MPC controller help

[Reaper3Bravo]

Hey all. I work with serato DJ and a mixtrack pro2. Im looking to buy a midi controller so i can make my own beats. Iv been looking at the akai element which is a dedicated mpc and the mpd26 which is a pad controller? im confused as to what type of hardware would be best for me. I need to make and record beats. Ill be making trap and rap beats.
I like that the element comes with software. any software suggestions?

[VanGogo]

MPC Elements will be the least expensive way I can see to get a hardware & software beat making solution. The biggest limitation with Elements is you are limited to one track. Which isn't a huge problem for beat making. If you use it in a DAW you can just run multiple instances for more than one track.
The MPD is just a midi controller that you can map to software.

The next step up in price would be a Maschine Micro with software for $350.00

Hope that helps

[Reaper3Bravo]

does an mpd+software do what an mpc would.
more specifically i need to alter sounds to get them how i want them. dont both do the same thing

[Reaper3Bravo]

i mean i guess if im running elements from a daw its pretty much the same as using a mpd isnt it

[Reaper3Bravo]

im seeing what kids are doing with midi fighters and im wondering if ill have all the features ill need on one

[VanGogo]

i mean i guess if im running elements from a daw its pretty much the same as using a mpd isnt it

If you already have a DAW, a. MPD will do, or a Midi Fighter. You will just map them to the drum rack in your Daw. The Elements controller is already mapped to the elements software though and can be used as a stand alone beat making solution also.

[VanGogo]

does an mpd+software do what an mpc would.
more specifically i need to alter sounds to get them how i want them. dont both do the same thing

Yes. The Elements MPC controller + Elements software is generally speaking the same as an MPD mapped to a DAW or other Drum machine software.

[Reaper3Bravo]

I really like the concept of being able to remap the fighter with different maps. Plus im a sucker for flash lights. I need to research software. This has quickly went from a 150-200$ deal to a 3-400$ deal. if i buy the fighter ill have to wait to afford decent software. any opinions about the free or cheap routes in DAWs

[Reaper3Bravo]

im thinking traktor with a midi fighter setup

[VanGogo]

What software do you own already?

There was an article somewhere, maybe on the DJTT blog, about free DAWs, give it a Google.