Story Time | AKAI MPC 2000 XL & Ensoniq ASR 10: Worth it in 2024?

[@tapelid6064]

I’ve been using the same ASR/2kXL combo since 2011. Sampling on the ASR and sequencing on the MPC then tracking out to ableton. I can’t imagine using anything else at this point. I’m really enjoying these videos. Thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@freeplaysamples]

This combo is pretty hard to beat when it comes to using legendary samplers and modern day DAW. Ableton’s external instrument lets me run my sequences back from the MP and keep the groove. Thanks for sharing your workflow and rocking with me 💯🫡🙏🏽

[@hiddensightproductions4054]

Man I super old school and I love this workflow. Motif 6 MPC 1000 korg triton rack …tracked into logic. It’s the nostalgic feel for me.

[@freeplaysamples]

@@hiddensightproductions4054 nothing beats using hardware to create ❤️‍🔥🙏🏽

[@nevedofficial466]

A point for the newer MPCs, since the arm chips that are in the mpcs now basically caught up to your average laptop, they're a lot more self-contained, you can get a great mix inside the new MPs and export stems at the push of a button, where as the 2k you really needed a mixer and a rat nest of cables, plus all the floppies/zip, etc etc.

[@freeplaysamples]

New tech is usually more convenient and streamlined. Thanks for sharing your perspective 💯💯

[@saren6538]

Just bought an asr10 rack tonight for 750 dollars… to me it’s definitely worth getting pacific hardware such as the asr etc … it’s the original hardware used to make the original hip hop hardware. It’s not for everyone obviously, there isn’t any fun making this genres of music on a computer with a mouse. Also having the racks make more sense as opposed to huge keyboards, I’m collecting the racks - have an asr10, emax 1, eps-m, mirage, s950 all in rack form. To be it’s a hobby I don’t drink, go out etc so it’s my shrine to have all this P.s there are asr10 screens been made by some dude on Facebook

[@freeplaysamples]

Congrats on the ASR rack; your collection is impressive and you’ll definitely have fun with the ASR. But, the point of my video aims more towards each end users goals and role. Hobbies are fun and music making should be fun in general but, when this is your job (producing music); practicality must be taken into account. Good luck taking a rack unit into a session to make a beat for an artist that likes to work that way with his or her producer. I personally enjoy the process outside of the computer but when it’s time to be efficient and get to finishing records; can’t beat a computer with a DAW. I’m part of the Ensoniq group and did see that guy making the screens. I’m hoping to get one of the non-solder ones when he drops them; God willing. 🙏🏽 Appreciate the comment and again congrats on your new ASR! 💯❤️‍🔥

[@kidkeitel]

750 is a steal. Good on you.

[@MikeStoan]

damn I'm surprised you can even get it for that high. I paid $2000 used Candian for it back in 96.

[@freeplaysamples]

Yeah $750 is a steal for a rack unit these days. Keyboards and rack ASR go for $1K and up still. I saw online that when they dropped MSRP was around $2799 for the ASR-10s (model that came factory with SCSI; which is the one I have according to the label on the back of mine).

[@PreciseSense85]

Yeah the ASR series is dope. I love it, and all my vintage samplers. But you need to be dedicated to get around the frustrations. Ableton is waaaay more convenient so my advice is to avoid vintage samplers if you’re not super serious about the craft.

[@freeplaysamples]

Facts! You have to know your level of commitment to the craft before diving into the vintage sampler game 💯

[@samsilk945]

I'm an old timer, started on an ASR10 in 1996 or 1997. The only resources you had was to read the paper version of the manual. And it was big. Iget you when you say "it's my process". You have to stick to what you know/like and inspires you. Otherwise, even if you have the best plugins, daw... you will end up producing less partly because you have too many options.

[@freeplaysamples]

wow you got the ASR around the time mine seems to have been manufactured. must've been legendary to have one at the time with its cutting edge features. sticking to what you like and committing will hopefully lead to mastery and creating in the flow state freely. thanks for rocking with me; appreciate this comment 💯🙏🏽❤️‍🔥

[@SamSilk]

It was already slightly obsolete on the sequencer side. Some of my friends had the MPC2000 and some others were already sequencing on an Atari ST version of Cubase. The hype was Akai at the time (in France at least). Ensoniq was pretty much unknown to most of my friends. I remember them looking at this huge keyboard as if it was a joke. But they would eventually shut up when they heard the shit that came out of it!

[@freeplaysamples]

@@SamSilk that makes sense since Ensoniq was an American company and not too many producers had caught on yet. They were a bit out there in their approach. Kind of like the Teenage Engineering company of that time. It’s always been the “different” and unique creatives that rocked with Ensoniq. Happy to be part of that family now. 💯🙏🏽❤️‍🔥

[@SamSilk]

@@freeplaysamples Yeah, that and also I think the ASR wasn't specifically targetting hip-hop producers, it was an instrument for pretty much any keyboardist that had to perform on stage. I think that would explain the 2 audio tracks and the lacking sequencer. Did you know the ASR has some wavetable synthesis features? It's called Transwave in the manual. There is also a hard clipper (with the CMD+LFO option). Last but not least, if you haven't tried it yet, find the FX called "Fast pitchsh" , put your drums through it and resample them.

[@SamSilk]

@@freeplaysamples I see that you're using floppies. It may still be possible to burn copies of zip cartridges on CDs . The process was slow and somewhat obscure. These days, you can easily replace the Ensoniq's floppy drive with a third party SD card reader. Loading times are probably way faster.

[@synthsoniq]

Great video. I've had my ASR since I bought it new in the 90s. Amazing machine. One thing for me with using hardware, especially vintage hardware, vs. a laptop is the creativity / inspiration factor. When I'm using vintage hardware, I feel like I'm "performing" live music. (I make Deep House, so it's a little different than beats). I find I'm much more inspired and creative. I sometimes use the DAW as a tool to create an end-product, but I wouldn't say I'm performing as much as I am "programming". Maybe it's a small difference, and I'm sure many may not agree, but for me personally, it makes a big impact in my music.

[@freeplaysamples]

Peace and thanks for checking the video! I deeply have to agree; using samplers feels like an instrument and performing. It’s hard not to feel like we’re programming on the computers but, even back in the earlier years people who used drum machines on records were often credited under “drum programming” category. So it all comes full circle. The computer feels less fun and more “job like” but a necessary tool since we deal with digital distribution and have abandoned mixing and printing to tape for the most part. Cheers! 💯🫡

[@synthsoniq]

@@freeplaysamples Yes, exactly. Funny, you're right about the terminology, even I say to myself "I need to go play that bass intro and then *program* the drum beats", when it's all on vintage hardware! 😃🎹

[@drenolynbeats]

Today I chopped up a sample with my live 2 and put all 16 chops across my EPS keyboard I also sampled in drums and sequenced the beat on the EPS. It sounded incredible when it was done I then imported it into logic for some touch up work but this is the best workflow I have found so far.

[@freeplaysamples]

Hybrid is where its at in 2024. Have to use the strength of your tools. I'm happy to hear that your workflow is flowing lol Thanks for your input on this topic; appreciate you sharing! 🙏🏽❤️‍🔥💯

[@cheddaman5169]

How is the eps?

[@freeplaysamples]

@drenolynbeats could definitely tell you more about it as I have never used one myself but, from what I understand the eps, eps 16+ and ASR 10 are very similar in the way they operate. Obviously the sound evolved as time went on but the function and menus are very similar. 🫡

[@drenolynbeats]

@@cheddaman5169 it’s dope its the only one out of the three that has 40 different sample rates from 6.26 up to 52 giving it the lowest and highest sample rate of the 3 it operates the same as the other two my only complaint is the I/O mono input and I wish it had 8 outs

[@nochattermoneymatter]

I needed to hear this

[@freeplaysamples]

Glad this could be of value to you. 💯🙏🏽

[@eddieleonard6925]

Always appreciate real talk like this. I'm glad you acknowledged that there's no wrong way to do it -- as long as you put in the time and master your craft.

[@freeplaysamples]

Thanks for rocking with me; hope you’re finding your way back after the situation you went through. But yes, no wrong way as long as we’re creating and putting in that time. Nothing beats that for sure. Peace! 💯🫡

[@bonafidebeatz20]

Dope video bro - this is exactly how I got into old gear. Started out on a daw years ago, and was introduced to an mpc at like 15 years old, but couldn’t afford it lol. Needless to say I went down a rabbit hole ever since then. There’s definitely more creativity and a sense of freedom - working on analog gear vs being tethered to a laptop How you liking that tube tech compressor? Heard so many good reviews about it 🤔

[@freeplaysamples]

Facts bro, I was actually introduced to the MPC when I was 10 years old; a substitute teacher in grade school here in Queens brought one in for music class (it was a white dude with an MPC 60ii lol). Been dreaming of owning one since I put my hands on it then. It’s definitely a more creative way of making music and I recommend to any serious hobbyist and musician. As long as you know that this route can sometimes be a bumpy one with costs and repairs etc. The tube tech is amazing; I wouldn’t be able to record vocals or bass guitar without it. It’s one of those things that you can’t “unhear” once you use it. Vocal recording is one of the things I’m sought after and being a recording artist myself it’s definitely a staple for my sound. Also, paired with a 1073 style preamp of course. 🙏🏽

[@bonafidebeatz20]

@@freeplaysamples word word! That 1073 style preamp is also on my bucket list! 💯

[@freeplaysamples]

Can’t go wrong with that; it works on so many sources. I have a BAE. The heritage audio ones are really good as well as the Neve reissues. Those are the only ones I’ve really heard personally. Also, vintech if they’re still being made or you can find them. You’ll love it once you get it. 💯🫡

[@rnmultimedia7162]

Ive always been what id consider a hobbyist- making beats since 1999 - started on an Old Zoom ST-224 (poor man’s SP-1200) - making a few beats a day - i never really had alot of connections with aspiring artists - a few local friends and stuff … in 2003 i got 2000XL and its been my weapon of choice since…. Im now trying to find a better and faster way to create beats to get placements and work with other artists… i know the new age is here so i appreciate you breaking the DAWs down - i wish i watched a video like this before the pandemic- when in an effort to get back into making music - i bought a bunch of gear compressors, MPC 3000, Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK mixer and DP24 - just to now need to get rid if some or all of it - And get a Mac Studio or Macbook Pro… i would definitely like to collab with someone whos been in the industry - thanks for posting!

[@freeplaysamples]

Thanks for rocking with me 💯❤️‍🔥 I would try to hold onto any vintage sampler or equipment if possible. I downsized myself and got rid of things that were redundant or easy to buy again if I missed it or needed it. As everyone knows by now, vintage AKAI or Ensoniq and other coveted samplers will just continue to increase in value. Having a laptop in today’s day and age and if collaboration in person is important to you can be very useful. I went with an M1 Pro and have been very happy. Find a DAW that you connect with and dig in. It’s fairly easy to learn a daw with KZbin tutorials and just exploring it. I’m currently uploading a video of how I create inside of FL studio. Should be up in a few hours. Thanks again and good luck on your journey 🫡💯❤️‍🔥

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I have practically the same set up as you, even the Zoom and the XL. I got the DP32 though. Having the different options and setting what you are going to do with each of them to create your art is a luxury many who love to have. I recently got a 2022 Mac Book Pro and upgraded my Logic Pro and upgraded my microphone. My point is that you should keep your outboard gear as you have some amazing things there, and get the computer and DAW of your choice, then record through your 22 MTK to individual channels in your DAW. That board can sound amazing. I've not used the DP32 for a while but you have your set up there and you have a choice of how you are going to work with what you already have. Make the most of it and enjoy it.

[@EvLoutonian]

Solid advice

[@freeplaysamples]

Glad it was helpful. Appreciate you vibing with the channel 💯🫡

[@Schemez-16vhiphopbeatz]

The biggest thing is to just use what u got and master what u have till u find a limitation no one bit of hardwear is perfect

[@freeplaysamples]

Couldn’t have said it any better 💯 thanks for tuning in!

[@monkeyflava1436]

Nice content bro i really appreciate it , new suscriber and waiting for more, ty👍

[@freeplaysamples]

Thanks for the sub! Appreciate you and look forward to be of value 🙏🏽🫡💯

[@chadpescod-realtor3308]

I like us8ng a 12 bit sampler to sample into then bounce into my mpc live. Best of both.

[@freeplaysamples]

Hybrid set up; can’t beat that. Thanks for rocking with me! ❤️‍🔥💯🙏🏽

[@marsjptr]

I’d be interested to see you do a video on recording beats out from the MPC. I’ve taken whole days to do it track by track from just the stereo outs, 2 mono tracks at a time assigned to left and right, writing notes and crossing off tracks as I go. I guess I could have just done a stereo MPC mix but I wanted the options of my DAW to mix. I haven’t seen a video like that on KZbin. Also, arranging on SONG mode. I feel like a lot of beat makers on hardware make a bunch of cool loops but then realize they have to learn song arrangement to bring it to the next level working with vocalists or just to have some dynamics to keep their tracks exciting. Just some ideas, I’m excited to find your channel as an MPC guy!

[@freeplaysamples]

I may do something like this soon as I recently did track out a record I did completely in the 2000XL using song mode and multiple sequences. I love arranging on the XL and do more than just loops on it. On the channel what I've shared so far are some sketches I've done exclusively to post on here. My album work and instrumentals are way more thought out and can take many days, months and years to come into its final form. Tracking out these more complex arrangement I use the XL slaved to Ableton via MIDI using an MIO midi interface (about $37) and setting up the XL as an external instrument in Ableton. Usually my first sequence will be a HiHat, snare or kick with a sharp transient and then I let the MPC run through the sequences in song mode. My final sequence is usually all my tracks and I will track mute each element to also have those in the DAW. Let me know if this explanation helped; but, I will work on a video next time I track out a record this way as I don't save anything on my samplers anymore. I track out and save on an external SSD and in the DAW as a project. Thanks for joining the community and hope to keep adding value. 💯🙏🏽❤️‍🔥🫡

[@marsjptr]

@@freeplaysamples no doubt. I have a similar process down doing MIDI & Audio into Logic through my MOTU Traveler interface. I can definitely relate to taking days, weeks etc. to build a track as I often work with players to add instruments later. I find it interesting that you don’t save to a memory card on the sampler. I had a long period with no DAW, just an MPC and also using the MPC for live stage performance so I relied on memory cards but bouncing the beat out immediately makes total sense if you’re moving the process to finalizing in your DAW asap. I’d just be worried that the power might go out or something and I’d have to start the beat all over if I didn’t save to a card on a regular basis. I just wanted to suggest that because over many years of peeping MPC stuff on KZbin I don’t think I’ve seen any on tracking out. Arrangement isn’t discussed much either, it seems. Thanks for building on the topic & starting to share this perspective, I heavily relate to your approach.

[@freeplaysamples]

You’re welcome; I’m happy to see that my videos are adding value to other members of the community. I’ll definitely work on a video on arranging on the MPC and how I track out into my DAW. I have some programs saved on my MPC it has a compact flash reader in there that I use to store some drum programs and I have a some samples on there as well. I tend not to save my songs on it or longer samples as I’m usually tracking that out immediately once I feel I have something I’m grooving to. Sometimes I’ve just turned them off after working on them all day in order to practice “detachment”. I’m less paranoid these days about losing songs or ideas. If it’s meant to be it will be. 😅

[@MikeStoan]

I loved both of these machines.

[@freeplaysamples]

truly legendary; what's not to love about these amazing samplers? thanks for tuning in! 💯❤️‍🔥🙏🏽

[@CORLEYKG5000]

Im stuck on the mpc 2500 with JJos🔥

[@kamikaze6295]

Most underrate Gear imho🤯 the mpc 1000 with JJos iz a Beast too. The Large Professor still work with it.The mpc 2000 is a legend, there is something magical about it❤

[@freeplaysamples]

word I had a 2500 with JJOS and couldn't stand the sound of the jog wheel compared to the XL (very weird I know). Anyway I ended up selling it to Chuck Strangers and he's been making heat with it ever since. Seeing Q-Tip and Alchemist on the 2500 always makes me want one again. Thanks for tuning in 💯🫡

[@freeplaysamples]

That 2000 workflow and the way the screen looks is so legendary; also the muscle memory you build with it is unmatched. No need for software or firmware updates. It just works. I had a 1000 also with JJOS for a bit but, could get used to the blue color and always wanted a black one. I ended up selling it to fund a 2500 as I really liked the jjos and was going to commit to it being my "upgrade" from the XL. I ended up selling to my 2500 and came back to the XL. The XL is just made for me and the way I think/work. Thanks for sharing 💯❤️‍🔥

[@kamikaze6295]

​@@freeplaysamples I feel it! the sound of the Akai mpc 2000xl is warmer and more powerful. Sure, the workflow of the newer mpcs is faster, but as a beatmaker or producer it's ultimately about sound.Once you understand that, you don't take shortcuts but look at the result. Of course if you take making music seriously.Does what I write make sense?🤪 

[@freeplaysamples]

For sure; it makes perfect sense. Once you find the process that gives you the result of what you been hearing in your head and searching for all this time, then you stick with it and put in the time. Fast food is usually never better than a carefully cooked meal made with love and intention. PEACE 💎🫡🙏🏽@@kamikaze6295

[@RicochetRockNice]

Basically it’s time consuming but it’s time well spent in my honest opinion you have to have the patience for this. Tact switches pad censors screens are a part of the process a computer 🖥️ is the brain which I feel is very useful in the final stages as well in the pre production mix process as well. As Producers we are all wired differently but our end result is what really matters and I’m a stickler for quality.

[@freeplaysamples]

Very true! I got my 2kXL for "free" but have invested hundreds into bringing it back to its full potential. Just got the Variation Slider in the mail and might do a video on the install this weekend. The quality, if you know how to bring it out of the machine, is what we're after by still using this dated tech. Thanks for your input Chief! 🫡🙏🏽💯

[@AlexAhchw]

Yao, dope! Miss the XL. My brother had one remember tryin to put beats together when i was 9... Worked over 10 years with a 500 and that little dude was so much fun to work with. Just got a mpc1000 some weeks ago fresh outta service with pad and cover upgrade and after a view days with jjos2xl, was able to make a beat after beat in minutes! Those things are a blessing! May u can help? Need an analog mixer for the 6 outs on the 1000, microkorg, mic and vestax pmc06 with turntables. Any recommends? Not sure about a tascam or meckie.. give thanx for any advise! Respect from Austria 🔥🤙

[@freeplaysamples]

Peace and thanks for checking out the channel. You got started early on the MP that’s a blessing. I used a 1000 and 2500 with jjos for about a summer but couldn’t connect with certain things on the hardware for both and ended up selling and just keeping the 2kXL. I feel like every user has a machine that matches their workflow and the way they create. Maybe the 1000 was meant for you and that’s awesome. I’m probably not the best person to ask since I normally do my mixing inside the samplers and then try to track into a DAW as soon as I have a solid idea going. I hear the older Mackies are good and some have mentioned good things about the newer tascams but, do your research and maybe ask some other users on channels that show these units in use and have had them for a while (over a year should be a good time frame) to see if they’ve faced any issues. Obviously buying new can give you the peace of mind of a warranty etc. hope that helps and keep creating!💯❤️‍🔥

[@AlexAhchw]

@@freeplaysamples give thanks for taking the time to reply! Yeah See what you mean, the 1000 makes it sometimes even harder to choose Samples. Still its so much fun Just make a Loop and scratch over it... What i'm tyring to do is mix inside the 1000 as much as it can Take and thats pretty clean already (with 2xl) send all the Tracks to a separate channel, do more work on the mixer and then send it to a Sony WM-d6c Walkman on Tape. I'm not trying to get somewhere, Just for the Underground that raised me! Great Channel, thank you for content!

[@oneofus1210]

I just made a beat on the Asr and had to use 6 floppies to save it. Its a pain and I know there are better ways to save now, but I’ll never stop using these old samplers. They have a certain sound that can’t be reproduced with any computer or plug-in.

[@freeplaysamples]

FACTS! and remember anytime you feel that pain that nothing worth having comes easy. Keep creating! 🫡🙏🏽❤️‍🔥

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

The ASR-10 is always worth it, the hipsters go for the rack because "maxed out", but the keyboard is where it's @, beautiful machine - the limitations, feel of the keys, angle of the buttons, the sequencer, workflow make the Keyboard ASR-10 God like.

[@freeplaysamples]

Truly a classic board for sure 💯 thanks for vibing with me ❤️‍🔥

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I don't like working in software alone. I'd still need a controller for it. I prefer working with the stems from my outboard gear. I always record it to Logic in stems and I can take it to another studio to mix it there so I don't need to bring the machine with me. That's what we used to do back in the days. Record to two inch tape then take the tape to another studio to mix down to DAT. Take the DAT to the mastering studio and get the dub plate made that will be used to make the stamper. Taking a laptop is much easier than taking boxes of two inch tapes, especially on planes.

[@freeplaysamples]

Wow, this is legendary. I never really got the opportunity to track to tape although I was mentored and trained on how to use a Studer. Also, never got to use DAT. I also usually work with stems once I have my ideas ironed out on the samplers. Thanks for your knowledge 🙏🏽🫡

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@freeplaysamples I had to buy another DAT machine as I have so much work on DAT from the nineties that needed mastering. I still haven't done all of them yet but I've released albums and also work from many of my dearly departed friends who I worked with at the time. I nearly bought the tape machine that my old record company was selling a few years ago. I regret not getting it now as those things are tanks. Once you have them serviced and up and running they can run for years. When I left that label ADAT had just started to become popular but two inch tape was the industry standard so ADAT was looked down on. I produced a string of hits on ADAT at my original producer's studio, but if I was recording abroad I would take two inch tapes as up until the end of the nineties it was still the industry standard in studios in the US and Jamaica.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@freeplaysamples I wouldn't build beats away from my studio. I have portable options but I wouldn't use them for pro beats that I'm selling to a producer/artist. I will take a mobile set up to voice artists or record or sample instruments. For creating beats and if I am going to mix the track then that's got to be done at my studio.

[@216Numbskull]

No bout a doubt it my friend, preach! Having owned many various keyboard workstations & synths for over 40 years now including the 2 you're talking about right here. It's sound advice you're giving to up coming musicians & producers to pay attention too who wanna get in the game of Hip-Hop! Especially, someone who's intrigued on buying a keyboard like the "Ensoniq ASR-10." You have to be patient & in it to win it & put in the work sitting down for hours on end to figure out all the tricks the ASR-10 can do. Otherwise you're fooling yourself thinking you're just gonna create dope beats like Kanye, RZA or Timbo as easy as they do, cuz it's not happenin'. The ASR is not only a tricky board to get around on to figure out all the functions it has to offer. It's also very temperamental you need to keep in peak performance in order to avoid overheating & glitches. Don't get it twisted the ASR-10 is one of the best keyboards I've own & one of the main boards I still use in the lab all the time to create samples & beats on. Just backing up a few points you made & stress to others who are interested in picking up an Ensoniq ASR-10. If you really wanna understand how the ASR works you can't just talk the talk, you've gotta walk the walk to get there. So know where you stand that fits your needs the best to create cool energy vibes to share with the world to enjoy the music! Sorry to rant, thought I'd give a little insight to others who wanna kick out the jams! 🤔 ++Peace, Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Souls My Friends++ 🤘😜🤘

[@freeplaysamples]

You speak only facts my King; I was very frustrated the first couple of months trying to learn this ASR from the manual and whatever I can translate based on the few videos I saw and post on forums. The time dedicated to these samplers definitely makes you earn and appreciate all the producers that cut their teeth on these and came before. Blessings and thanks for rocking with me. Appreciate you! 🫡💯❤️‍🔥

[@216Numbskull]

@@freeplaysamples No doubt B, I get it & feel your pain of frustration having a love/hate relationship with the ASR-10 myself back in the day. Other than the limited knowledge the dude in the keyboard dept @GC had to give me on the ASR-10. I learned the hard way by trial & error with only having the big Ensoniq manual inside the box. As advanced the Ensoniq team made in techn with the ASR-10 keyboard back then, there tech support dept was terrible & almost non-existent for the most part. So, learning how to max out the board & the best gear to buy in addition to get peak performance out of the ASR-10 was a learning experience itself. Still glad you dig one of the coolest set of key's ever made IMO & good to have you on board (pun intended). 🤣😜😂 Blah,ha!! Hit me up if you ever get stuck like Chuck & can't find an answer to something in particular related to the ASR-10, my dude. I don't claim to be a keyboard/synth guru or know everything about everything. But if there's anything I can do to help answer or fix a problem you & other's are having I'm all ears & happy to help pay it forward, cuz that's what it's all about, ya dig? Other than that keep on, keeping on doing your thing & keep it a buck! 🤘😉🤘 +Peace, Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friend & All That Jazz In Hip-Hop Too!+

[@marsjptr]

I used to run around Brooklyn & all over the Northeast with my MPC 2000XL in a backpack. I definitely fucked it up being a madman doing shows with it and treating it like it was an SP404. It is a tank tho but I should’ve kept it in the lab or at least in the custom case in a car.

[@freeplaysamples]

That’s some dedication right there. How did the 2000XL take that kind of grind? Do you still have it with you? I had a duffle I use to use to carry my XL when I first got it but after a while decided against moving it around so much. I bought a 1000 to use for travel and work outside the studio but ended up selling it as i kept coming back to the XL. Thanks for sharing on the channel. 🫡💯

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

You should have got a flight case for it. I know musicians who take their 3000 to studios around the world to this day. Hell no I'm not doing that with mine as it stays in my studio one but a flight case is a necessary investment if you are a professional going with your 2000XL from studio to studio.

[@marsjptr]

@@freeplaysamples it took the beating well for years - the Q-Link slider went first from the backpack. I took it in an old school suitcase with an SD card in and it messed up the SD slot so it couldn’t save anymore, had to use CF after that, I could still finesse it so old beats loaded from SD. Busted my ass skateboarding in the rain with it on my back in a camping backpack and that banged up the body and screen…like I said, I was running around like a mad man. At this point the screens a little messed up and the outputs have a small buzz sound but thankfully I can load all the old beats on my MPC Live now. Maybe I’ll rebuild it someday.

[@marsjptr]

@@freeplaysamples this is the blue MCD version btw. The jog wheel was loose when I got it and I decided to superglue it to the potentiometer - bad move, I had to finesse it into a precise spot to even use it so I learned to type in the numbers when chopping and just used workarounds. I think the only time I really needed the jog wheel was to set the MIDI Sync and maybe switch samples to mono/poly. The tediousness of the process frustrated me so I kept a spliff to smooth out the sharp edges of old, broken technology.

[@marsjptr]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudio yeah, I actually bought it in like new condition with a custom flight case but my transient lifestyle inspired me to just toss it in a backpack. I was too outside, too wild and restless in my younger years.

[@rowhellyo]

Have you ever used the 2000xl just to beef up digital drums? I'm worried about the workflow but using it just as and I/O for beefing up drums seems like it could be the move.

[@freeplaysamples]

I have and often do use both the 2000xl and ASR to run digital samples and use effects or change the sonics. I have noticed that sampling into both does change the transient behavior on claps and snares. May be doing a video showing how these samplers change the sound of drums. Sometimes it’s what you’re looking for but other times it changes the sound very drastically. Thanks for tuning in! 🙏🏽

[@rowhellyo]

@@freeplaysamples Thanks for responding! Keep up the good content and thanks for the info!

[@kidkeitel]

Word. I cut my teeth on the asr10. Before youtube tutorials, we had the covert vhs videos with the cheesy dude in the hawaiin shirt doing tutorials. I could never replicate its workflow but i gotta say closest ive got was with ableton and a novation launchkey. Session view with 8 tracks lined up, 8 track buttons corresponding with the track, almost gave me the illusion of using the asr. Then theres Maschine, which in my opinion, reminds me of ensoniq intuitiveness. Eps/asr is the the original Maachine FOR THAT ERA. Brilliant button place and design which leads to Muscle Memory. I never got that from any MPC, foe that reason, i could never get as open on them as I do on the ASR. They keep changing the firmware of the new mp's , muscle memory constantly being interrupted. And dont get me started on the stability. Peace!

[@kidkeitel]

Also, the KO 2 is dope. Immediacy is important and it sonically sounds better then the new mpcs. Which is crazy to me. Even the small Po-33 is dope. Its the Eps classic of the PO family, while the KO2 is the ASR. Clean and intuitive. Dont sleep.

[@kidkeitel]

Almost forgot, Logic Pro quick sampler with the recorder feature ans drum maschine designer really simplifies the workflow and makes it more beat maachine and less DAW with the convenience of not having to bounce shit out.

[@freeplaysamples]

The loop modes in the ableton sampler remind me a lot of the ASR but as far as workflow, what you described could come close I guess. I really don’t know why someone doesn’t take on the task of recreating the board with its workflow and sonics. I know Ensoniq went bankrupt/got bought out but always wondered why no one gave it a replica love like they did the MP’s and the SP. maybe one day 🤔 I could never get used to Maschine because my MK1 controller stopped working and I lost respect for native instruments back then. Haven’t even touched any of the new MPC. I saw an MPC one at guitar center and the pads seem tiny compared to my 2kXL.

[@freeplaysamples]

Yo thanks for sharing this. I always was impressed with the drum sounds coming out of my Rick and Morty pocket operator. The drums hit. I could imagine the KO2 bumps too. It’s the only recent release that has got me curious to purchase. That and the sp404mk2. The fadergate scandal scared me off with the KO2 but might have to give it a shot down the road when I see better feedback about the quality.

[@freeplaysamples]

Bet, I use to use logic 9 but got turned off when they switch the UI to GarageBand type. I might have to give them a glance although I’m less likely to experiment with different DAWs. I use ableton when working with outboard samplers and FLstudio when trying to make something quick. pro tools for vocal tracking and mixing; although I’ve been getting good results in ableton lately. 🫡🙏🏽

[@tonyg1997]

Well said 🫡

[@freeplaysamples]

Appreciate you boss! 💯💯🫡🫡

[@Schemez-16vhiphopbeatz]

If I had the money I'd been using vintage equipment I'm a modern moc user among other things but that vintage mpc and sp1200 sound can't be replicated u can come close but it's having to use lots of plug ins ect

[@freeplaysamples]

As long as you’re getting your art out the way you envision it; the gear is just the paint brush 🙏🏽

[@dwaynemusik]

The ARS 10 sounds amazing

[@freeplaysamples]

It is a great sounding sampler for sure. Thanks for checking in 💯🙏🏽🫡

[@tohuxtable]

metal gear baby. heavy as hell.

[@freeplaysamples]

Tanks! 🫡

[@willivey1601]

How do I get started into selling beats?

[@freeplaysamples]

Thanks for tuning in 💯 I’ll be dropping a video discussing this soon 🤞🏽🫡

[@freeplaysamples]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXbGfmt8gdB6l6ssi=GmK8JfkFQDmn29L3

[@beataddiktgodd]

In my honest opinion, Hip Hop is being stripped from its original form. When one uses vintage gear, the ORIGINAL form of HIP HOP is being preserved. Most youth today lack the true knowledge of HIP HOP and have know desire to maintain its original essence. You can’t blame them, for it is not their fault. In addition, the divide and conquer theory came and separated the elders. The ones who took the bag said nothing and the majority of the ones who didn’t take the bag said anything either. Finally, continue to build my young hipsters and by using these vintage devices, will most definitely preserve this beautiful and amazing CULTURE, called HIP HOP… Peace, Supreme Life Allah

[@freeplaysamples]

Peace God, your opinion and input is highly appreciated. Thank you for sharing those words and knowledge. The aim is to carry the torch and bring the culture back to its original essence; while guiding and educating in the right direction and spirit. 🙏🏽💯🫡

[@smiauu]

I dont agree that using vintage gear makes it any more "real hip hop". what im more concerned is sampling from youtube and death of crate digging. even those that stick to sampling vinyl buy their overprized and already filtered shit from recordstores, never laying their hands on thriftstore dollar bins

[@freeplaysamples]

⁠the music comes from within and definitely using the gear can lead more in the direction of how things have been traditionally approached and imprint an iconic sound. Vinyl is extremely expensive and hard to find good records. I’ve definitely came across gems in dollar bins but the condition sometimes is questionable. Also hit goodwill a few times. I was blessed a couple of years ago when someone’s family member passed away and they knew my passion for music and gifted me their collection. This had many classic Latin and funk and soul albums that I would have never been able to afford if I bought them today. Thanks for rocking with me and sharing your thoughts! 🫡💯❤️‍🔥

[@auralplex]

People used what they had access to. People today use what they have access to. Hip hop purists are lame.

[@user-vg5rv5xf4u]

Bought 2 maxed out S950's for 100 bucks back in the day ...Sold 1 recently for 1500,Keeping the other.

[@freeplaysamples]

Probably won’t see a moment like that again; that’s a crazy come up. I would’ve probably sold the extra one too. Never tried the AKAI rack samplers but, always been curious. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate you 💯🫡

[@rawedginnah]

🔥💯😎👍🏾

[@freeplaysamples]

💯🫡

[@adiblasi]

Hey Freeplay - I sent you an email with a pic of the studio. - Alfred

[@freeplaysamples]

Amazing space brother! 🙏🏽

[@skoolhitdabutton]

Mudock Ave !

[@freeplaysamples]

QGTM 🙌🏽🫡

[@leodevine7178]

Vintage samplers take too long. I’ve been using them for years. Now they collect dust. I only use my mpc live. Ill never sell my asr or sp1200 tho

[@freeplaysamples]

Gotta be at zen level mastery to move on those for sure. But for certain projects there is beauty and worth it to bring out the legends. 🤞🏽🫡 thanks for rocking with me 💯

[@leodevine7178]

Yea man it’s all about time for me now but when I retire, I’ll go back to the vintage shit and put out just straight vintage albums

[@slice307]

Yes but the best of us métro boomin use MPC 2kxl .

[@freeplaysamples]

Thanks for tuning in. Metro rocks the 2kXL heavy lately for sure 💯🫡

[@slice307]

@@freeplaysamples i think that today with all the soulless beats that are similar, it would be much easier to do it with an MPC than FL

[@freeplaysamples]

@@slice307 easy is subjective; could be easier once you learn the MPC ecosystem but, a lot of people grow up using computers so going to a DAW seems more "natural". peace!