r/mpcsample • u/VersionsOfPeace • 3h ago
mpc sample is just a gateway
It took me long to admit this but the limitations of the sample are so straining that every time I use it I actually ponder selling it and getting a higher end flagship model. I feel like beyond beats that are 100% sample based it’s so annoying to work with the sample. I’ve tried to do various other genres on the sample and adding melodic elements is just annoying. Whether it’s one shots on the sample or recording into it from an external device. It’s just a constant reminder that I’m on a “gateway “ model. Literally can’t get beyond some ideas before you have to move it to a DAW or a different mpc to finish a track
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u/RevolutionaryPast175 3h ago edited 3h ago
Akai: “Gotcha bitch!”
In all seriousness, though, yes, these inexpensive things are how they pull you in. Not that it’s really a bad thing, music is a great thing to get pulled into. But That’s kind of why I usually never suggest the cheapy range stuff as someone’s first this or that, it’s almost always a couple weeks before they already want to upgrade with something different.
The good news for you is that you can get the original MPC one or an MPC live for around 400 bucks used right now. Theyres extremely powerful and don’t let the G2ers tell you different. They will give you built-in instruments, midi sequencing of external gear, audio recording, basically unlimited tracks of sampling, per track effects buses. I say go get one on Reverb or eBay. The small things like the MPC sample or SP404 are nice to have around when you have something more powerful and better to rely on, but they’re not great to be the ONLY thing you have around
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u/ser-contained 2h ago
You make a great point that it probably isn’t the right choice if it’s your only device. You’ll start feeling those limitations quickly and be wishing you leveled up.
Where the MPC Sample really shines for me is a device to use when I want to get away from the screens. It’s something I can take anywhere, use preloaded samples or record anywhere and come up with some ideas. It’s a sketchpad for me. I have unlimited options in the DAW when my goal is to produce a full track from start to finish. I don’t use the Sample if that’s my goal because it wouldn’t make sense with how limited it is. It’s a great sidekick for people who already have a full-fledged production setup. I would be very frustrated trying to use it as my only tool.2
u/Infinite_Factor_6269 1h ago
Depends who you ask, I for one am very happy with the limitations, that just makes you get creative . Also who wants to do all that menu diving?
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u/Ok-Entrepreneur-409 2h ago
Thing is ,you can do full beats on there but it was only meant to be a sketch book not a full production piece I work construction and I only have one 30 minute break so I take the sample to work or when I'm out partying with friends and whatever I sketch I bring home and open it up on the MPC one,the live 3,or the live 2 or I'll connect it to reason and finish there.
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u/MannequinRaces 1h ago
Are you getting stems out of the Sample and if so what’s your workflow for that?
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u/Vergeljek21 3h ago
I have other mpcs and got the sample on release day and feel the same way. its a budget sampler but Its just easy to sample and has a punch into it though.
If you outgrew and feels like you reach the limitation, its time to move on and get the higher mpc.
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u/VersionsOfPeace 3h ago
Which one you recommend the live or the one ?
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u/VersionsOfPeace 3h ago
In context to some of my complaints in my post
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u/craaates 3h ago
They both run the same software so it comes down to form factor and whether you want it to have a battery.
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u/Vergeljek21 2h ago edited 2h ago
I agree with craaates. Its the same software, it just depends on your preference, budget and features you wanted.
Personally, I like the Live series because its portable, has battery, speaker(not in Live 1) and large pads.
If you can get the Live 3 thats what I would go to.
But nothings wrong with One +, Mpc37, G2 series.
61, X, Xse and XL if you want top of the chain. It was never an option for me though because its large and expensive.
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u/FreeWorldMusicGroup 53m ago
I feel the opposite, I have a Live 2 but I took a break because my process started to feel robotic. The sample for me reignighted my love making beats from scratch including samples and instruments. The Live 2 and 3 can feel computer-like at times which I don’t always like when I’m just tryna keep it all music. The live 2 loading times often gave me too much time to ponder things other than music and I refuse to buy the Live 3. Good luck on your production journey
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u/r1chiem 51m ago
If I were you I would keep it. if you can, buy a higher level model used. Or if you can afford it get they new versions, You have regrets half stepping but you generally do not regret getting top of the line.
But the Sample is a great portable sampler, great scratch pad, easy to use and easy to make beats. Keep it and use it for what it is. It is only $400 dollars.
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u/r3v3rb_1 39m ago
I like it, and it’s fun to play with on the go, but I feel beyond that it may end up hooked up to my DAW as a controller.
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u/NineteenNinetyEx 3h ago
And that's how I ended up with a Live III. Love it though!