MPC-1000 vs. SP-555 is like MPC-60 vs. SP-1200

[DinosaurSR]

I used to make beats with an MPC-60 and an Emax back in the day and only recently have gotten back into wanting to work on hip hop, but I'm used to working with DAW's, sample editors, and really need the full integration these days. No more messing with floppies, unreliable hardware, old LCD's, etc.

I was wavering back and forth between the MPC-1000 with JJOS and the Roland SP-555. I borrowed both from a friend, and ultimately decided to go with the SP-555. It reminds me most of the SP-12/1200 way of working - it's intuitive, simple, mostly has a dedicated button for each function, has a pretty simple sequencer, has some great effects and intuitive resampling, loop capture, etc. You can sit down with the thing and one turntable and capture tons of chunks right off of vinyl and put together a beat in a few minutes without ever even looking at a screen (computer or otherwise). It's all about surrendering yourself to the flow and the feel rather than scientifically micro-managing every aspect.

The MPC is good - it's come a long way from the 2000 that we used to use in the mid-nineties - but it's still really stuck in that "atari" approach, like they tried to cram a primitive computer sequencer into a small box with a tiny screen. I'm sure it would be great for sequencing a ton of external stuff and micromanaging the arrangement, but it really lacks the sense of fun and vibe that the SP has. It feels like programming a calculator most of the time instead of just "jamming" with something.

So, SP for me.

[tonymission]

Make sure to come back and post in this thread after you sell your SP and get the 1000.

[JaeOne3345]

Yea, real talk. lol.

I am an sp-1200 owner. I also own an mpc 1000 with jj os 2xl.

I can't get down with the Roland SP series.

My roommate uses a sp303 alongside his mpc 3000 though, so to each his own.

[skiroy]

Originally Posted by JaeOne3345

Yea, real talk. lol.

I am an sp-1200 owner. I also own an mpc 1000 with jj os 2xl.

I can't get down with the Roland SP series.

My roommate uses a sp303 alongside his mpc 3000 though, so to each his own.

how do you mash them drums out on them little push buttons though. Just cant get a instrument feel. Not sound but just the mpc pads make me feel like Im playing something.

[JaeOne3345]

umm, you press/tap on them?

[skiroy]

Originally Posted by JaeOne3345

umm, you press/tap on them?

Nothing like the feel of playing VCR buttons huh?

[JaeOne3345]

I guess so, if you're concerned with bitching instead of just making music.

If it is that much on issue, get an mpd16 and run it into the midi input of the sp1200.

[Reggmail]

Originally Posted by DinosaurSR

I used to make beats with an MPC-60 and an Emax back in the day and only recently have gotten back into wanting to work on hip hop, but I'm used to working with DAW's, sample editors, and really need the full integration these days. No more messing with floppies, unreliable hardware, old LCD's, etc.

I was wavering back and forth between the MPC-1000 with JJOS and the Roland SP-555. I borrowed both from a friend, and ultimately decided to go with the SP-555. It reminds me most of the SP-12/1200 way of working - it's intuitive, simple, mostly has a dedicated button for each function, has a pretty simple sequencer, has some great effects and intuitive resampling, loop capture, etc. You can sit down with the thing and one turntable and capture tons of chunks right off of vinyl and put together a beat in a few minutes without ever even looking at a screen (computer or otherwise). It's all about surrendering yourself to the flow and the feel rather than scientifically micro-managing every aspect.

The MPC is good - it's come a long way from the 2000 that we used to use in the mid-nineties - but it's still really stuck in that "atari" approach, like they tried to cram a primitive computer sequencer into a small box with a tiny screen. I'm sure it would be great for sequencing a ton of external stuff and micromanaging the arrangement, but it really lacks the sense of fun and vibe that the SP has. It feels like programming a calculator most of the time instead of just "jamming" with something.

So, SP for me.

Hello, I own both units, MPC-1000 & SP-555 and although they both are considered as a Drum machine / Sampler/ sequencer they are specifically design for two different purposes.
The MPC-1000 is more of a production drum sampler that's better for writing and tracking samples 6 (Six) individual outs more on screen spot editing along with JJOs2 or any JJOs, it has better overall editing for music production.
The SP-555 is more or less an add on pretty much like an addition to any major DJ set up or drum machine. It's more of a DJ add on with D-Beam, live continues loop play / Sample and add. With only 2 (two ) RCA outputs.
Two very different pieces of equipment, build with different functions in mind.
& blessings.

[skiroy]

Originally Posted by JaeOne3345

I guess so, if you're concerned with bitching instead of just making music.

If it is that much on issue, get an mpd16 and run it into the midi input of the sp1200.

People that constantly take the time only to criticize are concerned with bitching. You dont have to like or understand my methods. So move on. Why post for no reason? So I am a "gearslut" and so I have a learning disability,but bottom line is Im here cause I love to learn this. You should be happy that there is someone who is this passionate about learning everything, when most catz today dont give a sh*t. Im building pres right now. Maybe Ill always be a techie. Who cares? I like to try gear out and learn it from every angle. Dont know why a text post on a website, you dont have to read gets so many of yalls pantys up your a$$. If I had the gear,talent and know how to make good music I would be doing only that everyday and loving it. So why u here?


But to the OP my homie has the sp-555,but he is a DJ. I have the MPC 1000 and love it,though IM seeking something else for drums.. I messed with the SP-555 and it is alot harder to do things that are very easy on the MPC. The MPC screen alone is a reason to choose it over the SP-555. The SP-555 to me seems more of a instrumet where as the MPC is a machine to make complete songs with. Not to say you cant with the SP-555 but its a completely different application,feel and workflow.
But like you say"It's all about surrendering yourself to the flow and the feel rather than scientifically micro-managing every aspect. " This is my problem so maybe I should get a SP. Just playing. But this is deffinately why Im getting out of FL studio and into hardware. Much better for my ADHA.

[Reggmail]

Originally Posted by skiroy

But to the OP my homie has the sp-555,but he is a DJ. I have the MPC 1000 and love it,though IM seeking something else for drums.. I messed with the SP-555 and it is alot harder to do things that are very easy on the MPC. The MPC screen alone is a reason to choose it over the SP-555. The SP-555 to me seems more of a instrumet where as the MPC is a machine to make complete songs with. Not to say you cant with the SP-555 but its a completely different application,feel and workflow.
But like you say"It's all about surrendering yourself to the flow and the feel rather than scientifically micro-managing every aspect. " This is my problem so maybe I should get a SP. Just playing. But this is deffinately why Im getting out of FL studio and into hardware. Much better for my ADHA.

Maybe you should try incorporating both FL and whatever you decide on as a drum machine, Use the whole buffalo...Lol
If you know FL, just add the SP-555 or the MPC-1000 and learn both work flows.
Use the drum machine as a controller and as a stand alone, that would give you more options.
Just a thought.

[7up]

Honestly the SP series looks like toys from toys r us these days.

I would go with a roland mv 8800, if you want to stick to roland. You will have a much more powerful machine and something that will not disappoint.

Personally I use anything, sp 1200, mpc 2k just to say I can, anything. I would choose the mv series over the sp series though.

sp 404 anyone? I can get better at Target.

Roland makes quality stuff but they make there toys too.

[Goa-Dubs]

The roland sp808 is an absolute beast.Id recomend getting the output board tho as its got digital ect.I think it probably sounds less shiney than the new boxes.good thing imo....also the roland dj70 mk 2 is an amazing pro sampler,keyboard!!!!!!!!

[Reggmail]

Originally Posted by 7up

Honestly the SP series looks like toys from toys r us these days.

I would go with a roland mv 8800, if you want to stick to roland. You will have a much more powerful machine and something that will not disappoint.

Personally I use anything, sp 1200, mpc 2k just to say I can, anything. I would choose the mv series over the sp series though.

sp 404 anyone? I can get better at Target.

Roland makes quality stuff but they make there toys too.

Are we talking about the same SP-555?
The SP-555 with the Direct Mic Pre with a built in mic as well?
Rolands D-Beam with various effects and filters that could rival some major Drum Machines?
Are we also talking about the same SP-555 that could capture a loop and while playing back you could rec more loops on the spot?
I don't think that this one would be found at Toys r us or Target's,
No Way....No How.
Its a pro Machine with a different specialty in mind.

[Heads High Ent.]

Originally Posted by DinosaurSR

decided to go with the SP-555. It reminds me most of the SP-12/1200 way of working

I don't know I've used the 555 numerous times same with the 2000 and own a 1000 and sp1200 and by far the best machine of these is the mpc 1000 hands down. To me, the 555 in no way could ever be comparitive to the sp... lol nothing can (no not a 60 either). To each his own though. In my opinion the Mpc 1000 with JJ is the best investment in a hardware sampler anyone wanting to get into hip hop beatmaking today could make because you're being offered:

expandability to your studio (2 midi in\out)
large display for visual chops and programming
mpc legendary workflow
usb port for large sample dumps
compact size for portability

I saw another thread about mpc learning curve. Hah get out the beatmaking game if you ain't down to learn. Christ I'll spend a week learning something production related knowing I may never even use it. It's just the game and how you gotta be prepared for what play's next.

[Reggmail]

I Kind of agree with you, if your using it as a only major drum tracking device but most people underestimate the SP-555.
OK, I own both units (SP-555 & MP-1000) although the MP-1000 with JJos 2 is my main tracking Drum machine, when the Pads Act up, you can trigger the MPC -1000 from the SP-555.
Also when travailing, if your doing DJ work or road work the SP-555 is a better traveling device, lighter and less fragile.
Sometimes when I may go shopping with the fam, I can plug the SP-555 in my cigarette lighter adaptor and Aux through the car radio or head phones, built in mic load the SP-555 CF card with MPC-1000 sounds and I'm good.
Lot's of bennys with this device.

[7up]

Originally Posted by Reggmail

Are we talking about the same SP-555?
The SP-555 with the Direct Mic Pre with a built in mic as well?
Rolands D-Beam with various effects and filters that could rival some major Drum Machines?
Are we also talking about the same SP-555 that could capture a loop and while playing back you could rec more loops on the spot?
I don't think that this one would be found at Toys r us or Target's,
No Way....No How.
Its a pro Machine with a different specialty in mind.

There is quite a few models in the SP series but there is quite of bit of junk in there esp. the cheaper ones.

The way they look is just toyish to me, but maybe some people like it. I would use a MV 8800 over that stuff any day.

[wax808]

Originally Posted by DinosaurSR

I used to make beats with an MPC-60 and an Emax back in the day and only recently have gotten back into wanting to work on hip hop, but I'm used to working with DAW's, sample editors, and really need the full integration these days. No more messing with floppies, unreliable hardware, old LCD's, etc.

I was wavering back and forth between the MPC-1000 with JJOS and the Roland SP-555. I borrowed both from a friend, and ultimately decided to go with the SP-555. It reminds me most of the SP-12/1200 way of working - it's intuitive, simple, mostly has a dedicated button for each function, has a pretty simple sequencer, has some great effects and intuitive resampling, loop capture, etc. You can sit down with the thing and one turntable and capture tons of chunks right off of vinyl and put together a beat in a few minutes without ever even looking at a screen (computer or otherwise). It's all about surrendering yourself to the flow and the feel rather than scientifically micro-managing every aspect.

The MPC is good - it's come a long way from the 2000 that we used to use in the mid-nineties - but it's still really stuck in that "atari" approach, like they tried to cram a primitive computer sequencer into a small box with a tiny screen. I'm sure it would be great for sequencing a ton of external stuff and micromanaging the arrangement, but it really lacks the sense of fun and vibe that the SP has. It feels like programming a calculator most of the time instead of just "jamming" with something.

So, SP for me.

I like your attitude. I feel the same way about the SP-555, it is a weird little thing, and if you can wrap your head around it it's awesome.

But the SP-555 is no replacement for an MPC-1000 for what I do. I hardly do any sampling with it at all, I do use it to sequence 4 synths and other devices all at once though, including an SP-555.

Try sequencing your Sp-555 with your MPC some time.... it's an awesome combination that makes up for the shortcomings of both machines, a match made in heaven really.

[wax808]

Here are my favorite Sp-555+MPC1000 tricks.


Sync them both up with Midi where the MPC is the Sequencer and the 555 is essentially another MIDI device to be sequenced. Start the loop record on the MPC and play some beats on the SP555 pads..... then when you play it back you can use the D-beam filter on the entire beat, it's really sick.

If you dont have a mixer you can use the inputs of the MPC to run the SP-555 through. If you have the JJos you can then record the SP-555 as audio tracks within the MPC.

Use two sets of tiny headphones, one on each machine (or a DJ mixer). With the MPC setting the clock and being the master you can constantly make beats on one machine or the other, if you slow or speed up the tempo they will both be perfectly in sync. You can crossfade between them perfectly or have them both going at once.


If you understand both machines it's an incredible combination. I've done live shows here where all I was doing is making loop after loop on each machine, crossfading between them, and the music never stopped once.

[Reggmail]

Originally Posted by 7up

There is quite a few models in the SP series but there is quite of bit of junk in there esp. the cheaper ones.

The way they look is just toyish to me, but maybe some people like it. I would use a MV 8800 over that stuff any day.

In the beginning I taught the same way until I actually went to check out the SP-555. I also agree with you that it took a little getting use to the on board screen that the SP-555 incorporates with the SP.
Once you get the SP down, it's a little monster that could complement any set up, and it is one of the more expensive ones in the Roland's SP line up's.

Originally Posted by wax808

Here are my favorite Sp-555+MPC1000 tricks.


Sync them both up with Midi where the MPC is the Sequencer and the 555 is essentially another MIDI device to be sequenced. Start the loop record on the MPC and play some beats on the SP555 pads..... then when you play it back you can use the D-beam filter on the entire beat, it's really sick.

If you dont have a mixer you can use the inputs of the MPC to run the SP-555 through. If you have the JJos you can then record the SP-555 as audio tracks within the MPC.

Use two sets of tiny headphones, one on each machine (or a DJ mixer). With the MPC setting the clock and being the master you can constantly make beats on one machine or the other, if you slow or speed up the tempo they will both be perfectly in sync. You can crossfade between them perfectly or have them both going at once.


If you understand both machines it's an incredible combination. I've done live shows here where all I was doing is making loop after loop on each machine, crossfading between them, and the music never stopped once.

Very creative, it's a very underrated secret weapon Live or in the Studio, or use it in the car while your wife / Rib or your Lady
is in the shopping mall. Tell her that you will be out in the car creating the next hit....Lol
Shhhhh, just don't tell to many about it.......

[Heads High Ent.]

Originally Posted by Reggmail

I Kind of agree with you, if your using it as a only major drum tracking device but most people underestimate the SP-555.
OK, I own both units (SP-555 & MP-1000) although the MP-1000 with JJos 2 is my main tracking Drum machine, when the Pads Act up, you can trigger the MPC -1000 from the SP-555.
Also when travailing, if your doing DJ work or road work the SP-555 is a better traveling device, lighter and less fragile.
Sometimes when I may go shopping with the fam, I can plug the SP-555 in my cigarette lighter adaptor and Aux through the car radio or head phones, built in mic load the SP-555 CF card with MPC-1000 sounds and I'm good.
Lot's of bennys with this device.

Haha dope post man I enjoyed reading that. My friend who owns it is a dj and this machine is definately a very outgoing sidekick for him. I've made some beats on it but my opinion has been stated for as far as production in the studio goes... 1000 for me all the way. Travelling to gigs with this unit is +1 tho no doubt.