Mpc 2500 vs 2000 xl ?

Im want to buy one new mpc ... whats the best mpc 2000 xl or mpc 2500?

mpc4000

I really enjoy the 5k bro...i know people call it the 3500 but its got some good sound and options on it once you get to know them. 4k is hard to find but he's right if you could get one great, if not...5k. Between the two you mentioned i havnt worked with either but ive heard the xl is sweet!

XL if its between those two.


otherwise 5k.

how timely - i just traded in my 2kxl of ten years (internal zip 100) for a 2500 last month.

i would go for the 2500, but - and this is a pretty heavy but - it depends on your workflow and previous experience with the series. if you have extra loot, a 4k can give you even more sampling goodies.

for me, the 2500 gives me awesome stuff i always wanted. compact flash for storage and quick loading/saving; usb connection for quick file editing/adding new programs/etc. having 24 programs and 128 mb of ram is a huge improvement. 8 outs standard. patched phrase vastly improves what you can do with melodic sounds and fills. the feel is basically the same as my old 2kxl, and the extra integrations work great with my daw setup.

the fx are even more limited, but the 2k's fx were kinda bleh anyway. (it would be nice to have an extra verb or two running here and there for background ambiance) oh, and the delay is now synced to your track bpm, which is also nice.

i think the 2500 wins by dint of having made a number of smart little changes without nerfing anything vital.

What (if any) MPC were you using before? If you've never owned an MPC, then either one is a good option, it just depends on if you want more features versus lower price. I can't say much else about the differences the 2kxl and the 2500, I've never used a 2500.

But if you're using a 1000 with jjos (for example), you're going to feel limited on the 2kxl. Where you're coming from is a big factor in how you adjust to your equipment.

mpc2500 has a more "modern" workflow... the JJOS is amazing compared to the AKAI 2000xl OS. and just in general it's also easier to import/export WAV files from a computer and the 2500 than having to deal with diskettes, zips, or scsi. also the 8 outs are built-in and not an additional cost to add on...

on the other hand, the 2000xl has a more solid build to it. it also has a particular punchy sound too [despite also being 16bit]... it has a lot less memory than the 2500, but sometimes a more stripped-down sampler forces you to work harder on a beat [in a good way]. i've also been seeing some great deals on 2000xl's online lately, so i know you can get one for much cheaper than a 2500...

personally, i'd go with the mpc2500... but it all really comes down to how much you're looking to invest and what the deals you have available are. good luck finding the right mpc though...

dhex wrote:for me, the 2500 gives me awesome stuff i always wanted. compact flash for storage and quick loading/saving; usb connection for quick file editing/adding new programs/etc. having 24 programs and 128 mb of ram is a huge improvement. 8 outs standard. patched phrase vastly improves what you can do with melodic sounds and fills. the feel is basically the same as my old 2kxl, and the extra integrations work great with my daw setup.

Those are big pro's u should consider. If these features aren't on ur priority list I'd go for the 2kxl if u don't mind having a hard time finding a replacement screen.

Sound :XL > 25
Features :XL < 25

you know, i've been listening for differences in the sound between the xl and the 2500 (with compression and eq disabled on the latter) and i haven't heard any difference. they're both garbage in, garbage out machines.

but i have heard folk say otherwise - has anyone done any analysis between the two? are the converters that different?

After using the 2000XL for 7 years (and swearing I would never upgrade) I can tell you the 2500 does everything the you will need the XL to do.

Compression and EQing will shape the final output of your music.
The compression in the effects section will make your drums snap.
More filters allow you to be more creative.
Normalization allows you to turn up sounds that ain't loud enough.
Faster Processing means you won't have to wait 5 minutes to timestretch a sample.
Internal HD is FAST!
Compact flash enables you to backup your music without a computer.
Re-Sampling allows you to do SO much an XL can't do.
More filters allow you to be more creative.
JJ OS allows you to be more creative!
USB allows you to connect to the computer. Download sounds off the net and use them right away.
Arpeggiators can create some crazy sounding schyt!

Take 2500 with JJOS
A couple of years ago when i broke my 2000xl i bought a 2500 and love it!!! It's like 2000XL with the right upgrades(usb,CF,internal HD) plus 8 outs!!!
Really a great machine!!!