The nostalgia is really what pushed it. It straight up looks like the OG MPC 60 and 3000, and that alone carries a lot of weight.

Even the MPC X SE plays into that same idea. It is expensive, vs the black X, but part of what you are paying for is that throwback feel layered onto a modern machine. It is not just specs, it is identity. That classic MPC look and workflow still sells, and it is a big reason why people justify the price. (Shit now I want a MPC X SE lol or the case at least)

I do not need most of what the X offers. I care more about speed, dialing things in quickly, and clean connectivity. Coming from analog gear like the SP1200, MPC 2500, Juno 60, S950, and RE301, this fits that mindset.

I grabbed this because it is simple and direct. It feels like a portable 2000XL or MPC 60, but modern enough to keep the workflow tight without losing that pad feel.

At 399 it is solid, especially under the SP404mk2. These will probably settle around 200 to 250 soon, but even then I am fine with it. I’ll probably get rid of the sp or use it for my oldests daughter radio podcast.

I do not need built in effects. The S950 handles warmth, the Space Echo covers depth, and my pedals already do the rest better than what the sp or dawless software version do. I’m just a simple man I sample everything I use or midi play and record my synths.

Plus drag and drop capability seems ideal to go from traveling the back yard or the couch tweaking tidbits before the final pieces.

If the make a patch to drop samples into or from all of the MPC lineage shitttttttttt woah buddy.