Question about Realtime Sequencing on MPC1000

I am looking for a sampler useful for realtime sequencing for live imporvised performance. Specificly, I want to be able to program tracks, and keep them looping while I program other tracks on top of them.

I have checked the documentation, but there are some things I still need answered:

1. If I am sequencing a loop, say a 2 bar loop... can I switch to another track while the first track is looping? So, could I lay down the Kick Drum, and without stopping while still playing, select another track and lay a snare on top of that.

2. Without stoping the playing of sequenced tracks, can I mute tracks? Can I mute/unmute tracks, and then jump back into editing a track?

I need to be able to do that kind of sequencing without ever stopping tracks from looping, as this will be constructed live.

Also, not really related to the question above, but while I am at it: How big of a problem are the shoddy pads are the mpc 1000. I know people have been having problems with them, and need to replace/fix the carbon sheet under the pad making the connection. Is it possible to buy the carbon sheets as a replacement part from akai. Is the bad pad problem overhyped, or is the a real consideration with the mpc 1000?

And one last related question: Is the hard drive expansion recommended? I kinda like flash memory cards, because they are solid state (and I have had to deal with too many HD mechanical failures in the past). But keeping everything on a hard drive seems pretty damn convienient (And I can always back up data to my PC). Is the HD loud or audible through the MPC outs?

dude just get ableton live.

the answer to 1 and 2 is yes. i've had my 1k for about a year and a half and my pads still respond like new. i dig my hd.

Mr modnaR wrote:dude just get ableton live.

Actually, I am using my laptop for music right now. But since I work 10 hours a day at a computer for my job, I would prefer to have my leisure/hobbies seperate from what I do for work. But, Ableton Live is a bit bloated and complicated, and crashed on occasion - for live performance I want something very simple. The MPC1000 is probably the simplest sampler out there that doesn't suck (the Roland SP404 is simple, but totally sucks, in my opinion...)

pad-ophiliac wrote:the answer to 1 and 2 is yes. i've had my 1k for about a year and a half and my pads still respond like new. i dig my hd.

Thanks pad, much appreciated.

RexRhino wrote:Actually, I am using my laptop for music right now. But since I work 10 hours a day at a computer for my job, I would prefer to have my leisure/hobbies seperate from what I do for work. But, Ableton Live is a bit bloated and complicated, and crashed on occasion - for live performance I want something very simple. The MPC1000 is probably the simplest sampler out there that doesn't suck (the Roland SP404 is simple, but totally sucks, in my opinion...)

nah that's cool man, i understand the whole 'want to get away from computers' thing.

however, i do find live to be as difficult or as complex as you want it to be, you can, if you have it set up correctly, use it as a piece of hardware, not even needing the screen if you have the right controllers. you had a crash? very unususal, i've never had one with a legal copy. of course copies of 'suspect' origin are more than likely to have problems, so i wouldn't judge the program until you've tried the official version, be it demo or full. coldcut have used this program to do their latest stuff on, and used it live. they tweaked a laptop around so it works absolutely seamlessyly with live, ultra low latencies rock, solid stability (if you can get more rock solid than rock solid?!). anyways, go with what you feel's right for you at the end of the day.
hope this helps.

ive had my mpc for only about a week, and just today things started to click as to how everything works with the unit.. It is as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and its AWSOME for tweeking things while the sequences are playing....

As for the pads,,yes there are problems. I got mine used and noticed a pad wasnt "as sensitive" as the others and sometimes when i pressed it, it wouldnt hit, or would double hit,,Sure enough, i opened it, and the sheet had simply came unglued and slid to the side. I superglued the corners back down over the sensor, and it works great now. Its kinda cool since now if i have any problems in the future i can open it up, and fix it myself, god forbid. I really doubt that the sheet wold break under regular use...I noticed it was very firm, almost rubbery. If anything, yoiull just have to reglue it...It was scary at first, but really east now that i look back on it...