Akai have just released the MPC Sample. The price is approx $400 and I feel there may be some similarity and common denominators to the Yamaha FGDP-50.
One of the biggest features I feel is that once can create loops quickly on the fly and then live drum over that loop/sample for more complex Rhythms containing a plethora of Instruments. Does the FGDP-50 also possess that feature?
Can the MPC SAMPLE be used as a Drum Machine to sequence a pattern and then layer on (live play) other instruments? (which is my requirement).
I do love the form factor & ease of the FGDP50 for Live Drumming … just wished it had a sequencing feature (like a drum machine).
FGPD-50 doesn’t really have that workflow where you create patterns yourself. But the pad layout and size is really nice, I bet that the MCP Sample with the smaller pads wouldn’t be as comfortable for finger drumming.. But I don’t have it, so that’s just my guess.
In MPC Sample the pads are too small and there are no multi-samples (several samples per one pad). This device is not for advanced finger drumming. I wouldn’t switch FGDP to it. It’d be better to try the MPC One instead if you want sequencing etc.
Thx for the info … The MPC SAMPLE triggered my curiosity coz it’s a small-ish standalone unit (like the FGDP-50), with an in-built speaker + at a decent price $400. The MPC ONE is around $700 besides being significantly bigger.
I must confess … I’ve no knowledge re the MPC’s …
Years back I used to use the Boss DR-770 and DR-880 Drum Machines a lot. Those were great drum machines for their time … but live playing sucked big time. I am looking for a Drum Machine which can be sequenced, programmed, layered + played live too … It would help if it’s a stand-alone machine and not just a midi controller. Any ideas?
Besides MPC Sample, Roland SP404mk2 and Ableton Move more or less fit these criteria (both without a speaker). Try the MPC Sample, then tell us how the pads compare to the FGDP)
I’ve seen several reviews… And it seemed good. Of course, it’s got it’s limitations… But it came across as pretty simple to get to grips with, and should suffice, as long as one’s needs are BASIC. They’ll keep tweaking it with firmware upgrades along the way.
Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with MPC’s, so will need to wait and watch before committing to 1.
But all in all, the FGDP is a niche product that I love and I doubt if there’s any serious competitor to it at the moment. But it’s definitely on my radar. Perhaps a nice way to get a foot in the door of the MPC environment.
