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By concepts Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:50 pm
So for the last 6 months, ive been doing my research trying to find myself a dedicated sampler. I have a mpc60 right now which is the main piece hooked up to my motif. The mpc60 however is very limited so i have been saving up for a mpc3000 but now that i have the money and more knowledge, i dont know if its what i need (starting to think its more hyped then it really is). Last week i got a great deal on a mpc2500 and to my expectation, this thing is a BEAST! Very underrated from what ive read. On top of this I have been reading up on the ASR10 and the more i learn the more i feel its the best main house sampler for the buy.

My question is, did the mpc2500 makeup for what the previous mpcs lacked when compared to the ASR10? I am talking about sampling features as i know the sequencer on the ASR is non comparable.

To me it seems the only advantage the ASR10 has over the mpc2500 is the 24 bit effects. Its got a better sound, am i right?

Any help appreciated.
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By kneebone77 Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:22 pm
concepts wrote:did the mpc2500 makeup for what the previous mpcs lacked when compared to the ASR10? I am talking about sampling features...

Well the ASR-10 is considered a "true sampler" and what I mean by that is it posses the ability to do keymapping and also has an ill synthesis matrix that you can use to twist up the original sample way beyond recognition. The mpc2500, (when stock) is considered a "drum" or "phrase sampler" meaning it's concept is better suited for drums and 1-shots rather than keyboards and synths. But...If you add JJ o.s.2 to your mpc2500 this will upgrade into being a "true sampler" giving you keymap ability and some synthesis and sound shaping capabilities although it probably wont be as extensive as the ASR-10 in the that department.
concepts wrote:To me it seems the only advantage the ASR10 has over the mpc2500 is the 24 bit effects. Its got a better sound...

As far as the sound being better...well that's debatable so lets just say it sounds different. IMO the ASR-10 shines in the areas of effects, editing / chopping samples, synthesis, sample capture, layering, and creating crazy loopoints. The ASR-10 is a nice piece.

No matter what you do definitely keep your mpc2500...
And for all practical purposes though I would first get the JJ o.s.2, it most likely is going to cover all the sampling bases your missing & it's not going to cost much, (compared to an ASR-10). I would only suggest the ASR-10 as a "must have" if you think your going to be doing more extensive and complex sound design, (which most people do not).

In conclusion, the ASR-10 is really enjoyable sampler to use, Very FUN! But not mandatory if you already the mpc2500...
By concepts Mon Oct 06, 2008 11:11 pm
What i want to do is have one main sampler. So either the 2500 or the asr10. Reason for this is because I want to finally settle with one machine and learn it thoroughly (and the fact that i can only afford one or the other). I guess i will have to make a commitment and stick with it. Thanks


BTW is the asr10 hard to luggage around? What does it weigh 50 lbs?
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By dabmeister Mon Oct 06, 2008 11:23 pm
concepts wrote:What i want to do is have one main sampler. So either the 2500 or the asr10. Reason for this is because I want to finally settle with one machine and learn it thoroughly (and the fact that i can only afford one or the other). I guess i will have to make a commitment and stick with it. Thanks


BTW is the asr10 hard to luggage around? What does it weigh 50 lbs?


Yeah, you already have what you need, a 2500.

And yes, an ASR is three to four times heavier, if not more, than a 2500.
By concepts Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:02 am
Sup dab, love the music and thanks for your opinion. It means a lot coming from someone who owns both machines. BTW would you consider the mpc2500 to have a digital sound and an asr10 to have an analogue sound? Would you say there is a distinct difference? I know both processes sound digitally but i think you know what i mean. Thanks

**** yamaha, if only they would fix or update their sampler, id be fixed with one machine.
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By dabmeister Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:30 am
concepts wrote:Sup dab, love the music and thanks for your opinion. It means a lot coming from someone who owns both machines. BTW would you consider the mpc2500 to have a digital sound and an asr10 to have an analogue sound? Would you say there is a distinct difference? I know both processes sound digitally but i think you know what i mean. Thanks

**** yamaha, if only they would fix or update their sampler, id be fixed with one machine.


Alright, alright. Thanks for checking me out chief. It won't be long before I'll be posting some new tracks, so stop by every now & then when you get a chance.

Now as far as the ASR sounding analog, I wouldn't say it's more of that. It kinda has a slight clean grimey flavor to it if you ask me, especially after using the 4k or the DAW.

Like kneebone said, it's efx are still killer. It def is a sampler that was a little ahead of its time, but the 2500 has it beat when it comes to modern features such as loading, storage, & interfacing with a DAW. But it's not bad to have at all if you can afford to have both of these wonderful samplers.
By concepts Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:57 am
Man that was the perfect post! I could care less about how fast it loads and saves. I am using the mpc2500 with the stock 16 mb and i still think its more then i will ever need (what the hell are you going to do with 128mb!?). The only problem i see now is if the asr10 can fit in my car conveniently as i would like to be able to transport it from my main studio to the place im staying at for school.


Thanks again.
By firework Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:01 am
The ASR10 for ME, has a Superior sound to any of the NUAKAI ( so-called samplers ) - That I promise you. if lugging it around is a issue get a rack version or better yet keep your 2500 and get a ASR-X pro instead.


Buyer Beware ---The asrx has a great sound, great fx, filters. just dont use it to make beats with due to the flaky sequencer. the data knobs suck!!! i can actually make mine change values by just slightly pushing down on it.




good luck
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By Lampdog Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:21 am
concepts wrote:128mb!?). The only problem i see now is if the asr10 can fit in my car conveniently as i would like to be able to transport it from my main studio to the place im staying at for school.

ASR10 is heavy.

61keys, should fit fine on a normal back seat. Cover it so no one can see it sitting back there.
By concepts Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:42 pm
Thanks for the replies.

FYI i got a little deeper into the mpc and i have to say that the 2500 is a fine sampler feature wise (even with the Akai os). The only thing that should be debated between this and another sampler for purchasing is sound and feel. For those that came from the old MPC like me (mpc60) will have to be psychologically strong because it does somewhat feel like a "toy". To me it was a simple obstacle to adapt but for some i could see it being very discouraging. I recommend you try one out at the stores. In the end, i am going to be sticking with the 2500 just because it will be easier to lug around (and because i already have a motif... I just hope they upgrade the sampler some day). PEACE.
By tresperros Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:14 am
firework wrote:The ASR10 for ME, has a Superior sound to any of the NUAKAI ( so-called samplers ) - That I promise you. if lugging it around is a issue get a rack version or better yet keep your 2500 and get a ASR-X pro instead.


Buyer Beware ---The asrx has a great sound, great fx, filters. just dont use it to make beats with due to the flaky sequencer. the data knobs suck!!! i can actually make mine change values by just slightly pushing down on it.




good luck


WORD.
comparing A/D/A converters, no comparison at all.....
I've been lucky using both machines, and smples on ASR sound much better.... it's definition, clarity and punch, low and highs freq, positioning in panorama...etc, but
ASR's sequencer is a joke, don't use it !
however Enconiq's sampler has great F/X, using it just with 2 sliders is a killing workflow, slllowwllly...
plus other things folks added, i absolutelly agree
now depends what you're after ?
just sampling or maybe layering whole project withim MPC/sequencer ?
2500 loaded with JJOS ( it's essentlial.DOT) gives you few smart upgrades which makes your workflow very fast and enjoyable,

i'd rather buy some external F/X box to yours 2500 like kaoss kp3 pad for example
you can grab sec hand LEXICON mpx550, 500 or mpx1 for 200-300 bucks off ebay as well (for a proper reverbs/delays/choruses/tremolos etc)
and you got arsenal...
add cheap f/x/compressor like FATMAN or other cheap TLAudio tube rack
mix throu it/track it
sound sweet


bless