Hey y’all. I love my OT, but not really for finger drumming, or building sequences from scratch. I find lately I enjoy using more as a remix/performance tool.
I’m wanting to pair it with an MPC. Now I’ve kind of narrowed it down to the 2000xl thoughThe XL’s have been hard to come by, lots of problems or too much money for what they have. (No 8 outs, need screen, or coming straight up stock) However there are a few restored and really nice looking 2000’s In a lower price range and I’m wondering if any of the extra features of the XL are necessary for me. I want to sample records/breaks etc and build a few sequences to then export into the OT for further mangling. I’ll either record into Ableton or into tape before export.
The things that excite me the most are velocity, chromatic key mapping, sound of these units (subjective I know but bear with me), and the more linear aspect of sequencing. I’ve never used an MPC before so I really could be off.
I’ve got an OG SP404 that I’ve made full tracks with so I’m familiar with limitations and the slowness of using older hardware. I kind of enjoy it. Any advice would be highly appreciated!!
I’ve only ever had a 500, 1000, and currently Live, so take this for what it’s worth. I think either MPC is fine. The workflow is pretty much the same across every MPC, Akai really doesn’t change the basics all too much. Every MPC is going to have velocity, 16 levels (mapping a sample chromatically across the 16 pads), and the same sequencer. If by “linear” sequencing you mean live recording a pattern, then yes, any MPC will do that. IMHO, it isn’t worth the hassle of such an old unit like a 2000. The floppy drives and slow loading would kill me. I personally also do not hear much of a sonic/textural difference in “warmth” on MPC 2000s, it sounds untouched to my ears. I would recommend a newer (1000/2500) MPC, but you said old hardware may not bother you. Just my 2 cents. I would get whatever is in your price range, and whatever makes you most excited.
I’ve copped 2 1000s and they both had dead pads and buttons.
It’s a common problem for the 1k’s I guess but after selling the second one I had no interested in revisiting mpc’s.
If I were to get one it would probably be the live and as often as they update their products you could probably get one second hand for a decent price.
The sequencer/arranger on the OT is pretty deep too though and you could pair it with a cheap midi controller/drum machine to get velocity sensitivity.
Also the OT can maybe spread samples chromatically but not 100% sure on that.
2000xl was probably my fave even preferred it to the 3000 I had, 2500 is ok too even better with jjos.
2000xl has very nice sound IMHO, 2500 was a bit neutral, 3000 was a bit limited in terms of memory for me.
2000xl is fair bit better than 2000, soundwise very similar but more features and nicer handling, so I’d choose xl for the little difference in price.
Hey thanks for the reply! By linear I meant you aren’t bound by the looping nature of the step sequencer.
I’m pretty set on the older units. They seem built better, less plastic and more inspiring. You can get the CF card readers so I’m down with that. Ya get 8 outs with the expansion which is just killer. Thanks for the recommendation though. Crazy thing is these 1000’s seem to go for more than the live lately.
Oooff. That’s a headache, really hoping I luck out.
Yea I hear ya but I really don’t like trying to chop a drum break on those buttons. Plus I’ve been pretty let down by the chromatic mode on the OT.
Thanks for your recommendation, definitely want to have dedicated hardware though
I’m currently on my 3rd mpc 1000 and 4th overall. I had a live shortly. I personally prefer the jjosxl paradigm than the newer ones. The pads issue of the older ones can be sorted out imo with the upgraded parts from mpc stuff. And the 1000/ 2500 have usb sample transfer from your computer which the older ones didn’t. Add a HD inside and you are good to go. I did use my 1000 with an octatrack before and they have definitely a complementary nature. But I seem to remember I had some issues with sync depending on which one was master. But I cant exactly remember.
The use of the multi outputs of the mpc going into the inputs of the octatrack waz def awesome.
Overall though I would recommend getting a newer (1000 or newer) era mpc just for the ease of sample transfer with a computer.
Edit: the new ones have a bounce to audio feature that was great to bring your ideas into a daw.
I was looking at the pad sensor kit. It seems relatively easy to replace. Kinda worried that wouldn’t fix it or something…
I would be using the inputs to sample exclusively so file transfer from computer isn’t really an issue.
MPC 1000 with JJOS2XL. Does everything the 2000/XL does and a lot more. Plus it’s easy to service (I’ve opened them up myself and I’m rubbish with electronics).
Watch out for sample load times on all older MPCs. I have a 1000 and this used to bother me big time which is why I also got an MPC Live now.
The MPC1000 (with jjos) supports multitimbral midi though, which the Live does not currently feature (Akai!!! Damn).
If I’d have to buy/own only one today it would be the MPC One as I feel that format merges the 1000 & Live into something hands-on and modern. Also awaiting the next firmware update for the newer MPCs which should resolve issues such as the lack of multitimbral midi etc.
yep I fixed my blue MPC 1000 with a single 4 x 4 sheet instead of individual sensors - so long ago I think Akai actually made it as a replacement. The MPC stuff would work as well. The tiny tact buttons suck
I have a 2500, JJOS free.
Been wanting to integrate it with OT for ages but the thought of using 2 sequencers made my brain run hot! In the end I’m getting a MIDI merge box so I can combine sequence information from both and send it to the synths, or just use either OT or MPC depending on the project. I just have to work out which should be master clock/transport/program change.
Alright so I originally was pretty set on the 2000’s but have opened up some and think I may have been talked into the 1000. I learned JJOS allows you to use all outputs individually giving you six which is pretty good. The cf card in undeniably easier even if I’m mainly wanting to go in through the A/D. I’m still shocked about the prices these units are commanding. I like that the 1000 was conceived pre numark. Didn’t realize the chassis was metal either which is a plus to me. Other features like non destructive chopping with JJ etc.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Hoping I can find a good unit and we get along real nice.
If you want the bigger form factor get a 2500, it’s the same OS as the 1000.
Also you can get a CF to SD card adapter which is what I am using, it’s much handier.
