Akai MPC 2000

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An Akai MPC 2000 hardware sampler

The Akai MPC 2000 is a popular 64-track hardware sequencer with a built-in sampler. MPC stands for MIDI Production Center and describes various electronic musical instruments made by the Japanese manufacturer Akai .

history

In 1997 Akai introduced the MPC 2000 as the successor to the MPC 3000 and thus significantly influenced the market for digital musical instruments, especially the sample-based sequencer. The MPC 2000 was the first MPC not co-developed by Roger Linn (the inventor of the Linn Drum). The MPC 2000 XL later emerged from the MPC 2000. The equipment was greatly simplified compared to the MPC 3000. The eight individual outputs, for example, were only available as an extension board, with the MPC 3000 they were still integrated as standard. With the MPC 2000, Akai began lowering prices at the expense of equipment and thereby opening up a larger market.

The workflow is shaped by the 16 velocity-sensitive pads. There is also a rotary encoder to simplify sample processing. The encoder of the MPC 2000 is particularly easy to use: it has an outer ring which helps to jump to the next decimal place when processing samples; this allows the sample to be cut quickly. This was later made easier with the MPC 2000 XL (which only has a one-piece encoder wheel) by allowing the intersection points to be controlled using a (Note Variation) fader. Particularly noteworthy is the groove quantization, which makes it possible to simulate a certain human inaccuracy despite the rigid sequencer grid. This feature certainly contributed a large part to the popularity of the machines. Additional functions have been integrated with the MPC 2000 XL. There was time stretching , resampling (which made it possible, among other things, to change the bit rate of the sample) and it was possible to create folders for sample management (MPC 2000: only partitioning of the data carrier possible). In addition, there was a function for the first time (called ChopShop from the MPC 2500 onwards ), with which samples could be broken down into parts (unfortunately only the same size) and placed directly on the pads. The floppy disk drive in the MPC 2000 XL was later partially replaced with a ZIP drive (in the SE series) or a multi-card reader (MCD series). MPC 2000s converted to card readers are also known. The SCSI interface integrated in both devices offered additional options for storing and loading samples and sequences. It is common to connect an external ZIP drive, CD-ROM drive, an external card reader, an MO disk or an external hard drive there. However, these must not exceed 9 GB, as these MPCs cannot recognize any data carriers above this limit.

Extensions

  • The Akai EB-16 effects board, which enabled multiple effects at the same time.
  • The Akai IB-M208P (prepared later by the company under the name MUTEC ADO II) containing 8 individual outputs and a S / PDIF ready made -on- or output.
  • An 8 MByte Flash-ROM from the German company Mutec (designation FXM08, FMC-01 or FMC-008), which ROM memory for direct loading of sounds or z. B. the operating system bot.
  • The Akai IB-M20T board for the MPC2000 or the IB-M2TC chip for the MPC2000XL to send and receive SMPTE signals. This enables synchronization outside of a MIDI system (e.g. with a tape machine).
  • The memory can be expanded up to 32 MB with SIMM RAM. If 2x16 MB bars are installed, the internal standard memory of 2 MB is ignored.
  • In addition, the Akai MFC-42 is a 19-inch filter module that can be mounted above the device using brackets. As a special feature, these filters could be controlled via MIDI .
  • In the meantime there is also a modification that makes the MPC 2000 memory card readable (from SCSI4SAMPLERS). To do this, a modified SCSI cable is plugged into the external interface and through the hole that is free on the back when the SMPTE interface is not installed, to the SCSI card reader installed instead of the floppy drive. The SCSI connection can still be used through termination.

The MPC 2000 XL was available in five color combinations, the one shown below, orange, as well as red, silver, blue and gray, the only variant in which the MPC 2000 was available. In addition, it is relatively common to repaint the MPC or to cover it with special foils and thus to individualize it.

Many world-famous productions were arranged and worked out with this sampler, as no computer was required to work and the price was affordable. To this day, the MPC 2000 and XL have an excellent reputation, especially in the hip-hop scene. Big names like Pete Rock (MPC 2000 XL) and Kanye West (MPC 2000) still use it today.

The official successor was the Akai MPC 2500 , which was introduced in 2005.

Technical specifications

  • 16 velocity-sensitive freely assignable pads
  • 1 note variation fader
  • 64 tracks
  • 256 sounds possible in memory
  • up to 4 programs can be played back at the same time
  • 32 MIDI channels, 2 MIDI outputs, 2 MIDI inputs
  • 2 MB sampling memory (standard version), expandable up to 32 MB
  • 32-part polyphony
  • SCSI interface
  • maximum of 128 sounds in memory
  • Sampling rate 44.1 kHz with 16 bit resolution
  • Stereo or mono sampling and playback
  • 3.5 "floppy disk drive
  • or ZIP drive (only XL)
  • or MCD card reader for SD, SmartMedia etc. (only XL)
  • optionally available:
    • Board with 8 individual outputs with an additional S / PDIF input and output
    • Flash ROM board which offers 8 MB additional ROM storage space
    • Effect board that enables multi-effects
    • SMPTE connection which enables synchronization with a tape machine
  • Weight: 6.3 kg