I also didn’t like feeling chained to the x0x style sequencing and wanted something with higher step resolution and something with more than 64 steps so I could play long sequences without stopping. Samples are monophonic and I couldn’t play large chords with the midi tracks. Thoughts on the Octatrack and why I ditched it: I didn’t enjoy editing note length and I thought the effects were pretty bad as well. It felt more like a “programming” machine than a playable instrument. I also liked the visual aspect of the piano roll style sequencing, but was frustrated in the lack of velocity sensitivity. Stringing together parts of songs was fairly easy and I found that I could write songs with it decently well. I was very productive with it, but nothing I created really sounded good because I was only using the internal synth engine - I attempted sampling into it but found the workflow rather clumsy and didn’t enjoy it. The internal synth engine is pretty poor, at least it was when I tried it about a year ago. Thoughts on the Deluge and why I ditched it: I feel so distracted at my computer with all of the VSTs and instruments available. I’m looking for something simple that puts the focus on creating and not endless tweaking of parameters and endless sample hunting. I basically want to use it as a sketch machine to create reasonably rough music in by sequencing my external synths and internal samples, which I want to track out to Ableton and put final touches on. Unbounded sequence lengths, high step resolution for humanized feel, multilayered samples, polyphonic sample playback, streamlined / efficient songwriting tools for after I’ve created the initial loop (track mutes, duplication, etc.), visual sequencing (I really like piano roll), and drum pads. I’m not audio-first type of producer, but I’m working to get there. I usually record midi then edit later and print to sound last. I currently have a Nord Drum 2, a Novation Peak and a Digitone. I want the fun of performance, but the quality of the studio. I find the most enjoyment in playing instruments and performing parts, but always want to clean it up and I spend time in Ableton mixing / adding FX later. My music centers around humanized playing of synths and drums. TL DR: I’ve had a Deluge, an Octatrack, and Push2 currently considering an MPC 2500 (or 1000) for electronic music production and would like some opinions.Īre they fragile or is it a worthwhile investment?ĭo you make electronic music with it, and if so, have any examples?

Akai professional mpc 2500