Alesis MPC as a drum machine

[ihavezippers]

I am new to drum machines, but the various Akai MPC models out there appear to be one of if not the best among drum machines. However, when I read reviews and watch YouTube videos of it in action, I only see people sampling loops from records and playing around with these loop patterns.

While I think this would be a cool extra benefit, my main focus is a versatile drum machine. Can anyone testify as to its strength in this regard, and offer comparisons to others in the field? Given the Akai's sampling capabilities, I guess I can always sample other drum sounds---but how rhythmically accurate is a sample---in other words, is it relatively easy to ensure that the sample synchs up to my striking the drum pad such that there is no delay in the sound?

Thanks for your help

[mutilatedlip]

Hi Mate

I'm currently on my second MPC - I had the 2000XL previously, and now have the 1000.

The timing on these units is often one of the much touted points when buying. It really is rock solid.

I used the 2K live for many years - a click going to the drummer for the more varied tracks (such as a CR-78 old beatbox style backing), and also used it to drive more MIDI equipment such as synths, samplers etc.

If you have a computer and a sound editor which deals with .WAVS, the MPC is a great drum machine. You simply shove the sounds into it and it gives you infinite possibilities, unlike a standard drum machine with finite sounds.

I've got mine intergrated into my computer set up and have the pads mapped to play Battery into the computer DAW.

I can then drop the MIDI files back into the MPC, use them live, transport them for 'quiet' band practises sans-drummer, and even convert the files across.

It can be used for loops, individual hits, etc. etc.

And if you hear the same beats coming out of the AKAI hardware as are coming out of the computer, it just sounds better. Inexplicable, but hardware simply sounds great.

It's highly versatile, reliable, and never worry about the timing - it's rock solid. And there's no latency whatsoever when hitting the pads. They're tried and tested, feel amazing, and are responsive.

That's my opinion, anyway. Feel free to ask more.

[JAYDMF]

Originally Posted by mutilatedlip

Hi Mate

I'm currently on my second MPC - I had the 2000XL previously, and now have the 1000.

:Edit

I second this man, the MPC is truely a great piece of kit, even against software samplers and drum machines the MPC just has the upper hand, sounds much crisper and can have a nice dirty edge you wont get from software if you drive it in the right ways.

JJ OS is definatly a must if your going to use the MPC for much of your work but if its only as a drum machine (im just using it this way) then the stock Akai OS is fine. First thing to do when you get it however is learn to step edit as it can yield some awesome results. Using midi from a DAW is a piece of cake too so you'd flying in no time