MPC vs Software + Pad Controller

Hi

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a total newbie when it comes to beat making/music production. I've been a bedroom DJ for a while but recently I've been gaining a lot of interest in music production (actually I used to build tracks with ACID 1.0 back in the day).

In light of my new found interest, I've been looking at the MPC2500 as my first *real* foray into hardware (I own a couple of KP3s', a korg synthesizer, kaossilator... but these guys are just for fun).

But it is quite a financial investment for a hobby. So I was wondering if there were any software solutions you guys could recommend that functions just a like a MPC.

The things I'm looking for in a software solution:

1. MPC style sampling
2. MPC style chopping/looping
3. MPC style pad assignment (if I go the software route I'll be getting a Korg PadKontrol)
4. MPC style sequencer

all in one easy to use package.

Any recommendations?

Also how would such a setup compare to the likes of a MPC2500?

Thank you guys in advance!

Get the 2500. Nothing beats the workflow/speed of sampling a record, then chopping, then assigning to pads like an MPC.

thanks for the advice!

Arguably, the best asset of any model MPC has to be its onboard sequencer section. This includes the sequencer itself, the swing function and the note repeat function. Other products (hardware and software) have tried to emulate these features or 'unique selling points' in order to steal Akai's loyal MPC customers with limited success.

There are various midi pad/ keyboard controllers out there with 8, 16 or 24 'MPC Style' pads for the purpose of triggering (mostly but not purely) drum samples. Personally I don't like these, they dont really look solid and are contributing to the 'lost art of sampling' as we know it by eliminating the need for a 'real' hardware sampler.

Most so-called 'softsamplers' have no actual sampling ability whatsoever, they can only playback samples in a variety of formats. Audio editors and hardware samplers are commonly used for the sampling of one shots, loops and beats. Most old-school hardware samplers from Akai, E-Mu, Roland, Ensoniq etc can now be found quite cheaply online and at pawn shops. However the constant demand and ever-decreasing supply of particular legendary models such as MPC3000, ASR10 and E-Mu SP1200 help them to appreciate in value as more producers want that gritty old school sound. Any decent sampler has the ability to record, chop and loop samples like an MPC although some make it far easier and intuitive than others. It is worth remembering that some samplers were designed with keygroup programs in mind while others were primarily aimed at drum programs and one-shots.

I have used both Native Instruments BATTERY and FXPansion GURU as an alternative to the MPC and they are good for quickly loading up, layering and triggering samples using a suitable midi controller. BATTERY (8.5/10) gets my vote for keeping it simple and fast with a clean user interface and overall quality. GURU (7/10) is good, but it takes a simple concept and makes it appear too complex (for some) with all the various audio engines and sample layers available.

My advice is this, forget about the MPC2500 for now at least. Go and get a cheap maxed out MPC2000XL and you will be happy for at least a year as you get used to the MPC way of doing things. You then have the 4 essential MPC attributes you desire in ORIGINAL HARDWARE FORM. I had a 2000XL before i got hold of my 4000 some time ago.

If you do decide to go the software route or travel with a laptop computer BATTERY (now at version 3) is the one to go for along with some form of pad controller. You mention the Korg PadKontrol, but there are other, more 'MPC-like' solutions currently available such as the Akai's MPD series of controllers with 16, 24 or 32 pads and the new MPK49 keyboard with 12 pads, note repeat and swing control.

Thanks for your advice!

After trying out Battery and Guru, I've decided to go the hardware route and purchase an MPC.

The reason I was looking at the MPC2500 was due to its chopshop feature; of which I have heard makes chopping and pad assignment much more easier and faster (especially for new comers like me).

Although the 2000XL seems like a great machine due to its oldskool legacy, I tend to pick usability over community acceptance/perception (if you get my drift). I figure, the easier it is to use, the faster I will get accustomed to things and more fun I'll have.

How does the 2000XL compare to the 2500 in terms of easiness of use? Is the workflow involved in chopping and pad assignment much more fluent on the 2500?

Check out ableton live, sampling and slicing is so much easier and faster than on a mpc. Plus you have so many more options, the big screen helps too.

Live 7 introduced the slice to midi function: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AlFxkDYGUmQ

If you like the mpc´s workflow better, get a 1000 (the 2500 is basically the same, 2 more audio and 2 more midi outputs iirc). More features than the 2k, plus the usb connection for transfer.