MPC users, share your opinion with me

**Bezo** · 12-07-2003

My set up currently consist of Pro Tools LE 6.1, MAC G4, guitar, bass, Yamaha synth, and DR 770 drum machine. I'm considering the MPC 1000. I know it's new and maybe no one has used it yet, but I figure its drum programming features are similar to the 2000 or 4000.

First, let me say that my music is based around my instruments. I haven't sampled to this point.

I was happy with my set-up until I realized how much more labor intensive it is to create drum patterns with the DR 770. Anyone that has used it knows there is only 1 set of stereo outs, so I'm not able to program drum patterns in the machine and get them to separate tracks in Pro Tools. So I've been recording one drum track at a time and manually adjusting for any desired swing, syncopation, timing issues, ect. I think the MPC would do wonders for my drum programming being that I could take advantage of the 6 line outs, assigning a drum sound to each.

Maybe, down the line, I'll try incorporating samples into my music, but as of right now my need for the MPC is strictly for programming/sequencing drums. Is there anyone with a similar method? Even those of you that use the MPC for sample purposes;

do you think the MPC 1000 has value as just a drum programming/sequencing machine?

Secondly, those that use the MPC in conjuction with software that has sequencing capabilities, but sequence with he MPC, why do you sequence non-percussion instruments with the MPC instead of Pro Tools, Logic, ect?

**homershines** · 12-10-2003

Bezo;
I'm on the run, so I'll be brief. The MPC is an amazing sequencer and sampler. I have a MPC3000 which I use with pro Tools. I like the MPC's sequencer because it is quick an intuitive. As a non-trained sound maker (I don't say musician...I'm actually a trained visual artist) I found it very easy to get around on and to get things done with. With Pro Tools it's a wonderful combo. They both have strengths and weaknesses and they don't stop me from doing my thang.

Peace.

**Bezo** · 12-10-2003

Thanks.

I was getting no love on this thread.

I'm getting suggestions on the "Your best drum machine" thread. Right now it's between the MPC 1000 or 2000XL and the EMU PX 7 or MP 7. I'm leaning heavily toward the EMU because of the included sounds. If you are at all familiar with the EMU Command Stations I'm interested in your opinion.

**homershines** · 12-10-2003

I don't know much of anything about the Emu units. I do know that Emu makes decent stuff. I have an Emax 2 that is easy to use and still working after 10 years. As for the comparison, I think the MPC is just ridiculous as a tool. It's awesome.

I'd just say that if you are thinking about "included sounds," then you are still using your "drum machine" head and not your MPC head. I come with the premise that any sound is yours with the MPC. So, if you are thinking that way, let go. It's ok. You won't use those included sounds for long. That's for sure.

peace.

**Bezo** · 12-10-2003

That's the thing. All I need is a drum machine with 4-8 outs with the ability to link to Pro Tools and record those drums to separate tracks. I don't sample. As long as the drum samples in there are usable, I'm cool. And they're edit-able.

I was doing fine with the sounds in the DR770. If I could use the sequencer I doubt I would be looking for anything now.

If my music was sample based, the MPC would have been bought a long time ago. I'd be in the habit of looking for samples. But my music is based around my instruments. The time samplers spend looking for samples/digging is the time I spend writing. We all end up at the same place. My music just sounds more like something The Roots would play.

Have you heard the drums in that thing? Listening to the demos, every drum sound I heard was usable. And the editing features were more than adequate... on paper at least. Unless the EMU doesn't live up to my expectations, or the MPC proves to be that much superior in the sequencing department, the EMU PX7 is the winner.

**duder** · 12-10-2003

the main reason i like to sequence with the mpc for all my drums, and instruments, is because of the basic setup, i can step record and realtime seq on the same main screen. No special menus. I.e. if i want to realtime i hit play and record. If i want to step i just hold down play and record and use the rest button to skip back and forth.

It makes it as fast as a mouse click for me.

**homershines** · 12-11-2003

Hey Bezo.
After looking at your posts again, maybe you should just work with the Pro Tools sequencer before you spend any money. It seems that you really want to get the sequencer tight and you don't really have a problem with the drum sounds in your drum machine. If that's the case, uyou probably don't need the MPc or the EMU. Visit the digidesign websote and check through the online versions of the Digizine. www.digidesign.com and visit the DUC there also... http://duc.digidesign.com/cgi-bin/ub...ubb=forum;f=24

You may be able to get satisfied without spending a dime. And that's sweet.

Peace.

**Bezo** · 12-11-2003

duder,

I must say that after skimming through both(MPC & EMU) manuals, the MPC does appear to be easier to work with. Looking at some reviews, most say that it takes time to take full advantage of the Command Station.

homershines,

Not getting anything is an option as well. The thing is, programming drum parts, which is my favorite thing about my songs, takes way too long. And I can't establish a groove because I have to record one drum sound at a time. On the MPC or Command Station, I could record real time and adjust timing errors after. And more drum sounds wouldn't hurt. But if I try these machines out and I don't get the idea that it will improve my work or at least speed it up, then I won't get anything.

The more I think about it, I'd probably have to put just as much work in on those other machines. I only have 2 hands, so I'd have to make several passes to record the whole kit any way. It may be that I'm growing tired of the DR 770 sounds. With that in mind, I may get the same way about the EMU like you said, but my decision was much less informed when I bought the 770. I'm probably thinking about this too much without having these machines in front of me. Who knows? Those sounds I hear coming from the EMU could be tweaked to death. Tweaking for variety is one thing. Tweaking to make a sound usable is another.

Yeah, I frequent the digi sight almost everyday, mostly for mixing tips and technical issues. I make my way around Pro Tools pretty well. In the end things come out they way I want. I just think I spend too much time working on drums... tweaking on the 770, then tweaking in Pro Tools.

**homershines** · 12-11-2003

i hear ya.
the mpc will definitely speed things up. i'm assuming the emu will also. i think you'll love programming on the hardware sequencer in the end. but, i have tell ya, we mpc users are hardheaded, faithful and even blind when it comes to these machines. so, you have to forgive me for boostering the mpc.

good luck.

**Bezo** · 12-11-2003

True. Most of us love the equipment we use. That's what I was looking for, the advantages of the MPC. I already know what I don't like about it. Unfortunately, I didn't do this much research when purchasing my current drum machine. Now that I understand my needs I can make a sound decision.

Thanks for your insight!