Source
r/musicproduction•
tmlbl

New MPC, OctaTrack, or other?

I am starting to build a hardware setup and trying to decide on the main sampler/groovebox/whatever. Will probably be doing something in the ambient/glitch vein. I am intrigued by the new MPC because I like having pads to play, and it has CV outputs (thinking about getting into modular too) but I've heard the OctaTrack has a more intuitive workflow, whereas the new MPC has a very DAW-like experience on the main screen. An intuitive workflow is very important to me because I'm not feeling creative sitting in front of a computer (I do that at work all day). What would you buy today if you were starting out and why?

Posted Jan 23, 2020, 5:32 PM UTC

33
ckayd•

I got a deepmind12 and mpc live. They are great together I use my MPC to clock. I love using the sampling and looping of the MPC. It's a bit clunky for live performances which forces a more structured and organised approach. I don't use CV in this setup so I went for the live not the X. Once I've set up what I want to do then I can use the MPC sequencer with loop which is quite DAW like. Definitely a good mix.

2
SseeaahhaazzeE•

I have neither device, so take this with a shaker of salt.

Imo MPC One blows OctaTrack out of the water features-wise. You get more tracks, built-in tweakable instruments, QoL stuff, playable pads, and substantial developer updates if Akai keeps it up like they have.

I personally don't get "sitting in front of a computer all day" exhaustion from DAWlike hardware and in fact find the visual grid extremely helpful, especially an at-a-glance piano roll. However, my job is not on a screen 99% of the time (but I know computer exhaustion from university + having been an antisocial teenager). In terms of navigating menus, I'd more compare the new MPCs to like, the home screen of a PS4 or smart TV. You definitely see office workers enjoying that kind of hardware after work, which makes me think DAW fatigue has more to do with ergonomics and desk posture, though hunched over staring at a 7" screen is still a concern on the couch. But also, there's a good chance that's how you're reading Reddit, so..........

On the other hand, I own a Four mk1 and Digitakt, and I adore both. The Elektron mindset you've probably heard so much about is extremely productive after you feel your way around a bit (assuming you already know what sequence steps, envelopes, etc. mean). It takes a mild learning curve and premeditation, but it really does take you places musically you wouldn't find otherwise. The premeditation (browsing and loading sounds, the "ooh what's this do??" menu rambling) is itself a part of the creative process because you usually don't want to start from an init sound like on a knobby Prophet or MS-20, but then we're back to menus. I honestly think a properly funded university study would find a causal link between playing Final Fantasies as a kid and purchasing Elektron later in life.

Also, the effects in Elektron boxes are top notch. Like, a used Four Mk1 is probably the best guitar pedal out there for the price if you don't even care about synth voices. I think they weren't as refined in Octa mk1 but again, I haven't touched that particular box.

2
tmlblOP•

Thanks, this is helpful. I'm less concerned with screen fatigue, I guess it's more about setting up something that feels like an instrument rather than a multimedia project.

2