Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000

By MPC_Producer Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:45 am
The transfer time depends on the size of the file(s). If I remember correctly, the MPC uses USB 1.1 like other musical instruments. So a large file isn't going to be a lightning fast transfer.

By musical Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:56 am
so what does that mean in terms of time?

do they have any plans to upgrade that in the future?

By MPC_Producer Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:59 am
It means that the transfer time depends on the size. It's going to be slow. They can't update anything. It is burned in.

By musical Thu Dec 18, 2003 2:05 am
wow... thats terrible

i know it depends on the file size...thats why i said a 10 second loop

By MPC_Producer Thu Dec 18, 2003 2:13 am
It is not unusual, though. Vendors like Roland and Yamaha use the same USB standard on their synths. You should not have to transfer huge file sizes often. Can you shorten that loop? If it repeats anywhere you should chop it. Make the file as small as possible. If the segment is from someone's else work, you're already in copyright trouble with a file that long anyway.

By musical Fri Jan 02, 2004 12:18 am
doesnt someone know the answer to this?...is it faster than the time it takes to save a 10 sec file to disk?

By MPC_Producer Fri Jan 02, 2004 12:50 am
It should take only a few seconds to transfer the file, not a full minute or some unreasonably long time. 10 seconds of audio play time corresponds to about a 2 MB sample. The way most MPC owners probably work is to select a few samples at a time or an entire folder and drag the group to the MPC. In that case you will have to wait longer of course. I have read stories of MPC owners transferring entire sample CDs (600 MB) to the MPC4000. A transfer this large is going to take a few mintues at least.

By misterv Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:04 pm
MPC_Producer wrote: If the segment is from someone's else work, you're already in copyright trouble with a file that long anyway.



hey Prod,

what's the time "limit" when you sample off of a vynil of someone's else work (let's say an artist from the 70's) ?

By MPC_Producer Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:57 pm
As far as technical issues are concerned, the MPC gives you plenty of sampling time. If you mean the legal time limit, then make the sample as short as possible.

DJ Shadow said it best when he cited a 4-second limit and using small run vinyl pressings. It depends on the artist. Someone with popular appeal can have enough financial and legal backing to make even a one-second sample impossible to clear. But listen to this..

A few months ago one of the popular music magazines had an article about sampling from the 1970's song "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. Someone had managed to get clearance to sample the entire song! Management either did not know or did not care what could be done. So you never know what might happen.

The challenge is to get the sample clearance. When you find something you want to sample you obviously don't want to wait weeks or months for an approval letter from a lawyer. You want to use the sample right away. If your request gets denied later, then you end up having to remix. Many old recordings on vinyl have been re-issued on CD, so never assume that the vinyl you bought for 50 cents at the used record store is old, used up material that no one wants.

By misterv Fri Jan 02, 2004 6:34 pm
thanx prod'

so if I understand well, acquiring sampling clearances varies on a case per case basis (I hope the expression is correct)

By musical Sat Jan 03, 2004 8:18 am
JUES:

WOW! really? thats really fast! you positive?