Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
 Reply Share on Facebook

Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Skynet Fri Nov 03, 2023 8:42 am
Hi all,

I’m thinking of getting an mpc x. I already own 3 3200xl samplers, which I love the sound of. However I’m looking at getting the mpc x because of all the modern work flow features. The sound of the mpc I already know it not going to be the same. But work flow of the mpc is far superior.

I would use the mpc in standalone mode, but midi sequence for my daw (logic). I would then run the audio outputs into my ssl sigma.

What I would like to know is these things.

1. Can I load, save and control everything on the mpc (plug ins, mixer etc) via my computer using the mpc app? So basically I wouldn’t need to touch the mpc unit.

2. Is there a limit to how many insert plug ins that can be used per track and overall in a project? I understand only 8 vst instruments can be used at once, but I’m more interested to know about plug ins like eq, comps, delays and distortion fx.


3. What’s a good 8 channel audio interface to use for the mpc to extended my outputs to 16 channels?


Thanks in advance for any information.

Nate.
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By MPC-Tutor Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:07 am
1. Can I load, save and control everything on the mpc (plug ins, mixer etc) via my computer using the mpc app? So basically I wouldn’t need to touch the mpc unit


Do you mean create the MPC side of things initially in standalone mode, then transfer the whole project to your computer and continue working on it entirely within the MPC Software? If so, then yes you can.

Is there a limit to how many insert plug ins that can be used per track and overall in a project? I understand only 8 vst instruments can be used at once, but I’m more interested to know about plug ins like eq, comps, delays and distortion fx.


In the MPC software there is no limit on any plugin beyond the CPU/memory limitations of your computer. You can use as many VST instruments as you wish (as long as they are VST2 as VST3 is not supported).

What’s a good 8 channel audio interface to use for the mpc to extended my outputs to 16 channels?


Here's an entire topic discussing audio interface 'support'. Have fun :lol:
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By NearTao Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:26 pm
@B-Wise.

Short answer... sort of.

Long answer...

The MPC3000 launched in 1993.

The S3200XL launched in 1996.

I might have my memory wrong... Anyways, from memory, the S3200XL gets a lot of heat for sounding "different" because manufacturing was moved to China, and people believe that it is of lower quality.

This link has some details viewtopic.php?p=729540

Though I'll be honest... while there are similarities between the MPCs and Rack samplers... they absolutely sound different for a number of reasons. You're not going to find a 1:1 facsimile, they're more like cousins. So if you're looking for "that sound"... probably not going to be a perfect replacement... but if you just want something from that vintage/era... then definitely should do well.

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Skynet Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:28 pm
Do you mean create the MPC side of things initially in standalone mode, then transfer the whole project to your computer and continue working on it entirely within the MPC Software? If so, then yes you can.


No. I actually just want to use the computer only to control all the functions on the mpc and be able to load samples and save projects etc.

In the MPC software there is no limit on any plugin beyond the CPU/memory limitations of your computer. You can use as many VST instruments as you wish (as long as they are VST2 as VST3 is not supported).


Well as mentioned above I would be only use the mpc for processing & audio outputs so the computer for is just for controlling the mpc annd all the processing will be handled by the mpc. Is there a limit to plug in inserts on the mpc?


Here's an entire topic discussing audio interface 'support'. Have fun :lol:
[/quote]

Haha okay I’ll check it out, sounds like fun! Lol

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By B-Wise Fri Nov 03, 2023 3:04 pm
NearTao wrote:@B-Wise.

Short answer... sort of.

Long answer...

The MPC3000 launched in 1993.

The S3200XL launched in 1996.

I might have my memory wrong... Anyways, from memory, the S3200XL gets a lot of heat for sounding "different" because manufacturing was moved to China, and people believe that it is of lower quality.

This link has some details viewtopic.php?p=729540

Though I'll be honest... while there are similarities between the MPCs and Rack samplers... they absolutely sound different for a number of reasons. You're not going to find a 1:1 facsimile, they're more like cousins. So if you're looking for "that sound"... probably not going to be a perfect replacement... but if you just want something from that vintage/era... then definitely should do well.

Thanks for the info. I only asks because the OP said the new MPCs didn't sound as good as a 3k, but based on the test I saw I would disagree.

For the OP here's the sound test of the MPC-X vs the MPC3k: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=216038

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Skynet Fri Nov 03, 2023 4:15 pm
B-Wise wrote:
NearTao wrote:@B-Wise.

Short answer... sort of.

Long answer...

The MPC3000 launched in 1993.

The S3200XL launched in 1996.

I might have my memory wrong... Anyways, from memory, the S3200XL gets a lot of heat for sounding "different" because manufacturing was moved to China, and people believe that it is of lower quality.

This link has some details viewtopic.php?p=729540

Though I'll be honest... while there are similarities between the MPCs and Rack samplers... they absolutely sound different for a number of reasons. You're not going to find a 1:1 facsimile, they're more like cousins. So if you're looking for "that sound"... probably not going to be a perfect replacement... but if you just want something from that vintage/era... then definitely should do well.

Thanks for the info. I only asks because the OP said the new MPCs didn't sound as good as a 3k, but based on the test I saw I would disagree.

For the OP here's the sound test of the MPC-X vs the MPC3k: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=216038


Tbh I don’t think they sound the same. The 3200xl sounds different from the mpc x. Now as for better or worst that’s down to preference. The Mpc x sound is in-fact cleaner, higher fidelity, so one could make the case as better. As for the 3200xl I find it to be a little more lo-fi, has a bit more omph to which I prefer. Could you get the mpc x to sound more lo-fi, sure, why not!? :)

however I’m not really trying to say which is better or worst. I just know there is a difference in sound. This doesn’t put me off in wanting an mpc x either.

The main thing that gets annoying working with vintage samplers is the work flow and Modern functionality like the MPCx. Having access to 1000s of samples quickly and also fast processing with lots of fx and plug-in is what I’m really looking for when creating music these days. Sadly the vintage samplers are long winded and tedious.
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Lampdog Fri Nov 03, 2023 4:42 pm
Skynet wrote:Having access to 1000s of samples quickly and also fast processing with lots of fx and plug-in is what I’m really looking for when creating music these days.

Your mind was made up prior to this thread. Go make it happen!
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By NearTao Fri Nov 03, 2023 6:19 pm
Some people don't care to start a time stretch... make some tea... eat a cucumber sandwich... sip the tea... think about life... have a chat with their mum... check in on the time stretch... realize the time stretch is bung... and start over again...
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Lampdog Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:00 pm
NearTao wrote:Some people don't care to start a time stretch... make some tea... eat a cucumber sandwich... sip the tea... think about life... have a chat with their mum... check in on the time stretch... realize the time stretch is bung... and start over again...

2kxl in a nutshell
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Ultros Fri Nov 03, 2023 10:00 pm
I wont lie to you.. the mpc is a fun device but very costly and starting to show their age. The stand alone beat machine is less capable than the computer software (which also works as a vst) A cheaper route would be to gank a pile of expansions from the internet and use the samples within whichever daw you are most comfortable with. If you're a snob like us and just gotta ha dat hardware unit then i can understand that too. They are a wonderful device but inevitably i ended right back on a pc making much quicker and nicer music with more robust automation and fx controls so keep in mind that even though it *can be* the center of a good midi rig, its not always convenient to creation to be that.
User avatar

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By 83dude Sat Nov 04, 2023 6:31 am
In contrast to Ultros (although his point of view is viable) you‘ll find many users who only or mostly use it standalone, for some people being sick of using mouse and keyboard.

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By HouseWithoutMouse Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:23 am
To the OP: if you don't want to touch the hardware MPC unit, why do you need one at all? It would just be a weird and expensive audio interface for the software-MPC that's called "MPC software". Maybe I misunderstood something.

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By Skynet Tue Nov 07, 2023 1:56 pm
HouseWithoutMouse wrote:To the OP: if you don't want to touch the hardware MPC unit, why do you need one at all? It would just be a weird and expensive audio interface for the software-MPC that's called "MPC software". Maybe I misunderstood something.


Yes, you are correct it is an expensive option. I want standalone sampler, like my s 3200XL, but with all the modern features. One of the main reasons is I really like the midi timing and of course the sound of the S series samplers too. But having midi timing feels more natural and interesting to my ear. I find timing inside the daw is too stiff and have no natural movement. Before anyone says use the humanise feature in the Daw, I have many times and it's not the same as midi timing. Even the midi clock swings around in and out of time, it gives a natural feel without having to program that feel in. It's random, but also dependant on how many things are playing. When you have a lot of midi notes firing at once, everything playing in the song movements differently, but still together.

Hopefully that makes sense.

Tbh I think an MPC One would be enough for me, but I need extra outputs for it.

Re: Need help in deciding to buy MPC X

By HouseWithoutMouse Tue Nov 07, 2023 3:47 pm
I'm not sure you understand how it works. The MPC Software is a DAW application which does all the playing and mixing. It is not a software remote-controller for the hardware MPC, completely the opposite. When you use the MPC Software, the hardware MPC works as an audio/MIDI interface and control surface for the software. You do not get sloppy MIDI timing that way, because everything happens inside your computer.

If you want to test it, try the free MPC Beats application. It works with any audio interface.

1. Can I load, save and control everything on the mpc (plug ins, mixer etc) via my computer using the mpc app? So basically I wouldn’t need to touch the mpc unit.


No. You don't control the hardware MPC unit with the MPC Software. You control the MPC Software DAW with the hardware MPC. Or you use the hardware MPC in "standalone" mode, where the DAW runs on the hardware MPC's low-powered ARM CPU instead of your big PC.
 Reply
Return to MPC X, MPC One, MPC Live & MPC Key