MPCs are def not a thing of the past especially now the since the REN/studio is out, they got the forumla right from the very beginning and as long as they keep coming out with new mpc that are improve as the technology evolves I don't think they will ever be a thing of the past. If mpcs were a thing of the past NI would of never made a product trying to compete with mpcs to begin with, and I still think the workflow lacks on the maschine, there is gear from 80s that people still love and use so I don't think maschine will ever be a thing of the past as long as they keep updating it, same goes for software like fruity loops or reason, as long as these companies keep updating themselves and staying fresh they will always be getting used.