By Askia Shaheed
Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:54 pm
Blue Haze wrote:Askia Shaheed wrote:^
So...you have to ask yourself....why has Akai not included these features in its current line of products? They have the technology. Not only do they have Akai technology and resources..they also have Alesis (the makers of the Andromeda A6 and Fusion).
If these functions are what it's users want in an MPC, why would they not deliver especially since they already have the code? Why not make an updated version of the MPC 4000 with all the new features of the 5000/2500/1000?
I don't expect anyone to know the reason why...but I would speculate possibilities:
1. Not many people want such a product
2. These features are coming in the 5K, but they are taking their time to get it right
3. These features are not coming in the 5K but the 6K
First this isn`t the 4k vs 5k comparsion thread.
Second the question on topic is why are keygroups important and how are they used for which we have demonstrated.
Third the users of the 4k have already demanded these and a continuation back in 2004-2005 cuz the features that were originally for the 4k upgrade O.S. I was privy to the suprise info to compete with the MV but instead Nuakai made the MPC 2500 instead.
Fourth once Jack took over the whole of Akai the keygroup sampling engine line development
was stopped no more new keygroup samplers aka studio sampling line pass the Z8 series .
Fifth you are right the alot of the early adopters coming from the phrase sampling loop based mentality thought and still think that a keygroup sampler wasn`t necessary and difficult to work with especially thinking to play a keygroup on the pads, think about it??? It is made to work with a keyboard get it, keygroup=keyboard controller. Me too for a time until I sold my triton studio and started working more in the box with the 4k and software synths and samplers.
(I have to say that the world of software synths and samplers from ableton sampler, racks, reason combinations, and Korgs, EXS, and others expanded my understanding and I transfered my knowledge back to the 4k then it all made sense as I started out phrase sampling like most did too with very little understanding of sound synthesis possibilities.)
Sixth yeah with most of the mpc users with a drum sampling machine background the zero sum game by Nuakai is to give them what is easier another drum sampling machine abet a synth added. Remember the video where Jack was meeting with two cats about the kind of new mpc they wanted.
Seventh you and i would agree that software samplers are far beyond with hardware samplers can do integrated with a Daw so Nuakai went and probably will go with phrase sampling with added side elements remember it is all about the SAMPLES because they didn`t want to compete with software.
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=xqm-A5nqeKQ this is an example of an incredible soft sampler it`s called synth but it is as powerful sampler.
Eighth back to what a keygroup programs can do for sound designing our own sounds I learnt alot from watching this fanstatic guys I transfer what I learnt back onto the 4k. Of course the 4k isn`t as powerful as definivitly as ominsphere but keygroup programs gives me the possibilites and ablities to create my own sounds from SAMPLES, SAMPLES in a KEYGROUP SAMPLER a beautiful thing.
http://www.spectrasonics.net/omnisphere ... large.html
Keygroup programs, Multis, and Program Matrix gives you tremendous options to create what instruments and sounds you want the real power of any keygroup sampler beyond a phrase sampler.
Simple once you understand what you can do.
Too much writing for such a simple question.
1. This is not about comparing MPCs.
2. If keygroups are important ...then you have to wonder why would Akai release new products without this technology
3. Why would MPC 4K users continue to demand keygroups if they already have an MPC that does this? It is clearly documented that long time MPC users didn't like the MPC 4000. It had too many bugs early own and the workflow was not great. Akai listened to feedback and the MPC 2500 was later born. Not only did it replace the XL...it replaced the MPC 3000 as well.
4. Jack doesn't do any of the hands on development of these products. The fact is, Akai doesn't have to further develop keygroup sampling engines. They already have the technology and can implement it in any MPC they choose. Alesis did release another keygroup sampler in the Fusion. This technology can be added to MPCs if they choose.
5. The early adaptors (I was one of them) thought they could replace their MPC 3000s and S3000 (or the Emu series samplers) set-ups with just the MPC 4000. It's not that we didn't think a keygroup sampler was not necessary...we felt that the MPC 3000 and S3000 (and later S5000/6000) set-ups was far more intuitive.
6. Akai is giving users exactly what they want. If you look at th feature requests threads, you will see that. The MPC 4000 Forum doesn't have any feature request threads. Knowing Akai/Numark frequent the forums, and your unwavering support of the MPC 4000..why would you not have this type of thread as a sticky? The MPC 4000s development appears to be done. So if you really want something to replace it...make it known.
7. Everyone would agree that software samplers (on a good computer) are more powerful than any hardware. It appears that Akai may stick with focusing on improving MPC integration with MIDI devices (4 MIDI outs...Q-links w/external control)....but appearances are deceiving....I wouldn't think anyone would acquire a company like Akai (legendary for MPCs and samplers) would just sit on their hands. I think the MPC 4000 will have a true replacement in the eyes of its biggest supporters..whether that is the MPC 5000, MPC 5000XL, or MPC 6000....I think it will come...so start your feature request threads....
8. Back to keygroups? We never stopped. And there are plenty of recent threads on the subject basically due to the MPC 5000 being released. Prior to that, there were no significant talk about keygroups in 3 years within these forums.
arranging sounds all over the keyboard or splitting the keyboard into ranges, layering the keyboards with multiple programs and sounds to make into a huge combination. The main thing is to use SAMPLES!!!! Using the knobs/sliders for modulating the programs realtime.