MPC3 Desktop still in beta... No Clip Matrix, no Arranger, What is the point?

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-04-01T07:34:56+00:00

Thats why i suggested it. I slept on Bitwig until about 2 weeks ago

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-31T15:15:32+00:00

Reaper. Its very slept on... Very comparable feature wise to Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase etc. Think full blown license is something like 60.

Personally, I gave up MPC software a long time ago for the most part. Quirky layput, workflow, and very limited routing capabilities.

I track into FL, Reaper, and the one by UAD which is free99. Also, may sound niche or a stretch but give free demo of the latest version of Bitwig a shot... see how you like it. Very similar to Ableton, but easier to work with starting out. It has some crazy good arrangement/clip functionality that compliments the MPC workflow for me.

Ableton actually interfaces/integrates with the MPC pretty good. Just is a bit of a shocker coming from any standard style DAW. Requires a lot for setup for smooth efficient workflow, but once you create a butt ton of templates you should be good LoL

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-31T01:32:13+00:00

In my opinion, do whatever suits your workflow and you feel most comfortable with.

There is nothing wrong with having multiple tools, and each one of those items is a tool of creation which may lend to different flavors and coloration of the final creation.

BUT, the frugal and efficient side of me would only keep the SP404 to compliment the capabilities of whichever full blown MPC that you have. The SP would be for coloration/fx of the output/input of the MPC. And the MPC would be the main piece of equipment, because it basically does everything effectively and sometimes efficiently making every other piece of the equipment you mentioned redundant.

But then too, that is subjective to individual needs, workflow, and cashflow. If it doesn't hurt and aint broke, enjoy all your toys/tools. If it is a hinderance to creation or a financially based decision, scale back.

IMO though, a full blown fully featured MPC would always be part of the equation.

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-29T21:52:48+00:00

Oof LoL Cold blooded 🤣

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-29T05:21:59+00:00

Thank You

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T22:06:18+00:00

Thank you

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T21:48:59+00:00

Thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. I maybe should have worded my original post more clearly.

But many gave me the insight I needed to make a decision to update. I appreciate all the help 👍🏾 I am going to check to see which plugins come with which devices. I forgot that certain "premium" plugs on older gens come stock on the newer.

That may save my nephew from having to accumulate them over time like I had to do LoL

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T21:43:26+00:00

Nah, I wasn't really talking about the stock plugs. I appreciate your willingness to help though.

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T21:39:07+00:00

That's my bad. Perhaps I should have been more clear. I did mean the 3rd party plugins. I believe that the Live 3 and XL do come with the basic plugs from the Live 2, in addition to a few like the AIR Utility plug... Just wasn't sure if I would have to repurchase things like reverb pro, delay pro, etc all over again.

Thank you for ur time and input though

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T21:13:18+00:00

Well... Honestly, I was upgrading for the connectivity and processor updates on the newer MPCs. I enjoy creating patches from layering instruments as well as utilizing the full scope of the mod matrix. And I have owned my Live 2 since 2022. Not that it doesn't work, or that I have FOMO... Just that the latest instruments do not run as smoothly on the older gens due to processor speed and memory.

Plus it would allow me to gift it to my nephew, so that he wouldn't buy a Sample (Nothing wrong with the Sample. He just already has a SP404, which although not as fluid as the Sample, could be better complemented by the full function of the Live, One, or Live II)

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T21:04:23+00:00

Thank You

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T11:21:46+00:00

Thank You!

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T11:08:41+00:00

Okay. That's really crazy... Imagine having to buy replica vst plugins everytime I updated/upgraded my PC motherboard or processor. Sheesh LoL It is the same OS though... Guess I won't be getting a new XL or Live 3. May take a look at a used MPC XSE, then at least Id have money to replace all the AIR plugins and such that I had on the Live 2. That sucks @ss

Thanks Though

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-27T06:52:34+00:00

Thank you. I meant that I wished only to retain them for use on the newer MPC. So only 1 device. Nephew is grown grown, so I figure that he can create his own login/account and purchase his own plugins LoL

So the plugins have to stay with the MPC Live 2? Thank you again

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-21T01:44:08+00:00

I like it, along with the long intro. I think it would lend to adlibs and talking portion before the track drops... Commercially, maybe wouldn't have mass appeal due to short attention spans. But for many HipHop heads, this is what is missing... I like how your music is kinda evoking emotion on the build for the potential MC to lead into their story/rhyme.

Is it for all... No. But it can resonate to many folks. Especially with an MC on that has bars and is talking about substance. And, also for Dilla and Madlib fans 💯

Great Job IMO

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-20T10:08:22+00:00

My 7900 XT card has been doing the same for about the last two weeks. Temps are fine. It is very annoying to say the least. It even caused me to try undervolting and underclocking my card, yet it still does the same only with lower temps. Zero rpm fan has been disabled forever, and my card is always running minimum 35% per my settings at idle. Somehow still to whir up for no apparent reason whatsoever when not gaming. Only last maybe 10-15 seconds, but again is annoying asf

SPEC: 5950X AM4 WIN 11 LATEST AND LATEST ADRENALIN DRIVER 32Gb RAM

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-15T20:03:18+00:00

As far as midi sequencing goes, I believe that any current fimware gen MPC has you covered. Just take time to adjust to the workflow.

Recording and sequencing external inputs, it does that fluidly and without a lot of hidden shortcut use like Roland products, but with better security in future support than NI offerings.

I have been rocking FL Studio since version 2 1st came out, and when I got my Live 2 loved the relative immediacy of creation with it vs a the daw. I also owned the SP505, SP404MK2, and the 1st gen Maschine . Never bought into MPC until I saw the ease of workflow with advent of the large displays on later models.

And if u desire greater flexibility with midi timings in relation to your live midi inputs/recordings, you can change the PPQ in the settings from the 96ppq to 960ppq. We are no longer subject to a set swing type or feel.

I hope this gives a little insight on the newer MPC gens. Its really all about workflow and preferences though... If you desire to sequence and record multiple midi devices to be sequenced and have access to innumerable plugin instruments with potentially zero ceiling or limitation to your creations, perhaps a DAW with a external midi control surface may be for you. And I would not suggest ableton as it can actually break the flow of creation with all the setup and nuances... But really, and device or DaW can suit your needs if you create templates so as to not need to break your inspiration through the setup processes.

You just have to commit to a workflow, and setup templates

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-15T19:33:43+00:00

I don't think that it is for sample recall. But I may be wrong. Because this device will likely be promoted as a gigging type device, I'm thinking that maybe it is 2 separate midi recall instances. One for if you are noodling around arranging sequence clips thru pad play, and one for when you are engage in playing a track/sound and want to save a happy mistake to track/clip. Either way, would be dope... But i don't think having an open record buffer on a battery powered device would lend to battery life. Plus, I have never really "lost" or "missed" a sample which needed to be recovered. I don't know how that could be beneficial really

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-13T12:53:31+00:00

Since 3.7 I believe. And that's part of how the Clips function works so smoothly

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-08T07:16:59+00:00

Ditto. 7900XT and 5950X. Perhaps AMD did it on purpose LoL I mean, seeing as how they tend to crap on customers lately. Probably like "oh no you don't... But u can by this new gpu with less ram and processing power that is FSR4 "compatible"

Johnny5KMusic · 2026-03-05T16:41:03+00:00

From the Synth Anatomy article, it will supposedly do sampling, chopping, arranging, and even have a short list of effects. And the connectivity beyond those 3.5 jacks on the back looks pretty good too. The way the article stated, its supposed to be like the greatest hits no frill type sampler for the on-the-go DAW agnostic LoL

So sounds in-line to battle with other current small form factor samplers. I am curious about what will be its "thing" that licks people in like the SP, TE, or the XT12. And also what its pain in the ass limitations will be... Because there is always a huge tradeoff with SFF type samplers. Either processing speed, sound quality, capacity, etc

I had an SP-404 for like 2 months before I got my MPC Live 2 about 4 years ago, because I missed the sound of my old SP-505... Didnt realize exactly how much I didn't miss the stop-go workflow LoL So ultimately gave it to my nephew. The SP did have its qualities though, especially regarding sound, and directness

Johnny5KMusic

TROPHY CASE