Can and can't do with the 500

Oh no! Not another VS topic... well, not actually! I've got all managed to order a MPC1000 in the next couple of weeks, so my mind is pretty well settled.

This is just curiosity! And I believe it might help others...

There are some differences between the MPC500 and the MPC1000, like the number of pads, midi connectors, digital outputs, screen size, etc. But lets not talk about technical stuff. Hands-on is all that matters!

So my question is... what can't the 500 do comparing to the 1000? I mean, I mean really can't do, and not do but with a lot of hassle

I see a lot of users of the 1000 using only the MPC and not a computer. Can people with the 500 do the same? Is the 500 good enough to trim samples? Etc...


Speak out. I'm really curious on this one.

Cheers!

I got a 500 and I have no problem trimming with digits. Many prefer chopping waves on screen but I'm content with trimming with numbers because I can chop it up equally and get perfect loops.

I dumped Reason when I got my 500 . . .

I deal with sampling from vinyl and like to do it as fast as possible; can't beat the MPC for that.

Chopshop is faster. Chopping with digits can be more precise, or can give u more options on how to extract the sample. (with chopshop, the end point of one sample will automaticly be the start point of the next sample, I really hate that sometimes)

In basic options there's nothing the 500 can't do what other things can do. (except for advanced DAW and sample editing features.)

I really loved to work with the 500, but when it comes down to programming and sequencing, the 1k kicks the 500's ass on quikness. Going through all the menu's is really time consuming.

Recycle + REX2MPC gives you so much chopping versatility. And who wants to mess around with a little LCD when you can chop on a 20" widescreen with a mouse?

If it's something I sampled off of vinyl I usually chop it on the 500. If it's something I downloaded off the Internet I use Recycle. Autochop (using any software or device) tends to be too messy except for flat out drum breaks, but even then it's only approximate.

When I bought my 500 I had to make a choice between it, a 2000XL, or used 1000. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision, and I'm especially glad I didn't get an XL.

I pretty much know the menu structures of the 500 well enough that I don't feel inhibited by it. They're fairly intuitive. The 500 is my little baby. If you left me on an island with just it, my 1210, and some records I'd be a happy guy.

Bed is on to something. I have a 1000 but I chop the same way... IF it is off vinyl then I do it in the MPC, if it is digital then I use Audacity.. I could not fathom chopping anything on the 500's screen.

what is ReX2MPC i've never heard of it,

All the talking about the 500 over the last few days here on the forum is making me second-thoughts about which MPC to buy. Some days ago I was pretty much decided about going for the 1000, but right now I'm not so sure...

The major cons of the 500 is the small screen and the software, but looks like users manage to take out some sweet tunes out of that thing.

Summing up everything, we all know that chopping with the 500 is possible but can be difficult because of the small screen. We also know that the 500 has less pads, yet it way smaller/portable and it can work with batteries.

All I want to know now is what the 500 CAN'T DO comparing to the 1000. Just this... because right now I'm a bit unsure about which MPC to buy. And yeah, I've been reading the manuals of each machine. It can be pretty boring


Cheers!

It depends on your desired workflow, what you want to create and how you want to do it.

The MPC1000 has JJ OS, the 500 doesn't. That is a primary difference, because you'd have more options with the 1000.

For hardware, the footswitches on the 1000 would be handy, none on the 500. Also, the extra MIDI ports make it easier to interface with multiple MIDI devices, if you do that. But why 16 pads? There are 12 notes in an octave, making it so on the 500 if you have C1 on Pad 1, hit bank B and you're at C2 on the same pad.

An autochop function would be nice. There is none on the 500, so if you want to take a long sample and break it into smaller hits, you have to set start/end points, then spin through options to extract, spin more, adjust, spin, extract, etc. Lots of spinning. The 1000 OS has more utility functions for dealing with that.

The major difference for me is the audio tracks in the 1000 JJ OS, or the direct recording in the 2500/5000 Akai OS. With the MPC500, to add some instrumentation, like vocals, you have to record, select a pad, trim, and record the MIDI event at the right timing to trigger your audio.

If you don't want to record any performance type stuff, that won't matter, since you'll be performing with the pads not the external audio instrumentation.

Comparing the MPC1000 with JJ OS to the MPC500 there are many other differences, like the 1000 having MTC/MMC while the 500 only has midi clock. But do you have other gear needing MTC? No? Then it doesn't matter. There's also more Q-Link controls, the 500 can only do pitch/filter/level.

The MPC500 is a smarter design. This is audio, you see with your ears, not only is a larger screen not better, it is a potential distraction. The MPC500 blue LED backlight can be turned off, so you can relax your eyes and see it outside in the sun. It also uses 6 AA batteries for portability.

But I can't recommend the 500 until the pads and OS are fixed. Maybe the MPC600 will be gold, but if you insist, maybe buy used so Akai doesn't get rewarded for their poor practices. Read the manual, read the JJ OS comparison, and decide exactly how you want to work. Then you'll know.

SHWELL wrote: I could not fathom chopping anything on the 500's screen.

The 60 was similarly limited, and look at the awesome shit created with that. It all comes down to one basic question - "How bad do you want it?" Or, put another way "How hard are you WILLING to work?"

-Falconcrest

I like chopping with the Digits aswell as having the Audio Wave (usually in Ableton), but the best thing is to use your ears!

I have the 500, and it does have a (sometimes) slower workflow than the 1000, but the main reason I got the 500 was because Sound Control went into administration in the UK and I got it new for £200, so no complaints there. You begin to work fast with the 500 tho and it becomes natural after a few weeks of use.

I think if I had to pay full price for the 500, I would have waited and bought the 1000, the main reason being more pads , but saying that, the 500 is a great machine and its very portible (a life saver when your also carrying a guitar, synth, 2 electribes and a Kaoss pad to the studios lol)

At the end of the day, its your ability and imagination that allows you to put out good tunes, so if your really wanting one and are willing to put the time in, then either will be a good buy. Also it depends on your budget, and transportation needs.