MPC sample edit functions sound terrible!

First post, hope it's cool.

I'm getting used to a new MPC 4000.
It all seems fine except that when i do a sample edit function like extract or discard the result is like some awful 8 bit disaster!

Records fine, just when it works on it somethings going very bad.

Anyone had this?

Here's a recording of the thing...

BAD RAM maybe

Oh really?
What makes you say that?

MinnieMPCF wrote:Oh really?
What makes you say that?

Because that's the type of stuff you get with bad ram.

ntalec wrote:

MinnieMPCF wrote:Oh really?
What makes you say that?

Because that's the type of stuff you get with bad ram.

Lol! Point taken.
Newb Alert.

So I've checked the 2 ram sticks in there 1 at a time, same problem.
If it is ram it's both of them, they are Dell branded.

The other point is that I can hear this cruddy sound while auditioning samples I just recorded and saved.

Hmmm...

MinnieMPCF wrote:

ntalec wrote:

MinnieMPCF wrote:Oh really?
What makes you say that?

Because that's the type of stuff you get with bad ram.

Lol! Point taken.
Newb Alert.

So I've checked the 2 ram sticks in there 1 at a time, same problem.
If it is ram it's both of them, they are Dell branded.

The other point is that I can hear this cruddy sound while auditioning samples I just recorded and saved.

Hmmm...

2 bad sticks of RAM is not surprising.
If you don't have any other RAM or don't want to just buy some you can test it out but removing all the RAM then powering up the unit and sampling something new with no RAM installed.
You can then try editing the new samples to see if they develop issues.
If they work without issues then it's your RAM that's the problem.

"you can test it out by removing all the RAM then powering up the unit and sampling something new with no RAM installed"

do this. it uses the internal (e.g. - non-removable) memory. again, not uncommon to have one or both sticks be bad. getting the right ram is such a cheap upgrade and people might just stick whatever in there without paying attention to the specific ram requirements, so double-check that the installed ram complies.

while you're in there, clean the ram sockets out with some caig's de-oxit or another pcb-friendly contact cleaner.

another idea i'd suggest would be to re-install the operating system. can't hurt to try.

Oh thanks,
That is very helpful.

I'll check it out without the ram, had no idea it had some on board memory.
The guy at MPC Stuff rekoned the main board might be the culprit, but that's all a bit of a gamble, so I'm very glad to be-able to try this first.

Have some De-Oxit too, amazing.
I shall return...

MinnieMPCF wrote:Oh thanks,
That is very helpful.

I'll check it out without the ram, had no idea it had some on board memory.
The guy at MPC Stuff rekoned the main board might be the culprit, but that's all a bit of a gamble, so I'm very glad to be-able to try this first.

Have some De-Oxit too, amazing.
I shall return...

we all hope that the RAm is the culprit.
if the RAM is not the issue, then main board maybe only answer.

So.
Removed the memory and did a test, same.
Reloaded the OS, same.
In addition, the multiple output expander is giving no output at all.

All this leads me quite convincingly to it being a main board problem,
along with a possibly faulty expansion board.

Looks like I'm after an MPC 4000 main board.
Rare as hens teeth are they?

MinnieMPCF wrote:Rare as hens teeth are they?

Unfortunately so. The only spares are from donor machines.

going out on a limb (also, a few beers deep...) - it's not a sample rate discrepancy, right? furthermore, can you replicate the problem regardless of the source material? as in: this happens no matter what you're editing.

in this case i have no advice other than to:

1. ship unit to vst service or some other repair facility
2. buy another machine and keep this one for spares

Yep, I think having 2 machines is a very good call, and probably how I will approach it from here.

I just spoke with the previous owner who, as it turns out is a very reasonable guy.
We've agreed to ship it back and see what we can do from there.

Jim, I did check for sample rate and digital sync issues, because it does sound a bit like that, as if I'd sampled at 4 bits or something.
To me, it's like a filter has gone whacky or something of that nature,
Casio FZ1 comes to mind.

In any case, I'd like to extend my gratitude for the succinct help everyone has given.
With the info provided I've been able to eliminate a few possibilities quickly.
That knowledge was also very helpful when talking to the seller.

I shall be back, samples blazing!

Word. Glad you're not stuck with a bum machine.

Inside your machine you will see a battery about 1 inch diameter.Take it out and leave it out for few minites to make sure.In fact go and buy a new one.I got mine for pennies in a cut price shop variety pack.Fit it and turn it on.Now try again.Good luck.