MPC 2500 VS. MPC 3000

jahrome wrote:
XL too weak huh? Its a MIDI sequencer that samples. Using it by itself when it does much more is silly (IMHO). But there are plenty of producers that use XLs even when their 'weak' sound Producers that actually do more then make a few 4 bar loops in ther bedrooms.

yes and i hear when they use it. I like rjd2 but i dont like how most of his work sounds.
That a lot of producers use a mp2000 (most of em for drums only...) doesnt mean that the sound of the machine is superb. Its a good machine but it aint got the punch of the 60, 3000 or even 4000.

You dont need to defend the mpc2000 with arguments about who use it. Either you hear the same as my ears do or you dont...

thanks d_loc

thats the things i like to know. I want to compare the 2500 to my 2000 when i get the chance

FHL wrote:
thats the things i like to know. I want to compare the 2500 to my 2000 when i get the chance

I've made the test, and the sound is the same.

FHL wrote:
yes and i hear when they use it. I like rjd2 but i dont like how most of his work sounds.
That a lot of producers use a mp2000 (most of em for drums only...) doesnt mean that the sound of the machine is superb. Its a good machine but it aint got the punch of the 60, 3000 or even 4000.

You dont need to defend the mpc2000 with arguments about who use it. Either you hear the same as my ears do or you dont...

Well..I don't to keep it short and sweet......


But I am not really known to keep things short and sweet so........

Why not argue the fact that many producers use the MPC 2000/2000XL (probably more than any MPC)? If it sounded so un-remarkable...I seriously doubt people would use them. I also seriously doubt that you can tell if a track was produced on an MPC 2000 cr a 3000.

jahrome wrote:

sensei wrote:
Jahrome, why do you use the MPC to loop samples? What advantages does it have as a sampler as opposed to something like Battery or Kontakt through Nuendo?

Do you own a soft sampler? Have you tried one? Perhaps, you don't like them? No?

You are joking right

The MPC 2500 (as well as the others) were designed to sample lloops/phrases in addition to sequencing MIDI instruments. The main advantage of the MPC over such programs as Battery and Kontakt..is that it is dedicated hardware designed with specific functions. Of course, you can pretty much do the same thing with Battery/Kontakt through Nuendo. In fact, I use both Nuendo 3 and Battery 2. But the MPC is much more enjoyable to work with. Going the software route, you still need a good low latency sound card/audio interface...MIDI interface/MIDI controller..and also a decent PC. The MPC is all these things. I won't sit here and write that one method is better than the other. I incorporate both ways when I find time to do music in-between posting responses in these threads

I wasn't Joking. I meant "as opposed to Nuendo/Batery"

Don't worry I know what an MPC does. As far as hardware advantages, I reckon its main advantages are the erase function, lack of latency, and its sequencer is pretty good for use as a centerpiece in a midi studio.

But it also has a few disadvantages when compared to a DAW utilising and MPD set of pads. The MPC's FX are close to pointless compared to those that you have access with DAW's. FX can and often do create your sound/sample and thus influence your composition. Finishing an arrangement in the MPC and applying FX later is kinda limiting. I guess this is where Battery/Nuendo could come in but then you start to think, hmm, maybe I could do it all the DAW. Then latency comes into the equation and this is where the MPC has the advantage, no latency composing drums. Computers are close but once you start adding all the plugins and VST's you need to adjust your buffer and latency rears its ugly head.

The MPC is a drum machine first and foremost and this is it's strength.

You got me lost here..first you ask a question...and then you just replied and answered your own question....


The MPC is a 64 track MIDI sequencer first and foremost...

I know that MPCs effects are not all that..and I rarely use them. With its 8 + 2 outputs, I can route my MPCs tracks/sounds to my mixer..where I can add effects there...or record them dry into my DAW..and add effects there. I do not feel that adding FX later is limiting...its an option. Since my MPC is connected to a mixer, I can route tracks/sounds to the mixer..add outboard effects (hardware/software) and resample them into the MPC...options.


Anyway...thanks for the lesson on MPC functions

On any MPC, there IS a timing difference between triggering internal sounds (the drum sequencer) and triggering external modules (the MIDI sequencer). Just ask Roger Linn - http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/

But the MIDI sequencer of the MPC is still tighter than some computer sequencers.

Also, some external modules have a delay in responding to MIDI - esp Roland gear.[/url]

mars wrote:
On any MPC, there IS a timing difference between triggering internal sounds (the drum sequencer) and triggering external modules (the MIDI sequencer). Just ask Roger Linn - http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/

But the MIDI sequencer of the MPC is still tighter than some computer sequencers.

Also, some external modules have a delay in responding to MIDI - esp Roland gear.[/url]

We already hashed that out.....it came down to millionth/thousandth of a second....less than/equal to the time it takes for the sound of your TV to reach your ears as you sit on your sofa...

As far as computers...the timing is as tight as the quality of MIDI interface attached to it. Some MIDI interfaces do a helluva job better than others....

[quote="Anyway...thanks for the lesson on MPC functions [/quote]

No probs.

Yeah, I already knew the answer to the question.

Just asking your opinion. It wasn't like I thought you were all that with the MPC knowledge.

jahrome wrote:t.....it came down to millionth/thousandth of a second....less than/equal to the time it takes for the sound of your TV to reach your ears as you sit on your sofa...

Millionth and thousandth of a second hardly stands up as factual particularly when a thousands is 1000 times a millionth. Which is it? Was this figure initially used in a metaphorical sense?

As far as computers...the timing is as tight as the quality of MIDI interface attached to it. Some MIDI interfaces do a helluva job better than others....

A fast PC/Computer is also needed, don't you agree?

Sampling back into the MPC with FX in the sample really is a great option. Too true about saying one method is better than any other Jahrome. If the music sounds good it doesn't matter what you use. Though, I still use the MPC. But I know I could easily live without it. My music may or may not benefit but it could go either. As a sequencer midi controller it is an excellent machine. As a drum machine it is top notch. As a music composer it can sometimes be limiting but that doesn't stop good music from being made on it.

Personally, if I had to give up between my MPC and my SP12, well, that depends on which day of the week you got me.

But the MIDI sequencer of the MPC is still tighter than some computer sequencers.

Others are equally as good and some better.

sensei wrote:
No probs.

Yeah, I already knew the answer to the question.

Just asking your opinion. It wasn't like I thought you were all that with the MPC knowledge.

My goal here is not to be convince you that I am 'all that with the MPC knowledge.' They are drum machines/samplers/sequencers...a very simple concept that is not hard to master.

But as far as your previous comments about adding effects later in a DAW is limiting....you may need some of my limited knowledge on that subject.

sensei wrote:
Millionth and thousandth of a second hardly stands up as factual particularly when a thousands is 1000 times a millionth. Which is it? Was this figure initially used in a metaphorical sense?

Go back and re-read the other threads/posts on this matter. You may/may not get my 'tongue and cheek' response.....

sensei wrote:
A fast PC/Computer is also needed, don't you agree?

Sampling back into the MPC with FX in the sample really is a great option. Too true about saying one method is better than any other Jahrome. If the music sounds good it doesn't matter what you use. Though, I still use the MPC. But I know I could easily live without it. My music may or may not benefit but it could go either. As a sequencer midi controller it is an excellent machine. As a drum machine it is top notch. As a music composer it can sometimes be limiting but that doesn't stop good music from being made on it.

Personally, if I had to give up between my MPC and my SP12, well, that depends on which day of the week you got me.

It depends on what you mean by fast PC/Computer. Practically any new computer you buy today is fast enough right out the box as long as you use it as a DAW/sequencer only.

So the MPC is good as a sequencer..top notch as a drum machine...but limiting as a composer? How do you mean? The MPC is not a tool box but a single tool.

The SP12 is much more limiting than practically any MPC....at least for my purposes. (among other things...one reason why they are no longer made).


As far as computer sequenecers and MPCs. Many of the people in these forums would do much better with an MPC. The cost of a dedicated PC, MIDI hardware, and solid software can cost equal to or more than an MPC....and still not be as solid (unless you really know what you are doing). I am not here to say which is better..its an option left up to each person. I use both.

dont get me wrong: mpc2000 is an excellent sampler and sequencer. The sound of the machine is -in my ears- not as good as the 60, 3000 or 4000. Thats my only point.

You say that a lot of producers used them for there samples. Most use them for drums, i dont like sound of the ones that do everything (drums and melodie) with the machine, for example Kev Brown and RJD2.
I've made my tracks with only the mpc2000xl too....till now.

FHL wrote:
dont get me wrong: mpc2000 is an excellent sampler and sequencer. The sound of the machine is -in my ears- not as good as the 60, 3000 or 4000. Thats my only point.

You say that a lot of producers used them for there samples. Most use them for drums, i dont like sound of the ones that do everything (drums and melodie) with the machine, for example Kev Brown and RJD2.
I've made my tracks with only the mpc2000xl too....till now.

The sound has more to do with your production techniques/engineering than just any MPC. There are producers that have incredible sound drums using an MPC....and others that use the same machine and have simply adequate sounding drums.

The sound of MPCs and other digital audio gear/equipment will always be subjective..which is exactly why you state -in my ears- . I am only trying to inform people that read these threads that they do not have to go out and purchase an MPC 60/ASR/or whatever in an attempt to get some punchy/grimey sound. If catz like 9th Wonder can accomplish classic sounding tracks using FL Studio software..you can mos def get the sound you are after using various pieces of equipment.

not really jahrome. the 2k is pretty objectively shittier sounding.

the specs are simply shittier. it uses cheaper A/d and D/a converters. subjectivity argument can only go so far. there's a pretty objective world out there, with minor variations of subjectivity. but yes, one might like the 2kxl sound more. but i thin kthat one is prolly smokin some rock.

the reason why those bigger heads use the 2k and 2kxl i'm willing to bet is because they started on them because that's all they could afford. that's what they're used to and they don't want to learn another box as that'd take time.

i know of this producer, did HUGE tracks, used just a 2k, why? because he says he doesn't want to learn anything new. he's got tons n tons of money. doesn't even want to up it to a 2kxl. I thin kthe guy's just a jerkoff. but that's just me.

imho the 3000 sounds better than the 2500. the 2500 offers more features though. some really **** cool features(resampling i think is #1), I think with that resampling feature, you can just use that, buy a nice neve eq, a nice tube compressor, just work everything together that way. and have some bumpin tracks.

mpc3000 does sound dope right outta the box tho, you don't have to do much to the sound. it's really amazing for 16 bit to really have that much punch. Also the sequencer is dreamy...lol... it's very relaxing to work on. i'm used to the 60 now with the 3000 os, but had the 3000 before, and all i know is workin on these is a dream. I can chill out, relax, really listen to waht i'm doing, and enjoy working on music. wit the others i've had, it wasn't so easy:( i get pissy so easy:(

jahrome wrote:But as far as your previous comments about adding effects later in a DAW is limiting....you may need some of my limited knowledge on that subject.

No, really I don't.