Music Thing: Akai MPC-2500 Sampler

Each week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment:

This week, Akai announced the MPC-2500. If you've listened to the radio in the last decade, you've heard an MPC - the series of sampler/sequencer/drum machines used by pretty much every hip hop producer. Dr Dre has five MPC-3000s lined up in a row in his studio, because he doesn't like changing disks. DJ Shadow recorded 'Endtroducing' using just an MPC-60, a turntable and a multitrack.

Predictably, there's a thriving market in MPC customisation. Forat Electronics in Studio City will take your MPC-2000XL, replace the front panel with (in Kanye West's case) Louis Vuitton print, and add wooden side panels and hack the display.

The original MPC-60 (launched in 1988) was designed by Roger Linn. He was the creator of the Linn LM-1, the first programmable sampled drum machine. It cost $5,000 in 1979, and he only sold 500 of them, but every one seemed to end up on a hit record. Linn drums were the sound of mainstream pop all through the early �80s (think The Human League�s �Don�t You Love Me�), and sounded ironic by the time Prince used his LM-1 on �Kiss�.
 
Linn went bust, and ended up working for Akai, the Japanese company who produced the first affordable samplers. His MPC-60 was a perfect early-generation machine, like the first Palm Pilots, or Mac Classics. It had 12 seconds of crunchy-sounding 12-bit sampling, big touch-sensitive rubber pads, and a quantize (auto correct) function that sounded right. And it had a pimpin� leather wrist rest and wooden side panels.

After developing the MPC3000 (stereo and 16-bit), Roger Linn left Akai. He now runs his own company, producing the Adrenalinn guitar effects box. Akai have continued producing increasingly uninspired MPCs without him. The 4000 is now top of the range, high spec but buggy. The 2000 the most common mid-level machine, and the 1000 is a smaller, cheaper ($1000) box.
And now there�s the 2500, which is hard to get excited about. For something that�s unlikely to cost much less than $2,000, the specs are remarkably poor: 16bit/44.1 hz sampling, 16meg memory, an optional 80gig hard drive. So, if you�re looking for genius hard/software design and crunchy hip-hop beatmaking, seek out a vintage MPC-60 or 3000. If you want a great sampler with some rubber pads, use your laptop and Akai�s MPD-16, which is a MIDI controller with the same pads as the MPC range.

[mepex @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Anybody use an MPC unit for live MIDI playback? I'm looking for something small to play accompaniment during a gig. Would you recommend a different unit instead? The MPC-1000 looks pretty good, but $1k is pretty pricey for a MIDI recorder and player.

[jesusphreak @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Modern day musicians are the most wasteful of all creatures! Lets see this machine may cost $1500-$2000 you could have a entire high quality recording setup on a computer that can burn cd's and dvd's, heck even do your music video! Instead people will buy this crap and a rack of synths and 10 keyboards and still not make a decent song.

[Teve Torbes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Can anyone suggest a hardware/software combo that could take the place of an MPC-xxxx setup?

[fabienne @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

mepex: if you're a percussionist, the MPC will feel pretty small as far as drum controllers go. many less pricey units (roland, drum kat off of ebay they never die, yamaha et. al.) have larger and more responsive pads. put that in line with a good solid sampler (eventide lower end models, korg, roland, etc.) and you have yourself an even sweeter set up for live performance.

Teve Torbes: same answer.

~f

[anonymous @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Teve - I started with software (sampling via what was then Cool Edit), then finally made the jump to the MPC1000 - and ya know what, it drove me nuts. The workflow just wasn't there. I wanted to be able to edit/chop/process samples and immediately load them into whatever I was doing. What I use now is an Oxygen8 (any midi keyboard will do - and in your case you might want to look at the MAudio Trigger Finger or the MPD 16), Adobe Audition, Recycle, and most importantly Live 4.0. Adobe is the beginning of the sampling process (assuming I'm using a sample), Recycle is used if i'm needing to make some quick chops, and Live is what does it all - loads up chopped samples (or really any sample) into what's called Impulse, it allows you to use VST's, it allows you to sample (and of course play 'out' a sample), etc. Very flexible, very powerful.

[VA @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

To #2: Have a look at the M-Audio Trigger Finger and maybe Native Instruments' Battery. Of course, you can always use Reaktor, Max/MSP, or Pure Data to create your own patches to work with.

I had an MPC2000 a while back, before I got into software very heavily, and now I can't justify paying that much money on such a box. Especially since it's not as dynamic as I like my samplers to be.

16/44.1?

[w0mbat @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

The Human League song is "Don't You Want Me", not "Don't You Love Me".

[master blaster @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Hardware sequencers rock

Software does not rock

[Billy Kincaid @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I hope this grooves more like the 3000 and not the 4000. Something about the 4 doesn't groove as sweet as the 3. I definitely need a 1000, tho.

Oh, and for all of you not in the know, definitely check out Reason 3 software. Together with an MPC (or even a MIDI controller), you'll be on your way to advancement.

[David Mendez @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

The Mpc 4000 is miles ahead of the mpc 3000 (which I also used to own) There is no difference whatsoever in the sequencer; timing; groove between the 3000 and the 4000. After the 3000 there was no longer the Roger Linn signature on the mpc units. The only thing that changed was the quality of circuitry (analog to digital/digital to analog converters/dsp) and as far as sound quality the 2000 series sucked (I owned both the 2000 and the 2000xl) As far as sound quality the mpc 4000 is astounding and also has phono inputs (sample directly from vinyl) This is the premiere sampler/sequencer as far as hardware is concerned. The sampling engine is the same as the vz akai samplers (last hardware samplers made by akai) which were incredible. The combination of hardware/software (aksys) for importing/organizing samples makes the 4000 still a force to be reckoned with. Used with recycle; fuhgedabodit! you can user install a cdrw and hd. Used with an oxygen 8; YEOUCH!
Both the 3000 and 4000 are too huge to justify portability. But if you want rock solid live performance/incredible sound and sequencer/sampler; I couldn't recommend a better box. And I am a reason 3.0 user. Reason is an entirely different beast; you cannot sample directly into reason; you cannot directly chop a loop in reason (the mpc 4000 does have a mediocre slicer but very usable) Reasons strength is it's synths and pre-programmed soundbanks; the sequencer is outstanding as well and the quality of effects rivals some of the most expensive plugins out there. The mastering suite and combinator that were added to 3.0 make it the killer software app to beat. Use this with pro tools, Digital Performer, Cubase or Logic as a rewire device..........OMG. You have to have a pretty powerful laptop/desktop to run reason.
There are good arguments for both but as far as hardware/reliability/ease of use; sequence programming and live use ; Akai and it's mpc series wins hands down over anything out there. I've seent used mpc 4000's for 1800 bucks; THAT'S A STEAL FOR WHAT THIS MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF!

[diggiti @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I have owned a mpc2000 , mpc2000xl , Now I have a MPC3000 which is the ONLY Drum Machine that is actually a instrument (Roger Linn)

Native Instruments BATTERY 2 BLOWS AKAI MPC AWAY!

I use the MPC as a sequencer and battery for the sounds

[Peter Kirn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Great writeup, Tom!

I think the best software alternative would be Ableton Live (must-have for chopping beats), plus a drum machine app -- I'd suggest FXpansion GURU, because it's the more friendly app out there. Native Instruments Battery is also pretty amazing, really deep, but for what people are describing here GURU is likely to give you the workflow you want.

And for that matter, just starting out with Live isn't such a bad idea, if you're a beginner. An incredible wealth of features, and for recording in audio and slicing up beats, you'll have plenty to keep you busy.

As for hardware, I've just gotten in both the Akai MPD-16 and M-Audio's Trigger Finger. The M-Audio kit has more faders and knobs, but let me test them out and tell you which pads feel better.

By the way, total price here:
Live 5 = $400
Trigger Finger or Akai MPD-16 = $200-$250
FXpansion GURU = $250

Hey, nothing against the MPC, but let's put this another way -- if you buy this software combination for your laptop, you will be very, very happy. The LAST thing you're going to be thinking is "boy, I sure can't do what those MPC owners can." Speaking of which, even if you buy an MPC, you'd need something to record into -- like Ableton Live.

The MPC is great hardware, but there is truly nothing wrong with going the software route. And if you're making music at the end of the day, that's all that matters, anyway.

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I've got to agree with #8.

But yeah, 'Don't You Want Me'. 'Dare' was the first album I ever copied onto a C90 cassette, so I really should have got that right.

[Blastmastah! @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Hardware is always hardware. i agree that software is easier to use than hardware, but u dont need no longer skills to make beats and that is wack ass hell! its too simple to chop shit into pieces nowdays and mix tracks together. fuck this internet and software generation!

[db @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

>Now I have a MPC3000 which is the ONLY Drum >Machine that is actually a instrument (Roger >Linn)


Huh.... What ... Huh ...

Even if I was agreeing with your logic above (that only Roger Linn makes drum machines that are instruments) are you NOT aware of the MPC 60 that he created before the MPC 3000?

I guess it's not an "instrument"....

argh....

[andy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

It seems a bit late for Akai really. the true fans have them already (mpc's) and the rest of the world would generally be better off with ableton and M-Audio Trigger Finger. just a few strengths over and above the MPC...
multi track, a few more than the mpc, effects, last time i checked there were hundreds if not thousands of vst efx, all of which can be controlled in real time by the control surface. power and flexibility... my powerbook has a bit more grunt than the brain inside the mpc and i'm sure i've got more ram that the current crop of mpcs!!!!!

[Bad Mind @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

ive been using hardware and software for a minute now... it started with the Ensoniq ASR-10, then i added in fruity loops, then replaced the ASR with the Roland XP-30, then came Reason... nowadays Reason is still around, and i have a couple boards and the MPC1k which is as good as sold... i love the feel of hardware, and quickness of software... my next investment will be the Roland MV-8000 ;-)
its an akai killer in my eyes

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I must admit I am a total MPC spaz, I even made a ring of the 3000 (sold out, sorry) which you can check on my site (www.billmcmullen.com). This thing looks sick, although I also think the Roland MV-8000 is pulling stunts the MPCs aren't (audio tempo stretching a la Ableton LIVE).

All this talk about how you can get a better deal with software... Yeah true, but please don't forget to factor in the cost of the computer and sound i/o like some people here have.

I have an MPC3000 and an SP-1200, as well as LIVE, Reason, ProTools, the whole deal... I have the MPD-16 as well. Add while I primarily work in LIVE and Reason, and the machines will go months at a time gathering dust, I must remind the good people that not everyone owns or even likes to sequence on a computer. You turn a drum machine on, load some sounds and away you go. It is different. At the end of the day, it may not sound different from a song put together in Logic or Reason, but the drum machine process is a lot of straight-forward fun, and that's a big factor in making music.

Akai drum machines are rock solid and there is no latency or mayhem that can occur with software. The drum machine does not lock-up or crash. It is a very direct experience. It really boils down to how you like to work, and if you find yourself more comfortable on a drum machine, do your thing.

It's all personal preferrence, and drum machines are a very straight-forward way to get some beats happening.

[Leeja32207 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

My Setup

Main PC:

Hardware: 1) AMD Dual-core Socket 940, 1GHz FSB Processor 2) Foxconn Motherboard w/the works 3) ATI X800 TX All In Wonder Video (for TeVo like video recording) 4) SB Audigy2 Platinum Audio 5) 400 GB SATA Hard Drive (Multi-booting with DOS 6.2, WinXP X64, Suse Linux 9.3 Pro 6) 4x1GB (PC-3200) Ram Modules 7) DVD/CD-RW 52x32x52x16 Combo disk drive 8) DVD +/- 16x8x16x48 DL RW disk drive.

Software: 1) Cakewalk Sonar 4 Producer Edition 2) Sony Vegas 6.0 w/DVD 3) Nero Burning Rom.

Keyboard/Drum PC:

Hardware: 1) AMD Athlon 64 FX55 1GHz FSB 2) Asus Socket 939 Mother board ) Nvidia 6800 Video 4) E-Mu 1820m Audio 5) 180 GB SATA Hard Drive (WinXP Pro) 6) 2x 512MB (PC-3200) Ram Modules 7) DVD/CD-RW 52x32x52x16 Combo Drive

Software: 1) Propellerhead Reason 3.0.3

Sound Editing PC:

Hardware: 1) P4 3.0 Socket 478 800MHz FSB 2) MSI Mother Board 3) ATI 9700 Video 4) Sound Blaster Audigy2 Audio 5) 2x120 GB SATA Hard Drive (WinXP MCE) 6) 2x 512MB (PC-3200) Ram Module 7) DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive

Software: 1) Adobe Audition 1.5 2) Azerus (bit torrent file sharing program) 3) LimeWire (P2P file sharing program)

Music Devices:

Controllers: 1) Mackie Universal MIDI Control w/Extender 2) M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 Keyboard MIDI Controller 3) M-Audio Trigger Finger-16 MIDI Drum Controller 4) MIDI Interface Modules

Sound Input: 1) Any of my CD drives 2) Denon DN-S5000 Table Top DJ CD Player 3) The Internet (endless supply of sounds)

Audio/Mixer: 1) Behringer UB1002 Mixer 2) Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System

Note: I use these PC�s like work stations. Everything is networked together and internet capable. The main PC can act as a server for the other PC�s. I use studio monitor quality surround sound speaker system on main PC. I run all audio outs through a simple audio mixer to play along and record in real time.
These PC's serve multi-purposes...work, gaming, banking...ect. That's the added value in using a PC over using dedicated hardware like an MPC#. In a nutshell, I can buy a PC with all the internal hardware I need to make music, (not including Keyboard..ect) and it would still cost less than any MPC, or the like hardware, above an MPC2000. And I would have the add bonus of a multi-purpose tool.

With the level of technology out there these days, I think you don�t need to buy expensive gear like Korg�s Triton keyboards, Akai�s MPC4000 sampler, and rack-mounted sound modules and the rest of that stuff. That�s what real studios are for. Not home studios. Besides you already know that gear can cost well over 10 G�s easily. For home use, that�s financial overkill...for me anyway.
It took 4 months, and less than 7 G�s to build this setup. I have everything I need to produce good professional sounding music.

MPC lovers...I can do what you can do and more.

[xonox @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I got fed up with software for now. You start using something then you run out of cpu. You upgrade your computer. Then there's a new version of your favorite software, but you need the latest OS. You upgrade your OS then you realize some other software you liked stops working. Then you buy updates for your other software bits. Then in 2 years, 64 bit computing comes and none of what you invested in will work under a 64 bit environment. The new 64 bit environment requires a new OS, a new CPU and new software.

I want to make music. I have some gear that's like 20 years old. Every time i use it, it's the same as before. I don't have to worry how it interacts with my other gear, it uses standard midi cables.

This doesn't mean you have to use the same presets for 20 years. I see why someone would want an Akai mpc 2500. Once you learn it you can use it for years without having to bother with bugs or anything. No need to upgrade your midi interface drivers cause they have screwy sysex support or anything like that.

Well designed hardware has dedicated buttons for accessing most functions. My workstation lets me sample something and then map it out on the keyboard in a short time.

I have nothing against anyone who prefers software but i think that hardware is far from obsolete.

Didn't mean to offend anyone here.

[milion @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

#20 is so true!

I've gone from software to hardware to software so many times!

and this is what I have come up with...

COMPUTERS;
Yes computers are more powerful and flexible,
but even with midi controllers you still find yourself mousing about and starring at a screen, and finding it difficult to commit to a sound because you have so many options. Still the most powerful and fastest option. I found my compositions always sounded bigger and more complex on computers.

MPC;
Dedicated music hardware lets you use two hands,& the buttons will always be in the same place. yeah browsing and naming samples sux on hardware..but its all about a spontaneous moment of creativeness. you can sample directly into the box who cares what the name is. I found myself listening and connecting with the music much more.

in the end your instrument whatever it may be should be transperent!

i belive a combination of the two wins hands down!

is there a price tag on the 2500 yet?

[Gentry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Hey guys. The Mpc may be a little pricey, but you get it for the clock. No sequencer has this clock. They kept it at 96ppq which is fantastic.Right. There is a difference with the timming on the 4000 to. Check the specs. I dont care if its 1800 bucks. with that clock and the drag and drop of the sounds from the comp to the Mp. Man thats heaven.peace

[Mengite @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I use both HW and SW.
actrully the workflows are different.
on mpc (except 2500), everything must be recorded in, whether in realtime of steptime.
With SW, there is bigger screen and a mouse to quickly draw notes/automations into. And all the stuffs are displayed in the sametime.

It is little more harder to program a mpc than in e.g: FlStudio,Live,Protools. But HW really shines for live work.

[CITRUSONIC @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Hardware is very different from software. You can't compare a Virus synth, to Reasons Malstrom or Combinator. I use both Hware and Sware, this is the way we make music. Think about it one has a powerful arppegiator, while the other doesn't. One can transmit midi while the other recieves it, or vise versa. One sounds better than the other and is better for the stage usually. One spits out Raw power while the other you program.... I still own a E-mu XL 7 it's an awsome Hware Drum Machine, Seqeuncer, Midi Controller, w top of the line sounds. Reason is cool, but its getting played out by all the Noobs, that use it for Rap etc....
Its a Techno Studio. Its not an MPC.

[DeeMoney#1 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Just a question for you Leega32207...

I really do agree with what you said about the software equipment but I'm alittle bit confused about purchasing any piece of equipment for right now. Right now I'm thinking about purchasing an MPC 3k for lets say at the least $750 and I already have a Korg Triton. Would this be a smart decision adding that the fact that I had never used a MPC? What you think?

[MPC 2500 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I will purchase one of these, as soon as the price comes down to around a grand. I'm holding on to my 4000 until then.

[MPC 2500 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I will purchase one of these, as soon as the price comes down to around a grand. I'm holding on to my 4000 until then.

[Luis Valbuena @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I love everyone's passion for MPC's. Too often, like in this thread, you see people debating over the value an MPC brings to any studio set up, its quirks, kinks etc. I think everyone has valid points but many people fail to mention the central reason the MPC is superior than any other options out there. WORKFLOW. By workflow I mean how the creative process is executed. The MPC's operating system is easy yes, but most importantly it allows for a flexibility and workflow that many machines try to mimick but never quite achieve. I have Reason, I've owned an MPC 60, MPC 3000 and have played with the others. Software apps are great tools for creating but clicking a mouse doesn't allow you to mover your arms.... tap the pads.... generate a human feel and just develop a musical composition with a workflow that induces creativity in the same way. Think about it like that.... workflow. Some people are ok with just software but an MPC can never be replaced. That is why when you watch TV or research what people use... an mpc is always in the picture.

[jay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

i need some advice, im tryin to get a home studio setup.. and all i have is a 12track recorder, mpc2500 and a mackie 8 channel mixer. i dont know where to go from there. im having problems setting everything up. can somebody help me