Just starting out!

Whats up, I am just getting started in the producing scene and wanted to know if I should purchase the MPC4000 or if I should wait for a new model to come out. Any thoughts?

First of all, welcome to the boards. Second of all, what do you intend on doing? ie all sampling? the 4000 has a huge amount of sampling features and quite a steep learning curve from what I here. In many cases the 4k could be overkill but like I said it depends on what ya wana do exactly. You could spend your life waiting for the next new modles to come out, alot of people here are using MPCs from almost 20 years ago and wouldnt trade them the world. Do your research and compare it to the other models, dont just go for the 4k because it is the most expensive, read through the differet features on Akai's web site and if ya got ne questions just ask!!

Well let me tell you a little about myself. I studied the violin at the New England Conservatory in Boston for 15 years, took private lessons, theory classes, orchestra, chamber music, the whole nine yards. I also was a DJ for about 5 years then stopped because I wanted to focus on school. Right now I am in grad school. Anyways, I think I have a huge advantage over anyone else in this industry just starting out because I really do know music. Now, I'm just starting out in production and want to get a basic setup going.

New MacPro, 2gb ram, Dual Xeon, 23 inch monitor
Akai MPC4000
Some keyboard
Midi Controller
Maybe a Technic turntable for sampling

I want to learn the MPC inside and out before I go and buy more gear. The reason why I said I wanted to know if there is any news on a new model is because I don't want to buy an MPC not knowing that a new model will come out in 6 months. So from what I understand, the MPC I choose will be the MPC I am going to be with for a very long time? BTW, do you guys think the initial setup is good?

I want to make HipHop beats. I think I have the potential to make it big, especially with my background in music. I'm only 22.

BTW, does the MPC4000 only come in blue?

lbratzi wrote:Well let me tell you a little about myself. I studied the violin at the New England Conservatory in Boston for 15 years, took private lessons, theory classes, orchestra, chamber music, the whole nine yards.

i bet your a rich @ss Macaulay Culkin look alike

lbratzi wrote:The reason why I said I wanted to know if there is any news on a new model is because I don't want to buy an MPC not knowing that a new model will come out in 6 months.

Why not? It's not going to become worse only because there's a new model. And besides, a 4000 successor will be quite expensive in comparison at least for the first year. Like mentioned before, you can do loads of stuff with a 4000 already.

In my opinion you don't even need another keyboard, MIDI controller or laptop...laptop maybe if you don't have a PC yet. Get a decent turntable for sampling, probably you got a bunch of records already being a DJ, and you can start out. You will know soon enough what you need in addition once you have a little experience.

If you feel that the 4k is what is right for you than go for it. If you buy second hand your almost guarenteed to get the same money back if you re-sell it if ya really dont like it. Either way, best of look with your descision. Emma

No I am not a rich ass maculy culkin. My parents busted their asses working to send me and both of my other brothers who are also musicians.

Anyways,

I went to my local Guitar Center today and went to go play around with some gear. I was mad because they didn't even have an MPC4000 on display or in stock, said they were on back order for a couple of months. Well I spoke to a few of the guys there about what software I should get, and I got mixed reviews. The guy said it would be hard to test the different softwares out there, and that your limited to the demo's for ideas. I told him that I am set on getting a MAC and he suggested two, ProTools and Logic Pro 7. He said that in the long run Logic Pro 7, if you master the software, that it will be the only one that I will ever need. On the other hand he said that ProTools is much cheaper and much more straightforward. Logic costing 1000 + the interface. And ProTools costing 400 + the interface. I think once I get my MAC I am going to have to decide what software I would like to get. I think I am going to end up going with Logic Pro 7.

While I was there I was messing around with the MPC2500 which is really cool, I can just amagine what the MPC4000 is capable of....

I also opened up a Guitar Center card there, with no payments for 3 months, and I purchased an M5G turntable for my sampling, with an Ortofon Club S Cartridge. I think this will suffice for the sampling of sounds.

Anyways what are you thoughts on the two softwares. Experiences, pros cons of your own? Any help greatly appreciated.

BTW, anyone have thoughts on when the MPC4000 should be available? I know that Akai outsourced parts for the beast. Anyone have a place online where you go to buy all of your gear? I usually look at audiolines.com

ebay. buying on ebay forces you to do the research into whatever it is you want to buy so you know if you are getting a good deal or not. research will also let you know when you don't really need something.

logic or protools would be fine for anybody. get the Mac now and wait on the software. Mac already comes with GarageBand for recording purposes and you should really research control surfaces, mixers, sound cards and the like before deciding which software to invest in. PROTOOLS ONLY WORKS WITH CERTAIN HARDWARE BUT IS INDUSTRY STANDARD. so think about it before you go Logic if you want to stay ahead of every one else in the industry....

if you have the money to burn, just get an MPC as soon as possible and start using it. everything else can be added when needed, and the MPC will keep you busy enough on its own before you'll need to start adding to it.....

waiting for a new model is pointless; the existing models will always have more how to information available: tips, tricks, hacks, etc. unless there is some particular feature of the hardware totally new and innovative, the basics of the sampling process should remain the same as the older models. you can always trade your current model in towards an upgrade in the future too....

Well I was just looking at the software that I might get, and since I am still in school I just found out that I can get the Universal Binary of Logic Pro 7 for 299.99 compared to what Guitar Center is offering which is 999.99. Since I can get it for 299.99 should I go with Logic or get ProTools? I cant get ProTools from my school.

Sorry to jump in on your post Ibratzi but what do you have to have/show to get a discount like that. Im still in high school so I presume i would be eliigable. Thanx, emma

Well I go to grad school at Boston University and students and faculty get academic prices. You need to show that your affiliated with the school. ie Show them your card, and they check it in the system. I can purchase up to 2 copies per year of the same title. If you want I can get you a copy for a little extra. Email me @ [email protected] if interested. As far as the deal goes, do you think its worth it to get the Logic or ProTools?

lbratzi wrote:and I purchased an M5G turntable for my sampling, with an Ortofon Club S Cartridge. I think this will suffice for the sampling of sounds.

ummm, yes....I think so too...

Thanx for the offer but Im gona give them a ring and see whats the story. As far as you decision between Logic and Pro Tools Ive never really looked into either in great detail so I couldnt give a decent answer, Ive been using my MPC (2500) bout 5months, Im still quite a neeb obiously but if i can help u in your decision with that just ask.

Just got home. I went to the store which sells the software and the Academic version does not allow for any upgrades. So say a new Logic Pro comes out, say 8, I will not be able to upgrade to it. But if 7.3 comes out I will be able to get the upgrade. Does anyone think it is still worth it? It seems that logic 8 might be showing at namm. I think once I get my MPC, I am going to practice on it for 6 months and hopefully, news on a new Logic will be out by then.

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