Akai MPC 2000 XL rant

[Amable]

I've been using Boss/ Roland music equipment from the get go. Their equipment is affordable, user friendly and full of effects. Like every other hip hop head, I felt like I HAD TO HAVE AN MPC, so I got one. As some of you may know, the MPC is a bit more complex than an SP 404. As a result, my MPC collected dust and I continued to work on the SP 404. This weekend,my friend showed me some basics on the MPC so I gave it another try. While I like the pads, the screen for editing, the 16 levels option and the sequencer, I can't help but notice how much faster it is to work on the SP 404. I'm a rookie so maybe some of you can give pointers.The combo of the SP and MPC seems like the route I will be going. I'm just looking to hear about your experiences and advice. Don't worry, the SP is DEFINITELY at the head of the table!

[nnato]

yeah i just got myself the 1k and i feel the same way. its a great tool, but the 404 is a lot quicker when it comes to switching around. but then again the 404 isnt as in depth a tool as the mpc. itll just take adjusting like any instrument

[E.Simon]

i use the K1, 404 combo, midi is your friend.

[ellaguru]

i felt like this with the mpc1000 at the beginning, but i didnt undestood its potential.
this machine is cool, not easy to work with in the beginning but after some effort gives to you good satisfaction. i have just the akai os.
good points
-16 levels
-mixer
-2fx simultaneously (not nice as the sp fx, but...)
-resample of the OUT
-the mute unmute thing: this is dope
-chop in 2 ways: as sp505-606 or "mathematically"

"shitty"points
-the load-save thing
-the record-listen thing
-the no lofi thing: until now i didnt find a way to sample or resample samples other than 32hz

[formal]

Ella, I think the MPCs sample only in 44.1khz (stereo or mono). If you sample in mono you can save space, but you won't get the gritty grime we all love. 32Khz would almost be gettin into the lofi range like the Sampletrak. The 224 can only sample in 32khz, but you can load 44.1 samples with the ZMF editor. If you were to use 44.1 on the sampletrak you'd just be wasting precious memory. What we really need is a sampler that can output in variable bit rates instead of frequencies. I'd love to have sampler I can pick 12bit/16bit and 44.1khz...... but then I guess that would be a computer....

[Dj_just_jeff]

Yo guys. I traded in my esx-1 and emx-1 for a 1k. So i sold my 1k. I used my sp-303 and 404 WAY more than the 1k. I recently purchased a mv-8800 and after figuring it out 80% i went back to my 404.

The 404 is so damn portable and quick on the functions. Don't get me wrong the mv is a beast but it is not portable and functions take some time. When you sample sounds you need to edit the sample, name it, and for god sakes don't forget to save it, then decide how to save it. then load it into a patch, then make a new instrument slot, Then load it play it and record it. Dont forget to save your song before you turn it off.
I have worked on songs, thought i saved it but did not and turned it off, poof 2 hrs of work gone.

the sp-series is just so fast and effective, also very intuitive.
Hope this helps.

[shmedy]

Yo guys. I traded in my esx-1 and emx-1 for a 1k. So i sold my 1k. I used my sp-303 and 404 WAY more than the 1k. I recently purchased a mv-8800 and after figuring it out 80% i went back to my 404.

The 404 is so damn portable and quick on the functions. Don't get me wrong the mv is a beast but it is not portable and functions take some time. When you sample sounds you need to edit the sample, name it, and for god sakes don't forget to save it, then decide how to save it. then load it into a patch, then make a new instrument slot, Then load it play it and record it. Dont forget to save your song before you turn it off.
I have worked on songs, thought i saved it but did not and turned it off, poof 2 hrs of work gone.

the sp-series is just so fast and effective, also very intuitive.
Hope this helps.

you said it. I love my MV but i couldnt do with out my SP. so glad i didnt sell it, almost did. SPs are the shit.

[Dj_just_jeff]

word shmedy!