make beats, just me and my X.

I Got 2 of these Mix stage 400 Stands... I cant use em cuz when I'm Finger Drumming it wobbles too much and makes me double and triple Hit Guess I Watched to many AARab Muzik Videos and Beat the pads like they owe me.