Share your knowledge on these two classic MPCs
By Kailid Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:16 am
Just picked up a 3kle. The guy I bought it from claimed that it was "barely used". When it arrived and I took it out of the box yesterday I could see that it was "barely used" just as he said. The pads and buttons all look brand new and the overall machine looks to be in almost brand new condition.
First thing that I noticed after turning it on is that it needs a new backlight. Not a big deal since I have already replaced the backlights in both of my 60's. While checking it out, the next thing that I find is that the record and stop buttons in the transport section are dead. Can't get them to respond. I can stop a sequence by hitting the step edit button while the sequence is running but not with the stop button. Same problem with the record button. It does nothing.
Plugged in a footswitch and Play/Stop works fine. I can also enter record mode with the footswitch.
It seems a little strange that a machine in new condition would have problems with the buttons. They look like they have never been touched and show no signs of wear and tear. Anyone know a fix for this other than replacing the buttons?
By mpc3000le Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:36 am
Kailid wrote:Just picked up a 3kle. The guy I bought it from claimed that it was "barely used". When it arrived and I took it out of the box yesterday I could see that it was "barely used" just as he said. The pads and buttons all look brand new and the overall machine looks to be in almost brand new condition.


A good start. MPC3000LE's in clean condition are preferable because of their "last production run" status. They haven't often passed through many hands by the time they are on-sold.

Kailid wrote:First thing that I noticed after turning it on is that it needs a new backlight.


Or that it is turned off.

Depress the contrast button until it "clicks" and the backlight will probably light.

Kailid wrote: Not a big deal since I have already replaced the backlights in both of my 60's.


Assuming the backlight is dead then at least you'll be capable of attending to the repair yourself.

Kailid wrote:While checking it out, the next thing that I find is that the record and stop buttons in the transport section are dead.


Or jammed in MMC mode.

<OTHER> menu and INIT all parameters to reset the machine to factory default.

Or use the MMC shortcut toggle.

Hold <STOP> and press <PLAY> ...

Kailid wrote:Anyone know a fix for this other than replacing the buttons?


Read the manual, search this forum ... and have fun with your near new machine :-)

Rohan.

By Kailid Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:44 pm
Thanks for your reply, Rohan. You solved my problem with the backlight. That's a pretty cool feature that I was not aware of.
I tried everything that you said (system param reset) with no luck. When I hold stop and press play, my machine just starts playback of the sequence. So I'm about 90% convinced that there is a physical problem with the buttons. Going to the MMC page, there is nothing to indicate that I am slaved to MMC. I think that maybe I'll have to go inside and look for a possible wiring or contact problem. The guy that I bought it from had the 32MB upgrade installed by someone so maybe there is something inside that is not making good contact. Whatever the problem is, not doubt it's minor.
This really is a great machine and I'm glad that I bought it. Thanks again for the backlight tip.
Kailid