racks and mpc

So I'm really tapped for space. I got a mpc 1000, turntable, and DJ Mixer. I want to add a synth rack to this combo. My question is do I need to add a midi controller keyboard to this as well? or Can I use the MPC as the MIDI controller for the rack, anyone set it up like this?

no you don`t need a midi keyboard you can just use the mpc as a midi controller and via midi the rack sounds will be played by the pads( u prob know but i`ll say this anyway - even though the sounds are being played by hitting the pads the actual audio is still coming from the synth out, not the mpc - read about midi if u dont understand this, if u do then i`m very sorry to sound so patronizing!) which if set right work stright away if u turn them on in midi settings on mpc.

you get the full range that you`d get from a keyboard , it just means that you have to swith between banks to get higher, lower notes.

however, i myself find this a bit tedious if wanting to write quite complex synth melodys its great for addin a bit of bass line and general sounds but for full on composition you cant beat having a keyboard.

but why not just try the rack midi`d up and then buy a midi keyboard in future if u think u need one.

but if you`ve got the room think about getting synth with keys, much easier to get to grips with if its your first one.

check out some synths and rack gear on the net , youtube etc and have a think.

there is so many ways of doin it nowadays its all down to personal preferance.


but to answer your origional question again no you dont need a keyboard and yes i have ran a synth (novation a station) just from mpc but found it easier with keys too ( i run three synths and a didgital piano all thru my mpc via midi)

best of luck mate, and if your after a hardware synth thats not to big check out novations, they got some wicked bass lines as pre sets and real analouge sounding, all depends what u after though

now go search...


later mate
E

thats a lot of info above...but no you dont need a keyboard to play the notes and control the synth. the mpc can do that. but what lazye was saying was that you really wont get the full advantages as you would with a keyboard. im not sure you could play complex melodies or many different notes at one time when you use the mpc. a keyboard can play out your tunes a lot easier then the mpc could. but of course if you're strapped for cash, the mpc can do what it needs to for the time being.

Use the mpc (as a midi controller) when you want tight grooves or sequences that will be on time with tempo

Use a controller when you want a keyboard feel

You can get a edirol pcr-1m (usb and midi connection two octave) its tight and compact and small. I plan on getting rid of my m-audio 49e workstation to get one of these since im not a player so i dont need an expansive range of keys). You can usually get these on the bay for less than 100.