Which MPC works best as a multi-channel MIDI recorder?

I would like to record up to 6 MIDI instruments, simultaneously. I am not concerned with sampling ability, or editing in the box. I would also like to monitor previous recordings and add new [tracks] or channels.

Are there latency issues like those found in computer rigs?

Which MPC moves MIDI data back and forth to a computer rig with the least problems?

before numark took over akai the mpcs were called midi production center, they just changed it to music production center with the introduction of the mpc1000. so all mpc are very good midi recorders, most of them have a sequencer resolution of 96 ppm (which you can double if you use double time, or triple depending on your song tempo, because the mpc can have the tempo set from 30 to 300 bpm), only the mpc4000 and 5000 have 960 ppm.
the only problem i see is that you want to record up to six midi instruments simultaniously - this is not possible at my knowledge, because the mpc can only record to one midi track at a time (even if it is set to recieve on all channels). are you sure that is what you want? record six people playing six keyboards (for example) at the same time?
or do you want to record six different midi instruments one after the other? because this is what mpcs are made for!
the mpc is a hardware sequencer and midi latency is practically nonexistent - but there is the famous swing function which can be used to trigger samples or midi events slightly off timing - i would have more concern about the midi abilities of the other gear involved in this particular setting - if there are some old keyboards some of them have a midi latency by themself.

all the newer mpcs have a usb connection over which you can easily transfer your midi data back and forth, some have a card reader which can be used for data transfer (given your computer has a card reader). the older mpcs can be equipt with a floppy drive or a zip drive. in this case there could be some difficulties in swapping data if you have no floppy or zip drive in your computer.

just explain a little mor of yor setup and what you are trying to accieve - then we can provide better answers...

peace jo

Thanks for the lucid response.

The simultaneous recording of multiple MIDI instruments is probably not a deal breaker. It would be nice, however, to jam with your crew and get a good performance .... then tweak the instruments and minor clams before recording the audio. And, from what I have heard about the flakey Guitar synths, it is probably not realistic to expect a solid MIDI track from string instruments anyway.

I am hoping to build a rig that can be used in a conventional recording environment - except tracking first with MIDI. My experience with computer based MIDI rigs is less than stellar. Although you can force programs like Reaper and Sonar to record multiple channels simultaneously, there is just enough delay to make more work. And, since I will ultimately use the DPS24 for audio recording, there was no need to fight the computer. I will probably use the computer for DSP and editing.

I checked out the specs on both the MPC4000 and MPC5000. Which of the two would provide the best working tool for recording MIDI and all of its nuances? I don't mind spending the money to get the best tool. I also want to be able to record after touch and some of the higher level MIDI features. I will probably not be using the unit to make beats.

if you don't care about the sampler, than could get one of the old Roland MC series of sequencers. lovely machines. mc80 300, 500 some of those have 20 or 30+ channels.
much chepaer than an mpc.

Junius wrote:I checked out the specs on both the MPC4000 and MPC5000. Which of the two would provide the best working tool for recording MIDI and all of its nuances?

Well, from my own experience, the 4k offers something the others (including the 5k) lack...which is keygroups. It would seem that one could load sounds or use a module or two to achieve what you're trying to accomplish with a 4k.

Actually, I use my 4k in this very instance. It becomes one of my tone modules depending on what I'm after and what situation I might need it for.

I just d/l the manual for the MPC4000 and found numerous descriptions about how to set up and manipulate key groups. However, I still don't get how they function in the real world or how they can be used for recording and playback. I can see how the 4000 might make a nice sound module for playing as a MIDI instrument. But, as a drummer, the nuance is not there with the subtlety in (for instance) hi-hats or snare sounds.

I just did some quick math to check out the "number of events" limitations? If you start with a 4/4 pop tune containing 16 bars per verse, three verses and a chorus, you get 64 measures (16x4). Add 8 measures lead in and 8 measures out and you get roughly 80 measures of 4x4 time; time 4 quarter notes you get 320 quarter notes per instrument per tune. Let's make it dense and say one instrument is playing solid 16th notes, you get 5,120 notes (events). Let's make it even denser, let make it 6 instruments all doing 16th notes, you now have 30,720 events. Unless there is something that I have missed, there is plenty of room left. But, it does suggest the need to easily off-load the performance and make room for more. So, something that plays well with a computer is going to be a necessity.

I am going to check out the Roland MC stuff, as well as some of the other offerings. But, I am not giving up hope on a hardware solution. In addition to my problems pulling this off in the computer world, I find working with a mouse and monitor less than inspiring. Give me some knobs and sliders any day.

You have to include note off events in your math also. then make room for cc data. and so forth.

Junius wrote: My experience with computer based MIDI rigs is less than stellar. Although you can force programs like Reaper and Sonar to record multiple channels simultaneously, there is just enough delay to make more work

You will get better midi performance from an MPC and it is possible to record all your synths at once the way you describe, but only if you run them on different channels and of course they'll all be mooshed into the same midi track at the same time.

That said, I'm not surprised you are having trouble getting a windows box to do this accurately. You need a system with real resolution, timing accuracy and preferably hardware/software integrated midi timestamping such as the MAC/MOTU stuff for demanding midi tasks if you want it to all stay in time. Windows was just never made for that kind of thing, even after they tacked on ASIO.

There are other computer options (i.e. open source) besides an expensive new MAC/MOTU setup but they require slightly more tech knowledge and tweaking to get up and running.

Junius wrote:But, as a drummer, the nuance is not there with the subtlety in (for instance) hi-hats or snare sounds.

the mpcs have 127 values for velocity and you can set up different samples playing at different velocities per pad - there is a lot of nuances you can get out of this. also there are mute target and mute groups to mute other pads if one pad is played - e.g. open hihat on one pad and closed hi hat on another pad, both set with mute target to cancel eachother out if played.
the mpc pads have still the best feel and reponsability in all padcontrollers out there (triggerfinger, padcontrol, pads in various keyboards).
and if this is not enough there are enough drum mesh heads that give out midi information and can be connected to a mpc. and there are midi triggers for real drums out there so you can midify your whole real drumset - this is especially interesting for recordings, because you can record the real drum sound and later "reamp" the trigger events with software drums like drumagog or something like that.

peace jo