Kind enough to help me decide! :)

I know these threads probably come like 878798987832423 a day but anyone kind
enough to help me out would be nice.

it's my first time in this thread and i'm a software based producer using midi controllers like
PadKontrol etc.

only reason being i simply did not have the cash to get hardware. i been doing this since 2004ish *but pads came around 2006?) but i finally want to try out the MPC.

I use REASON 3 (finally got official version around 2006 after using reason 1.0 crack for 2 years lol) with pad control and keyboard.
it works well i like many features of the reason especially the Synths.

I am planning to use reason as synths and other feats and use MPC of course to make the beats, trigger samples basslines etc.
i noticed when i played with my friend's MPC it works pretty similar to reason as far as what it does..i mean they were both made to make music...


couple reason i want to switch.
1)i notice since i have a bad PC it taxes the PC alot. i want a dedicated midi production center.
2)same as 1, i would love to make music on a single machine if possible.
3)im not sure if its just me but the MPC has a certain sound that just can't be denied.
i tweak with my EQ, filter etc. to imitate that crisp sound but i can't get it off reason. perhaps my skills are lacking but the reason sounds for some reason a lot more muddy. as i said could be my skills EQing.
4)it looks freakin awesome on my table.

now for the ultimate question. i am strongly debating between MPC 1000 and 2500
im not sure which one to buy. i keep getting response from both owners that 1000 is same as 2500, 2500 is the home version of 1000, 1000 is only good for portablility etc.

but none of my friends know about the JJOS either..

anyways anyone kind enough to help me out?
sorry about the wall of text.

http://www.myspace.com/eladbrit

The majority of people on here are gonna tell you to get an MPC, regardless of the other people on here saying they have problems with the hardware/software on these things. Ask yourself - if any of the MPCs out there can give you what you want, and are within your budget, then just do it.

If you're not happy with your decision, these things hold their value pretty well, and you can get most of your money back on the resale.

Go with the 1k if you want a portable sampler. Go with the 2500 if you want a solid piece of kit with some nice features (JJ OS add-on). Hold out for the 5k if you can afford it and want the latest Akai release (which comes with a whole load of other ish some people think is unneccessary).

Anyway, I assume you're an intlligent person. It's a matter of weighing up what each unit offers you, how much cash you have, and then discarding what isn't right for you. But in the end, you'v gotta grow some stones and make your own decision.

that's a pretty comprehensive suggestion thank you. I'm probably going to be eventually using both software and MPC and via pro tools M powered.

My budget is around 2500 but if a 1k could do what 2500 do almost as well i don't see the point.
I was wondering however with the JJOS what exactly does the 2500 get as far as advantages vs. it's official OS/MPC 1000?
i tried looking this up for quite awhile on the forums but i wasn't quite sure.

a bit off topic but i noticed the 2500 pitch/time shifting to be absolutely amazing.
i use reason 3 and im not sure about 4 but reason so far in my knowledge does not have
time stretch. its quite a pain at times when i want something just a bit tuned. although i used
soundforge it'd be nice to do everything within the session if you know what i mean.
the rate that 2500 timestretches is quite amazing in my personal opinion

main differences
2500 - bigger pads more midi outs and ins, more outputs, more qlinks, cd/dvd whatever i dont have it and i think its a waste of money
1000 - portabilbity but not super portable ie mpc500. may have the older style pads

and i think now with the jjos in full swing on the 2500 i "think" though not sure that the os are pretty much the same.

and im sure there are other differences
its just a toss up, i had both but ended up getting rid of my 1000, the 2500 while it may be big, its not crazy big and heavy that you wouldnt be able to lug it around.

thank you again for the reply. i actually have a friend who owns both. the 2500 isn't as heavy as i thought it'd be. my laptop is as heavy (before it broke)...why u ask..im a beat maker but a pretty big gamer it was a desktop replacement laptop around 14 lbs. i believe MPC without HDD is around 13-15 lbs (2500)

hmm seems like there are not much difference than i felt there was.
Im still trying to understand what the JJOS exactly does.

oh also, before i was going to definately go for the 1000 until the price dropped recently due to 5000. so yeah making this harder for me haha.

well the main reason i got the 2500 was due to the price i scored it for 900$ which is pretty cheap considering most of the time they are going for over 1000. i kinda wish i didnt sell my 1000 but it was just over kill with both machines plus i got 800 for the 1000 so i didnt lose to much (well i kinda did haha) but i want an mpc500 so i can use it as a portable sampler and midi sequencer, id never use the 500 as an all purpose machine its just to damn cumbersome

eladbrit wrote:couple reason i want to switch.
1)i notice since i have a bad PC it taxes the PC alot. i want a dedicated midi production center.
2)same as 1, i would love to make music on a single machine if possible.
3)im not sure if its just me but the MPC has a certain sound that just can't be denied.
i tweak with my EQ, filter etc. to imitate that crisp sound but i can't get it off reason. perhaps my skills are lacking but the reason sounds for some reason a lot more muddy. as i said could be my skills EQing.
4)it looks freakin awesome on my table.

I started on software then got a 2500 then back to software. Let me say from the jump. I dont give a **** if you go either way, just trying to give you an unbiased opinion.

1) Your PC can be your dedicated midi center. But you have a laptop and so you cant upgrade. A new laptop would be around the same as an MPC. If you plan to go all hardware...i'd go with the mpc. If you plan to still use reason...get a new laptop. Eventually you will need to record your MPC samples and other hardware into a PC. MPC becomes unnessary since you will no doubt want to use other vsts and bigger upgraded Reason programs...which leads to a new pc anyway. Why not cut the middleman? You already have a pad kontrol...save your money.

2) Again...the only way you'll be making music on one machine is if you go all hardware. Otherwise, the PC would be better for this. If you still want to use Reason, you would still be using a PC along with an MPC. (two machines)

3) That is false. Aside from the 950 samplers, MPC60's and 3000 (debatable) there is no "sound" to an mpc. If you plan on using a PC all three of those machines i mentioned you will find to be a pain to use with a PC.

If you really want an mpc i'd go for a 2500 only because you do not need to worry about someone selling you a used 1000 with f*cked up pads. New 1000s (w/ upgraded pads) are around the same as a used 2500. Not to mention the other benefits.

thanks for the comprehensive opinion again and again.
i am still debating on this but you are given me more precaution as to what system i will use.
I have been using reason for so long and i love it but there is a certain workflow that i love about the MPC. of course, im sure i'd need to get use to it when i first get it.
i was thinkin 2500 most def. or a brand new 1000bk at least with better pads.

yea i'd need a new PC anyways to sequence using a DAW but that's something i planned on getting anyways for school, playin some Call of Duty 4 etc.

either way thank you though i will keep thinking and researching you guys are most definately helpful