How good is the MPC as a synth? Sound and hardware-wise?

Synths I've owned include MiniBrute, MicroFreak, Model D, Mother 32, and OP1. Also, have tons of apps on the iPad and my share of VSTs. From what I've had, the best for essential sound would be the Moog Mother 32. The best synth hardware form factor I've owned would be the Microfreak.

The MPC Key 61 has been my first MPC. Of course, it is far more than a synth. That is historically a secondary feature. But now I'm asking myself... how good is the MPC as a synth?

Honestly, the Mini D and the OPX4 do not get enough attention on social media. They sound great.

But I don't know if the MPC generally or the MPC Key 61 specifically is great as a synth hardware device. The knobs aren't dedicated to the synth duties. And the controls are different as you go from one plugin to the next, making it harder to develop muscle memory.

But I'm writing because I'd like to be convinced otherwise.

How good do you think the MPC is as a synth compared to other hardware synths?

Thanks,
Joe

i use the plugins (which also include acoustic based stuff like piano, EP, organs, strings) mainly as support for "real" synths, Digitone, Alpha Juno, & 303. others may hear them differently but to my ears only the Mini D has the low end and presence of non-plugin synths. they all sound nice as designed but still very DAW-y (to my ears) at the end of the day. probably wouldn't want them to be the only non-sample sounds in my rig but complement the actual synth tracks nicely. different tools for different uses

I have a opz, microvolt3900, artisan trentassette, digitone keys, and prophet 6, as far as synth's. I also think the plug ins sound great and use them regularly both as quick tracks when I don't want to use anything else, and also because I like them and sometimes I would rather use them.

Having said that, analog is analog.. nothing is ever gonna substitute fully, I love my mini D plug in, but it is still missing something you get with real analog.

I use them as filler when I'm away from my hardware but they are very usable. Currently getting to know Op4x. That will definitely be used alongside my hardware.

As far as analog goes, yeah, real analog is more inspiring than Mini D, but Mini D is just fine in the mix and it definitely still inspires.

I have never owned any FM hardware. Are they much better than the OPX4?

Another quick note... on the Key 61, I set the Touch Strip to Q Link. Then on a plugin like the Mini D or OPx4, I see the parameter on the touch screen, touch the Q Link, and then I have that parameter on the Touch Strip. It's not as nice as dedicated knob or fader, but it helps.

AKAI needs implements program change support for plugins so the users are not limited to 8 fixed programs for the entire project.

JUNO plugin...?
https://www.elektronauts.com/t/mpc-thre ... 73139/3020

Elijah wrote:JUNO plugin...?
https://www.elektronauts.com/t/mpc-thre ... 73139/3020

LOL word, my friends cant wait to put their hands on some free stuff.

Its as good as the plugins that it uses.. If you mean, how does the MPC's sampler fare as a 'synth' its a pretty big let down hah.

Up until the MPC's integrated devices I have never used any software synths except for a software granular synth but even that I have bought as a hardware device at some point. So I have all hardware. Namely: Waldorf Q+, W Blofeld, W Streichfett, Novation Nova, TD-3, X0xb0x, all DIY-able Mutable Instruments': Ambika, Anushri, Polivoks, ObX, SMR4. A modular rack and some other periphery.

I really like Akai's instruments though and have all of them in my possession. They feel like hardware through the MPC surface and controllability through the Q-links. I like their sound. Each device is individual enough to bring something unique to the table. But I also do not try to compare their clones to the real hardware because that's impossible imho for all software clones. They all have their distinct characteristics and I use them where I see fit. For me it all depends on the mood I want to transport.
Also there are more ways to make a digital sound sound more analog or gnarly if you need to. Like analog guitar pedals or just a plain Lamp

I think the synths are all good; and I have seem them used in songs and sound amazing; but I think the presets in general are not the greatest, also they all suffer to some degree from the usual vst curse of having a clean /flat sound, so think u would have to add some fx to give the sounds some imperfections and some depth/weight/colour.

But in general good job and I think they stepped it up with the mini d as far as the interface; and we will see this continue with the upcoming juno plugin