Difference between MPC 4000 Models.

Hi, I've been looking at the different models of the MPC 4000. Currently, the only models that I see that are available for purchase (probably not in stock though) are the LE model and the Plus model. I think the Studio A model (probably discontinued) had the 8 analog outs, which is what I would like to have. However, I've also consider the LE model and adding a CD-R/W myself. The LE model is priced at $2,299 and the Plus model is priced at $2,799. After looking at the specs on the Plus model, it metions that it has the CD-R/W, 2 channel SPDIF, and 80GB hard drive. However, In addition it also mentions the Intel CPU. This raises the following questions:

1. Does the Plus model have a faster CPU then the other model? (That's a huge price gap)

2. Since I can't seem to find a photo of the back panel of the Plus model, I was wondering does it also include the 8 analog outputs?


If the Plus model has a faster CPU and 8 analog outs, I'd consider it. Otherwise, I'd go with a less expensive model and add a 8 output board and CD-R/W later based on need, which would probably be cheaper. RAM will have to be upgraded regardless of which model you purchase so that's a given.

I can buy a brand new one that hasn't been messed over with. Or better yet, fetch a slightly used, mint conditioned, fully-loaded MPC4000 on ebay for about a couple of grand and save bundle. If I buy one new it'll probably cost me over $3000 (money I don't want to spend) including upgrades, and it'll just depreciate anyway just like any other piece of electronic equipment. Thus, I wouldn't have to make any additional upgrades besides maybe the RAM if that's not already taken care of.

Anyone out there have a MPC 4000 Plus? Just curious of it's options?

Thanks.

There's only ONE MPC4000, they're all the same (although some have white paint on the outside, and some have blue paint)

Into this basic MPC400, you can stick:

- any or all of the 4 different Akai expansion boards (all of which you can buy seperately):
(the Effects board,
the S/P-DIF & wordclock digital I/O board,
the 8 analogue outs board
and the ADAT digital I/O board)

- 1 or 2 IDE devices
(eg a CD-ROM or CD-R/W drive, a hard drive,....)
(but bear in mind that the front panel has on 3.5" IDE bay, and one 5" IDE bay, so probably you'll use one CD drive and one hard drive, which would be the most useful combination anyways)

- 1 or 2 extra sticks of PC133 RAM (up to a max of 512MB)


In addition, you can attach pretty much any USB1.1-standards compliant device to the front USB port, such as a USB QWERTY keyboard, a little RAM stick, a USB floppy, etc etc etc


Any of these installations you can do yourself using nothing more than the MPC4000 reference manual PDF from Akai's website and a screwdriver.

Thanks, feline1. You've been a big help. Now, it's just a matter of what I want to do. As a result of your reply, I've narrowed my choices between buying a new one without the CD-R/W (sold as LE at musiciansfriend.com) and upgrading it later or buying a slightly used one cheaper and fully loaded. So really, it's just a matter of how much money I want to spend.

Regardless of which route I go with, I'd be getting the most power MPC sequencer/sampler ever made.