mpd24 / mpd32 / mpk49

[plaid_emu]

I would go with an MPD 32/24 and an Xboard 61/49.

The Xboards have a great key bed with aftertouch. The pitch and mod wheels are also heavy duty and feel very smooth. I've only used one in Sam Ash for awhile but I was really impressed with how solid it feels compared to even my Novation RM 61SL.

I've been thinking about picking one up for taking the Blofeld or Virus out of the house because they've got a great $/value ratio despite the nappy cheap silver plastic look that seems to be so popular

Also, I think the pads might be a bit better on the dedicated MPD units. Check MPC-forums.com for that info.

[pyvnd]

I had mpd24 for a little while and returned it. Same with mpd16. I kear the MPK49 is pretty good but I don't know first hand.

[plaid_emu]

Originally Posted by DivineChemical

I'd run out and get a full-blown MPC. With just the pads, you're missing out on 3/4 of the MPC experience.

I kinda have to agree. The pads are fun but the sequencer and the workflow are the real kicker. Even the 500 model is pretty damn sweet. especially with 1.31.

A loaded 500 and the Xboard 49 would cost you around $800 - $900 max (new).

There are plenty of good free softsynths and drum samples out there to get you going. Check out Crystal.

[Brian!]

If he's used to whatever DAW's workflow already, I wouldn't suggest an MPC over an MPD unless he tried it out and really liked it. It definitely doesn't hurt to try one out and you should be able to pick up a used 1000 for around $500ish.

[zebastian21]

Originally Posted by Brian!

If he's used to whatever DAW's workflow already, I wouldn't suggest an MPC over an MPD unless he tried it out and really liked it. It definitely doesn't hurt to try one out and you should be able to pick up a used 1000 for around $500ish.

In my experience if you are a experienced computer daw user then something like akai mpc or Roland mv and most of the Grooveboxes/drum machines will seem way underpowered and it will make you think you can do much more and easier on the computer. Of course there are a few HW like machinedrum and Electribes that offer great sounds and fun experience.
I have owned Roland MV-8800 which is much more powerful than mpc and I ended up getting rid of it, fun at first but PITA workflow. Happily using MPD-32 +Logic ESX-24, Guru-RMX.

[Shim]

Also, with the MPC, you have the choice to transmit midi as a controller, or disconnect the computer and jam hardware-only, or use it like me in a hybrid config...sync it up with midi clock, mangle your samples on the mpc, record the multis, and then mangle them some more ITB. It just gives more options all round. And they're fun as hell too.

[hazzhall88]

Cheers for the response guys!! however an mpc isnt really what i was looking for. I really wanted a keyboard controller with sliders and knobs for use with reason synths which i why i wanted the mpk49. however i thought that the mpd32 i exactly the same as the mpk, still with al the controllers and transport etc just with more/better pads and no keyboard. So basically i thought ill in effect put together my own mpk? if that makes sense? so i was really wandering what people thought about that. not really mpd vs mpc

Cheers

[zebastian21]

Originally Posted by hazzhall88

Cheers for the response guys!! however an mpc isnt really what i was looking for. I really wanted a keyboard controller with sliders and knobs for use with reason synths which i why i wanted the mpk49. however i thought that the mpd32 i exactly the same as the mpk, still with al the controllers and transport etc just with more/better pads and no keyboard. So basically i thought ill in effect put together my own mpk? if that makes sense? so i was really wandering what people thought about that. not really mpd vs mpc

Cheers

liking my mpd 32 very much, very responsive pads and great built qualitythumbsup

[thehuman]

Originally Posted by DivineChemical

The only thing I don't like about the MPC1000 is that there's no way to make just a simple keyboard map like what keyboard/rack samplers default to. It's got the options on board for envelope/filter modulations and such, but having to recreate each setting for each key just sucks. Wish there was like a pad copy/paste setting. Otherwise, it's an amazing machine. My only major regret is not getting one sooner!

Are you using JJ OS? Because you can do this, with a good number of parameters. There is a "Whole" button under the GPE section (Mode+PAD 11), which will apply any changes across an entire program. Although... I could be wrong about what you are specifically talking about, with the modulations. I would have to double-check. The option is there for many settings, though.