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Anyone got any opinion of using an mpc 500 vs an mpc 1000 for midi note and cc sequencing?

I'm an SP404 veteran so used to recording sequences of me playing pads and don't imagine any issue with either the 500/1000 doing that stuff, but i'm talking more for step editing for external midi stuffs.

Obviously the 500 has a much smaller screen, is that a massive pain in the ass? I only really want to sequence one synth and then midi CC stuff with 3 of my pedals from it..... price point on the 500 used is much more attractive obviously.

500 is a dope machine, but is limited on the midi implementation in many ways since its the baby brother. i'd look into it and make sure it does what you want for sure before deciding.

the smaller screen means more scrolling thru menus but its not terrible. the bigger screens are a lot nicer, easier to navigate and shows a lot more info on one page vs. the 500 every menu is split up into like 50 different screens.

Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D. wrote:500 is a dope machine, but is limited on the midi implementation in many ways since its the baby brother. i'd look into it and make sure it does what you want for sure before deciding.

the smaller screen means more scrolling thru menus but its not terrible. the bigger screens are a lot nicer, easier to navigate and shows a lot more info on one page vs. the 500 every menu is split up into like 50 different screens.

Thanks for the insight - kinda confirmed my fears of having to do a ton of button presses to get anywhere. I checked the specs and they both do what I needed just wanted confirmation on that front. It's weird the manuals for each are written so differently, the 1000 is really clear and to the point, whereas the 500 has related topics scattered across tons of different chapters with a kind of 'dummies guide' style of writing, which really put me off it as well. I'm sure it's a fantastic tool and still craps all over the mpx's for functionality, but I'll shoot for a 1000 if I can find a good deal once I offload my beatstep pro and sp404 . The great thing about mpc's is repairs and spare parts are so readily available as well!

I have a 500. The tiny screen is kind of a pain. No multiple outs either which is killing it for me. The never ending sub menus kind of suck. I got a stupid deal on it with the RAM loaded so I have been making it work. I have been thinking about moving on to a 1000 or even a 2000xl in the near future.

Quick question......
When I'm using a midi keyboard or whatever with the midi out connected to mpc 500/1000 midi in to record my 'performance' will the 500/1000 also record midi cc's that I make on the keyboard or will it only record the notes? Trying to find this out in the mpc500's manual but not having much luck!

To answer my own question- yes they will.

I liked the 1000. I wish I hadn't sold it. I used Step Edit a lot, for changing all kinds of parameters: notes, timing, dynamics. I don't see how it's any less intuitive than on a GUI where you have to right click the note to call up a bunch of parameters, switch to keyboard to edit them, click "OK" etc. It's quite fast once you get used to the way it's reported. Plus the JJ OS gives you different ways of reporting and editing the same info.. hth

Aquietcabin1978 wrote:I have a 500. The tiny screen is kind of a pain. No multiple outs either which is killing it for me. The never ending sub menus kind of suck. I got a stupid deal on it with the RAM loaded so I have been making it work. I have been thinking about moving on to a 1000 or even a 2000xl in the near future.

I was planning on getting a 1000 but I too just got a stupidly good deal on 500 with the ram already upgraded and everything in mint conidition soooooooooooo I had to buy it.
Also the vast majority of 1000's I've seen listed have no info on the working status of the unit and sellers not responding to my questions. Any unit listed as immaculate or perfectly working ends up selling for way more money...
Bring on the learning curve!