MPC?

[dorfmeister]

Ok so I was looking at the Korg ESX-1 but then I saw that MPC500's can be had for less than $400 used. Got me thinking that this might be a better sampling solution....though I really like the step sequencer on the ESX-1.....so then I also noticed that used MPC1000's are not wildly expensive....so what do y'all think on this subject....worth getting? I am trying to get to the point of a fast workflow without ever using a computer. guitar, effects, amp, mpc or esx-1, mic for vocals, zoom hd8. A computer free demo factory!

[maxwellravitz]

I'm not a huge fan of the MPC 500, but I've been using an MPC 1000 for about 9 or 10 years. I think if you're aiming for a computerless studio, the MPC is far better suited to the task than the korg. Plus, in terms of the 1000, if you replaced Akai's OS with JJOS 2xl you can step program within the MPC. Also, If you don't mind a lack of USB/Flash memory, the MPC 60(ii),3000, and 2000XL are all far superior to the modern units, both in terms of build quality and audio (there's something about the 12 bit sound on the 60, 60ii, and 3000 that is incredible) <-- Any diehard MPC fan will agree with this statement. At the end of the day, however, given your specific question, my vote would go to the 1000. Let me know if you have any questions.

[dorfmeister]

I'm not a huge fan of the MPC 500, but I've been using an MPC 1000 for about 9 or 10 years. I think if you're aiming for a computerless studio, the MPC is far better suited to the task than the korg. Plus, in terms of the 1000, if you replaced Akai's OS with JJOS 2xl you can step program within the MPC. Also, If you don't mind a lack of USB/Flash memory, the MPC 60(ii),3000, and 2000XL are all far superior to the modern units, both in terms of build quality and audio (there's something about the 12 bit sound on the 60, 60ii, and 3000 that is incredible) <-- Any diehard MPC fan will agree with this statement. At the end of the day, however, given your specific question, my vote would go to the 1000. Let me know if you have any questions.

I'm finding some of the blue MPC1000's going used on the Guitar Center used site for $350! That seems like one hell of a deal.

[sonidero]

The MPC would probably be better for you I agree... I have found a couple of things with the MPC as opposed to Roland type samplers... The MPC won't do real long samples that you can play by pushing the pad... The sample engine of the MPC wants everything to be used in a sequence, whereas the Roland samplers don't care... I.E. on a Roland sampler you can record a long sample and then just assign it to loop no a pad... I can find no way to do this with any MPC (JJOS or not)... I hope someone can prove me wrong though... I think the MPC are really great beat and sequence samplers and the Rolands are good for atmospheric and efx type soundscapes... MPC can and should be the center of your studio for sequencing (Midi Production Center)... Just look around at some demos and ignore all the hip-hop pad banging vids, the MPC can do so much more...

[dorfmeister]

Thanks for the info, dudes. Any thoughts on the pad issues some have had with the MPC1000? This seems like the only thing that might worry me about it, though it seems that it is probably not that tough to install new pads.

The JJ OS does appear to really significantly augment the 1000's capabilities.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

if u get one w/ the newer pad sensors u will be fine. they are similar to the old style sensors (its like a big sheet w/ black squares on it) and are much more reliable. i would try to steer clear of the old style pads. my friend had a whole row die on him over the years.

the JJ OS is amazing. makes u more flexible and creative. the 1000 + JJOS will do wonders for your workflow.

[dorfmeister]

Any thoughts on 2500 with JJ OS vs. 1000 with JJ OS?

[maxwellravitz]

First off, I'm not sure what you mean Sonidero, the MPC can play any length sample, as long as it doesn't exceed the memory capacity. If you wanted to, you could record a 10 minute sample (or around that length) and play it back without any sequencing. All you have to do is adjust the sample playback for the individual pad to either one shot, or note on. Then when you hit a pad, depending on the setting, it either plays the whole sample, or plays for as long as you hold the pad down. Either way, the MPC can do everything the Roland or Boss SP series can do, and then some.

Also, Dorfmeister, the blue MPC 1000's (this is the model I have) had a pad sensor problem which Akai resolved with the black re-issue. If you were to buy a used blue 1000 for 350 (that's a total steal), you can just buy a kit to replace the old pad sensors for around 100 dollars, which would make the 1000's pad sensors the same as all the older MPC's. (In order to cut costs on the initial release, Akai changed the 1000's pad sensors to individual sensors for each pad, as opposed to the typical set up of one large sensor divided for all 16 pads.) If you decide to head down that route, just PM me, and I can send you a link to buy the pad sensor upgrade.

In terms of JJOS on 1000 vs 2500, the improvements made to the 1000's operating system are much more substantial. The 2500 has more of JJOS's features integrated into the Akai OS, so the difference between the too isn't as great.

[sonidero]

First off, I'm not sure what you mean Sonidero, the MPC can play any length sample, as long as it doesn't exceed the memory capacity. If you wanted to, you could record a 10 minute sample (or around that length) and play it back without any sequencing. All you have to do is adjust the sample playback for the individual pad to either one shot, or note on. Then when you hit a pad, depending on the setting, it either plays the whole sample, or plays for as long as you hold the pad down.

Right but with Roland you can record let's say four samples and then push the hold button and play them without sequencing or holding down the button... They are two totally different kinds of samplers and I just wanted to throw out there that people need to think what they want a sampler to do or figure out how they will use it and go from there... I understand the length thing but they we're just built differently, no wrong or right just different types for different uses... I have never loaded a pre made sample from a library into any of my Roland cause they're not really for that kind of playing, whereas the MPC's almost make it seem that that's they're sole purpose... For hits and one shots or beats I'd go MPC, for atmosphere and background sounds go Roland... I've seen way to many people buy MPC's cause so and so uses it and they were never able to bang a beat like Boondoc and blamed the sampler... There are a lot out there for cheap cause people think it's the MPC that makes the music not the person... I'd say get a tape four track and go way off the computer...

[elbandito]

As far as pads are concerned, you can have them replaced singly, or you can get the 2000XXL pads fairly easily. I replaced the pads on mine with no troubles at all. Also, if you get the 1000, upgrade the memory to 128MB - another easy mod. And sometimes (with all MPC's) the underbuttons for the controls that are used the most might die. If you've got a soldering iron though, you're gold.

There's a reason the MPC has been around for 20+ years, man. It's a great instrument and easy to use.

Btw, if you're seriously considering buying an MPC1000, I listed mine in b/s/t last week. It has all the upgrades plus some spare parts. Best of luck!

[dorfmeister]

if u get one w/ the newer pad sensors u will be fine. they are similar to the old style sensors (its like a big sheet w/ black squares on it) and are much more reliable. i would try to steer clear of the old style pads. my friend had a whole row die on him over the years.

Are you talking just about the MPC 1000?....because I know the pads on thr blue MPC1000's are supposed to be less than good but I think that at least some of the black MPC 1000's have a redesigned set of sensors.

[tuffteef]

would love an mpc
seems like so much fun

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

if u get one w/ the newer pad sensors u will be fine. they are similar to the old style sensors (its like a big sheet w/ black squares on it) and are much more reliable. i would try to steer clear of the old style pads. my friend had a whole row die on him over the years.

Are you talking just about the MPC 1000?....because I know the pads on thr blue MPC1000's are supposed to be less than good but I think that at least some of the black MPC 1000's have a redesigned set of sensors.

yes just the older 1000's suffered from the faulty pads. the new pads are the same as in every other MPC.

if i remember correctly, i think *most* of the black ones have the new sensors, some of the earlier runs of them don't. if u are buying new, i wouldn't worry as they should have them installed. if buying used (which i would say is the way to go) most of the time ppl who have had the upgrade will tell you as its a big selling point w/ the 1000s

[dorfmeister]

I guess that would account for the older Blue MPC 1000's being only $350. I tried to find the pad upgrades but could only find it at one place, for $180, and they were out of stock.

http://www.mpcstuff.com/akai--mpc-1000- ... x-upg.html

I wonder if there is there is a place to find out at which # they upgraded to the new pads.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

yea possibly...i got my black one w/ new pads, HD, full ram for around 550. it was like brand new....i kinda like the optimus prime blue/red case tho....i even went as far as almost buying a blue case to switch it w/, but i bought wood sides instead


i did a search and the serial #'s might be in this thread? its 19 pages so i didnt search the whole thing..
http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=84272

or maybe shoot a msg to akai?