Reviews and questions about the entry-level MPC500
By liveatclubmozambique Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:01 am
I recently got the MPC-500 (And I'd like to apologize immediately if this question has already been asked and addressed previously) and it worked fine initially, however all of a sudden the pads seem to be not working correctly.
Whenever I press down A1, it will play A1 but also play a combination of A1 and another pad such as A8 (So I might have a bass drum and ride cymbal playing simultaneously).
And when I try it out in program setting, where you can change which sample is assigned to the pad, It will tell me I'm playing A1 initially, but then the screen will fluctuate between A8, and A11, and alot of other pads. Also if I hold down the pad (without having note repeat on or anything) my sample will just loop itself, but not the whole duration of the sample, just a very short portion (less than a second) as if it were a CD skipping or something.
Have any of you guys had this problem/Know how to fix it?
I hope it's just a simple error that can be fixed easily. Thanks.
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By robthom Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:24 am
Use "mode, program (pad6), assign reset" to reset all the pad parameters.

You assign samples to a pad with: "mode, program, sample assign".

You'll see the pad number first (ex:A1), then the "layer" (ex:L1-L4), and then the samples name.
The layer parameter is used to trigger up to 4 samples at the same time with one pad.
To clear any of the layers so that they dont trigger a sample, select the layer and then in the sample name section for that layer scroll all the way to the left until it shows blank.
By liveatclubmozambique Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:07 pm
That doesn't seem to have helped.
Also (this might help out more). Whenever I go to "TAP TEMPO" the tempo by default is set to 120, but when I press 1 pad (Just 1) It goes all the way to 300.
Do I need to pad censors or something?
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By 64hz Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:33 pm
Could try cleaning the pads (also inside in the case) I had a similair problem with my 60, took pads out of the case, cleaned them and it works again. :D
By Asthmareport Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:04 pm
i have the same problem on my mpc500. the pads are sort of linked, even in track-mute-mode or when you want to choose a MODE. Other pads do not work.

i had this problem 2 months ago, but when i went to the shop to send it to akai, the pads worked normal.akai tested it- everything was fine.two weeks ago it appeared again.
Then i took out the CF-card and it worked as normal--hmmm...
I don´t know if there is a relation between this or not.Because i put in the DF card again and it was still the normal state (no "linked" pads)

I´m afraid that it will happen again during a live-performance...

try to take out the cf-card and if it works normal after and please tell me what you find out.
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By 64hz Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:52 pm
I wouldnt know for the 500 but if you search the mpc3000/60 forum you will find a detailed post about it.
By liveatclubmozambique Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:43 pm
Oh.
I checked, and it just said either use alcohol and/or towel. So I found the thread where a member gave directions on how to open up your MPC-500. SO I just did that and wiped down the pads and censors, and washed the pads under some water, and so far it's working like a charm.
Thank you, 64Hz.
I recommend this procedure for people having a similar problem like Asthmareport.
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By 64hz Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:47 pm
Ha great! :mrgreen:
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By robthom Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:58 am
Good lord, how did something get underneath your pads?
Wudja do spill soda on it or something?!
:)