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Mpc1000 Or Sp404


cl516

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Which one folks, do y'all recommend?

 

MPC: Layer samples on pads, deeper sequencer, possibly better sound quality...

 

SP404: Can run on batteries, possibly better for longer samples, but ??? on its sound compression format.

 

 

On the MPC, how long does it take to load a bunch of 20 second samples on all the pads?

 

 

I've searched a bit too. thanks for reading.

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Sound quality on the SP404 is really good. One may be better than the other but they are certainly comparable.

 

With the MPC1000 maxed out to 128 mb you can theoretically carry 25 minutes of mono sampling (although I've heard that if you actually approach that figure the machine is less stable). Twenty second loops shouldn't be a problem.

 

The SP404 is better for live triggering: all 120 sounds are immediately available, plus you can swap out CF cards without any loading time. It also doubles as a field recorder and a juke box of sorts. If that's all you need, remember it's a lot cheaper.

 

The MPC1000 is a better choice for studio work given its vastly better sequencer.

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Originally posted by Tony Scharf

the MPC cannot load while its sequencer is playing back, if thats what your trying to get at..


personaly, I love my MPC1k. the 2.0 os really made it something.

 

 

What about long samples? I will have my SP404 loop two or three layered samples each running at sometimes over a minute a piece. Is this practical with the MPC?

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i too have read that as the MPC approaches heavier loads, its MIDI timing doesn't get as tight?

 

but i feel like this is something i won't find out till i really use the mofo for a few months.

 

i'm over budget already, and really wanna make this purchase count, so that's the reason i'm posting.

 

with the sp404, you can't layer samples on one pad, can you?

also, all those damn multi key combinations on the sp404 freaks the shtt out of me.

 

but if y'all think 20 sec. loops on the MPC will be fine, then i'm definitely leaning towards that...

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Another SP review:

 

http://www.gearjunkies.com/product_info.php?products_id=13928

 

"The sampling and playback quality of this instrument, affordable as it is, is crystal-clear Compact Disc-grade."

 

-----

Electronic Musician review:

 

http://emusician.com/elecinstruments/emusic_roland_sp-404/

 

"Insert a 1 GB CompactFlash card, and the SP-404 will hold nearly six and a half hours of high-quality audio. According to Roland, it's the only sampler that can stream audio direct from flash media. That means you can play back entire songs from a single pad, or in a pinch use the SP-404 as a stereo field recorder (maximum stereo recording time is around three hours). "

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I've owned both...and sold the SP-404. They are not comparible IMHO. The SP-404, while usable, is very limited. The MPC1000 is a workhorse. Alot more sampling time, the famous MPC swing, 16 pads function for playing basslines and melodies with your samples, being able to stack samples to make huge sounds, 64 track midi sequencer, etc. The SP-404 has its place...but not as a replacement to an MPC.

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Originally posted by Analog Kid



He was wondering why you would say the MPC has a lot more recording time.

 

 

Got ya... you got me there... I guess I meant that with the MPC there is alot more tracks and notes for sequencing the samples.

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Do you think the roland thing would be a good live replacement for Ableton Live?

Given I'd take samples directly from Live at home, it should only play them back - I also use mainly pretty short samples, so this seems to be a good (cheap) alternative.

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that's funny, i actually just downloaded the Live demo (again) but for me it's not what i'm looking for.

 

i want a stable + hardware version of Guru/Phatmatik Pro. I'm leaning towards the MPC.

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Originally posted by Morandar

Do you think the roland thing would be a good live replacement for Ableton Live?

Given I'd take samples directly from Live at home, it should only play them back - I also use mainly pretty short samples, so this seems to be a good (cheap) alternative.

 

 

Do you mean...just to play back the loops? Sure, why not...but why not a cheap laptop instead?

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Well, because I'd like something hardware. On a laptop I'd still have to install live, and pray it to work. So I'd better use my pc (which is not a laptop but I built it to be portable).

 

I'd like just something groovy :D

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It is not as cost effective as using the computer that you already have, and Ableton can do more than the SP

 

BUT

 

It is rock solid stable

 

It is more portable than even a laptop. Stick a couple of cords into it, turn it on, play. You don't need a control surface, either.

 

You can carry a huge library with you - I've powered the SP down, switched out CF cards and powered back up in well less than a minute.

 

It has wIcKeD on the fly effects, dOOde.

 

Laters,

Tommy

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