Akai Mpc 1000

[Hollowcell]

Yeah, it can't be done.
It just means I had to modify the way I create programs a little. Not so much of a big deal.

I have read heaps about the JJOS now and as I am chopping in Recycle there isn't much I feel I miss - if I was using nothing other than the MPC that would change though. One thing that pissed me off about the Akai OS vs the JJ is the metronome volume can be adjusted in the JJ - I ended up just making a program for one so it's fine, but stupid oversight by Akai.

I guess the only complaints I have, is the fact that track mutes can't be recorded internally - pretty sure the 4000 can do this.
Lack of pad grouping, but it's a minor gripe.
The purging of any pads/samples not used in sequences.

All up, this has to be one of the most inspirational machines I have used for beats. So fast and just plain fun!

Some cool MPC vids on Youtube...
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=N9XQ3ldg3CE
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe7OfyHprUQ

[LivePsy]

You can record track mutes. I think you are just not playing them back. I'm on holidays and away from the gear, but I am sure in one of the window menus you can enable it. Record mutes in a track and check the event list, I am sure you find they are being recorded. I've not used it as I am just looping 2 bars and muting on the fly.

Heaps of fun for sure. Now I read those posts that "gear xxx can do anything an MPC can do", its funny because it might be possible to do it but its nowhere near as easy. And it doesn't sound the same: the slow attack, gritty sound and compressor/EQ on the end sounds much better. The only other gear I would say is also good is a Triton Extreme with the valve on the end. I've not used absolutly everything BTW, but I certainly know every workstation.

Cheers,
B

[Hollowcell]

Yeah you're right, there are track mute events there! They just won't play back though.
Nothing in the manual either - think this is due to track mute recording being available on only the latest 2.12 OS, and the manual is 2.0.

I have been doing the same thing (live jams with the pad mutes), but it's getting hard now as my number of tracks is going past the one bank of 16 stage. I could always record the mutes into cubase, but I really wanna see how far I can go without the DAW.

If you can shed some light on the track mute thing, or tell me if this is in the manual somewhere for the 2500, please let me know.

Yep, I have three other hardware samplers, and a drum trigger (HPD15), but the MPCs are built for natural flow, and you're right about the sound - serious bite which mainly comes from that EQ/Comp. I can get the same sound with the other gear, but no where near as quick and fun as this thing.

[LivePsy]

Yes, its hard to find in the manuals. Its in the appendum for V1.2 for the MPC2500 but I bet it works the same for you. On the main screen, move the cursor to the MUTE field and press the window button. If I'm right, you can then turn on "Use track mute events".

The MPC is the reason I have repurchased a bunch of midi cables and looking at a decent 8x8 midi patcher/mixer. After selling my A-880 patcher and throwing away midi cables 5 years ago, I am relying more on midi now than I planned

Cheers,
B

[Hollowcell]

Cool, I will give that a try. The window button is like pandora's box in many cases. Thanks for that.

I am going to give the MPC sequencer a try with my other sound makers.
But, my midi setup is already pretty nuts though - having the MPC as a host means that there'll be: 2 hardware sequencers and Cubase, 4 controllers, and 10 machines that will need to receive.... Just thinking about which will control which is a headfuck.
Maybe I'll just bash on those pads for a bit longer instead.

[Ibunshi]

i have the 4k.. used the 2kxl before that.. there is no other piece of gear i'd rather make beats on.. mpc's are just too much fun.. easy to use and rhythmically, you can program pretty much anything on it!! i can get very complex with the beat programming.. and i have never felt limited!

[Hollowcell]

Yep, have to say that this has been the best thing I have bought for ages.
I am even doing all my midi sequencing on the thing.