Should I buy a MPC 500 or an Ipad for on-the-go

[Allan A.Live]

I plan to invest some money for music-making on-the-go, what unit du you think will be better for me?

[dum]

neither.
A well spec'd samsung netbook running windows.
will set you back between anything between $300 and $450

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/offi ... pe=subtype

[Allan A.Live]

If i would like to work with live i have a laptop. I need a tool for bus, train and airplane to generate loops on the go that i can throw in live at home. And no internet, it will robery my focus. Also no windows in private life for me . At the one hand is the mpc, well music instrument, but only one kind of instrument. The ipad offers more solutions like ielectribe, bleep and much more will arrive soon, but the pad is only a softwarething... Hmmm, more oppinions?

[rikhyray]

There are some netbooks that work well with OSX and that is better alternative to iPad iPad "Electribe" is not Electribe but "Electribe look alike", perhaps better, more flexible but absolutely different animal.
MPC will have differentr advantage, thanks to all the limitations as compared to computer based system will let you think, do things different,definitely stimulating for creativity, musical holiday from computer. All the other aspects, direct "right there", tight midi timing are known and obvious (including no distractions due to internet access).

[delicioso]

For on-the-go, no contest. iPad for sure. Beatmaker, iElectribe, all kinds of synths...etc. the possibilities are endless plus super long battery life.

You'll be frustrated with MPC500's short battery life and always having to remember to bring batteries. It's an archaic one-trick pony.

[beats me]

You can't judge an iPad by what is out for it today. The available apps will keep growing and growing. MPCs, not so much.

[The Landwhale]

iPad no question.
There's a LOT of nice unique synths, samplers, ielectribe, etc. that are already out and tons more that will be coming out soon.
Factor in Touch OSC and the upcoming Midipad or other mackie control style apps, you've also got a kick ass multi-touch controller to use with Ableton.

Don't forget about the million other things it's capable of too.

[starving student]

depends on what kind of music you do, and my mpc500 runs at least 4 hours and over
if it's convenient for you to dump a bunch of samples on the mpc at home and your doing sample based stuff I'd say the mpc, especially if you like making music with your eyes closed, personally I'm not one to pull out an ipad anywhere in public.

[humnumb]

personally I'm not one to pull out an ipad anywhere in public.

I wouldn't want to pull out a MPC500 anywhere in public.

[Allan A.Live]

Many thanks for your thoughts! )

[starving student]

personally I'm not one to pull out an ipad anywhere in public.

I wouldn't want to pull out a MPC500 anywhere in public.

what I mean is that making music is a little more contact based than I'd like to put an ipad through, I can pull out an mpc-five-double-o anywhere and beat the hell out of it, get real expressive with the velocity/pads, and come up with arrangements and then go into mute mode and really jam them out, a small mpc like that and a pair of in ear headphones is a godsend to anybodys set up

[zeekay]

I propose saving your $$$. You'll benefit more in the long run carrying around a notepad to sketch out ideas AWAY from your computer. Brainstorm, conceptualize, experiment with chords/progressions or other ideas, THINK about music without actually making music. Think about your composition, learn about theory and try to write out your melodic or rhythmic ideas as well. Draw pictures of what you want to create in song form, list the emotions you want to evoke, write out the words/ideas behind everything, think about and outline what you want to accomplish, what you want people to feel when they hear the tune...etc.

I get my best ideas when I can finally get away from everything and just think clearly about what I want to do. I have no idea why more people don't try to do this...life is so full of distraction, you'll be amazed what a little time with a notepad and your brain will accomplish.

[flippo]

with an iPad you will look like a twat.
With an PMC you will be a rudeboy.

= wimenz

[wehkah]

i think it is impossible to compare a mpc with a ipad or a similiar device. with an mpc you have a great machine with a table netbook you will have a toy.

+1 mpc !

peace&sun
T

[beats me]

i think it is impossible to compare a mpc with a ipad or a similiar device. with an mpc you have a great machine with a table netbook you will have a toy.

+1 mpc !

peace&sun
T

I take it you haven't seen the Electribe or Rebirth apps for the iPad.

And the iPad isn't a netbook.