Post your questions, opinions and reviews of the MPC1000. This forum is for discussion of the OFFICIAL Akai OS (2.1). If you wish to discuss the JJ OS, please use the dedicated JJ OS forum
Bykurbside Wed Mar 03, 2004 4:42 am
Hello out there. I've been out of the game for a few years but it's time I got back to it. I'm leaning heavily towards buying an MPC 1000 and finally switching to a PC based studio but I'm unsure of what type of PCI sound card to buy.
What I'd like to do is record a basic 'sketch' of each song on the MPC, then isolate each track within that song for further editing with whatever program I end up using. I've looked at PCi cards from E-mu, M-Audio, and others and I see that most of these cards come with some version of protools, e-logic or whatever.
I'm sure this is a matter of personal preference to some, but I need some advice on buying a good card that comes with a program that will sync with the MPC 1000 easily. I'm envisioning each snare, kick, basssline etc being recorded one by one from the MPC to this program and sitting up on my computer screen, perfectly synched.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer :D

By jksuperstar Wed Mar 03, 2004 5:02 am
You'll have a tough time perfectly syncing them, since the 1k doesn't have anything beyond MIDI Clock currently (no MTC or SMPTE). Nothing insurmountable, but it does require a lot more work on your part.

As for sounds cards, I have the Echo Audio Layla24. Flawless. Really easy to work with, and sounds extremely transparent, and works with everything on the PC, can't comment on Mac. However, I bought it 3 years ago, and things have changed in the market place. If your looking for just simple I/O, I'd recommend Echo or M-Audio products. Maudio makes good stuff for good prices, too. If you think you'll do heavy sampling, I'd really check out the Emu deal...they bundle some of their boards with a software front-end...basic replacement for their own hardware samplers. Last is MOTU...a little more expensive, but the newer stuff can act stand-alone...ie- disconnect it from your PC/Mac and it becomes your mixer/patchbay on the road. Nice feature if you need it.
And, there's always the DigiDesign pro-tools LE bundle.

Software, is too user dependent to comment on. Logic no longer is available for PC's since apple bought emagic. Protools has been highly regarded by pros for some time, and has many sync features. Cubase and steinbeg products and very good as well. Cakewalk is surprisingly powerful, and can be daughnting to learn if you dive in too deep too quick. Depends on your comfort, pocket book, and what software/hardware bundles you come across.
User avatar

By PJay Wed Mar 03, 2004 6:59 am
you could use S/PDIF from your mpc to your computer to record one part at a time....

....or even just have a matching set of .wav files on your computer and trasfer the midi file over after you have banged out a few ideas on the mpc.....

Bykurbside Wed Mar 03, 2004 4:21 pm
Thanks for the replys.

I guess my next question would have to be:
Is this type of recording easier to do with the MPC2000Xl since it has SMPTE and MTC? I may be better of buying that instead.

By jksuperstar Thu Mar 04, 2004 2:09 am
The other option is to move the .MID file over to your PC, and use the PC to sample each track individually (since the 1k isn't multitimbral over midi).

If you're not lookin to save space, or going to use usb alot, I'd say go for teh 2000xl. Especially if it has the 8 out expansion.

Bykurbside Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:24 pm
Just from what I've read the 1k is better suited overall for me, I think. I do have an M-Audio Delta 44 for recording into my PC, but it has no midi in/outs. I'm sorry to keep this thread swelling with my own personal questions but this is the best place for me to ask questions before I get under the lights inside Guitar Center and my brain goes to mush.

Do I need a sound card with Midi in/outs or should I just find a usb to Midi converter and go that route?

More questions to follow upon answer of this one, just a warning :D

By jksuperstar Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:40 am
If you've got the delta44, yeah, just grab a midi interface...they don't need to be in the same card to work. Your already familiar with midiman/m-audio, I'd say they make some good midi gear.

Bykurbside Fri Mar 05, 2004 1:58 pm
Thanks, Jksuperstar. I've been making my head spin reading and re-reading about all the equip I need and how to make all of it talk to each other, just needed a little reassurance before I plunk any money down.