APC40 vs MPD32

[steviewondrful]

Hey just a beginner here trying to figure some stuff out. I don't think I quite understand what the apc and the mpd do entirely. The mpd to me seems like a drum machine that you use software for, and the apc seems like a scene launcher. I am also under the impression that they are both just midi controllers so they can both do the same thing and take each others places. If someone can tell me if I have the right idea that'd be great.

I am a beginning producer who has a MPK49 to make music, but I need a way to play it back while I'm playing drums for my band. I'm also interested in starting to do some basic DJ work.

1.Which one (maybe something completely different like the npc) would be best for me?

2.Dont I have an "mpd" on my mpk?

3.Can someone explain some of the things that each of these controllers can do and what they are generally used for?

Thanks
-Stevie

[yur2die4]

I think the APC40 would be the best option of the two in your case.

If your current keyboard has pads on it, that is the MPD in a nutshell, except the MPD's pads are probably a lot better quality. Aside from the 'feel' though, your keyboard can do everything the MPD can do.

The APC does not have 'velocity sensitive' buttons, and they are buttons instead of 'pads' for the most part. What is nice is that they light up to give you feedback on what you're doing. It is most at home handling clip and scene launching tasks and mixing tasks, pretty much like you've presumed. It is great launching a blank spot on the APC and recording stuff that you play from the keyboard into it! The APC is also pretty great for launching parts/clips/samples etc. But if you're drumming and launching things, no matter what there will be a level of confusion and frustration. (Oh, also it has two sustain pedal inputs). One downside is that it absolutely requires the power adapter in addition to the USB in order for it to work. Lastly, there is a script out there that can give it additional functionality. As if you'd need anymore haha

[steviewondrful]

So what are some things that people commonly use the apc for?

[Buleriachk]

I would spend a bit more money (or a lot) and go for a Maschine Mikro or even a full Maschine. The template to control Live is great, you get pressure sensitive pads, and if you want more, add a Launchpad (with Launchpad 95, you have an instrument very close to Push)

Even the Mikro (Mk 1 or mk 2) or a used Maschine/Mikro with the $99 upgrade in software will add huge capability and flexibility far beyond that of the APC40....

[yur2die4]

So what are some things that people commonly use the apc for?

They usually use the APC to launch clips, do mixing tasks, control device parameters. It's a decent controller. The biggest advantage being the faders. You'll see people djing or playing sets from it, and it can also be used to record clips quickly using the session buttons.

You can see people using it on YouTube.

[TomViolenz]

I would spend a bit more money (or a lot) and go for a Maschine Mikro or even a full Maschine. The template to control Live is great, you get pressure sensitive pads, and if you want more, add a Launchpad (with Launchpad 95, you have an instrument very close to Push)

Even the Mikro (Mk 1 or mk 2) or a used Maschine/Mikro with the $99 upgrade in software will add huge capability and flexibility far beyond that of the APC40....

While all this is true, it should also be pointed out that buying Push gives you all that capability in a much better integrated form. (At least if you are looking from the Live perspective)

I would suggest getting Push over the APC40 or the MPD32 with emphasis.
For instance you could have on Push your 16 drum pads to finger drum, while still having its other velocity sensitive pads to use as a keyboard. A very practical one too, with the scale modes and all!
A Maschine is of course a good alternative as well. It's really a matter of taste.

[Grantos]

x2 on the push mate.

I had the apc40 previously, enjoyed it but the push is where its all now (imo)

good luck

[re:dream]

If your current keyboard has pads on it, that is the MPD in a nutshell, except the MPD's pads are probably a lot better quality.

I own an MPD 32 and the pads are not that great. They look to be the same as those on the MPK 49 - and their sensitivity and responsiveness leave a lot to be desired

For example, in the Akai range, the pads on the LD8 are much better.

[Buleriachk]

While all this is true, it should also be pointed out that buying Push gives you all that capability in a much better integrated form. (At least if you are looking from the Live perspective)

I would suggest getting Push over the APC40 or the MPD32 with emphasis.
For instance you could have on Push your 16 drum pads to finger drum, while still having its other velocity sensitive pads to use as a keyboard. A very practical one too, with the scale modes and all!
A Maschine is of course a good alternative as well. It's really a matter of taste.

If you already own Live and are just considering adding a Push, the library that comes with Maschine is very powerful. In the end, I am a very big fan of Ableton Live. The Suite is good, but not as good as Maschine, especially with Komplete 9... In my opinion, of course....

The Push - not so much, although it is far better than the APC40 (I sold mine to help pay for my Maschine Mk2). I certainly agree that Push is far better than the MPD32 as well.

Me, I'm waiting for Push II, when Ableton finally really gets it right (but they do have catchup to the Maschine Studio... I don't need the Studio AT ALL, since Maschine 2 is backwards compatible with all the NI controllers (VERY nice move, NI), but the Studio is very, very sexy (but expensive). I'll stop here...

Edit: Oops, the template (Maschine Mk2) (or at least the old one) doesn't seem to be working with live, although the LCD screens have been updated. Not sure this is a Live 9.1 issue (it worked fine in Live 9.0) or a Maschine issue, but others have reported this on the NI forums as well.... But because it was working fine under Maschine 2.0.2, I suspect it is a template issue. I'm sure it will be sorted out soon...

Update (11/27/2013): Just received a response from NI saying they are working on the problem and a fix will be available shortly.

[re:dream]

I am a beginning producer who has a MPK49 to make music,

So I am guessing that you don't want a huge outlay just yet. Or do you have deep pockets & don't mind what you spend?

but I need a way to play it back while I'm playing drums for my band.

Say more? What do you need to play back? What drums are you playing? What is your setup?

I'm also interested in starting to do some basic DJ work.

There's any number of DJ controllers out there.

For basic DJing, I use the LD8 - using that in conjunction with SelectedTrackControl you can have a very nice basic DJ setup, with pots controlling the crossfader/pans/volume & pads muting/activating tracks, launching clips and triggering effects. It is really inexpensive and should meet most of a beginner DJ's needs. (I know, I are one )

2.Dont I have an "mpd" on my mpk?

I think you do.

3.Can someone explain some of the things that each of these controllers can do and what they are generally used for?

Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of MIDI controllers. There's a hundred different ways of using them, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

For example in my case:

Push for almost everything I need to do when sketching out a track in session mode. Some of the folks on here have worked out scripts to make Push interact even better with the various Live instruments; but even without that Push offers almost everything you need for making music on LIve in one well - integrated package. Problem - it costs!

An old, skronky Access Virus which is basically acting as a MIDI keyboard. I find the tunes I make on the Virus are completely different from the ones I make on the Push.

Then I have two controllers which are setup through Selected Track Control - I don't really need them but they are around, so they have been pressed into service

- an LD8 which handles some of the things Push currently doesn't do so easily (volume control on the currently selected track, arming / muting tracks. This doubles as a DJ controller on the unfortunate occasions when I inflict my DJing skillz on happless innocents and tolerant friends

- an MPD32: the sliders control the sends and the knobs are used to 'blue hand' control any particular thing I am not controlling through Push.

I don't know the MKP 49 but outside of the DJing it should be able to handle most of your needs. If you say more about what particularly you want to do I am sure the controller gurus here will be able to help.

In general, I find AKAI are great and can be used in very versatile ways with Live. Novation controllers have their supporters; in my view the Automap features on Novation can be very fiddly and non-intuitive. But they have their supporters


Hope that helps!

[Tone]

My 2cents

Ive owned an mpd 32, a launchpad and an apc40, never owned a machine but have been in the studio with them plenty of times

mpd 32 was ok as far as playing drums but maschine is much much better
apc is great for a hands on of session view, but thats it . fine for djing with ableton but not so good for creating music
launchpad is nice and cheap but again its just buttons not great for playing , some of the emulations are pretty cool on it too.
out of all 4 machine "plays" the best and comes with great software.
However I decided to to buy a Push. I think it does drums just as good as machine, but does everything else better in live. there is no configuring or setup. it just works and works well, and will only get better with updates. They really thought out the workflow in Push. Its hard to describe to someone just how good whos' never used it, but once you use it for a while its apparent.