Help me decide whether to get an MPC2000...

jontakiff wrote:I use logic with the mpc2000. I still bang out the beats on the pads, I just record the midi data in logic so all my sequencing is done in logic...unbelievably sick. I'm sure you could do similar with cubase. You get the feel of using the pads, with a way more powerful sequencer. But you could also do your sequencing on the mpc, then just record into your software program, both ways are cool.

If you just use it to record sequences into a computer sequencer, why not just buy the pad MIDI controller for a cheaper route? If you're using a computer sampler, and the sequencer in what ever program you're fond of, there's really no point in getting a hardware sequencer and sampler.

I just got my 1k, and it's the pwnage. I loves it already. I like that when my girl wants to go to a coffee shop or what ever to visit with friends and drags me along, I can sling this into my back pack and just use their power and my head phones.

Hmmm, coffee shoppe beats?

-maz

I reckon It might be worth while considering how you like to work...The MPC can be a lot more fidly to program and edit compared to having a 17" TFT boasting a cubase grid etc....Just something to consider...

It can be a little intrucat to get into but I love it all the same....
I've got Logic & Cubase but can't really get into them as far as programming drums etc. Its more of a HD recorder for. To me, its time consuming and stops my flow. Coming from a PC based setup you may experience the same sorta thing.

Str8 up, I'd say get one but it has to be your thing....Thats where you come in

I think maybe you should pop down to a local shop and do your thing...
Just try to get a feel. You aint gonna be able to master it in the shop anyway. Perhaps download the manual and have a read through it so you know what your getting yourself into.

Str8 up, I'd say get one but it has to be your thing....Thats where you come in

B

Yeah man, it's really whatever floats your boat, whatever suits you... I mean I went from Motif.. to Reason, Midi'ed to my Motif, but only using reason sounds, to sayin **** reason period, and scooped up a MPC... Really just because findin all those sounds, and bringin up all the machines and this and that was just to time consuming, and eventually those 10 minute idea beats that you can drop out, ended up bein like a hour idea beat.....

So when I scooped up my MPC, I loved it.... still do.... BUT, on the other hand, I know peeps who just sit thier MPC in the corner, and do thier thing on other equipment. Now, the freedom of use is great. There is pretty much no limits, and everything is mad simple for the most part on the MPC (Disclaimer: I have the MPC2000xl... Rule may not apply to all MPC Series: i.e. the Mpc4000 ). Anyway it's whatever suits you.. If you're just gonna use your computer for sequencing and sounds and all of that, then i'd agree, u should prolly check out just the MPD16 (aint that what it's called), and then just bang your drums and stuff out on there via midi. But if you wanna use the MPC for sequencing, then cop one, and cop a program, either like Cubase, and use the VST sounds, or cop a program like Reason (Prolly find a copy for like $20 bucks like I did...)

Anyway, it's a great product, definently worth the money, but only if it's what you like... Cuz trust it's what I like, and erybody else up on this forum....

From your situation and studio setup my advice is to skip that second hand mpc 2000 and just buy a mpc 1000. Since you work with the pc a whole lot, you should get the mpc that was designed to work hand in hand with the PC. plus its size makes it ideal for road trips also.
Me personally, if I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have bought half the equipment I own now, BUT since I did, I figure that i owe it to myself to master it and take it to its limits.

"If you just use it to record sequences into a computer sequencer, why not just buy the pad MIDI controller for a cheaper route? If you're using a computer sampler, and the sequencer in what ever program you're fond of, there's really no point in getting a hardware sequencer and sampler."

I don't always use just logic's sequencer, plus I like to initially edit samples in the mpc, lay down midi sequences, then tweak further in logic/soundforge. Plus the sound organization, and the way the mono-poly-note off function works is great. Plus, it's quicker to sample stuff in the mpc then to go into soundforge, trim, assign it to a note in the soft sampler, etc. So the midi pads aren't going to do it for me.

a used 2000 or 2000xl would be a good buy, the prices are super low compared to when I got my original 2000 brand new years ago... for a couple hundred more you can get a brand new mpc1000 though, so it's a hard decision nonetheless...

I've got the 2000XL, a Novation synth, Reason and Cubase for my Mac, and although the software is fantastic & powerful, for pure enjoyment and flow, nothing beats the hardware.

Like many have said b4, tapping out the beats and tweaking the sounds in real time is what makes the hardware route so useful.

Like Bravo, I use Cubase for HD recording and effects etc. Or perhaps if ur doing a re-edit of an existing audio track.

But for MIDI, the hardware wins, esp. the XL. IMO

you actually need help deciding....?