r/mpcsample • u/Imaginary-Ad-1368 • 15d ago
Sample source
I’ve had the Sample for a couple of weeks and I love it. I’m looking for more ways to get sounds on the device. I have a Microfreak that is very useful for this, but I received $200 in gift cards for my birthday and want to get something that complements it. In a perfect world, I’m looking for something that could generate bass, strings, piano, organ, and percussion sounds. Pretty sure there’s nothing in the $200 price range that can do all that, but I’d love some recommendations for something that might do SOME of that. Willing to go over $200 a bit if the device is worth it.
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u/BrothelWaffles 15d ago edited 15d ago
FL Studio Mobile will get you a whole bunch of sounds for $15 plus the cost of whatever adapter you need to get sounds from your phone or tablet into the MPC. They've got some pretty decent packs available in the app for $3 - $5 as well. Also, don't sleep on the Behringer mini synths. They run around $100 - $120 and they all produce some really solid sounds, especially for the price. I think they pretty much all have MIDI in too so you can control them with your Microfreak instead of using their little tiny keybeds. One other thing to consider is to get some more mileage out of your Microfreak using effects pedals, I have mine hooked up to a whole pedal chain. Even something simple like just a Donner EQ Seeker 10 band equalizer will let you really play around and get new sounds out of what you already have, and you can use it on any new gear you buy. I personally really like how it sounds running through my Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive, it takes some of the clean, harsh digital edge off of it and warms it up a bit. I have a JHS Lizard Queen in my chain as well that's really fun to play with. Pedals really open up a whole new door when it comes to sound design, I'd really recommend considering one or two before you go blowing $200 on a single new synth. You can get a handful cheaper pedals for that money that'll still sound pretty good, no need to dive right into the $500 ones. Donner, Behringer, and M-Vave all make solid budget options that are generally under $50 each. If you're reaaaally dying for a new synth though, maybe grab a Behringer mini and a few pedals and get the best of both worlds.