Akai MPC500 vs XR20

[UberMetalDood]

I am going to get a production station tomorrow to record accompanyments for my guitar tracks. I've been looking at these and the MPC500 seems really cool but the XR20 is more popular. I suppose the price is a good reason for that but what is your experience?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Akai MPC500 vs XR20

A lot of Hip Hop guys use the mpc's for their sound, as far as ease of use I like doing things on a computer. If you need the little pads to make beats there are midi pad devices that will interface with a computer and software like the new NI Maschine http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/maschine/

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Akai MPC500 vs XR20

I wanted something portable to compose arrangements wherever I want. I have the software and could use a MIDI device but I like how easty it is with my DR5 to come up with beats and sequences or play the synth right into a track on my recorder.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Akai MPC500 vs XR20

In that case the mpc units have a great track record, you can't go wrong if the functions are there for your needs.

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Akai MPC500 vs XR20

different functions.

mpc - sample based. create samples and upload them to the mpc. download countless free beats and load them on the mpc. assign your own bass drum, snare drum, etc sounds to the pads and tap out your beats. record your guitar, or whatever instrument, on your computer or recorder, and then transfer that to the mpc.

xr 20 - all the sounds are onboard. you cannot add your own drum sounds. you cannot add vocal samples. you cannot add synth sounds. you cannot transfer anything to it. it is a couple hundred bucks cheaper for a reason.

the mpc is a complete music production device, with the ability to perform live. the xr 20 is a beat making machine that can be used live. to complete a recording, the xr 20's beats need to be uploaded onto a recording device. the mpc has sampling, the xr 20 does not. the mpc allows you to arrange your complete compositions, the xr 20 allows you to arrange your beats and synth tracks made entirely of xr 20 sounds. the xr 20 is a piece of the puzzle, the mpc puts the puzzle together. they both allow you to make beats - the xr 20 is a closed system, the mpc is completely customizable.

i'd get the mpc.

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Akai MPC500 vs XR20

im sure the xr 20 sounds are great, but there are sooooo many free samples online, it just makes sense to make use of them. i bet you can even download the xr 20's sounds somewhere, and then upload THEM to the mpc. mpcs are an industry standard for a reason. granted, the 500 isn't the best of the models, but man, there's just so much you can do with them.

there is more initial work in setting up the mpc. higher learning curve. very worth it IMO.