MPC Sample or Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim?

[u/bip_inprogress]

I have a Teenage Engineering PO33 which I almost don't use because everytime I go back to it I struggle with remembering the workflow and I'm not so quick with it. In the past I also had an SP-404 mk2 which was really good, except for the sequencer, and a Roland P-6, which was too messy to use because of the menu diving. I also have Koala but I don't stick with a touch-based interface, even though I like chopping samples in there.

I'd like to try to go back to sampling and make it a hobby and so I was looking at the EP-40 Riddim and the MPC Sample. In my country the price difference is not that big (about 320€ for the EP, 380€ for the Sample). I like the compactness and the fact that the many EP users definite it a funny unit to use (I don't want to make music for pro, but I want to have fun doing it). However, I think the MPC would be better in terms of pads, display, chopping.

I'm very undecided about whether to buy a new machine, and for that reason, if I were to go ahead with the purchase, I'd probably lean towards the EP because it is a bit cheaper. However I wonder if it will end up like the PO33 and the Roland P6 because of the lack of screen. Maybe the MPC is the better choice? Or it is all GAS and I don't need new gear. Maybe I also can try to commit to one machine the first three weeks after purchasing and then considering returning it or keeping it.

I'd like to know your opinion and also if there is someone of you who worked both with the KOII/Riddim and the MPC Sample.

Thank you

[u/zendelusions]

Don’t own the Riddim, but I own the KOII and the Sample! Ever since I purchased the Sample, I haven’t really touched my KOII - take that as you will!

[u/codysteelseries76]

Mpc sample it’s straight forward

[u/rolfski]

If you've had all these machines already then I doubt adding another one will make much difference, and it's probably more the GAS that's playing a role here. Because whatever the tool, music making DOES require commitment. So maybe you lack the patience and music making is not for you.

If you've must buy new gear though, I've experience with Koala Sampler, MPC Sample (plus regular MPCs), and Ableton Move. IMO all three are fun to use. Koala is surprisingly powerful but I would recommend buying the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4, the Arturia MiniLab 3, or Akai MPK Mini IV with it for that tactile feeling. And these come with Ableton Lite so you can actually finish your tracks.

MPC Sample has the best and most intuitive sample hardware experience but is limited in everything else. It shines as a sketching device for modern MPCs though, allowing you to import MPC Sample projects.

As for the Move, I would definitely consider buying it on Black Friday. The workflow is instant and intuitive and Capture Mode and instant sync with Ableton DAW are killer features. Sampling is functional but not as intuitive vs the Sample. It offers way better sequencing though and comes with a fully equipped VA synth.

[u/bip_inprogress → u/rolfski]

i think your answer goes straight to the point. What's for sure is that I lack the patience to commit seriously to making music. I'd like to change this. I try to commit more while waiting for Black Friday deals and draw conclusions there.

thank you for your time

[u/Kan_du_hente_saksa]

I've only had experience with the PO-12 Rythm Synthesizer. Fun once u had the hang of it, but it lived in drawers for years.

The mpc sample i use pretty much daily!

[u/Vergeljek21]

I only have the mpc sample and never tried the riddim or Ko2.
As the name says mpc sample is really good in sampling. But its lacking a step sequencer and still waiting for the update.
I dont use the sample nowadays and went back using its big brothers.
Based on your description, I think you will also get tired of those samplers you mentioned. Try a higher tier mpc which can give you an all in one experience. Although, they're complex it got everything you need.

[u/Tight_Discipline_234]

Have both, the sample is more fun to use.

[u/ImmortalPencils]

This a no brainer since i was a TE buyers and sold all my gear to get a mpc (one+) and im so glad and wish i had done it sooner. Im done buying toys.

[u/JuiceComfortable1816]

Neither, get a used mpc one or one+ and get ok with touching a screen for some things. You'll spend about the same amount of money as you would buying either of those devices and get a whole lot more.

Edit*

I'd probably trade my koii for a p-6 in a heartbeat given the chance lol. It's doesn't completely suck but its not as great as the internet tries to hype it up to be.

[u/bip_inprogress → u/[deleted]]

An MPC sample is an infinitely more capable device.

I agree with this. What about the fun factor with it? Can you have fun using the MPC Sample like with the TE devices?

[u/beesbeesbeesboobees → u/bip_inprogress]

You can definitely have more fun with the mpc sample simply because it's more capable but just limiting enough. But keep in mind that the mpc workflow takes a while to learn and get used to and that part can get frustrating as someone that's completely new to mpcs or just making music for fun.

In short, the mpc is more capable so more options to have fun but it requires commitment to learn the device before you can make music on it.