Newbie looking to understand potential of an MPC

Sup peoplez,

Been makin beats for about 2 years, using software sequencers. I own an average keyboard (Alesis QS6.2) and an MPD16 as well as a RACK of VSTs... I Dj 3x a week, so I got the full turntable setup going too, for importing samples and the like.
Although I've made some stuff i'm proud off (and sold), one thing I read recently really struck me - about how makin music on an MPC is better cuz music is meant to be heard - not seen...and everytime I watch someone laying out the drums on an MPC, they seem to be having so much more of a connection with the beat (if that makes sense) than visually using a sequencer like Cubase (my sequencer of choice). I've gotten to the point where mapping out the drums visually, even using my MPD to bang em out on computer, just takes too long...and I'm thinkin bout switchin it up.

I am looking at the MPC 2500, mainly cuz it has the USB functionality (I know the 1000 does also). I guess what i'd like to know is if anyone can tell me about the marriage b/t computer and MPC...I know the MPC can sequence my keyboard sounds, but I want it to be able to "play out" my VSTs...is this possible? I have such a great computer setup I don't want it to go to waste, u kno...

Can anyone expound on the benefits (if any) of using computers and MPCs? Or just give me some general color on what to expect? Thanks...

If only my 2KXl could trigger VST's also... THAT WOULD BE THE SH1T!!!

Everybody and their moma thank they need an mpc. So they go by one and barely even know how to turn da damn thing on so then they come back here to flood the forums. You are like the millionth person to come here and say I had software and i was doing good,ect.... so why not just stick to software? But i guess its yours money and your choice. The way you talk I think an MPC1000 fits you better. Also you can use an MPC and a computer hand in hand. Its a bunch on here that do that everyday.

Also what u stated "makin music on an MPC is better cuz music is meant to be heard - not seen...". How true do you think that is?

To me thats opinionated and not factial. Because we can give two people the same sample and say they are both good with chopping and making beats. One uses software and the other uses hardware. And we tell them to post there beat. How will we know which one used a mpc and and which one used reason or fruity loop? 9/10 times u wouldnt know inless we stated which each one was using. It aint the gear or software its what u do when get behind it.

My two cents!!!

I aint game but "hate it or love it"

Nicole

mnh2410 wrote:Everybody and their moma thank they need an mpc. So they go by one and barely even know how to turn da damn thing on so then they come back here to flood the forums. You are like the millionth person to come here and say I had software and i was doing good,ect.... so why not just stick to software? But i guess its yours money and your choice. The way you talk I think an MPC1000 fits you better. Also you can use an MPC and a computer hand in hand. Its a bunch on here that do that everyday.

Also what u stated "makin music on an MPC is better cuz music is meant to be heard - not seen...". How true do you think that is?

To me thats opinionated and not factial. Because we can give two people the same sample and say they are both good with chopping and making beats. One uses software and the other uses hardware. And we tell them to post there beat. How will we know which one used a mpc and and which one used reason or fruity loop? 9/10 times u wouldnt know inless we stated which each one was using. It aint the gear or software its what u do when get behind it.

My two cents!!!

I aint game but "hate it or love it"

Nicole

damn Nicole, i see you are not fakng the funk today.

mwalker wrote:damn Nicole, i see you are not fakng the funk today.

Got start showing this dudes some discipline. Make em toughen up. LOL

But ne ways Im just calling it like i see it.

Does anybody wanna answer the question?

I read through alot of the forum, tried to search, and couldn't find a question like mine...so sorry if this is repetitive. And while I do enjoy software, I am looking to make beats faster, and frankly, have more fun while doing it.

I'm not sure what discipline you guys think you are giving me, but if anyone wants to educate me, I'm all ears...if my question is somehow a burden on yall then that's my bad - I thought this was a public forum of some sorts!

mnh2410 wrote:Everybody and their moma thank they need an mpc. So they go by one and barely even know how to turn da damn thing on so then they come back here to flood the forums. You are like the millionth person to come here and say I had software and i was doing good,ect.... so why not just stick to software? But i guess its yours money and your choice. The way you talk I think an MPC1000 fits you better. Also you can use an MPC and a computer hand in hand. Its a bunch on here that do that everyday.

Also what u stated "makin music on an MPC is better cuz music is meant to be heard - not seen...". How true do you think that is?

To me thats opinionated and not factial. Because we can give two people the same sample and say they are both good with chopping and making beats. One uses software and the other uses hardware. And we tell them to post there beat. How will we know which one used a mpc and and which one used reason or fruity loop? 9/10 times u wouldnt know inless we stated which each one was using. It aint the gear or software its what u do when get behind it.

My two cents!!!

I aint game but "hate it or love it"

Nicole

Everybody starts off some where just like with any instrument .. yah im brand new to sampling but ive came a long way in just a couple of weeks , its easy to see the fault in people . but hard to encourge them. Ill be glad to give you my opinion.. if u know how to count like a drummer. and play a simple 4/4 rock beat plus has messed around with looping . and samples before , the mpc would be great

Ok well answer this dynamix what are u doing? Are u reading up on mpcs, are u reading all the threads posted on here. are u reading the tweakhead guide, are u goin to a music store(if possible) to check out mpcs, are u watching videos, are you reading the manuals online?

What are u doing? List everything that YOU are doing.

Nicole

stonetrooper wrote:

mnh2410 wrote: its easy to see the fault in people . but hard to encourge them.

I guess it is...most forums I've posted on have some good-natured heads willing to help out...I'm sure there are a bunch here who don't take things so defensively...

I've gathered that it is possible to play VSTs through the MPC (I think), but it requires some type of sync b/t soft sequencer and MPC...I guess the alternative would be just to use it for drums and not instrumentation? Playin around with the MPC 2500 at Guitar Center just seemed very intuitive to me...although I can't compare it to any other models, I was able to start banging out sequences, use the note repeat function, change the quantize/step amount, etc, just by playing with it for 10 minutes... it definitely intrigued me, and seemed like a faster way of working...

mnh2410 wrote:Ok well answer this dynamix what are u doing? Are u reading up on mpcs, are u reading all the threads posted on here. are u reading the tweakhead guide, are u goin to a music store(if possible) to check out mpcs, are u watching videos, are you reading the manuals online?

What are u doing? List everything that YOU are doing.

Nicole

wtf is this, the MPC bar exam? I hope u are a moderator of some sort cuz if not u are definitely takin this a little too seriously...

Let's see - I'm definitely ALWAYS on tweakheadz, I wouldn't have been able to set up my current lab without that site...I posted an identical topic on their forum...um...I've been to guitar center many times and played with the MPC 2500, none other tho...I have not seen an instructional video, but i have seen many videos of producers using MPCs, like the diplomats one i'm sure everybody knows (love that video, even tho it seemed like alotta the work was done ahead of time). I have downloaded the MPC manual (1000, back when it came out), but honestly, it is a bit tough to decipher without the actual equipment in front me.
Like I said, I can make beats...I dj, I know how to put songs together, and i've already handled a bunch of tracks for local artists - recording, writing, and making the beats...i'm just looking for a way to get faster and less "robotic" with my drum patterns and melodies...if that makes any sense whatsoever...

Well based on what u said. What are u waitin for sweetie?

Do u wanna know why i said what i said?

I said that b/c i knew deep down u want an mpc and u have what it takes to use it u just want to make sure u are doin da right thing. Sometimes u have to learn through Trial and Error.

I say go for the mpc and dont look back.

Get em boy.

here's another helpful hint for you DynaMix: get v-stack for your pc, it enables you to load up you vsts without needing a sequencer which can save a few cpu cycles.

If you enjoy the feel of the mpc.. and its as intuitive to you as it sounds (i.e., the 2500) ... and you have the money to throw at it... then go for it.


The mpc can be a very helpful tool. Personally, I think its a much more hands on, interesting process using the mpc to bang out music as opposed to cutting and pasting with software... of course, you're really doing the same thing... but, the point of all this is to have fun.. so, as far as Im concerned, my mpc is indispensable... unfortunately, i havent attempted to sync up the mpc to any vst's, so I cant help there...


I dont know. Not much help, but thats my two cents.




ronJ

it isnt so hard to control vsts using your mpc...

you need to get MIDI out from the mpc into the computer, (buy a midi interface) and you need your computer to produce sound with low latency (buy a decent audio interface). that's about it.
maybe you have those things already.

sleepersriddle wrote:it isnt so hard to control vsts using your mpc...

you need to get MIDI out from the mpc into the computer, (buy a midi interface) and you need your computer to produce sound with low latency (buy a decent audio interface). that's about it.
maybe you have those things already.

Well actually you need to use a MIDI IN on your computer when you want to control vsti's from your MPC but midi IN and OUT come together in most midi interfaces you can buy for the PC.