Pad/note off when released?

Is there a way to stop/mute a note when I release the pad? (not when I hit another pad, but when I relief pressure on the pad I want the note to stop playing).

Some samplers call this a "gate" function.

Is there a way to do this in the MPC2500?

yes. in the program menu, under the sample tab, highlight one of the sample layers and click open window. you can choose "note on" as the play mode.

check your manual in the program section.