Help me decide which MPC model..

Hi all.
New to the forum/first post,

OK so I've been making beats for close to 15 years... I've been through a lot of gear... Since 2003 I've been producing with Reason/Recycle (and sometimes Ableton Live)...

Lately I've been getting the itch to work with hardware again and I think that buying an MPC might be a better solution for portability than a laptop would be...

So I guess I want to know about features and functionality comparison between the higher end models (2000XL, 2500, 4000XL, 5000, etc.).... I'm not against saving my $$ for an MPC 5000, but if a used 2000XL will fulfill all of my needs that would be great.

I've worked with MPC's in the past, but mostly with roland samplers... If some of you guys can let me know about the limitations of the various MPC models that might be a good starting point.. Also, maybe there is a chart somewhere that can break all of this down ?... I'm checking out the manuals to, but I like to get info from actual users..

thanks.
LesP

If am were you i would wait till namm and see what roland is cooking,longest mpc goes i would go with 4k.Mpc 5000 i owned and its good machine i get my work done for me it makes better hardware then 4k thou,both these machines have bugs trust me.I'm hoping for an update for 5k with new features and bug fixes soon in a week or so as we speak.For you best thing would be to test them both and see what fits your needs.

I used to work with reason and fl.but ever since i got my first mpc it was a big difference in workflow i get things done quicker.I don't sample much so i use motif with my mpc plus sound module(Fantom xr) and i record my sequence in cubase,protools for mastering if you want to get best of it.

For example if you don't have hardware stacked up i would recommend that you go with 4k and you will have money left over for a decent keyboard or midi controller or a sound module whatever you decide to get.In this case it would best that you do your research and go with you gut feeling.

Today in music industry everything is competition,and they don't spend money on built like they use to now days they throw that money on marketing.

seems you want portability and features...

portability + features = mpc1000 + JJ OS

Since you asked about an MPC, I won't talk about other options....

Portabilty...nothing beats the MPC 1000 with the JJ OS.

Today, I wouldn't buy an MPC 2000XL or 3000 after using the MPC 2500 for several years. The better option is to get the MPC 2500 using the JJ OS. Its a great sampler that has all the beat making functions and great MIDI capabilities. Use that with Reason/Recyle or a sound module, and you should be good.

The MPC 4000 is an option if you are into layering multiple keygroup samples and modulating them from an external controller. It also has a software editor for creating programs and managing files. You have to consider the disadvantages (difficulty of use and lack of support) as well as the advantages. My opinion is that the MPC 2500 and a dedicated software/hardware sample (or sound module) is a better option.

MPC 5000. This is the best phrase sampling hardware sequencer among the MPC line. It gives you almost everything the MPC 2500 does and several more advanced features. It lacks the keygroup sampling and external modulatation of the 4K. But it makes up for this by the ease of use and sample editing. The 5K can use Q-links to automate a set group of synth and sample program parameters as well as use CC messages to control external MIDI modules. No other MPC has this level of hands on control. Plus there is a big upside to the MPC 5000....to be continued.

If you're into both sampling and playing a lot, there's one model that'll fit that script. Otherwise, you'll have to weigh your options as to which one has the features you want and need.

If he is into playing, his first purchase should be a keyboard not a drum machine.

Askia Shaheed wrote:If he is into playing, his first purchase should be a keyboard not a drum machine.

That sounds a bit subjective.

dabmeister wrote:??? If you're into both sampling and playing a lot, there's one model that'll fit that script. Otherwise, you'll have to weigh your options as to which one has the features you want and need.

Just as subjective as implying that there's one model if your playing a lot. Keyboards are for players. All MPCs are a drum machines that sequences keyboards. Buying a discontinued MPC in hopes of loading a S1000/3000 piano patch to play with a MIDI controller (instead of a keyboard) is not great advice.....

Askia Shaheed wrote:

dabmeister wrote:??? If you're into both sampling and playing a lot, there's one model that'll fit that script. Otherwise, you'll have to weigh your options as to which one has the features you want and need.

Just as subjective as implying that there's one model if your playing a lot. Keyboards are for players. All MPCs are a drum machines that sequences keyboards. Buying a discontinued MPC in hopes of loading a S1000/3000 piano patch to play with a MIDI controller (instead of a keyboard) is not great advice.....

But by giving my man a keyboard players point of view on taking advantage of a feature that the other mpc's lack, isn't bad advice at all.

But you keep on insisting this status quo stuff about how to use a mpc. If dude wants to break rank and do something different with his mpc, there's one that can/will carry him through until he decides he wants to go and spend another grand or two on a extra sound module, keyboard, or even another mpc.

So, since I am a pretty darn good keyboardist, I will still suggest that he go that route of taking a look at a discontinued mpc, since the current crop of newer mpc's don't offer this.

And for those that don't know...creativity has no bounderies, always remember that.

I am giving dude advice coming from another keyboardist's point of view. It differs from yours...

A keyboard player has many options instead of spending $1500 on a discontinued MPC. He can easily pick up a Triton Studio/Fantom X and an MPC 2000XL for that price...and not be limited to trying to find some sample CDs of keyboard sounds.

If you haven't noticed..he already stated he would consider an MPC 2000XL if it fits his needs. Well, he can use that and a keyboard (like most keyboardists).....a better choice IMHO.

But isn't it an mpc that we're discussing here as to what would fulfill my mans request?

LesPasta wrote:Hi all.
New to the forum/first post,

OK so I've been making beats for close to 15 years... I've been through a lot of gear... Since 2003 I've been producing with Reason/Recycle (and sometimes Ableton Live)...

Lately I've been getting the itch to work with hardware again and I think that buying an MPC might be a better solution for portability than a laptop would be...

So I guess I want to know about features and functionality comparison between the higher end models (2000XL, 2500, 4000XL, 5000, etc.).... I'm not against saving my $$ for an MPC 5000, but if a used 2000XL will fulfill all of my needs that would be great.

I've worked with MPC's in the past, but mostly with roland samplers... If some of you guys can let me know about the limitations of the various MPC models that might be a good starting point.. Also, maybe there is a chart somewhere that can break all of this down ?... I'm checking out the manuals to, but I like to get info from actual users..

thanks.
LesP

I just suggested that he look at the 4k since it was stated that he was looking for an mpc. And I brought up the fact that if he wanted an all around mpc, be it current or past, that the 4k was a good choice to consider.

Now any mpc can fit the script if it's just basic sampling and chopping that he's after. And to be honest, I don't know what features dude is after, but until my man posts his desires/needs as to what he'd like in a mpc, we'll all be playing this guessing game.

Regardless...I think people in these forums need to stop misleading people about the MPC with a fullfledge sampler as a keyboardist MPC. That MPC has a mere 512MB of sample memory. The sample libraries with all the great sounds are in several gigabytes.

I will let this page do the rest of the talking:
http://www.tascam.com/details;9,7,49,17.html

Askia Shaheed wrote:Regardless...I think people in these forums need to stop misleading people about the MPC with a fullfledge sampler as a keyboardist MPC. That MPC has a mere 512MB of sample memory. The sample libraries with all the great sounds are in several gigabytes.

I will let this page do the rest of the talking:
http://www.tascam.com/details;9,7,49,17.html

If you're a person who does live sets, you can't go wrong with a sampler that does keygroups and some. And I think I should know a little about doing live gigs since it's been a part of my heritage for the past three decades.

And no ones going to drag a computer onstage to do gigs day in and day out, it just hasn't come down to that...close, but not quite there yet (ain't reliable enough). Now on the other hand, if it's the studio, I have no case to argue...because at that point, anything will do pretty much.

So with that said, I doubt that there's anything misleading about what I previously posted.

Back to his original topic.. Its hard to answer for me since he uses Recycle Chops and Reason. I'm not sure if he's using Recycle to just chop samples and making beats with Reason or if he's actually using Reason as more of a synth.

If the former then I'd agree with getting the 1000 with JJOS. If the later I would get:

2500 and either a keyboard synth (Juno/Fantom, MO6/Motif, etc)
OR
2500, Midi keyboard (MAudio Keystation 88, CME UF80), rack synth (motif, fantom)
OR
2500, computer, Reason 4

So if you're just chopping and making beats without a bunch of keyboard/synth sounds, get the 1000. If you are into playing and add a lot of synth stuff to your material get the 2500 and a hardware or software synth.

My problem is I modulate between and hardware system (2500, midi keyboard, motif rack, Ensoniq sampler) and a soft setup (Reason 4 midi keyboard). Its so easy to make a hot beat in Reason. I can make a hot beat every half hour in Reason that rivals anything on the radio today. But its harder for me to dig, find a good piece to record and chop, create a sampled beat, mix it with some basic instruments. But I feel more satisfied that I put in so much work and got something that sounds good. I'm stuck between form over fashion.

LesPasta wrote:Hi all.
New to the forum/first post,

OK so I've been making beats for close to 15 years... I've been through a lot of gear... Since 2003 I've been producing with Reason/Recycle (and sometimes Ableton Live)...

Lately I've been getting the itch to work with hardware again and I think that buying an MPC might be a better solution for portability than a laptop would be...

So I guess I want to know about features and functionality comparison between the higher end models (2000XL, 2500, 4000XL, 5000, etc.).... I'm not against saving my $$ for an MPC 5000, but if a used 2000XL will fulfill all of my needs that would be great.

I've worked with MPC's in the past, but mostly with roland samplers... If some of you guys can let me know about the limitations of the various MPC models that might be a good starting point.. Also, maybe there is a chart somewhere that can break all of this down ?... I'm checking out the manuals to, but I like to get info from actual users..

thanks.
LesP

MPC 1000, Mbox 2 Mini, and a laptop can all fit in a book bag. But if you really want a good starting point...you need to write specifically what you really need. We can spend days telling you about different options..that may or may not fit your needs.