MPC500 is a toy?

Someone in another thread dismissed the MPC500 as a toy.
There's a lot I dislike about it, but it is capable of full productions.

We can prove it with a MPC comparison session.

1. Start from scratch, all samples recorded fresh into the MPC, no downloaded files
2. No PC, no external sequencer or recorder, only the MPC and basic sound sources
3. Limited time, log how long you worked on it, no more than 24 hours total
4. All mixing done in the MPC, no finishing touches on PC

If anyone wants to do that, and upload their result, I bet people won't be able to tell what model was used. The 500 won't stand out as sounding like a joke, and may even blow the others away depending on who used it.

If you compare the 500 to 2500, there really isn't that big of a fundamental difference. There's less ins/outs, stiffer pads, less FX, etc. But when you get down to it, the same sequencer is under the hood, with the same audio inputs for recording.

Bigger screen with graphics really isn't that big of a deal. We hear music, not see it.
You can point out the flaws of the MPC500, but understand it should not be dismissed.

whoever said that is a dumb ass, the mpc500 is a sampler, I love my 500, it can be used anywhere,, dude is just talking outta his ass like a dick

The 500 is most certainly capable of churning out a complete tune all by itself, with nothing else used.
Dont let gear snobs discourage you

That was me. And I still say it's a toy.

T7 wrote:That was me. And I still say it's a toy.

Up for a challenge then?

64hz wrote:

T7 wrote:That was me. And I still say it's a toy.

Up for a challenge then?

What? See how long it takes for it to break? I'm talking build quality and design, not the OS.

T7 wrote:

64hz wrote:

T7 wrote:That was me. And I still say it's a toy.

Up for a challenge then?

What? See how long it takes for it to break? I'm talking build quality and design, not the OS.

Well if you handle it with care like you should all of you're instruments, everything should be just fine.
But If you're rough with it, than yes you should expect it to break

The mpc500's philosophy is portability over design, and it's build quility is not that bad. Inside there might be some cheap parts but the outer casing is just made out of metal.
Still works after a few drops.

T7 wrote:

64hz wrote:

T7 wrote:That was me. And I still say it's a toy.

Up for a challenge then?

What? See how long it takes for it to break? I'm talking build quality and design, not the OS.

im a lil confused.. why would the build quality make it a toy,, i dont get it.. i think ur just typing to see ur self type,, the build quality isnt too much different then the 1000,, ive had my 500 for 1 year, I bought it used off ebay so who knows what it had been threw before me, but i have put the thing threw hell, I bring it everywhere with me, every day, I brought it to the beach with me everytime i went this summer which was almost everyday, the woods, on hikes,, i jam out on it hard as hell too when ive been drinking.. I thought it looked very fragile when i got it, but the 500 can take a beating, thats all i gotta say,, if ya think its a toy then dont get one, no sweat off my nutz

inflict3 wrote:
im a lil confused.. why would the build quality make it a toy,, i dont get it.. i think ur just typing to see ur self type,,

I've got the 2000xl and 2500, by comparison the 500 feels like a toy in use, build quality and design. Just my opinion.

As a former 500 user, I can say that the 500 is not a toy, but neither can I say it's the best production tool. I realized this when I copped a 3000. I can vouch for the 500's unique sample coloration, it's build quality, and the features packed into such a tiny box. I especially like how it lacks waveform editing so you can focus purely on the sounds you work with. But as far as it's feel, it's not very musical, especially where the pads and sequencer timing are concerned. I say it's a good learning tool and it serves it's purpose well for portability, but will ultimately limit you in the end if you want to integrate it in more professional settings (lacks sufficient in and outs). I'd say it's better for hobbyists. I generally don't believe in the "Nukai" era MPCs cuz they sacrificed sound quality for budget reproduction. And I know I got something special with a classic Roger Linn MPC when people unfamiliar with beat making tell me how profoundly different, raw, or natural my Drums sound. This is only my opinion, but in the end the Producer makes the beats, not the drum machine.

(P.S. Nicolay of Foreign Exchange doesn't even use Drum Machines, just Software and some awesome synths...)

T7 wrote:

inflict3 wrote:
im a lil confused.. why would the build quality make it a toy,, i dont get it.. i think ur just typing to see ur self type,,

I've got the 2000xl and 2500, by comparison the 500 feels like a toy in use, build quality and design. Just my opinion.

K well your comparing apples to oranges friend....

That's exactly my point.

I not a 500 user but if has the same os as the 1000 the Akai OS and USB a Line In and Stereo Out.You will be ok until you max out the 16mb probably the first time you use Program Creator and be stuck with one four or three?(i use the 1000 JJ OS 2XL) bank drumkit.I can't see why AKAI made this unit It came out about the time I got my 1000
and maxed my unit the first night.If it does have USB you'll need a turntable or CD Player with RCA to TRS 1/4 cable to sample your drumkits.Then would be its downfall you got to have all this extra gear to just make beats because the factory sounds are garbage can.I have another drum machine when I got mine so if you got a drum machine you in the game.When I get my fantom I'm going to use my MPC as a sequencer.I really like it sequencer its fast you can put sequences together in a few minutes.The screen is too small to even chop the sample good.It reminds me of the Yamaha's modern sequencers (An1x,RM1x,Motif) but the MPC has more sequences you chain together.BUT IF THAT ALL YOU COULD AFFORD I"M NOT MAD AT YOU go to www.zzounds.com THEIR BUT YOU IN THE GAME

The 500 is made of metal, rubber and plastic. I don't think it'll break and I've dropped it a few times. Pictures make it look cheap but its a thin metal box really, with a plastic bottom.

The 500 got Nutz.