MPC 500 pad sensors

Anybody heard of any after market pad sensors for the mpc 500? The pads suck wind bad from the factory!!

people complained about the 1ks pads when it came out, i had no issues with them, since i got a 500 ive been a little ticked that the sensors are as bad as they are, they need to fix that asap.

Supreme Being wrote:people complained about the 1ks pads when it came out, i had no issues with them, since i got a 500 ive been a little ticked that the sensors are as bad as they are, they need to fix that asap.

It would be cool with the sampe type pads as the 2500. Not size wise, but as responsive.

It seems very hard to get AKAI to listen to the people who suppot their products.Thats kind of nuts! The mpc 500 was such a great idea but it will die if they don't fix the OS ( like for saving!!!! )and do something about the pads.

Seriously, what can Akai do with the pads right now? Updating the hardware is impossible (I think ), so the only way they might increase the responsiveness of the pads is by software (pad sensitivity increased to 20 instead of 16 ). It would be sweet to have the 2500 pads on the 500

You could also just get the MPD16/MPD24/MPD32 and jam on those. The mpd16 is cheap but has (almost) the same pads as on the 2500. the MPD24 and MPD32 is even better!!!

true, but that's just a solution for studio use.

Mandzo wrote:true, but that's just a solution for studio use.

Yeas. You loose the portability.

Does anyone know how the A-B-C-D velocity curves differ from each other? The only hint in the manual is “if the velocity response is not enough try B or C or D” Personally I see no difference. Any hints?

Mandzo wrote:Does anyone know how the A-B-C-D velocity curves differ from each other? The only hint in the manual is “if the velocity response is not enough try B or C or D” Personally I see no difference. Any hints?

i cant fell any difference. Weird feature

a lot could be done regarding the pads via software.
folks place all pad issue on hardware
not true. mpc1000/2500 pads can be/are as nice as Korg Padkontrol pads with the proper treatment and software.

pad sensitivity has to do with the following things. first, the rubber: does it sit directly on the sensor, or is there a gap in between sensor and rubber? next, the sensor: when touched, what is the range of voltage that can be created (low pressure, low voltage passthru, high=high)? that's simply the physical stuff. get a sensor with a range in the ballpark and you can do the rest via software calibration (given that your programmer gives a damn)

software sensor properties:

threshold of NOTE ON/OFF - what is the FLOOR value of the incoming voltage that will trigger a note on? FSRs are analog sensors. the slightest, slightest touch will allow some small voltage to pass through. via software, you set a "low" point on which a NOTE ON is triggered.

ceiling of translated velocity/aftertouch - what is the HIGH point of your incoming voltage? same concept as above, just instead, it's a high point being set to determine 100 aftertouch (full) and also a 127 velocity

much more regarding the performance of a pad is determined by software than by surface level/sensor level physical properties.

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~mpc1000/os2/padsenc_e.htm

there is a very simple modification that can be done to greatly enhance the mpc1000/500 pads (i think the 2500 too, DEFINITELY the mpd16) utilizing household silicone glue.

however, without the above software bottom threshold calibration tools, it may be more trouble than good.

This topic is fascinating to me!

I have a Korg PadKontrol. I love it. If my MPC500 had this kind of pad/response I would be overjoyed.

Didn't someone make replacement pads a while back? I remember reading this on one of the forums.

What can we do to work on this? Replacement pads and a software update?

Thanks for all the good info everyone!

Yeas. That was for the mpc-1000. Maybe those pads fit the 500 (If 4 pad is cut from the rubberplate).

Are the mpc500 pads the same size as the 1000 I only can compare them to the 2500... If they are eimer might be right about customizing the mpc500.
Korg pads are really responsive. No doubt about that. I think the padKontrol has the same pads as on my M3 and they’re great.
My fingers hurt when I play the mpc500 with the “full level” switched off