OVERVIEW
Now in black. The MPC 1000 is a fully re-designed MPC series. It maintains the key features that made the orignal series the industry standard, but also integrates new features to make it more portable and easier to integrate to computer-based studios....
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USES
• recording + sampling
• audio + MIDI sequencing
• audio manipulation
• drum programming
• portable sample trigger/performance instrument
FEATURES
The MPC 1000 features a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo sampler with 136 seconds of mono sampling time standard (expandable to 24m28sec). Sound wave patterns are displayed as wave forms, making it possible to edit samples both visually and aurally. Effects including pitch, LFOs, envelopes, time stretch and resample are available for use with all sounds. A new addition to the 1000 series includes two stereo effects and one master effect each of which are assignable to all sounds. These stereo effects include chorus, flanger, bit grunger, 4-band EQ (also available in master), compressor (also available in master), phase shifter, tremolo, flying pan and reverb. Another improvement over past MPC's is the inclusion of a high pass filter, and both the low and high pass filters on the 1000 are 2-pole per voice.
The sequencer section is where the MPC has really derived its great reputation. With a 100,000 note memory and a capacity of up to 99 sequences that can be recorded in either linear or pattern-style, the 1000 is an extremely powerful machine. It also features a step edit mode, a loop recording function and 16 level, full level, tap tempo, auto punch and undo sequence features, making it extremely fast and intuitive to work with.
The hardware on the MPC 1000 offers enough connections to satisfy the most demanding recording applications. 2 new hardware features on the 1000 make it more compatible with computer based studios than its predecessors. The first improvement is the Compact Flash port which takes cards that range from 32MB (included) to 2GB. The second is the inclusion of a USB port that supports storage on MAC and PC via the Mass Storage Class USB standard. Basically, M.S.C. is a file management system that allows you to drag and drop sound files from the MPC to your computer's hard drive and vice versa, via the USB port. These 2 features negate the need for those slow floppy and zip disks, a weakness of previous MPC models.
The back panel of the 1000 is equipped with stereo 1/4" INs and OUTs, four 1/4" individual OUTs, digital S/PDIF IN and OUT, two MIDI INs and OUTs, a headphone OUT and two footswitch INs. The dimensions of the unit are 13" by 8" and it weighs less than 8lbs. Its sample reading capabilities are compatible with the MPC 2000XL, MPC 4000, Z4, Z8 and the S5000/6000.
OUR OPINION
I can remember when the MPC 60 cost $3200 brand new out of the box. We've come a long way in these 15 years and as advancements in technologies are made, the consumer is the real winner in the end. The 1000 is a real deal production center, equipped with most of the features that made the MPC so legendary.
Some of the new features included with the MPC 1000 should be especially appealing to today's musician. The addition of a 2-pole high pass filter gives the user a new range of sound design possibilities previously unavailable to the MPC. On previous models, the internal effects were either limited or cost extra to buy the expansion boards. The different effects that come standard with the 1000 allow the user to more fully shape their sounds within the MPC, lessening the need for outboard gear or upgrades.
In our opinion, the greatest improvement with the 1000 is the inclusion of the Mass Storage Class USB standard and the Compact Flash port. For CPU users this will negate the need for floppy and Zip discs that can be slow and difficult to manage. The speed of being able to drag and drop sound files as well as the convenience of having all your samples at your finger tips, displayed on your computer screen, will save a lot of time and creative energy. The new methods of memory storage (Compact Flash card and USB) will ensure that the user's data doesn't get lost as formats change and that the MPC 1000 will be able to communicate with new equipment as it is released in the future.
Overall the most important element the 1000 retained from its MPC lineage is its ease of use. Its layout and sequencing section is intuitive, making it a fast learn. The trademark trigger pads and sequencing features make it a powerful, realistic drum programming tool. Portability is no longer an issue with the 1000's new compact size. Take it to djing gigs and trigger sound effects or homemade creations into the mix. For live bands the 1000 can add anything from more powerful drums to atmospheric sound scapes, all at the touch of sixteen buttons. By no means a lightweight, the 1000 will probably end up dominating the hardware based production market for years to come. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The Akai MPC 2500 is a completely redesigned MPC that bridges the gap between the high-end MPC 4000 and the industry standard MPC 2000, while adding several new, unique features. At its foundation, the MPC 2500 retains all the features that make...
expand review the MPC series so popular: 64 track MIDI sequencing, 32-voice/ 16 bit digital sampler, easy editing, and those 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads, the signature of the MPC series.
USES
- recording + sampling
- audio + MIDI sequencing
- audio manipulation
- drum programming
KEY UPGRADES FROM THE MPC 2000
- USB connection for MAC and Windows
- the MPC 2500 includes standard the effects board and digital outputs, both expensive add-ons for the MPC 2000.
- comes equipped with 16 MB of RAM, expandable to 128 MB (MPC 2000 = 2 MB/32 MB)
- more effects: the MPC 2500 has more effects choices plus two effects processors that can be used simultaneously for more sound variation.
- 10 outputs included, upgraded to balanced.
- more storage capabilities: included Compact Flash Drive and internal hard drive compatibility (hard drive not included).
- optional, user-installable CD-RW/DVD drive
- advanced functions taken from the MPC 5000: Grid Sequence, Patch Phrase, and Auto Slice.
- 2 MIDI input and upgraded 4 MIDI output
- foot switch connections -mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The MPC-500 is Akai's latest entry in their legendary MPC line, and it's their most portable and affordable unit yet. Not only is the MPC-500 the smallest MPC yet, it also has the ability to run on 6 AA batteries, which automatically...
expand review makes this the go to choice for dj's and producers who travel a lot (think of all that airport downtime). The 500 shrinks down the MPC-1000 frame with a smaller overall size, slimmer profile and a streamlined group of features. You are still getting Akai's professional level recording + sampling features, sequencing functions, and programming ability, just in a smaller package.
FEATURES
The Akai MPC500 is a compact, portable, full-featured music
production center featuring a 48-track, 16-channel MIDI sequencer
combined with a 32-voice drum/phrase sampler. The MPC500
supports 16-bit/44.1 kHz sample rates and provides upward of
128MB of RAM. The unit's MIDI sequencer supports the SMF
(standard MIDI file) format, while the sampler accepts WAV files. Like
all Akai MPC units, the MPC500 provides velocity sensitive pads (12)
for triggering sounds and the unit includes Akai's legendary 12 Levels
function—where one sound can be assigned to all pads with varied
level or tuning per pad. The MPC500 provides numerous onboard
effects plus two stereo effects sends and a Master control. For transferring work to other Akai MPC models, a Compact
Flash storage card is included for use with the internal CF drive. The
MPC500 includes a USB port for use as a slave connector with a computer.
Memory expansion is available. -the mgmnt
Want to give your MPC creations a professional mix? Enter the IB-M208P, an easy to install, 8-output interface board with digital IN/OUT. This is an ideal upgrade if you want to mix down your samples and sounds either individually or in sub-groups....
expand review Now you can assign each drum sound or sample to an individual channel to be mixed on a mixing board or inside of your computer. In addition you get stereo digital S/PDIF IN and OUT, which makes it possible to import and export sounds between the MPC and a computer, CD or any other digital source. All within the digital domain so you won't sacrifice the sound quality. This is definitely a necessity for achieving a proper mixdown, and keeping your digital audio sounding its best.
OVERVIEW
The XR20 is Akai's smallest all-in-one beat production station. This ultra-compact and portable unit allows you to produce beats on the go (via optional battery powered operation) or in the studio with over 700 pre-loaded sounds, an integrated effects engine, MIDI I/O...
expand review and a mic input for laying down vocals over your creation. All this with the trusted feel and sound quality Akai is famous for.
FEATURES
For it's compact size, the XR20 is big on features. It comes with over 700 pre-loaded sounds and kits including professional sounding drums (electronic and analog), percussion, bass, synths, sound effects, vocal and instrument hits as well as an integrated effects engine for high quality reverb, EQ, and compression for full control over the sound. The XR20 also features
a mic input for mixing vocals with your patterns plus a very useful MIDI I/O for integrating the unit into your MIDI setup.
The unit itself is incredibly compact and can run off batteries or AC adaptor for added portabillity. It's sleek black frame is accentuated with a bright blue LCD screen and brilliant backlit pads that actually light up while following the beat for visual cues and added precision. Different patterns you create can be triggered by individual pads for even more versatility. Additional features include drum roll/note repeat for added realism and expression, footswitch input and headphone out.
OUR OPINION
Akai's XR20 is a heavyweight contender in the portable production unit realm with an impressive list of features and a very attractive price. Boasting professional quality sounds built-in, MIDI I/O, mic input, trusted Akai functionality and much more for under $300, the XR20 is the perfect unit for producers of all skill levels that want a portable all-in-one production unit for a reasonable price. -the mgmnt
FREE VGA EXPANSION FOR MV-8000
The expandable MV-8000 is the only sampling workstation that lets you plug in a VGA monitor and a mouse (via MV8-VGA expander). Get your hands on an MV-8000, and you'll never look at your music the same way...
expand review again. Purchase an MV-8000 between July 23, and March 31, 2005 and you'll receive a FREE MV8-VGA expansion board ($295 value) from Roland! visit: http://rolandus.com/products/mv8000_web2.pdf
OVERVIEW
The MV-8000 is an all-in-one production powerhouse that allows you to take your project from just an idea and some samples to a mastered CD ready for mass-production. For the 8000, Roland has combined the strengths of their highly successful VS series multi-track recorders and SP series phrase samplers, with the best parts of Akai's MPC series. The result is a machine that can be at the center of a production set-up or simply be the entire studio.
USES
• Sampler
• Sequencer
• Multi-track recorder
• Mixing Console
• Mastering Tool
• CD burner
FEATURES
The MV-8000 has four main modes of operation; sampling, sequencing, recording and mastering, which can all be used together (and for the most part simultaneously) to achieve a complete project. Sampling was designed to be fast and painless. It features dedicated input volume knobs for getting the correct level, a phono input for direct connection to a turntable and the ability to load both Roland and Akai MPC sounds from its internal CD-RW and floppy disk drives. Unique features like its chop mode, which allows you to cut a sample into mutiple-segments and automatically spread them across the 16-touch sensitive pads and its clip board function for coping and moving samples with the touch of a button, put the 8000 in a league of its own for convenience of use. With its memory fully expanded (512 Mb) the 8000 can sample nearly 100 minutes of audio (mono). All editing of samples is done graphically on the machine's large LCD screen.
In addition to sampling, the MV-8000 can act as a sound module by playing back a full range of instruments stored on its 40GB internal hard drive or imported from CD-ROM or a computer. These sounds can be played on the machines pads or with an external MIDI controller. A virtual analog synth is also included for designing your own sounds and adding them to your compositions.
The sequencer section of the 8000 offers both pattern (drum machine style) and linear (computer style) programming. All of your programming can be visually edited and arranged on its LCD screen or intuitively with its pads. The 8000 also acts as a hard disk recorder allowing you to record up to 16 (8 stereo) tracks of audio from any source you'd like, just plug in a mic, guitar, synth or whatever and your ready to go.
After everything is programmed and recorded you can move into song mode to arrange and mix down your creations. In addition to editing your parts and putting them in the right order, you can use the 30 built in 24-bit effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) and EQ to get it sounding exactly how you want. After that you can move into mastering mode to give your work the professional edge using either preset templates or your ear to achieve the best sound possible. Finally you can burn your song/s to the 8000's internal CD-RW drive and create real Redbook audio CDs ready to be sent to the CD duplicator.
OUR OPINION
While the MV-8000 is a bit on the expensive side, you are getting what you pay for" a complete production center capable of taking your projects from start to finish all without leaving the machine. Roland obviously spent a lot of time with MPC users to develop this machine as the 8000 includes a lot of features that improve on the MPC's limitations. These features include more short cuts to speed up your workflow and the inclusion of a multi-track hard disk recorder.
This is a production tool for serious minded musicians/producers, who want everything in one neat, easy to use package. In addition to all the features that come standard on the MV-8000 numerous choices for upgrading the machine are also available, including a full size screen for better visuals, a mouse connection and numerous INs and OUTs and pedal options.
OVERVIEW
Roland has now discontinued the classic SP-303 sampler (pick them up while we still have them!) and replaced it with the new SP-404. The 404 is built on the easy to use foundation of the SP-303, with a new casing, new features,...
expand review and expanded ranges for almost all existing features. The 404 should prove to have a similar acceptance to the SP-303 as the industry standard portable sampler and sequencer.
USES
- sample triggering during DJing
- sampling
- sequencing
- effects processing
NEW FEATURES
The SP-404 now has 12 large pads (the 303 had 8) for greater sample storage, more built-in effects, a new built in mic for easy vocal sampling on the fly, a Compactflash drive that now accepts cards up to 1GB, new metal casing, and more.
FEATURES
The SP-404 is recommended for 3 main uses. The first is for live performances, especially DJ sets where you can add sound effects and samples very easily. Now with the built-in mic, sample on the fly. The second use is for the effects. No matter what level producer you are, the 29 built-in effects are very useful especially the vinyl simulation mode. Many well-known producers used the SP-303's effects in their tracks. Lastly, the SP-404 is an easy to use sequencer. It is based on the same fundamentals as the MPC, and for sample-based music, sometimes simpler is better. This is what you get here, just think of it as portable sketchbook for beats (it even can run on batteries), also powerful enough to deliver a finished track (Madlib uses a SP-303 for some of his tracks).
OUR OPINION
The upgrades from the 303 make the 404 more producer friendly. The 303 became a cult classic because its ease of use. This is maintained in the 404; there's just more options and capacity. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The SP-555 is a high-quality sampler workstation with USB connectivity from the popular SP family series of samplers (think a majorly upgraded SP-404). It not only gives DJs, producers, and sample-based musicians powerful realtime control of their sounds with 16 velocity sensitive...
expand review pads, but also gives you instant sound capturing via line and mic inputs and USB audio streaming. In addition, over 37 effects are at your disposal plus unique interface options such as the D Beam feature that allows you to control the SP-555 without touching it!
FEATURES
Samples processed through the SP-555 sound excellent thanks to the 44.1kHz/24-bit sample rate. Getting any sound onto your pads is made incredibly simple as well thanks to easy sampling via RCA ins, the 1 XLR/TRS mic input (with selectable 48V phantom power) or USB. Once sounds are loaded, 16 velocity sensitive pads are available as triggers. Also use the SP-555's live loop capturing feature to capture a piece of audio and instantly play it back in sync with your other tracks. You can even load loops onto the pads or layered with other loops. Support for a 2GB compactflash card means you can record up to 12 hours of sound.
Effects are a big deal on the SP-555 as it boasts 37 high quality DSP effects. Everything from delay, voice transformer, isolator and more are at your disposal as well as the unique Super Filter and DJFX looper. Plus the handy Effect Memory feature allows you to recall your favorite samples instantly. It also features the innovative V-LINK that lets you connect any compatible video equipment to display material in sync with your music, and D Beam technology that allows you to work the SP-555 without touching it (just wave your hand over the beam). Comes with Cakewalk production software for added value.
OUR OPINION
The SP-555 is like a SP-404 on steroids - more effects, more pads, and more features. DJs can still use it to drop samples and effects in the mix, while sample-based producers can really wild out with the effects and easy to use sampling capabilities. Beat wizards Madlib and MF Doom have been known to rely on the SP-404 to create their dirty sample-based beats, and with the SP-555 - you can do this and then some. Add USB connectivity and Cakewalk software and you have a full featured sampler with all the extras for a very reasonable price. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The SP-606 is a strong contender in the mid-level range of samplers and drum machine style workstations. Those who want more features than the SP-303, but are not ready to invest the money and time into an Akai MPC-2000, will find...
expand review that the SP-606 is a solid choice. The SP-606 has all the features you need for making beats and phrase sampling; plus some high-end features you wouldn't expect in this price range. The SP-606's compact size makes it road/gig worthy as well, which compares favorably to the Akai MPC 1000 for a couple hundred dollars less.
USES
- make tracks at home or on the road
- edit tracks on your PC with included software
- sampler and MIDI Sequencer
- video controller
FEATURES
Firstly, the SP-606 comes bundled with Cakewalk's P606 software (PC only), which allows you to completely edit and manipulate the samples in your 606 from your computer, via its USB connection. This is a very important feature not found on other samplers, and increases the power of this unit immensely. It gives you the best of both worlds: the ease and simplicity of working on hardware and the precision of working on a computer.
The layout of the SP-606 is similar to rest of the Boss/Roland SP series, whose design is based on the success of the Akai's MPC series. It features sixteen (16) velocity sensitive pads and an 18,000 note capacity 4-track sequencer, as well as 3 knobs for real time control of the 40 built-in effects. These on-board effects include basic types like filters, reverb, compression, low boost and tape echo, as well as esoteric effects you will only find on Roland products like a feedback ripper, space-d, and a voice transformer.
The 606 also features a mastering effect to have your music sounding as loud and crispy as possible after your song is all mixed down. The graphic LCD screen allows you to edit the start and stop time of your samples fast and easily with waveforms, as well as giving you step-by-step control of your sequences.
Some of the features of the SP-606 can only be found on Roland products and thus gives the machine a unique character. The 606's D-Beam allows you to control your sounds and samples with hand movements similar to the way a Theremin works. Also included on the SP-606 is Roland's new V-Link, which when used with Edirol's DV-7PR or P-1 (sold separately) allows you to trigger and control live or pre-recorded video clips. The bpm synch feature makes time stretching samples to match the rest of the song an automatic operation.
The 606 comes with a CompactFlash slot for storing your samples and adding memory to the already built in 5-11 minutes (depending on quality) of sample memory. Samples can be recorded through the stereo analog and digital inputs or you can choose to import or record AIFF. & Wav. files with its USB port. Other connections include stereo analog & digital (coaxial) INs & OUTs, MIDI IN & OUT, an optional footswitch control and a headphone jack.
OUR OPINION
Roland's SP-606 is a smart choice for those who want a full featured sampler but are not ready to invest a lot of money into one machine. The feel and look is very hands on and intuitive, much like Akai's MPC series. What separates the 606 from other samplers in this price range is the included software, the D-Beam & V-Link features as well as the forty built-in effects. The 606's only weakness when compared to the MPC 1000 is that the sequencer consists of only 4-tracks (compared to the MPC 1000's 99). However this is really more of a difference in taste than anything else, as multiple patterns can still be recorded with the 606, and the its sequencer is a little less complicated and faster to operate than the MPC 1000's. On the positive side PC users will find the P606 software extremely useful when it comes time for doing some complicated cutting and chopping of samples.
The SP-606 is an easy to use machine. It is laid out so that you can jump in and start making beats right out of the box, but its features are sophisticated enough that you could spend hours using it and still only scratch the surface of what it is capable of. -the mgmnt
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