On Akai MPCs and Live...

pixelmechanic · Post by **pixelmechanic** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:35 pm

I've been following the various MPC threads over the past few days...

FWIW... I love my MPC1000, and I hated my MPD16 with live and reason(I think the response of the pads falls way below those on a proper MPC)

It's great for sampling up a new kit quickly from my nord modular, or from any other sound source...but I also use it to sequence my homegrown acoustic NNXT kits...

I find the sequencer to be fun and fast, and I seem to get results that I'm happy with more quickly...

While I'm a fan of grid editing for working up a basic beat, keys just don't cut it for me for battering in a beat or fills...and I like using it for stuff like vibes etc too...

muthafunka · Post by **muthafunka** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 12:25 am

You're using one there pixel....how's the usb/card transfer, OS etc? Also having the roll/repeat button there on the right instead of the left? I'm as good as sold but just want you torture me with anticipation a little more hahahaha

depakote · Post by **depakote** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 3:47 am

I was considering purchasing the an Akai mpd-16 but can really find much documentation on it. Could anyone please tell me it's advantages over using a keyboard to make beats. Feedback greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time!

hacktheplanet · Post by **hacktheplanet** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 6:09 am

Someone said something about quantization...

I use an MPD16 and Impulse. Live quantizes the input automatically when I am recording a MIDI clip.

Next, I want to try a different instrument with my MPD so I can make use of all 16 of the pads.

The MPD kicks ass. You can assign the pads to whatever MIDI note you want. There's also a "full level" button which makes the velocity of each hit 100% (or whatever). There's an assignable slider which I sometimes use as a volume control. You could also turn the unit sideways and use it as a ghetto crossfader. Heh.

Finally, the other night when I was recording some guitar, I put it on the floor and used it as a foot controller. The pads are big enough for your big toe, and there are 16 of them to control anything. Heh heh.

Anyway, yeah I like it a lot. It's very useful. The pads feel nice too. Of course, I haven't used an MPC before...

montrealbreaks · Post by **montrealbreaks** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 1:30 pm

muthafunka wrote:Funny that this has come up here again as my MPC2000 is in Yahoo auction as we speak, with the FX board on sale separately and they're already at a combined total of more than an MPC1000 with 3 days to go. Why am I mentioning this? ecaus eI'm seriously thinking of getting a 1000 for all the reasons mentioned above. I love the tactility of the MPC and being able to swap not only audio but midi too thru usb is just too tempting, that and the fact that the 1000 is lap-sized not desk size...I'm pretty much sold too....the MPC's great w/ Live in so many ways. Anyone else using one?

My MPD-16 is treating me fine. Quite fun. I use it to write beats with Kontakt, Battery, the Impulse or the Redrum in Reason. Also, I assign clips launch triggers to it's pads. Triggering clips in RAM with Legato mode is a breeze with this thing. 32 breakbeats at my fingertips. Need a different set of 32? I keep 'em in folders in banks of 16, and just highlight in Live's browser, drag a new set of 16 clips to the same track. Easy.

I don't see a need for an MPC-1000 when an MPD would allow you to bang away your beats just as easily, providing you have a low latency soundcard. But, that's just my $0.02.