Advice on an Akai MPC/vs something else

[RyanV]

Hi...I hope this is the right forum for this post. I'm really interested in an Akai MPC2000 to use with my Midi keyboard, as well as the sampling functions. I'm also new to these types of units...Can anyone tell me if I'd be wasting $$ on this unit (can I find computer software to do the exact same functions as an MPC)?
I know, I should probably stick to rock music because I'm CLUELESS when it comes to this stuff, but I'm too interested in electronic music now! Thanks for your views!!! -Ryan

 

[regebro]

No, you won't find something that does EXACTLY the same thing. And you will find that the software you use will have a greater latency.

You'll just have to figure out exactly what you want. Probably the only way of doing that is playing around with an MPC and playing around with the demos of the software.

I have done this, and the MPC is on my list, but you might prefer the software. There is no definite answer that fits all persons here.

 

[faust54]

I myself had the same dilemma when I started getting into electronic music.
It all really comes down to what you want to do with it.
MPC's are great for sequencing and for the ability to mimic virtually any drumset (it IS a sampling drummachine, after all). Sequenced parts have a certain...swing to them for lack of a better term. Hardware wise, it's tough to beat.
The downside is that it is a bit limited in the MIDI dept. and programming other modules to go along with it can be a bear. Couple that with the fact that it has no standard on board effects (No LFO's either) and a lot of menus to have to look through, maybe you might want to go with something like Reason.

Oh, and Ryan, I was a rock guitarist before the electronic bug bit me. It might be frustrating at first (lord knows it is for me, just look at my MIDI question on the board), but it's worth it.
Kariem