What was your "learning curve" experience

Just wondering.I will speak on mine tomorrow

The first few days I had it I only had the quick start manual for it, and thought that maybe it wasn't really the right machine for me. I've only had it for like two weeks but using MPCmaid and my computer I can do the basics of what I want it for...
I don't make hiphop but I think it's sick for minimal electronic music.
I've had various SP202s, 303s, SP808 and like it way more.

I think mine was and still is how many programs to use. I always go between using one program for the whole track and using one program per sample or instrument. I still don't know the right answer.

Also sometimes when I'm working fast and not naming things, I can get lost in what pads I'm supposed to play on what track. Not a big deal but it can be annoying.

i called akai tech support the day i got it b/c i couldn't figure out how to sample lol. once i wrapped my head around the o.s., i was good- which took less than a week

No lie it took me a while to get used to the machine. About a year or so to get used to the workflow, and then another year to make samples because I'd never used the 128mb flash card of samples, only sampled my own stuff.

"I`m lost currently in TRIM(mode)LOL

I get lost when working on mulitple chops of the SAME origin.Even when I use two methods to complete this task.I use EXTRACT OR just assign the SAME sample to different pads.Same problem.End points/Start points become ineffective or "lost" dealing with multiple chops. I suspect that the "ST LINK" crap may be the culprit.

The beauty of the machine is that for every headache there`s a solution.Most problems are because of the USER`s lack of understanding of the device or unrealistic expectations.I`ve only had the machine crash once so far.To think I almost bought a sp555(used) for $700*phew*

Da 500>>>>>>>>>>

Everything is smooth sailing. Just love the sound quality. Only thing left to master is the slider function. Like I said, if you approach the 500 knowing exactly whatchu wanna do, you will get results.

Basically leave the loop option OFF as well ST LINK off.Getting good results!!! Also leave POLY OFF in program mode.I got this figured out.

Welp, major setback.All that digging through my vinyl, created poor quality samples with low volume. Mad hours wasted. Even normalization didn't help much.I probably need a better stylus and a preamp.Ironic that MP3 samples performed way better. So vinyl purists can eat a fat bozack.Joking. lol

always try to record with the meter going at least one "block" below max by adjusting the rec level on mpc and gain on your mixer (if it has one). If the meter on mpc rec mode goes over max, it'll produce distorted samples.

Recommend you take few moments to experiment & listen.

No mixer in my setup unfortunately. Tryna cop a multitrack soon.I'm running the audio straight to the 500 for now.

Good thing I kept the SU700.I use her as a pre-amp,problem solved.I was digging like crazy over the holiday weekend.Stan Getz,New Birth,The Collage just to name a few.I always envisioned usng both samplers in the first place.

it took me the longest to figure out song mode, where all the track names/sequences and stuff had to align properly.

i eventually quit trying to figure it out and just starting sampling into the SP and Cubase.

About a month.

It was my first piece of equipment. Read the manual untill it kinda looked like I chewed on it for a few weeks and did some youtube searches.

I think mastering the basic tasks is quite easy since it's so simple. Navigating and finding all the menu's was more difficult to me.

S.I.C.K THE DRUMGOD wrote:Good thing I kept the SU700.

isn't the su700 the better machine? (or more powerful)


I dont have the 500, but I have used them a few times. I think the main issue is the screen... if they went with something a bit bigger (and graphical) it would have been perfect.

I actually think this is an mpc that can be re-done with an mkii... and have a few features improved.