Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

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Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Mon Jun 26, 2023 6:57 pm
Lately, YT vids really making me gas for an X (maybe the old one good enuf, cheaper too now).

Been always curious on the newer Mpcs (One, Live2, X, Keys), as I really miss the Mpc workflow and its' midi seq capabilities & UI, for a HW synth setup (I was an MPC60 user for +10 years and it's the only UI I really know [I've never used a DAW]).

Have an S2400 currently (sold the 60 last year or so).
But, its' midi-seq lacks big time (no mod nor pitch wheel) and has many quirks (long midi notes/chords are muted upon next loop/repetition, always on the 1st beat... making it useless for keyboard playing/sequencing), and of course, always has bugs here and there.

It's also weird/difficult/tedious to edit in step-edit/list-mode, or even just re-doing things or re-takes, since it always requires its' quirky "playback override" or "record overwrite" modes (whereas Mpcs, all you do is simply just hit Rec+Start to re-take stuff). Mpc UI is much better, intuitive and simpler, imo.

S2400 sounds super nice tho, since true 12bit, and is built like an old-school machine (a tank). But, for a midi-synth/hw centerpiece, it just can't do that.

S2400 makes me miss my MPC60 and its' workflow (and its' solid midi seq, that just works) a lot. And the new Mpcs has a similar workflow (just tons more features obviously).

Took several months of thinking about it (it's difficult to get rid of a 12bit sampler...since the MPC60 was the only machine I knew and really loved its' 12bit sound); but, finally decided to put my S2400 up for sale and get an older X (or X SE, once/if they drop in price).

I'd prolly be okay with a One or Live2 too... but I want a lot of outputs to use w/ my old Mackie mixer and old FX racks on the auxes.
I know you can add an audio-interface to the One or Live2 for more outs; but, I also read it's hit or miss and some interfaces are buggy or have clicking/popping noises (so, an X is prolly safest bet).

Also really curious on the 16 Q-link knobs! ...wondering if it could control params on old synths and romplers... like a JD or JV or other old synths (maybe FM/TX81Z, or Juno 1, JX3P, etc.). Or even analog filter racks (like Electrix or MFC42).


Anyways... just wanted to hear what your thoughts/opinions are; or, if there's anyone that did something similar (sell their S2400 for a "modern" Mpc, mainly to have a much better and more capable midi-sequencer for their external HW synth setup).
Am I making a good choice?

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By handthrow Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:33 pm
I have a live II and an X. IMO there is a massive difference in how you operate the machine based on the different layout, buttons, IO capabilities.
X is much nicer to work with: transport controls, numeric keypad, more Q links, Q link modes buttons, direct monitoring capability. Live is cool as well, but it kinda feels like working with one hand tied behind the back compared to X - at least for me though.

If you're based in US gear is way more affordable there than basically everywhere else so i bet you can wait for some bargain and get X on the cheaper side without selling S2400. Both machines are different and would definitely complement each other.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By robleighton22 Tue Jun 27, 2023 3:22 am
I have a MPC One and S2400. ive debated selling both for an MPC X but I think the S2400 is special. It has got a few bugs but it really sounds awesome and has a magic the new MPC machines won't ever truly achieve. So I think the combo is good. The MPC covers melodic sequencing, some drums and FX for me. Once I'm happy, with my arrangements I will print the sounds into the S2400, and sequence the full arrangement for there. Then out to my DAW. Love this combo, MPC One as a sound source, sequencer and FX module is insanely good and covers all of S2400 shortcomings. For added warmth and old school flavour the S2400 just takes the sound to where I want it to be.

I think when the new filter and FX modules get released it will be an unbeatable piece of kit. I wouldn't sell it.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 4:57 am
handthrow wrote:X is much nicer to work with: transport controls, numeric keypad, more Q links, Q link modes buttons, direct monitoring capability. Live is cool as well, but it kinda feels like working with one hand tied behind the back compared to X - at least for me though.


Wow... now that you mention those things (or things lacking in the Live2), makes total sense. I loved my old 60, because there was a button for everything. I guess I should just get the X then.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 5:01 am
BeatWilson wrote:I use my s2400 more than my mpcx, but if im sequencing midi i may gravitate towards the x but most of the time I dont.


Yeah... I can def see how the S2400 is nice to work with... coming from the 60, I prefer its' simplicity and minimal style UI and workflow.

Too bad it can't record mod/pitch wheel tho... nor can even play long notes/chords without them being automatically muted/cut-off on next/each loop :/

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 5:11 am
robleighton22 wrote:Love this combo, MPC One as a sound source, sequencer and FX module is insanely good and covers all of S2400 shortcomings. For added warmth and old school flavour the S2400 just takes the sound to where I want it to be.


Interesting.. thx for your insight. And, that would def work for my needs - Mpc for a good midi seq and S2400 for 12bit duties.

I've thought about that setup many times before.... but, I don't want both nor can afford both.
Don't have desk space for both and I always try to keep a minimal setup (both physically and workflow wise).
Still a possibility tho (but something I don't wanna do).

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By sinik Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:28 am
fooddude wrote:Wow... now that you mention those things (or things lacking in the Live2), makes total sense. I loved my old 60, because there was a button for everything. I guess I should just get the X then.


be aware that you still have to rely on the touchscreen quite a lot. the implementation of the UI is definetly not the best, even on the X. it's not like working on the 60, 3000 or 4000, where you actually have buttons for everything.

i like the X but for some reason i get more work done on the S2400, which actually have some character compared to the modern mpcs. if you can afford it, keep the S2400 and get a second hand MPC X, they are not that expensive...

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By robleighton22 Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:39 pm
Despite less features, the S2400 is more inspiring to piece together ideas for me. I would say keep the S2400 and find a supporting device for its shortcomings. If you have synths or 9ther sound sources, id say just choose a supporting midi sequencer be it an MPC, a launchpad pro, a oxi one. I don't see the MPC platform to be a solid complete replacement for the S2400s character.
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Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By Lampdog Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:44 pm
sinik wrote:. …if you can afford it, keep the S2400 and get a second hand MPC X, they are not that expensive...

I have an X and an S2400. Love them both for different reasons.
I wouldn’t get rid of either, diff sound and methods of creating I like on both.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 6:28 pm
sinik wrote:
fooddude wrote:Wow... now that you mention those things (or things lacking in the Live2), makes total sense. I loved my old 60, because there was a button for everything. I guess I should just get the X then.


be aware that you still have to rely on the touchscreen quite a lot. the implementation of the UI is definetly not the best, even on the X. it's not like working on the 60, 3000 or 4000, where you actually have buttons for everything.

i like the X but for some reason i get more work done on the S2400, which actually have some character compared to the modern mpcs. if you can afford it, keep the S2400 and get a second hand MPC X, they are not that expensive...


Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I might regret selling the S2400.

Maybe just get a One, and use it only for midi-seq duties, while the S2400 is for samples/audio-outs. Can't afford an X if I keep the S2400 (nor have room for it).

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 6:34 pm
Menco wrote:Have you also considered getting a cheap MPC1000 purely for midi sequencing? Pairing that up with the S2400 instead of swapping it for an X. That way you can have best of both worlds.


Yeah... I've looked into the 1000 a lot before. But, they're getting expensive (esp a nicer black-rear model in mint condition, mods, etc.). Also, a lot of peeps suggest just getting a modern One, as it has more capability, etc. Also, SD and USB connectivity seems easier on the newer One (1000 is hit or miss in CF cards, etc.).

I'd also like to venture into and try newer Mpc stuff (One, Live2, X, etc.). It'd be nice to move a lil forward and not be stuck in the old days all the time.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 6:36 pm
robleighton22 wrote:Despite less features, the S2400 is more inspiring to piece together ideas for me. I would say keep the S2400 and find a supporting device for its shortcomings. If you have synths or 9ther sound sources, id say just choose a supporting midi sequencer be it an MPC, a launchpad pro, a oxi one. I don't see the MPC platform to be a solid complete replacement for the S2400s character.


Yeah... nothing can beat the sound of a real 12bit sampler. And it def is quick and easy to sketch quick jams on it. Just has mad midi-seq shortcomings. So perhaps a cheapy One (to use along S2400) is the best bet.

Re: Selling S2400 for MPC X ?

By fooddude Tue Jun 27, 2023 6:43 pm
Lampdog wrote:
sinik wrote:. …if you can afford it, keep the S2400 and get a second hand MPC X, they are not that expensive...

I have an X and an S2400. Love them both for different reasons.
I wouldn’t get rid of either, diff sound and methods of creating I like on both.


Word up!

Ha... so, I guess the consensus is - keep S2400 and add an Mpc One for midi-seq duties.

I guess I'll see/save if I can make dat happen.


Other option would be:
If Isla added Mod & Pitch wheel, made their midi-seq more solid/reliable, and also fixed that dang mute/cut-off on long notes/chords on each loop repetition. Then I wouldn't need to buy a One, lol.
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