By Askia Shaheed
Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:21 am
Introduction:
If you haven’t noticed already, I am a huge supporter of Akai MPCs. This infatuation started back in 1994 when I was learning about gear and trying to get the best sound from the gear I could afford. I came across an interview on TV with Redman aka Funk Doc (Def Jam artist). He spoke about the use of the MPC 60 on his album. I couldn’t find information on an MPC anywhere. Fast forward to 1997 and I received a copy of American Musical’s Catalog with the MPC 2000 on the front cover. I purchased it immediately and have had an MPC ever since...upgrading with every new model (MPC 2000, 2000XL, 3000LE, 4000, 2500, and 5000).
I have been accused of being a loyal fan-boy despite of faults found in MPCs. This is completely untrue. Over the years, I have provided feedback through countless feature request threads and bug report threads across the internet and also emailing Akai directly. Key features I wanted have been included in the MPC 2500 (Akai and JJ OS) as well as the flagship MPC 5000 w/ OS 2.0. I enjoy using the MPC 5000 and wouldn’t trade it for any workstation that is currently available. Let me reiterate this. If I had no gear and wanted to buy one workstation today, the MPC 5000 would be my first choice. Akai has listened to feedback from forums, emails, telephone calls, etc. Forum members were even invited to beta test the OS. OS 2.0 is a huge leap forward. I hope that this type of relationship continues in the future.
There are still numerous feature requests that are out there that haven’t been implemented. Everyone should understand that it would be nearly impossible to include everything everyone wants. And even though the OS was heavily tested, there may be some issues that users encounter. It is nearly impossible to predict the thousands of different methods of use. So if anyone finds a specific problem, please report it in detail so Akai can address it. Now with all this said, I still can’t stop dreaming about features that I believe will take the MPC series or any workstation to another level. So after much thought, here are some additional features I personally would like to see in a future MPC (MPC 5000XL or 6000)….yes, another feature request thread:
Hardware
1. Phantom power
2. Add 8 pad bank buttons (use combination of Shift + pad bank buttons to access secondary functions)
3. MPC 2000-style jog wheel (inner and outer wheel) - the outer wheel moves the cursor position right or left such as the current Shift + L/R Cursor buttons
4. On/Off LCD button (or screen saver)
5. 360 degree Q-link knobs + 4 more sliders
6. Update the GUI to something more modern (see Motif XS and Fantom G and their colored screens)
7. Larger LCD (for showing more parameters on screen) and/or external VGA monitor support
8. Remove Arp Mode from pads (there is already an Arp button so it is not needed)
9. Support for internal SCSI or Sata drives (or any components that will improve load/save times)
10. Add multi-card drive (CF card, Smart Cards, etc)
11. Support up to 2 GB of modern RAM memory and/or access samples (sequence, edit, etc) directly from CF cards
12. ADAT input (to record on hard disk tracks)
13. MPC 4000-style power button (more difficult to accidently turn off unit)
14. Add 2 or more TRS INSERT inputs to allow users to plug in their favorite processors
15. Standard and/or ROM expansion board for onboard sounds available without being loaded (just like keyboard workstations)
Main
1. Add Import patch scripts like software sequencers
2. Split MIDI channel and output to two fields (example, when 1A is displayed, the cursor should be able to jump to 1 or A to make adjustments)
3. Add two MIDI channels/programs to track
4. Add Ram-based audio tracks
5. Add Independent lengths and loops settings for each sequence track
6. Add selectable accent sound to click/metronome
7. Add Real-time adjustment of swing (when swing is changed during playback, you can immediately hear the effects)
8. Add a visual indicator to let you know if T/C or Mute is on. The T/C and Mute sof-buttons should be highlighted when turn on
Step Edit
1. Add Faster way to get to top and bottom of Event List
2. Add Ability to insert events in the Event List; when inserting a new event in Event List, cursor should select newly inserted event
Grid Edit
1. Add [Insert] tab (like Step Edit has) to insert Note, Pitch Bend, Control Change, Program Change, etc
2. When T/C is set to OFF, there should be 960 grid blocks over several pages
Song
1. Make more interesting like have a linear graphic display of the sequences used
HD Record
1. HD play and record without using Song. Would like to see the HD play alongside Sequence tracks
2. Arm ALL 8 tracks when recording using any of the available outputs as recording source or the suggested ADAT input function
3. Add Scrolling cursor
4. Improved graphic view of tracks. The graphic view of the tracks should be drawn in real-time and clearly visible when recording/playback. When the tracks are playing/recording, the display should scroll from right to left like a DAW.
5. Add nudge function or easy way to slightly move an audio track in small increments
6. Add Scrub function to hear audio tracks when using the data wheel
7. Add Import CD audio tracks
8. Add Preview samples before importing them
9. Add Undo/redo editing functions
Other
1. None
Arp
1. Add more Arp patterns
2. Add Chord function
Effects
1. Add ability to independently save Effects Sets
2. Instead of a Master EQ and Compressor, make these two Master Effect Slots so you can assign any onboard effect/dynamics to these slots
3. Master EQ- make it fully parametric
4. Compressors
a. Add multiband compressors
b. Add side chains to compressors
c. Add gain reduction meter to compressors
Seq Edit
1. Add ALL TRACKS as an option to copy events
Trim
1. Add Scrolling cursor
2. Add Resampler to edit options
3. Chop shop improvements
a. Add F1 [ADD] and F2 [DELETE] sof-buttons to create slice markers while using data wheel
b. Once a sample is chopped, ability to use pads/pad banks to select regions to edit
c. Allow region start/end points to overlap
d. Add Shift + Pad to [Extract] waveform between start/end points and assign to pad/program
e. Add Convert slice regions to keygroup program
f. Add ability to chop samples into 128 regions
4. Add 16 level function in Trim to audition current sample
Program
1. Rearrange GUI to allow maxim use of Q-links similar to Synth Program and/or ability to use user samples as Synth waveforms
2. Add Independent settings per pad layers
3. Add output for each layer
4. Simult Pads to work on External Midi sound modules
5. Streamline menus – add Filter and Filter envelopes to same page; give LFOs its own page; give Amp its own page
6. Add a second LFO to allow full compatibility w/ S5000/6000, Z8, and MPC 4K programs
7. Add Chromatic to Note Page pad assignment
8. Add graphic waveform views to filter and amp pages
9. Purge – add purge program and purge complete memory
10. Add reverse and alternating to Play Mode
11. Add sample start offset
12. Auto-chromatic assignment of sample – add upper & lower note range
13. Add ability to use new Multi function to assign samples to pads
14. Add merge programs function
15. Add EQ in filter section (per pad)
16. Add keygroup mixer page
17. Add Modulation Matrix (as an olive branch for faithful MPC 4000 users)
Mixer
1. Add mixer reset function
2. Add Shift + Q-links to globally adjust selected program parameter
3. Add DAW style mixer (up to 64 channels) - add the following to all mixer channel strips: read/write automation buttons, 2 effect slots (insert & Send), 4 band EQ, outputs, Solo, etc (for Synth, keygroup, and sample programs)
4. Add separate MIDI Mixer for external sound modules (up to 64 channels)
MIDI/Sync
1. None
Q-link
1. Add Q-link banks
2. Add ability to assign each Q-link to different program (this will allow the Q-links to control multiple programs at the same time)
3. Add most Synth, Keygroup, Sample program parameters to real-time Q-link controls
Disk
1. Add ability to save effect sets, single song w/sequences
2. Load formats from all legacy MPCs
3. Import MP3 and Rex files
4. Upgrade OS via hard drive
Rec Sample
1. Add [Insert] Effect/Dynamics (sample through effects/dynamics is much needed)
2. Add Input thru function
3. Add ability to quick assign newly recorded sample to any program
Input thru
1. Add Pitch Shift
2. Add Filter
Now I would like to see these 88 features added without significantly changing the workflow. Using the MPC 5000 as the model, I think this could be done. Of course, I am no engineer and fully aware that it would take plenty of time to develop this product...or even perhaps nobody would want this product. But this is just my feedback…from the perspective of a customer that actually uses MPCs and will buy the next high-end MPC without question. Until such a device exists, I am off to enjoy my MPC 5000 with OS 2.0!
PS - For the record, I would buy any product similar to this regardless of who made it..which includes the new Roland MV or Linn/Smith's Linn Drum II.
//SIGNED//
Askia Shaheed
If you haven’t noticed already, I am a huge supporter of Akai MPCs. This infatuation started back in 1994 when I was learning about gear and trying to get the best sound from the gear I could afford. I came across an interview on TV with Redman aka Funk Doc (Def Jam artist). He spoke about the use of the MPC 60 on his album. I couldn’t find information on an MPC anywhere. Fast forward to 1997 and I received a copy of American Musical’s Catalog with the MPC 2000 on the front cover. I purchased it immediately and have had an MPC ever since...upgrading with every new model (MPC 2000, 2000XL, 3000LE, 4000, 2500, and 5000).
I have been accused of being a loyal fan-boy despite of faults found in MPCs. This is completely untrue. Over the years, I have provided feedback through countless feature request threads and bug report threads across the internet and also emailing Akai directly. Key features I wanted have been included in the MPC 2500 (Akai and JJ OS) as well as the flagship MPC 5000 w/ OS 2.0. I enjoy using the MPC 5000 and wouldn’t trade it for any workstation that is currently available. Let me reiterate this. If I had no gear and wanted to buy one workstation today, the MPC 5000 would be my first choice. Akai has listened to feedback from forums, emails, telephone calls, etc. Forum members were even invited to beta test the OS. OS 2.0 is a huge leap forward. I hope that this type of relationship continues in the future.
There are still numerous feature requests that are out there that haven’t been implemented. Everyone should understand that it would be nearly impossible to include everything everyone wants. And even though the OS was heavily tested, there may be some issues that users encounter. It is nearly impossible to predict the thousands of different methods of use. So if anyone finds a specific problem, please report it in detail so Akai can address it. Now with all this said, I still can’t stop dreaming about features that I believe will take the MPC series or any workstation to another level. So after much thought, here are some additional features I personally would like to see in a future MPC (MPC 5000XL or 6000)….yes, another feature request thread:
Hardware
1. Phantom power
2. Add 8 pad bank buttons (use combination of Shift + pad bank buttons to access secondary functions)
3. MPC 2000-style jog wheel (inner and outer wheel) - the outer wheel moves the cursor position right or left such as the current Shift + L/R Cursor buttons
4. On/Off LCD button (or screen saver)
5. 360 degree Q-link knobs + 4 more sliders
6. Update the GUI to something more modern (see Motif XS and Fantom G and their colored screens)
7. Larger LCD (for showing more parameters on screen) and/or external VGA monitor support
8. Remove Arp Mode from pads (there is already an Arp button so it is not needed)
9. Support for internal SCSI or Sata drives (or any components that will improve load/save times)
10. Add multi-card drive (CF card, Smart Cards, etc)
11. Support up to 2 GB of modern RAM memory and/or access samples (sequence, edit, etc) directly from CF cards
12. ADAT input (to record on hard disk tracks)
13. MPC 4000-style power button (more difficult to accidently turn off unit)
14. Add 2 or more TRS INSERT inputs to allow users to plug in their favorite processors
15. Standard and/or ROM expansion board for onboard sounds available without being loaded (just like keyboard workstations)
Main
1. Add Import patch scripts like software sequencers
2. Split MIDI channel and output to two fields (example, when 1A is displayed, the cursor should be able to jump to 1 or A to make adjustments)
3. Add two MIDI channels/programs to track
4. Add Ram-based audio tracks
5. Add Independent lengths and loops settings for each sequence track
6. Add selectable accent sound to click/metronome
7. Add Real-time adjustment of swing (when swing is changed during playback, you can immediately hear the effects)
8. Add a visual indicator to let you know if T/C or Mute is on. The T/C and Mute sof-buttons should be highlighted when turn on
Step Edit
1. Add Faster way to get to top and bottom of Event List
2. Add Ability to insert events in the Event List; when inserting a new event in Event List, cursor should select newly inserted event
Grid Edit
1. Add [Insert] tab (like Step Edit has) to insert Note, Pitch Bend, Control Change, Program Change, etc
2. When T/C is set to OFF, there should be 960 grid blocks over several pages
Song
1. Make more interesting like have a linear graphic display of the sequences used
HD Record
1. HD play and record without using Song. Would like to see the HD play alongside Sequence tracks
2. Arm ALL 8 tracks when recording using any of the available outputs as recording source or the suggested ADAT input function
3. Add Scrolling cursor
4. Improved graphic view of tracks. The graphic view of the tracks should be drawn in real-time and clearly visible when recording/playback. When the tracks are playing/recording, the display should scroll from right to left like a DAW.
5. Add nudge function or easy way to slightly move an audio track in small increments
6. Add Scrub function to hear audio tracks when using the data wheel
7. Add Import CD audio tracks
8. Add Preview samples before importing them
9. Add Undo/redo editing functions
Other
1. None
Arp
1. Add more Arp patterns
2. Add Chord function
Effects
1. Add ability to independently save Effects Sets
2. Instead of a Master EQ and Compressor, make these two Master Effect Slots so you can assign any onboard effect/dynamics to these slots
3. Master EQ- make it fully parametric
4. Compressors
a. Add multiband compressors
b. Add side chains to compressors
c. Add gain reduction meter to compressors
Seq Edit
1. Add ALL TRACKS as an option to copy events
Trim
1. Add Scrolling cursor
2. Add Resampler to edit options
3. Chop shop improvements
a. Add F1 [ADD] and F2 [DELETE] sof-buttons to create slice markers while using data wheel
b. Once a sample is chopped, ability to use pads/pad banks to select regions to edit
c. Allow region start/end points to overlap
d. Add Shift + Pad to [Extract] waveform between start/end points and assign to pad/program
e. Add Convert slice regions to keygroup program
f. Add ability to chop samples into 128 regions
4. Add 16 level function in Trim to audition current sample
Program
1. Rearrange GUI to allow maxim use of Q-links similar to Synth Program and/or ability to use user samples as Synth waveforms
2. Add Independent settings per pad layers
3. Add output for each layer
4. Simult Pads to work on External Midi sound modules
5. Streamline menus – add Filter and Filter envelopes to same page; give LFOs its own page; give Amp its own page
6. Add a second LFO to allow full compatibility w/ S5000/6000, Z8, and MPC 4K programs
7. Add Chromatic to Note Page pad assignment
8. Add graphic waveform views to filter and amp pages
9. Purge – add purge program and purge complete memory
10. Add reverse and alternating to Play Mode
11. Add sample start offset
12. Auto-chromatic assignment of sample – add upper & lower note range
13. Add ability to use new Multi function to assign samples to pads
14. Add merge programs function
15. Add EQ in filter section (per pad)
16. Add keygroup mixer page
17. Add Modulation Matrix (as an olive branch for faithful MPC 4000 users)
Mixer
1. Add mixer reset function
2. Add Shift + Q-links to globally adjust selected program parameter
3. Add DAW style mixer (up to 64 channels) - add the following to all mixer channel strips: read/write automation buttons, 2 effect slots (insert & Send), 4 band EQ, outputs, Solo, etc (for Synth, keygroup, and sample programs)
4. Add separate MIDI Mixer for external sound modules (up to 64 channels)
MIDI/Sync
1. None
Q-link
1. Add Q-link banks
2. Add ability to assign each Q-link to different program (this will allow the Q-links to control multiple programs at the same time)
3. Add most Synth, Keygroup, Sample program parameters to real-time Q-link controls
Disk
1. Add ability to save effect sets, single song w/sequences
2. Load formats from all legacy MPCs
3. Import MP3 and Rex files
4. Upgrade OS via hard drive
Rec Sample
1. Add [Insert] Effect/Dynamics (sample through effects/dynamics is much needed)
2. Add Input thru function
3. Add ability to quick assign newly recorded sample to any program
Input thru
1. Add Pitch Shift
2. Add Filter
Now I would like to see these 88 features added without significantly changing the workflow. Using the MPC 5000 as the model, I think this could be done. Of course, I am no engineer and fully aware that it would take plenty of time to develop this product...or even perhaps nobody would want this product. But this is just my feedback…from the perspective of a customer that actually uses MPCs and will buy the next high-end MPC without question. Until such a device exists, I am off to enjoy my MPC 5000 with OS 2.0!
PS - For the record, I would buy any product similar to this regardless of who made it..which includes the new Roland MV or Linn/Smith's Linn Drum II.
//SIGNED//
Askia Shaheed
