Akai MPC-2000XL

Latest version Software - very easy to use, very stable. Manual is very comprehensive. Almost everything i put into this machine sounds good. I use MPC editor on the PC to assemble my programs - which makes things very easy. I would say this software is essential ($20 us i think for the full download). Lots of resources out there to get the best from this machine. I tend to make a lot of House music, so i have a lot of stock programs with the TR x0x sounds etc. I also have a Drum Station rack - but no contest the MPC wins everytime with its punchy sound.

Polyphony is never an issue for me - i've programmed complex drum patterns and it handles anything you can throw at it. The timing is ROCK SOLID. The sequencer is good, but i tend only to use it for drums. I've used cubase for more years than i care to remember so end up sequencing everything from that. It only has 2x Midi outs and ins - so i guess would be good for sequencing in a small setup.

Expansion wise, you can get FX card (i havent bothered with this); 8 output card (i have this, but havent got round to fitting it); flash memory (only 8mb and very expensive).

If you buy an early model (like i did) it will have a 1.4mb floppy drive - you will immediately want either a zip drive - or preferably a card reader. I went down the card reader route (cost $50 dollars). The zips are reported to be unreliable long term.

The pads are one of the best features of this machine. Able to capture expressive playing. It really feels like an instrument rather than a boring drum machine.

I would say this machine is best suited to RnB, Hip-Hop and House/Techno. Sure you can do rock/country etc etc - but why not buy a cheaper Boss drum machine for that.

I dont play live anymore, but this is the kind of machine you can depend on. I've had mine 2 years and it has never crashed or faltered

AKAI in the UK are friendly. I tend to use cimple-spares or VST in california for my AKAI gear - both companies get 10/10

Id buy another in a heartbeat if mine went astray. Or probably spring for the MPC 3000.

Version 1.12. (December 4, 2000)

I actually own the Special Edition 2 (SE-2) you can see a picture of it here on harmony central, or check out this picture for more clarity:http://www.akai-pro.de/produkte/mpc2000xl_se.html
The MPC 2000XL comes with a floppy disc and a CD-Rom. They both feature the same sounds: A variation of drums, hats, snares and symbols. I don't remember any real samples, although there were 2 or 3 demo MP3s showing what the 2000XL is capable of.*The sounds must be loaded into the MPC every time you turn it off or on, unless you have the flash-rom option installed. *$400-$800*

In my personal opinion, the sounds that come with the MPC suck. The only good sounds or usuable sounds are the cymbals. The other sounds are garbage. I use my MPC for all music, mostly Hip-Hop & R&B along with various sound modules and keyboards.

The editing in this machine is awesome. A dummy can use this machine. It's extremely user friendly.

The manual is a 10 on being thorough. (196 pages long) It explains everything. As long as you're patient, you can figure it out.

Features: *First let me say the sampler is AWESOME, but make sure you get the SIMMS to expand it to 32 megabytes FIRST. $100.00

General

Large 248x60 dot LCD display with graphics
6 function keys under the LCD display
built in 1.44 floppy drive.
built in SCSI

Sampler
*16-Bit 44.1khz stereo sampling
*high capacity sound memory 2 mb standard (22 seconds mono or 11 secs *stereo) expandable to 32 mb with SIMM memory.
*Digital Sampling input for direct recording from digital sources *with IB-M208P (optional) board.
*256 sounds (samples) may be held in memory at one time
*32 simultaneous playback voices
*The envelope or filter can be set for each sound
*Optional Multi-effects generator EB16 for versatle effects.
*Sample files may be loaded from S1000 and S3000 disks.
*IB-M208P (optional) enables you to mix and output internal sampler *sounds from 8 individual outputs.
*A maximum of 24 programs (sound assignments and sound parameter settings) can be created.
*A maximum of up to 4 programs can be played simultaneously.
*A selection between polyphonic (multiple sounds are overlaid when *the same sound is played continuously) or mono (the second sound silences the first).
*It is possible to stop the playing of a sound with another sound. this is used to simulate the open close effect of the hi hat.
*It is possible to copy a part of a sound as a separate sound or paste a sound to a section of a sound. it is possible to mute or reverse part of a sound.
*One MIDI note can play three sounds. The sounds can be played simultaneously, switched by velocity or with the NOTE VARIATION slider.
*Loop Settings can be made to a sound.
*The velocity can change the playback pitch.
When phrase sampling, it is possible to calculate the tempo of the phrase from the length of the sound loop.
*Since the sound wave patterns are displayed, it is possible to edit the sound while watching the wave pattern. it is also possible to zoom the wave pattern.
*Reading and writing of PC compatible .WAV sound files.
*Timestretch, resample, wave pattern edit functions, etc. are also features.

Sequencer:

*Loop recording function enables quick recording by looping short phrases.
*Sequencer memory equivalent to 300,000 notes (including note and other data).
*99 sequences may be held in memory at once. Each sequence contains 64 individual tracks.
*2 independent MIDI output ports permit 32 simultaneous MIDI output channels.
*2 mergeable MIDI inputs.
*The optional SMPTE IC chip (IC-M2TC) enable synchronization with SMPTE time codes.
*MTC (MIDI time code), MMC (MIDI machine control) compatible.
*Data can be exported to or imported from standard MIDI files.
*Step edit function enables you to edit individual events.
*The velocity of each track can easily be modified.
*It is possible to record 32 MIDI channels at one time.
*Tap tempo feature allows the playback tempo to be set by tapping a key in the time of 1/4-notes.
*Programmable tempo changes in mid-sequence or mid-song are supported.
*Auto Punch features enables you to punch in or punch out automatically in the designated sequence.
*Swing feature enables you to add a swing-feel to rhythms.
*16 velocity-and pressure-sensitive front panel drum pads and 4 pad banks provide a total of 64 pad/band combinations.
*Track mute can be turned on or off and sequences can be selected using the drum pads.
*The NOTE VARIATION slider controls the decay or filter value of the sound in real time.
*Since it is possible to convert MIDI sustain pedal data to note duration data, you can place sustain effects independently from the note data within a track.
*The note repeat function and the after touch function pads enable you to easily enter drum rolls and hi-hat beats.
*The UNDO SEQ key enables you to undo sequence records or edits.
*The 2nd sequence function allows a separate sequence to be played at the same time that another sequence (or song) is being played/recorded.

Awesome, no complaints. The best sequencer/sampler units are Akai Units in my opinion. Roland and the rest are just imitators of the original Akai MPC 60 designed by Roger Linn.

Very Dependable. I had a situation with it freezing a few times in 16 levels, but when it does i just turn off the power. i suspect it's because i leave it on constantly day in and day out, as well as the fact that I've opened it and installed the SIMM myself.

Customer Support was pretty much garbage...I can't remember how i found the outfit I found to actually fix my MPC. I looked up certified people on their website in my state (GA) and drove out there.

I was disconnecting the SCUZI cable (always buy a SCUZI ONE TO SCUZI 2 cable and make SURE you have an EXTERNAL ZIP DRIVE. WITHOUT IT YOUR ARE VERY LIMITED IN LOADING AND SAVING SOUNDS. I have a 250 MB ZIP drive) and wasn't very careful tearing the connectors in the back. It cost me $65.00 with parts and labor *rip off* but they fixed it well. Akai claimed that the way i messed it up was not a warranty issue, so i had to pay.

I will never lose it...it will never be stolen...but I bought a second one that was used, for about $600.00. I've been using the MPC 2000XL since 2002 and I love it. I started out with the MP, a turntable, mixer and a Yamaha PSR-280 and I did just fine.

Up against all of Roland's drum machine, this machine burns the competion. PERIOD. The feel, the easy to read display, easy to understand controls the features the design, style...i can go on and on as to why Akai leads the market in drum machines. check out the MPC 4000 and show me a better machine compared to it.

The MPC 2000XL is my main piece of equipment. The drums on the Korg Keyboards are all garbage, so I keep this as the skeleton...the very BONES. The keyboard sounds and samples are the flesh that complete the outfit.

I wish it had 8 outs when i bought it...you have to upgrade to that. *400-600* The effects processor would be nice as well, just for the echos on my claps and snares.

Easily Sequencable with 100 sequence patterns and song patches.

ok

Expresivess ness is too goodm, but effects is the Most poor. I feel not to buy any effect processor from MPC

Yes i do depend on it. I have a Korg Triton Rack... So without this it is very difficult...

MPC is too good instrument where i like the quality of the sample sounds it generating. I like the real drum tones that Mpc only capable to generate! so far i have used instruments.

The main thing with the MPC is that it's actually fun to make beats with! Im using software 1.2 I think. So easy to use.

The 2000XL is 32poloy-more then fine. The main feature is the 16 levels that make a pad have 16 levels of pitch, filter cut off, attack, decay and velocity. With the decay you can very realistically imitate the open close hi hat sound. Sequencer is the easiest to use, also unique a feature that MPC3000's and 60's didn't have is next sequence and track mute, where the pad double up as triggers, meaning you can do live arraingments.

It's a sampler. In my oppinion the optional FX sound shit as on most modules-use hardware or PSP nitro or waves plug inns.
However as bread and butter hip-pop, trip pop house and such it5's the shit!
The A-D are a bit dated now, so maybe sampling on a computer will achieve smoother results.

Rock solid, built like a brick shit house. Mine has frozen about 7 times since 1999, and crashed 3 time! Say the same for any mac or PC I'l call you a liar! The only reliabulity issue is the zip drives-not the mpc. SCSI technology is dead, and many MPC's come second hand with floppys! DONT LET THAT PUT YOU OF. Buy unscrewing the bottom plate you can remove the internal floppy or zip and replace it with a 6 in 1 memory card.

Never needed it

I had a nightmare that my girl friend sold mine and woke up in terro. I've seen hardcore software users buy MPC's-theres a reason, it's fun and inspiring to make music. Get one second hand put in a memory card IDE or ATAPI and you will have yourself a bargin, however they tend to hold their value quite well, especially for a clean example.

You can open up the box and get to work but realisticly unless you have someone close to learn from it will 6 months before you knock out real quality work on the MPC, if working with a sequencer/sampler is new to you. Study the manual if you can understand its full potential you will find it very easy. The manual is pretty straight forward and if just considering download it from the akaipro website. Patches in the MPC are not hard to edit but are done easily in wavelab or sound forge where you can use plug-ins to phatten your patches. Once you develop your on patches you can use a program MPC editor to arrange you patches in a program and load them directly into the MPC on the pads you've already determined.

MPC has the most flexible and easy to use sequencer period. It allows you to work change tracks and record your next part without stopping the sequencer. With the Triton every time you want to record to the next track you'll have to stop the music(sequencer)which for me interferes in the work flow "get it down while it's still in your brain". My MPC is connected to one rack roland module and to a computer module program.

You'll only get out of the MPC what you put into it. You'll need to purchase, trade and sample quality sounds to make quality music. You can tweak samples, plus their our techniques to phatten the sounds. It does not come with sounds other than a cd-rom of akai drums you can through staight in the trash. If you need quality drums search the web but you still won't find them in a Korg triton or Dr-550.

The MPC freezed on me one time just when I finished fully laying out a song. Three hours of work down the drain but no other issues. As always save often.... it turns on every time I hit the switch.

You better contact them by e-mail. They have always answed me in the same day not always as throughly as I would have liked.

The MPC 2000 xl is well worth the money once your max out your machine. You'll need to expand the memory, and also need to purchase a SCSI hard drive find it on ebay about $100. I sold the triton and motif (took the sounds and ran) we still have them for show in the studio. But if your serious about your craft you can't use standard patches from any drum machine. I have patches from everthing from the Linn 9000, Tr 808,to the DR-550. The mpc gives you the ability to customize and combine unique patches. Programing drums has never felt right to me on a keyboard and the sequencer on the MPC in my mind is unrivaled.

The MPC is a great machine. Entry level and pro level users will find some purpose for it. But, for me the "triton" is the best and the MPC2000xl is no match and never will be. The only feature I liked in the MPC is the next-sequence playback for live performance. Other than that I think the MPC is overated and I couldn't keep an equipment for liking only one feature.

If you already have a midi-keyboard or midi-drum machine like Boss dr-models, Roland R-8, Alesis Sr-, or Yamaha, or Zoom drum machines just get a "Triton Rack" and you'll have your keyboard or drum machine trigger the sounds from the triton.

In the triton you can do more stuff with your samples like adding efx before and after you record. Your sample can be used as a program or patch where you can have up to four ocsillators affecting it for example a hi-hat sound can sound different each time you hit it like a real drummer. Onboard you have more sample memory than the MPC, built-in efx, six outputs, killer synth sounds, 62 note polyphony, sequencer 200,000 note events (16 midi tracks internal/ or external control, or both) for the triton keyboard plus more...as standard...not extras that you have to buy like the MPC.

P.S> I don't work for Korg...I just love my triton, and I have both the keyboard and the rack. After I return my MPC2000xl the store I bought didn't do refund and they had the triton rack. Now the rack plays all the synth part while the keyboard plays all my samples, and my Boss Dr-660 trigger all my drum breaks live.

NO I WILL NOT BUY THE MPC AGAIN !

I'm at work so I can't remember the OS I'm using, but I think it's the one before the most current one. All you've read regarding MPC's Ease of Use is probably true; this is a machine that will slowly accommodate you, who you are, how you work - an extension of self and therefore a true tool. The manual is honestly one of the better ones I've picked through, but it's mostly needed for reference in a good way. A couple of times I've picked it up and discovered a handy trick I wasn't using.

64 poly, right? The pads are hard to describe and a dream come true, try them at a store. Responsive, velocity sensitive, yet non-gummy. My own MPC has been a little weird in this area though; sometimes I bang out a good pattern but a pad I didn't hit will sound out, and I'll have to rerecord the sequence (or hold erase to get rid of the unwanted sound). I'm almost positive this is simply a matter of cleaning my unit (which sounds naughty), but I haven't gotten to it yet. Sequencing is such a breeze I don't mind doing it twice over.

no built in effects, the add-on is supposed to suck balls but a good mixer or multitrack and you're golden. Oh yeah, and the 8-out expander with the right extra gear (I got a Korg d1600 and a crappy old mixer with some decent effects) may completely transform the capabilities of the MPC for you.

the menus will become a second language eventually. I've gotten to the point where sample-trimming, sequencing, programming pads, output-assigning, this is all accomplished without even looking at the buttons, just the screen. You know what would be neat? A screen magnifier like on those old green-black gameboys, cuz the screen can be a pain in the ass to read. I'ma google that up and see if someone had the same idea.

The sequencer has changed my creativity and my life. some other reviewer said it: get the zip drive and the 8-output (especially if you're not PCing your studio.)

I use the MPC for hiphop and atmospheric beat-based music and it's unstoppable. Once you invest the time to sample and sample deeply (this sample CD craze is a mess, lets get back to the basics), hiphop rhythms will follow and you'll be blasting beats out faster than steven king writes novels.

Something I like about the MPC is that your tracks are really as complex as you can imagine. It's great for simplistic boom-bap and complex nightmarish stuff, sky's the limit, etc...

Okay, everyone I've spoken to has never really had their MPC fry on them, but it happened the other day and messed my head up. The screen just started to fade, lights lit up, it went nutso on me for about ten minutes. I was able to access the screen-brightness window even though I couldn't see anything on the screen itself, brought the information back to readable, but the pads were unresponsive and my speakers spit a screeching whine. A quick power break and it was ready to go, and hasn't crashed since. I would probably attribute it to the cleanliness of the unit, again. I bought it off eBay and it's pretty nasty in there...for this reason alone I would have second thoughts about gigging with mine. build-wise, this thing is solid as all hell.

The 8-output installation was easy, so was the ram upgrade, don't let someone con you into being charged for the labor. A lot of patience and unscrewing. The zip drive's ribbon cable tends to get folded up pretty roughly in there which worries me, but no complaints yet.

The Akai newsgroup I'm on is fantastic, I'm sure you'll find your own.

I'm gonna give this a 10 because everyone and their mother will be wetting themselves over the opportunity to help you via message boards, newsgroups, whatever. There is a huge fanbase for this machine, therefore new users reap the rewards of these helpful gurus with years of experience.

If it were stolen I'd miserably reflect on what karmic output I had generated to be punished so viciously, followed by a citywide manhunt for the thief. Maybe a GPS tracker under the zip drive would help.

Going from an EPS 16+ to an MPC is honestly like a trike to a stealth bomber. I love the EPS's sound and its overall clunkiness/quirkiness. I don't think any beat I composed on that keyboard sounded professional, but definitely distinguished from the smoother stuff I make on the 2000xl. (I hear a 16+ plugged into protools or other comp editing software setup makes it unstoppable, but I've yet to incorporate software into my studio). Because the EPS 16+ seems to have more of a "signature sound" I haven't been able to sell it, so I use it in conjunction with the MPC. Some say the MPC flattens the sounds it samples, but I'd assume their just not sampling with a good mixer. It's less of a machine with a "signature sound" than a "signature responsiveness," uncovered through attentive practice.

their getting cheaper and cheaper so quit smoking dub for a few months and buy one why dont ya?

VERY!! i figured it out in about an hour and i had no beatmaking or hardware experience whatsoever (without reading the manual!)

64 polyphony, i think. i bought the effects board and its ok, i dont use it much, it could be alot better. wish i got the 8 outputs, they are supposedly quite useful. midi works well, but when you load a sound while connected to a live keyboard, my mpc plays a bunch of random notes and holds them, so i gotta unhook it, and it goes away. GET THE ZIP DRIVE!!! youd be a dumbass not to, upgrade the memory and youre set.

eveyone says this but its true- its only as good as what you put in it. effects are ok, im not a stickler for effects. filters are nice. this sounds the same as the 3000, i dont care what anyone says. pads react really well. 16, 12 or 8 bit sampling, how gritty you want it. sounds a little thin but that could easily be my setup.

this thing is ironclad. i left it on for about a month and the screen burnt out, then somehow came back. just only have it on when youre using it (duh). never froze on me and i work this thing pretty hard. had it for 3 years and other than the screen thing, it will last. i dont gig, so i dont know if it would work, cant see why not.

did all the upgrades myself, never dealt with the company but my friends say they are very helpful

if it were lost i would cry like a baby then buy a new one. i also use a triton le and they work real well together. i dont like how the tuning lacks precision, the time stetch could be a little better, like recycle or something, but it comes close. i love the 16 levels key, the step editing, note repeat function, sequencer, operating system. ideas can be quickly recorded and working on the fly is easy as hell. all in all, the effects board is sub-par, but buy it anyway, get the 8 outputs, zipdrive and up the memory and get going !

easy mpc style interface. you have to open window on everyhting to find the damn functions. you have to hold the shift key to use any functions. pretty wak. the nob is different than the 2000 i dont kno why they changed this jog wheel. they added a screen that moves but took away a better jog wheel. still really easy to use id have to say.

time stretch is a good feature not on any other mpc. i like the sequence mute window.

sounds decent. compared to a 60 or 3000 it doesnt sounds as good in my opinion. 3000 is a better 16bit sampler it sounds fuller. 60 is that classic 12bit. ive sampled the same records in the same environment into protools with all of the mpcs. if you cant hear the difference between them then you have poor hearing and id tell you to stick with an xl because its cheaper or has more sampling time. id recomend using another sampler with the xl or at least trying it.

havent used it nearly as long as any older mpc..but the thing has frozen on me and there was scsi disk errors a bunch of times even with trying different drives. screens burn out on 2000s easy. dont leave it on.

never dealt with customer support for an xl

good piece of equipment. my negativity only comes from comparing this with past akai mpcs. id recommend it to somebody who doesnt want to drop 3000 money and needs sampling time or really wants 16bit. its alot smaller than a 60 or 3000 even smaller than a 2000. nice for carrying around. ive lately carried alot of samplers and i wish they all were as light as the xl. mpcs are great for hiphop production and id reccomend any of em hands down for most people as their primary piece of production equipment. there are a couple other things that would fit into the list but akai mpc is the reigning heavyweight.

I got the Latest, Pretty sure its 1.14

It came with a disk of presets, They sucked, But its a sampler, You're not supposed to use presets

I havent read the manual. Ive had my MPC2000XL For 1 Week, I looked through the manual yesterday and I didnt see much In the contents that I hadnt already figured out myself!!!

Im pretty sure its 64 Polyphony, The Pads are pretty cool, Velocity sensitive so I can do like a hihat pattern and it will sound more realistic and less robotic and computer

It doesnt really have any effects no, You can use low pass filters, thats it

Yes it does have expansion capabilities, theres the 8 outputs, the effects board, flash rom, smpte output. My MPC came with an internal ATAPI ZIP DRIVE 100mb instead of a floppy, I couldnt imagine using a floppy drive!!! The Max Memory is 32mb, Although this may not sound like a lot, it is more than enough for a sampler, the MPC1000 may have upto 128mb but thats just because it makes it sound good, You're never gonna fill up 128mb with a sampler.

The sequencer is great, You just hit record and play, bang the pads, play the keys via midi, whatever! And then you just choose how many times the sequences play, and where, etc. Its sooo coool, and i havent even made a beat yet! ive just been messin around

The only downside is there are no effects as standard, But if you got the 8 outs then you could mix in a mixer, and that will be sooo cool!!

Well its a sampler, It doesnt have any Presets, It sounds as good as what you make from what you sample.

The MPC's are used alot for hip hop production and dance, etc. But I heard it can do almost anything, Except Classical. or could it....?

Ive heard that the AKAI effects suck, I dont have the effects board so i cant tell you myself, But a lot of people say they are bad, If you get an mpc I wouldnt suggest paying out for the effects board anyway.

The pads are velocity sensitive like i said before, the note repeat function is crazzzeeee!!!

I dont know whether I can depend on it, Ive only had it for one week!!!

I dont gig, But If I did I wouldnt have a backup as I am a poor poor boy

Ive never dealt with Akai, Ive only had it One Week

After a while the mpcs develop screen lines which eventually render the screen unreadable, I have had a used mpc2000xl for a week and can see some very faint lines, The Replacement LCDs can cost a Lot although im not sure, If you get a Used MPC2000xl Ask about/Check the screen

If it was stolen Id get it back from insurance hopefully... :D Id tell the insurance company that I had a blue mpc2000xl, I mean 10 blue mpc2000xls

I have been using software for the past year and just switched to hardware, I have nothing but an Edirol PCR 30 and an MPC2000XL
I love the MPC2000xl, Ive had it a week but its cool, And Ive been samplin cds and just messin around so far, i aint even got everythin i need so i havent started making beats properly! but i still love it
I compared it to the MPC1000, But The MPC1000 was more expensive (but new) and I dont see any 1000's on ebay used for cheaper than the MPC. Plus I probably woulda gone for 2000xl anyway, dont know why... somethin about it!
It lets me make beats differently, Im not sure about this yet as ive not had it long...
if you got a question then email me, Ive only had it a week but ive done so much research i know a lot about it

also try the following sites:

www.futureproducers.com
www.mpc-forums.com


scott

easy as any pro piece of equip. this is only my second drum machine/ synth sequencer <the other is an mp 7> but i have to admit i have hardly had to use the manual at all. chopping sounds and assigning to pads the way you want is simple and straight forward. im working with v. 1.14 i think it's the latest. i have also been using an asr x pro and although the pro is really easy to use i must admit the big wave editing screen on the mpc helps a ton. don't be scared of this thing!

i think it's 32 poly right? i don't have the effects board but i can say i've heard it and although i would recomend having it, i've heard much better. midi seams good although i'm not well versed in midi i did get it to play my mp 7 no prob. what your buying this for is for the sequncer the sampler and the drum pads as a whole. and i can tell you this thing kick in those departments. super fun!

i must say the pads and drums i get out of this are super hot. most of the time now i sample my mp 7 into the mpc cause i like the drum pads so much more and you can make them sound nice and gritty so they don't stand out like a shinney rock on the beach. when you sample you have a nice frequencey filter to chop some highs off wich is great for drum layering or getting a smooth piano sound. the only thing i have a prob with is i wish i could chain more pad mutes toghether... maybe i just need to find a better way to do it. thats the great thing about this. you don't have to play it one way. i have 3 friends with mpc and we all take a different approach to making our beats on this thing. wish it had the lfo's and effects of the asr x though.

i have had minimal probs.... i've only had it for a little under a year though. when i bought it it wasn't working cause some one tried to install a zip drive in it but didn't put the cable in properly. it was an easy 5 min fix! now i'm banging on it like crazy and no faliure. i did have a prob with static in my sounds once but i made a ground to the machine to my mixer and all is good now.

haven't used. but i have a akai dps12 and they helped me with my probs on that pretty fast so i give them high marks

i would def. buy another. i got mine for 100 bucks so you can't beat that <plus it's a limted edition paint scheme!>
i look at the asr x and the new mpc 1000... theyre both looking good and i'll prolly get an asr x pro also but i would say the mpc is still the standard.... never slept upon! wake up 302!!!

Very intuitive, super easy to use. READ the manual, there is even a forum dedicated to the machine to help you out.

Auto-Chromatic!! Chopping, MIDI KING is what it is, the name says it all MPC and it is the center of ALL my tracks. I have an ext. CDROM and INT. Zip (100) and 32 MB memory, installed all myself.

Excellent, forget the MPC3000 hype. Once you have the MPC in a Mixer you can warm up the sounds. Or Protools etc, everything goes through Protools now days, so I don't worry about Pre-Production that much.

Yes, its great!!

Don't know, I go to mpc-tutor.com, I don't need Akai for anything.

I love it and will keep it forever along with my software.

My MPC was the first thing I ever bought and at first there was a bit of a learning curve but once you get your head around it its fine. I still have not been able to figure out step editing function though so I dont use it,as far as Im concerned it looks like a bunch of numbers to me which mean nothing and I aint no mathematician. I dont know if it is necessary as I seem to do alot without it.Pitch control affects tempo which is pretty stupid.Its taken me about two years to really grasp what I acn do with this machine and I still find new things.

Sequencer is great and easy to use.32 mb of ram is enough for my needs. 32 note polyphony seems to be enough for me also.Full level function is good as you only need to touch the pads to achieve full volume which you can adjust later when you mix. The mixer is pretty basic, not all that good-only has volume and panning.Being able to assign an effect to a sound using the slider is good.The built in effects are nothing to write home about, i havent upgraded to the effects board yet as its pretty exy at $800 aus. and I havent heard any good reports really either.I have upgraded the output though so now has ten altogether but havent used them yet.You can assign a sound across 16 pads in chromatic scale which is good for doing basslines etc for house/dance. But I have become somewhat confused trying to assign across all 64 pads. The tap tempo function is great.The floppy disc is pretty useless, not enough room, I use zip 250 drive.

I use for funky house type music and have been amazed at what I have been able to do.Its very hands on and fun and somewhat addictive.You can get some really good dubby type effects out of it.Of course there are no built in sounds as it is a sampler so it depends totally on how creative you are to get a good sound. Akais cd is not all that good, Ive downloaded heaps better stuff off the net.There is no end to what you can do with it if your creative and have time.I think it would work well for any kind of contemporary music.

Ive never used for a gig, I prefer to keep it safe at home but its very dependable, has only crashed a few times, usually when pressing too many buttons at once I think.Also the backlight died on me which was not cheap to fix.I save everthing to zip every 20 minutes as I work just to be safe.

There is only really one place in Sydney to get fixed and get advice and they seemed quite helpful although I have heard akai are not doing so well and waiting times for repairs will be longer.

It was worth the money I paid, I love it. I might get something else if it were lost or stolen.Perhaps something with a synth onboard and more effects.I was a total novice when I bought it and I was confused and overwhelmed by too many choices and conflicting oppinions about different gear. In the end I think I was talked into getting this Buy a sales person but Im happy with my choice.

This thing smokes more than me. I paid $1650.00 3 years back. The vol. 1 disk is okay I found that if you tweek the samples to the way you want it works preety good, but hey get your sample on make your own drums. Some people cant open a door without a manual, I say play with it you cant break it and if you get stuck then hit the manual.

The 2kxl will have you looking at new ways to make music. For starters the pads are not set like a keyboard but for the people who like it like that you can set it like that. Mines came fully loaded the fx board is cool. I use it when its time to master that way I dont use my other resources on the music. The 8 outs are a gift for the lord above. When its crunch time you can tailor each track to your liking if you have a board that has the room for it. It expands to 32mb. If you need memory send me a line and we can talk. The sequencer is the best that I have worked with it is very easy to use, if you can scroll down this page you can do it

You can set this unit for anything you like all types of music. "DO NOT BE SCARED COME IT TO THE LIGHT" The sounds depend on you but as for me my library is massive I have sampled just about all my keyboards and put the in the closet

I can depend on it more than a lot and yes there is no need for a back up on the road she is all you really need

Never used the customer support I never had a problem with it

Yes I buy it again if I lost it or it was stolen. I have been making music for 13 years on my own. If anybody needs help or sounds or memory or parts drop me a line
beatzbyphatz@aol.com

Wow,this machine is awesome.I have just got hold of one of these things and it grrroooooves in all the right places.I am a mag G4 with logic and reason user with loads of analogue synths and drum boxes and have got one of these to take a live set out into Dance clubs I mainly create breakbeat music.Let me tell you this machine simply puts funk in your head man I love it it allows you to create some really funky grooves that are so sexy and have a certain shuffle and feel to them.If you see one for sale get it,it is easy to use,allows you to create tunes in a totally different way to logic and computer based systems and the sampler is crisp and bright and seems to add bite to whatever you put in and the sequencer is sooo sexy man if it was a woman it would give you a boner just by hearing her.
the bottom line is get one,I also want an sp1200 but i may get an s950 or emu emax 1 for that 12 bit sound and sequnce it off the mpc.
Peace.Steve Porter.Synaptic Gap.

All depends on the sounds you put in this momma.

Definitley gig with it.

had no dealing with Akai.

I would not part with this baby,she is so dammed sexy.

Software version 1.14 (May, 2001). Very easy to use, with an intelligently configured front panel. The manual is only fair, and leaves out some important details. The website provides little information. I haven't used most of the features, and this review is intended only to address the MPC's usefulness to rock/pop music home studio production, for which I think it is very good.

I use only a single track of the sequencer for laying MIDI drum tracks to pop/rock demos. (See other reviews if you're interested in using it for hip-hop--its primary market--or for it's other features). The MPC easily synchronizes to the computer via MIDI clock, MIDI Time Code, or with the optional SMPTE IC chip. I use ProTools LE's MIDI Machine Control to control the MPC, which locks or shuttles reliably to any insertion point, start/stop, or marker. A sequence can be 999 measures long. ProTools LE will not record-enable any device, so this has to be done manually during count-off (which I don't mind). The MPC's dual MIDI I/O (2 ins & 2 outs) is very handy for allowing sync from one device while inputing from another. I play drum parts live using a Hart Multi-Pad controller (six large triggers), a Pintech kick trigger, and a Roland Hi-Hat controller into a Roland TD-10 V-Drums controller/module to get MIDI data into the MPC (while listening to a guide track in ProTools). The MPC's most important feature for my purposes is its natural-sounding quantization algorithm, which makes my drum performances groove much better. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback about my drum tracks since getting the MPC. The quantization percentage is not very tweekable (50-100% swing, or OFF), but it almost always does the trick. It's much better than any software sequencer I've used, and has a better feel than the sequencer in the Roland TD-10. It is especially good for laying back on the beat (or back OF the beat, perhaps). MIDI data goes in and out of the MPC with very low latency, or delay, compared with some other devices I've used. It has a built-in metronome whose click can be either an internal "blip" or any of the drum-pad sounds. It comes with a SCSI port for connecting drives and CD-ROM, but I don't use those features. A stereo output is standard, but this can be expanded to eight, and a SP/DIF digital I/O is also an option. With only 32MB sample RAM, and 32 voices, it is a very limited sampler by today's standards (I use the Akai Z-4, which allows 512MB RAM and has 64-voice polyphony). The sound library that ships with the MPC (AND the one that comes with the Z-4) is mediocre.

Best drum sequencer I've used. Brilliant, though limited, quantization algorithm. I don't know how many rockers are using the MPC, but I highly recommend it to non-drummers and drummers alike who record their own tracks.

It's fine so far (two months).

I've emailed the company a couple of times with questions but haven't received any replies. I suspect the tech support crew are too busy playing with themselves, but maybe they're just overwhelmed with requests ;-)

I love the MPC because it contributes greatly to the quality of my home-produced rock/pop demos. It is essential, and I would buy it again. I've read that the out-of-production MPC3000 had a better "groove", but I haven't verified this. A friend who borrowed my 2000 a few times recently bought a 3000, but he hasn't noticed a striking difference between them, judging solely from memory rather than a side-by-side comparison. I wish the MPC were a real sampler (I guess the 4000 is the real deal), but I guess it's not supposed to be.

my mpc 2000xl is very easy to use, and the sequencer is very easy to use and learn, let me tell you if you are using any other drum machine or sequencer...you're making music the hard way! The preset sound are kindy dull but can be used as some small background sounds. The manual is boring, and it is explained like a person who just bought an mpc knows how to use it!

My mpc did not have an effects board installed when bought it, so.
the expansion is great i just ordered the 32mb upgrade kit i can't wait to get it and next im gettin a cd-r drive or a zip drive which one is better? the midi is the shiznit, i use 4 different sound modules and the mpc keeps all my sounds sweet and clear!!!

i've had my mpc about 2 months no crashes no nothing but, hard work.

i don't do gigs, but my mpc will not leave my studio, unless i got some bigggggg money on the line.

if it got stolen, i would make sure im on the next thang smokin to the music equipment store to pick up another akai mpc2000xl.

i have been making music about 6 1/2 years, and the mpc has made my production skills and love for music increase. i also own a roland fantom keyboard which is the shiznit, 4 roland sound modules, fostex fd-4, beringer mixing board, art mic pre-amp, ensoniq asr-10, boss dr-5 drum machine (good for beginners), akg microphone, and i record on cool edit pro, but i'm thinking about swicthing to pro tools, not sure yet? please email me and let me know why you think pro tools would beat cool edit? email add. below

This thing is pretty easy to use right out of the box. The manual could be a little more in depth, but check out MPC-Tutor.com for some good tutorials. It's pretty easy to navigate after constant use as well. The hardest thing to set up is the MIDI, and the fact that the pads do not have a certain order is kinda crappy.

I like the 8-outs and digital in/out but I would really like for the Flash ROM to be standard, as well as the effects. It has a dry sound.

Hasn't crashed yet, almost froze a couple of times, but it always comes back. Sometimes it gets weird errors though, like the samples will come in fine, but upon playback they are messed up, I am sure its not my RAM

Awesome! You should get it.

This machine was very, very easy to use. I just read the manual on starting it up and I was making beats. I do rap music for a lot of southern rappers mainly in Memphis, TN, using the Korg Triton and Yamaha Motif and I was in the market for a drum machine that could keep my drums very tight. I am probably the biggest drum freak around when it comes to the sound being a little off here and there. I want the music to make you nod your head when you hear it and not hesitate for the snare to come in a millisecond later. The preset sounds that come with the machine are very basic. Editing is a breeze with this machine. The manual is very straight forward.

I did not play with the effects because I knew right off that this machine was not what I was looking for. This machine was supposed to be an upgrade from the MPC 3000 Roger Linn, (which everyone is using by the way). I don't know all the technical jargon, but there is SOMETHING that makes the MPC 3000 groove better. Just take my word for it.

The sounds are very good and crisp right out of the box. CD-quality!

I'm not able to judge the liability of the machine because as I said, I am sending it back.

NA

This machine is good if you are on a budget. I could do everything on my Triton or Motif and it would be just as good or better. For those of you who want to know which machine to buy MPC 2000XL or MPC3000. Hands down, go find if you can an MPC 3000 in mint condition. You will not be disappointed! I have made a lot of songs for a lot of different rappers and everyone is using the MPC 3000. To my ears, the MPC 2000XL just doesn't have that MAGIC if there is any that the MPC 3000 has. This was the best review that I could give of the product but each person has his or her own opinion.

The MPC is sooo easy to use! The manual is clear, expressed well and with diagrams and step by step methods. If youre not bashing on those pads within a few minutes, you manual is in the wrong language!

The best two features of the MPC are its drum pads and its sequencer! They are just so easy to use and powerful at the same time. The machine is expandable: you can get the EB-16 FX processor (which i have and i think is average) and extra memory and outs. Its got good MIDI capabilities apparently, but i dont use MIDI, so I cant be sure.
The on-board sampler is powerful in its sampling, but weak in its editing. Its the same sound engine as the S-3000 and all that, but the editing facilities dont touch that!

The sounds that you sample in come out just beautiful. There is defenitely a 'sound' to this machine. It just makes everything sounds nnnnice. However, if your layering too many sounds, they do tend to get swamped....so of course you'll need an outboard mixer/computer set up if you want to take your music on a more professional level...but the MPC is a good place to get your ideas down...

You can alway always always depend on the MPC!! Ive had mine for 4 years now with no problems....i ve had to replace my Zip drive twice already though!!

I dealt with Akai Customer Support before and it was adequate.

I would definetely buy one again (infact i am so i dont have to share ther machine with the other producer in the band!) and i have been playing on this one now for 4 years all the while patiently building up our studio to make our sound more solid and professional.
I didnt compare it to any other products...i knew this was exactly what i was looking for...it is the centrepiece of our production set-up..we make basic versions of our songs on the MPC, get down ideas, sometimes even arrange the whole song using the SONG feature, and then transfer the audio files to a G4 Mac with DigiDesign ProTools and engineer and add final touches there....without the MPC, i'd be nothing!!!! by the way check out our new single "VividDreams (sweaty night)" by MUDDYLOOP on the CHEZ NYC label coming out late april in all good DJ/Record Shops!!! This song was made iusing the process i have described.

The MPC OS is very intuitive. The manual is an OK read. Editing samples is very straightforward.

This is why I reviewed the MPC here. The sequencer is ROCK SOLID. It blows the doors off my Cubase setup. Software sequencers are very timing-crippled. If you listen close, you will hear the slightest delay in looped MIDI drum tracks in soft sequencers like Cubase - particularly at the end of measures. That delay is unacceptable to me. That is why I bought an MPC. It's a GREAT scratch pad too. Love being able to flick it on and start dropping beats - unlike computer. The pads are excellent, the buttons for tapping, ect are just what the doctor ordered for those of us who are tired of interacting with our music with a damn mouse. I would have like to seen standard 8MB ROM or perhaps 64MB RAM capability.

The Akai sound is very recognizable. It hits VERY hard. It's PUNCHY and wide. It is also very difficult to emulate with a keyboard or a computer.

It's a workhorse. This is my third one (I buy and sell my gear a lot) and I've never had a problem.

Like most companies, Akai support is weak, though better since they moved AkaiPro to the US.

It's a bangin' drum machine. Lots of fun to compose beats with.

This is a neat toy, I bought it to replace my Akai S3000, since i mainly used it for drums I thought I should get a drum machine type sampler...Editing samples on here is simple as as a hardware sequencer can get. Although not as simple as mouse and keyboard in Peak, it's pretty self explanatory if you've used a hardware sampler before. The manual seems to cover a lot of topics, although I haven't really looked into it much, I figured most of the stuff out by myself. Overall, it's a simple machine if you've ever used akai products before. If you're a newbie at sampling, it'll take a while to get used to the program hierarchy and all that jazz...I give it a nine because I was a bit confused at first with the different editing/playback options.

I really dig these drum pads, I hope they don't wear out for a while. I have the basic model, so I can't really say much about the effects although I hear they're not all that. I usually record into protools or Logic and add most of my DSP there, since I tend to rely heavily on processing to make jacked up noises and whatnot. The sequencer is nice, hasn't crashed on me yet, can't say the same for Logic...I haven't sequenced much external gear with it yet, but what I have done has yielded positive results. I only wish there was a sort of bar editor like logic and cubase has (if there is and I haven't checked it out yet, my bad!), that would make editing sequences simpler. Right now I'm not really down with event lists, but it'll all take time. I think it's pretty lame that akai stocks the basic models with a simple 2 megs of ram, it doesn't go far at all these days, It would be better if they shipped them with at least 8 megs. The resampling and timestretch features are fun, but slow as fuck. Especially the resampling...and it doesn't sound all that hot compared to my S3000's resampling...it loses a lot of the high end which I have to bring back in with the resonant filters. On the other hand, the filter sounds warmer than on my other sampler. I didn't think I'd miss it, but I do...I wish there was an LFO or two on this machine to make effects...

As a sampler, you stock your own sounds. I'm using this for drums, noises and phrases. I love the pads though. bang bang bang...As far as the sampling quality, 16 bit 44.1...When I sample loops analog style out my sound card, into the mixer then auxed to the input, they tend to lose a little bit of low end if they're bass heavy, but that could be the mackie's fault.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to gig this machine in the future...right now I'm using the 3000 with a midi keyboard for gigs, but I'm soon gonna work it out so i can trigger all the sounds from this box, which will mean less shit to bring to gigs. I've heard that these machines crash, but haven't had a problem yet.

I've dealt with akai a couple times before, they were slow sending my stuff...I avoid calling them unless I have to.

Yeah, it's a bit overpriced but you can definitely get the most out of this machine with little effort. Fuck, if it were stolen or broke I'd sell a kidney and buy another one...As a sampler, it does pretty much everything I need it to do, I'm not multisampling flutists or scoring a hollywood movie so I don't need a bunch of useless ADSR envelopes or editing options. Like I said, I wish it came with more memory, so I didn't have to go through the trouble of finding compatible memory, opening it and installing. Working with its sequencer is so much easier than with Logic Audio, which constantly made me feel uncreative. With this little machine I just rock out on it to make patterns, chain them together and record it in protools for editing/DSP glitch fun!

THIS IS A REALLY EASY TO USE MACHINE .
NO INBUILT PRESETS .
THE PRESETS ON THE OFFERED MPC2000xl CD , Are GOOD , but don't suit my style (TECHNO ,TRANCE) .

THE MANUAL IS VERY VERY GOOD ;there is not much to be explained , and the things that have to be explained are very easy to understand l;-)

32 Polyphony if i' m not mistaking.
The inbuilt effect are quite slim .
I don't have the effects expansion so i can't comment on that .

The Pads are very Usefull for putting down a cool DRUM GROOVe ...
THE SEQUENCER IS GREAT , EASY TO USE and LOGICAL .

THe only flaw would be that your unaible to edit the CC PARAMTRES in a sequence (like the Rm1x does); maybe you can do it in STEP MODE (haven't used that mode so much yet) but i ' m nearly sure you can't ..

THE SOUNDS ARE AS GOOD , AS THE ONES YOU PUT IN .

You can use this thing for every kind of music (except classical music) , most people say it's mostly suited for RAP (and all the other kind of HIP HOP Shit) , but for Techno/trance it works well as well ...

IT'S QUITE RELIABLE .
I WOULD USE IT LIVE , WITH NO WORRRRRRIES/..

I THINK THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS QUITE BAD , as i' ve head ..
But never had to to ask for questions , so i woulnd't no for sure ...

IT IT WERE LOST , I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN ( NEVER WOULD I THINK OF ANY OTHER HARDWARE SEQUENCER ) .
IF YOU WANT A HARDWARE SEQUENCER ,BUY THIS , OR ELSE GO FOR SOFT SEQUENCING ( Don't even think of the Rs7000 ; if you really like the Rs7000 i'd advise you to buy the Rm1x (look at my article on the RS7000).

Logical user interface ( version 1.14 and IMHO much better than the so-called "MPC KILLER" Yamaha RS-7000 O.S. which I did'nt find all that logical ), may take a bit of time for the "newbie", but I've used MPC's before so it did'nt bother me at all! I've been a fan of MPC's from way back and I found that the excellent reputation the range has is more than evident here.

Great....32 voice poly and good ( if slow ) timestretch quality. The sequencer is solid and has an amazing feel....very tight, beats the feel of a software sequencer for me. It's a total solution, because mine has an internal IOOMb Zip drive and the output board as well, so it's all I need to make tracks on and take with me anywhere!

The effects board is great ( some people may find it a little tame by the kind of effects found in something like the Roland SP808EX, but it's still very useable ) and the swing feature can really make a difference to the feel ( which is why MPC's are used so much for HipHop and R'n'B, when the beat is everything! ).

Well....the first MPC2000XL I recived from the store went back after only one week because there was a fault with the display. I was'nt able to get another standard one ( because they had sold out ), but I did manage to get one of the "SE" graphic models and that came with the effects board for only #20.00 more than a standard, so I was more than pleased! This one has performed without a problem and has'nt let me down yet.

I do have a major problem with Akai ( UK ). When I bought the machine, none of the options ( except the effects board ) came fitted, so I had to do it myself. I expanded the memory to 32Mb, fitted the output board and then came the Zip drive....oh dear! This was an official Akai Zip kit for the MPC, but it came with no fitting instructions - I worked them all out but one, a small plastic jumper which neede to be fitted to two of the six pins on the rear of the Zip drive. I called Akai and they said that they would not tell me because it would void the 12-month repair plan ( I was also told in rather an insulting way that Zip kits were not sold to the public to fit, which was rather odd as I was holding one in my hand ! ). After a long call, I had recived no answer - they would'nt even tell the music store I bought the MPC from !!!! I posted the question on a few websites ( and also called a friend at another music store ) and at last, got the answer I was looking for....what a performance !

I love my MPC and I hope Akai will soon release the MPC4000 ( because I would love to see an MPC that used the new Z96 chip, what power that would have! ). It's a very creative machine and I enjoy using it more that sat at a PC, it's portable and can still hold it's own next to newer machines - which is why the MPC range has stood the test of time - it's not about having a machine that will be cut in price and discontinued before you open the box, it's about having a mchine that will make you more creative and develop your skills ;-)

akai mpc 2000xl
drum kits sound great with some twitching of the notches
the manual is great and it is quite easy to understand

not sure on the poly question. MPC is our main sequencer and keyboard is the slave.
the effects are good for a rough mix or to get a basic idea but we perfer effects proccessors during mix down.
the sequencer is the easiest to use

The sounds are realistic but it depends on the listener.
It is used in my studio for hiphop,house, drum n bass

It is the brain of our recording system it is so usefull i have two and not for back up but to use simultaneously.

Buy it again in a heart beat.
Been playing with electronic equipment for about 5 years, and I a few Korg Keyboards, Roland drum machine, Roland Sampler, computer and recording programs turntables and crates and crates full of records.

This machine is very user friendly. All of the functions are explained very clearly in the user manual, but you dont have to read it from cover to cover to get started. I am using OS 1.14, but when I bought it it had 1.12. It was very easy to upgrade from the internet.

This machine is perfect for the type of music I produce (Hip-hop). Everyone compliments the drum sounds that come off my MPC2000xl. The sequencer is incredible and its easy to edit your tracks. Song arraignments are also easy to complete. I like the ability to save samples as wavs and being able to further edit them on my computer. To me the sampler is the only weak part of this machine. It can be expanded to hold a few minutes worth of sounds, but editing the samples is slow for me. Also the basic machine comes with very little memory so its mandatory to buy more ram (Good thing its dirt cheap now). Another note about the sampler is that you can not sample and automaticly lay it across the drum pads. That is my bigeest complaint about the sampler. I have the effects board in my MPC2000xl, it is ok, nothing mind blowing. Maybe I have not utilized the effects expansion to its fullest but in my opinion it should just be a standard part of this machine.
The effects on my old ASR 10 are better to me! You can replace the internal disk drive to a ZIP drive (A good idea if you dont have an external storage device). I have not done it yet but everyone says its very easy to do. From waht I understand Akai even will do it for you now (At a price of course!)

As I atated this machine is perfect for hip-hop, so I assume its good for dance music and techno as well. The drum sounds I have gotten off my MPC200XL sound just like anything on the radio. I had never really used drum pads before I bought this unit so its hard to say if the are good or bad in comparision to other drum machines. I have no problem with them though, and they playback with touch sensitivity thats very accuarate. There are no built in sounds which is understanable, this is a sampler/sequncer. My only complaint about that is Akai packages the machine with a sound CD (Filled with great wavs from all models of the MPC family) but with out an external cd device you have to use a computer to copy wavs to disk, which can get time comsuming.

I have never had any problem wih my MPC2000XL and I have owned it for 2 years. I got one of the first ones that came out. I find it very reliable but I dont like using disks for storage. This in my opinion is not the most relaible storage option. I had one or two disks get corrupted (not Akais fault), and its impossible to save large samples on a disk.

Never dealt with the customer service, but the network on the internet is great. I put my RAM memory and EFX card in myself, its not hard at all. Akai says that you void your warranty by doing these things.

When I bought my MPC2000XL I was comparing it to the ASR-X which had just recently been released. The main thing that really made me get the MPC2000XL was that MPC's are almost industry standard for hip-hop music. I do not regrat it at all. From what I have seen though the MPC2000XL is just about the best sequncer/sampler on the market. Some people complain about the physical make up of the machine because it has lots of plastic buttons. I guesse it a legitimate concern since we all want our gear to last a long time. They seem sturdy to me, unless you have hands like the Incredible Hulk I dont see why this machine will wear out or break down easy. If you are looking to buy an MPC2000XL I would suggest finding a used one if possible with all the effects board and 8 out expansion. Buying it brand new can put a dent in your pockets.

version 1.14. the mpc has a very logical interface. once you get to know the basic structure you'll find that most functions operate in the same manner. six softkeys share alot of the navigation functions. within two or three hours of goofing around and refering to the manual i had a really good grasp on how this thing operates. the machine is deep but allows you to learn as you work as opposed to having to learn the entire machine before it is at all useful.

32 max polyphony. up to 256 samples on board at once. 4 banks of 16 very responsive drum pads that are large enough to use two fingers for rolls and flams (very cool!). lots of expansion availible for the mpc... up to 32 megs of ram, fx board, multi-8 and digital i/o board and 8 meg flash ram all can be installed although the flash ram is quite expensive. the mpc comes standard with scsi to allow connection of a zip drive or other storage. the only thing that bothers me here is that the scsi won't work connected to a pc. since the mpc supports wav. files you can work around this by using dos format floppies to transfer samples to and from the pc for editing. for many i'm sure this won't be necessary because the mpc has wave form editing, bpm match, time-stretch as well as most basic software based sample editing functions.
the mpc also has a very powerful full featured sequencer on board. if your into pattern based sequences you can't go wrong here. set up more like a drum machine sequencer rather than a linear sequencer (although you can record in this manner as well) you can whip out complex parts very quickly. exellent!!! it also has a built in mixer that allows for automation of level and pan thru the sequencer. i do wish their was some basic e.q. and compression here... or at least normalize in the sampler. i guess this might be a limitationfor some that don't edit on pc or don't have the multi-8 expansion board running into a nice mixer. other than that, i can't be more happy with the mpc's ability to stand alone.

obviously, if you put good in you get good out. if you want grunge you can resample to a lower rate internally. as i said before, the pads are exellent... way better than any boss or any other that i've played to date. the mpc is the standard for hip-hop production but come on, it's a sampler... your imagination is your only limitation!!!

i've only had it a week so i can't rate this as of yet. it sure is heavy though! i'll come back and re-review the mpc after the honeymoon is over.

don't know

the main reason i bought the mpc was the need for me to get away from the pc for composing. don't get me wrong, computers are amazing but i found myself using my eyes more than my ears. also, i really wanted a portable solution to sequencing and sampling. i considered the su700, arxpro, sp-808 and the yamaha a4000 (very nice) before deciding on the mpc. the su700 and arxpro are cool little machines but really lack in the midi sequencing department. the sp-808 is the ultimate sample remixer but with only 4 tracks (what's with that???)!! the a4000 is an awsome sampler for the price but that is all it does. overall, most of the machines i considered are entry level phrase samplers with built in fx made for instant gratification. hey, i'm sure they have their uses but i need something that has the ability, expandability and depth that will grow with me over time. and since of it's status in the music industry i'm sure the software upgrades will keep on coming making it even more powerful. yes, i wish it could comunicate with my pc. and i wish it had built in compression and e.q. but i can live without theses things... i can't live without a powerful sequencer and sampler though!

Im using v1.07 No presets. (This is a good thing)
Manual actually translates well to english. You wont need it though. Very easy to use.

Polyphony is 32. Pads are great.

Sampler is great for drums. Sequencing actually DOES have some kinda magic. Loops\synth samples could be better, not bad though. No effects, the akai effects board and the new filter board both suck.

It crashes every now and then. Everything happens for a reason, right?

Never dealt with them, but everybody supports em.

I wont lose it, thats a warning for those who might think about it too. Only thing bad is its hard to make a bad track on it. Get one or think about what could've been.

Even with the recent launch of the "MPC killer" RS7k and word about the MPC4k, the MPC2000XL never seem to lose its appeal. I'm not exactly sure why but I just got one myself, full blown less the SMPTE chip. The OS that came with mine was v1.12, but I quickly updated it to the current v1.14. It's a very straightforward easy to use machine so I never did bother about the manual much. But when I did need answers, the manual was pretty handy. Best of all, there're many dedicated MPC sites online so help is just a click away. It's also nice to know that the unit has built in universal voltage so no worries plugging it in both US and UK when you're gigging.

A fully expanded MPC2000XL has 32MB RAM, 8 output digital/analog expansion board, a true multi-effects board, an 8MB FlashROM and a SMPTE chip (which I didn't install). Also, thanks to mpc2000xl.com I learnt how to replace the floppy drive with an iomega ZIP250 drive. By today's standard, 32 note polyphony is not much, but I took into consideration this is a drum machine, so having 32 things going on at any one time is more than enough for me!

The flip up screen is definitely a nice touch and the pressure sensitive pads are extremely responsive. The timing of the sequencer is also extremely tight. Even Logic Audio running on my G4 don't come close, and need I mention the infamous swing factor. I'm not a technical guru or pro gear reviewer but I know what groove is and the MPC rocks! The multi-efx board isn't too comprehensive but it works well with sounds and saves me the trouble of hooking up outboards. My 8MB FlashROM board retains all my fav drum sounds when I switch off the machine and best of all it doesn't take up any of my 32MB RAM, so essebtially, I have 40MB RAM to work with. Cool. BUT being a previous MPC60II user, I must say that the built quality of the MPC2000XL really dissappointed me. The buttons are plasticky and the pads aren't as hardy. My MPC60II still looks and feel like the day I got it nearly a decade ago, but I'm not sure if the MPC2000XL can hold up as well.

The reputation speaks for itself. It is a very reliable piece of gear for gigging and serious professional studio work.

From all over the world, websites, hotlines, faqs, the support is tremendous.

I love the way this machine works. I don't really love it for its features because they're not fantastic. If I want features, I'd go for the new Yamaha RS7000. But there's just something this MPC2000XL has that no other machine can come close to. If I ever lose this machine, I would wait to buy the MPC4000.

i have the SE 3 with fancy paint chrome finish. its a GC special ltd. edition of 1000/
for the way my brain works i cannot possibly think of any better way to sequence/
using latest OS, manual is pretty boring. good as reference only.

Absolutely the best sequencer i have used. THis is much improved vs. the MPC 2000.
4 drum kits available
256 sounds can be loaded at once
you can do RESAMPLING converting AT 12-bit to recreate the MPC 60 or lo fi sounds/.
it does take a LONG LONG time for the processing of this function but it can reproduce any former MPC!
did i mention its easy to use?

pads are good but not the best i have felt. the sampler is exactly the same as s2000
and the A/D convertors sound very accurate. nice natural sound.

have had problems with mpc 2000 but so far no bugs to report/

Pretty easy to use, and heaps more cool stuff to find, the deeper you
delve... The manual was a bit of cow, but I foundit unecessary most
of the time.

32 polyphony good. pressure sensitive pads good. The extra FX add ons
sound REALLY good, its a pity there aint any knobs to twiddle them
real - time. The resampling doesnt happen thru the FX either so you cant
alter your samples down multiple generations: another let down since there's
only 2 multi FX buses and 2 reverbs. I found this really frustrating
because the FX sound soo good... I dont have any other midi gear so
I guess i dont even use half its capabilities.

It helps if you use good samples. You can set the velocity to alter
the filter, attack, and pitch of the sound which helps make your
loops sound more dynamic. This box seems really well designed for
hip hop, not so good for live squelching psy-trance style.

I've had it shit itself a couple of times, generally during excessive
button bashing/snare rushes etc. I think it would be great for gigging
, it sure lugging computers around.

Full marks here. The Australian support guy went above and beyond,
saved me from eternity lost in the manual.

If this baby was stolen I'd but the latest update. Its pretty bloody
expensive, but its all quality. Its quite intuitive and doesnt
impede creativity. I wish it had some knobs to twiddle, cause the
standard filter on the slider aint so hot. I was looking for an
everything in one type box, and I very nearly got it here.

It gets no easier.. if you cant lock this box down in two weeks
you should re-evaluate you IQ test scores..

I dont think anything dilivers so many useable functions in such a
small very portable package, it samples quick, and edits sequences,
and songs in record time. Not to mention the fact that NO other
sampling drum mach has more ways of locking up to track mach's.

If you sample from a clean sorce its going to sound clean so it dosnt
matter what style of music your doing. what matters is if you know
what your doing...

No problems yet, though if i take it out of my studio
it goes in a hard case. Ive heard of peoples mp's messing up but i
wonder how much of it is caused by just not taking care of it properly.

online support seems good.
never had to call in person, but i did cheak out the web site for updates, and aditional sounds.

price was a little more but i needed the output expanded and memory,
also got the smte chip and the new graphic edition so it looks really
cool..

Can take some getting used to as far as function buttons and layers of window menu's. But you have to learn in anything you use.

Sick - Akai converters are the bomb!!! I use it mostly for drums and drum loops and they sound great out of this box. You can assign different filter, tuning, attack, and release to each sample in real time... cool.

Great unit for programming beats and playing live. Sequencer is ultra tight and the swing is better than computer based sequencers ( and quick to use). You can duplicate the swing on a computer but you have to download templates, load into sequencer.,...arrgh. MPC is also great live!!!

I wish I had bought A KORG TRITON instead