A few simple questions

Hello,

Just bought a 500. It's a sweet little thing and fairly easy to use.

I have a few questions... hopefully simple.

1) Can the 500 load mono samples? I tried but I got a format unknown display.

2) How do I set up the 500 as MMC master so as if I press play on the 500 my sequencer (ableton) will start to play simultaneously. I can see a MIDI/SYNC mode but it doesn't say much just SLAVE/MASTER. I'd like it to the MIDICLOCK and MMC MASTER and everything else to slave to it. Is this possible?

3) Sometimes I notice drop-outs, almost like note-stealing, but I do not have enough notes for this to happen (assuming polyphony is at least 48). Sometimes it goes a bit wonky. I am not sure how to check what OS my 500 is using to see if I need to update.

4) Last question can I trigger sequences on beat from the pads i.e. sequence 1 - PAD A1, sequence 2 - PAD A2 and so on.

thanks

Grizzle

1) yes as long as they are 16 bit PCM waves
2) just set it up as the master in the MIDI page and set ableton to slave. It doesnt have MMC as such, it just outputs clock ticks and play/pause. I have found this to be a bit sketchy really, since it doesnt have rewind like on a DAW. On sonar you have to rewind then click a button to get it to wait for the play command from the mpc every friggin time you pause or stop which is annoying. Worse though is using the MPC as a slave. It just about never works how I expect!
3) The last page in OTHER should tell you the OS version. The newest o/s 1.31 is by far the best (unless I have missed a recent update?)
4) regrettably not, although you can resample a sequence and then put the wave onto a pad to trigger. IMO this, and not having recordable track mutes is the most annoying omissions on the MPC500.

Cheers for the reply. Sorts out the niggling probs.

1) I'll try again then.

2) Wow it seems a bit too minimal really. I tried it earlier but couldn't get it too work. I usually have no problems with sync. It was my first go though so I'll give it another bash.

3) Sweet I have OS 1.13 so it looks like I have a good update coming to me - stop the wonkiness

4) I guess it's OK I can use track mutes and solo's. Must agree it's a shame about not being able to record mutes. are those functions available on the bigger brothers

cheers

Grizzle

While we are asking question I got one to, I have an mpc 60 with the latest OS 3.10e wich basicly makes it an mpc3000, I could be wrong but as I understand it my mpc soundfiles should theorically mpc3000 files right? So when thats the case the mpc500 should be able top read those files is it?

Sorry for hijacking ur threat!

Yep to the best of my knowledge those functions are available on the mpc1000 and 2500. 1.13 was pretty bad definitely get the upgrade!!

64hz, I have never used an mpc60 or 3000 but I guess if it outputs .pgm files, just give it a go! It cant damage it! Let us know what happens...

guyb wrote:Yep to the best of my knowledge those functions are available on the mpc1000 and 2500. 1.13 was pretty bad definitely get the upgrade!!

I upgraded the OS to 1.31 and it's a lot better. No problems setting it as the master sync. Had 2 modular synths and the MPC 500 rocking out beats... killer for such a little box.

I still have 1 problem. Often if I use slider the REC OVERDUB goes funny and I get dropouts. Entire tracks or beat will just not sound out. I stop the sequence and press PLAY START. This usually fixes it but not right away. I usually have to wait for the loop to go around a few times and then the missing tracks drop in again.

Is this common behaviour when using the Q Slider. Is there a trick/work-around.

Cheers

Grizzle