Hi guys. I’m trying to get away from using my laptop which I don’t have much space for. I’m thinking of getting an MPC One to use alongside syntakt so I can resample into it and have polyphonic instruments. I just had some questions before I decide.
First of all can the MPC record/capture knob movements from syntakt as automation by simply pressing record? And then have that automation play back on Syntakt when I press play? Or would I have to manually map every knob I want to automate? And if this is possible, is there an option on the MPC to bypass the automation without having to delete it?
How is the MIDI sync with syntakt? I’m just about exhausted with all the MIDI sync issues using Syntakt via overbridge or with my ipad so seemless MIDI sync is really important for me.
How are the drum synths and tonal synths on the MPC compared to syntakt? I don’t usually like using samples much.
I’m basically wondering if it would be any better of an experience then just getting a Push 2 and running Ableton on a mini desktop PC to make a sort of Push 2 standalone (with no monitor since I don’t have space for one).
I would expect the sync to be pretty good. Never paired those two, but did pair my MPC One with an S2400, and from memory it synced fine.
Depends how you want to your workflow to be. E.g which tool will be the master clock amd sequence?
The MPC One will allow you to more classically compose with the Syntakt along with its synths and sampling engine. You could even autosample the syntakt to create your own polyphonic key groups, which would sound great way. An amazing way to get more mileage out of a simpler analog. Also the MPC sequencer is better for setting up longer arrangements with its sequences, song mode and new arranger (OS3)
On flipside, you could use the MPC as a sound module to use and use the Syntakt as the master sequencer. This would allow you to apply elektron workflow to MPC samples, key groups and plugins.
Finally you could also use both sequencers together, which is useful for live situations and retains benefits of both worlds. But guess this ends up being more complicated as you have to work with two sequences together, which personally I’ve never found as tight a workflow.
As for Push, it really serves best as a controller for Ableton and in my experience of owning a Push 2 and Push 3, they don’t give the full dawless feel. Workflow has its benefits with ableton but personally think it’s sequencer is a poor man’s elektron, and too menu divey. Push 3 standalone sync was appalling for managing multiple hardware devices for me vs MPC One.
And also the benefits of having one sequencer being the master is that you can apply swing consistently.
Thanks very much for the advice and helpful info :). Having longer arrangements is definitely something I need. I was wondering if tweaking knobs on other gear that sends out midi cc gets automatically recorded in the MPC as automation?
For example if I connect Syntakt to Logic Pro on ipad and hit record on a midi track it records every single knob movement I make on syntakt without having to map anything. Can the MPC do this?
I really like the drum synth; you’ll be at home with the sound design if you’re used to syntakt. It feels very elektron-inspired to me. The advantage of MPC, for me, is that I really like sequencing by playing live on sensitive pads…very different vibe from the elektron way.
Ironically playing the pads is not a feature I’d be needing. I almost feel like it would be a water buying it and not using the pads . I just figured getting an MPC would be cheaper than buying both a digitone and digitakt to complement syntakt and would take up less space.
. I just figured getting an MPC would be cheaper than buying both a digitone and digitakt to complement syntakt and would take up less space.