Please Help - Which MPC Should I be looking at?

Ok, I'm extremely new to this. I just registered here, and will be searching the forum endlessly in the next 2-3 months. I plan on getting a MPC at the end of August.

So what I wanted to do, was post a topic for yall to help me get going, I have very little info.

My details are: I dig underground hiphop, got turntables/mixer/speakers, I have a nice setup, would like to add the MPC and start producing.

I am not really looking to be the next god of producing/sampling (tho itd be nice ), but right now I want to learn, I want a good enough MPC to where I can produce.

I'd LOVE for the price range to be anything lower then 1000$.

My question to you is: What MPC should I be researching / looking at? If you could name 2 that would best fit me and give me the differences between them, as obviously, the differences are what makes the decision.

Also, if possible, send a link to where I could buy. Im from USA.

Disclaimer: I am sorry I have not yet searched for similar post like this, im sure there is post like this, but I would like one here for me to contact you all with. Thanks for ANY help, much appreciated, and this is just the start of my journey of MPC knowledge. I will favorite this thread. Thanks.

-ron

Sorry to double post, not doing this to bump, but doing this for new information:

It appears my choice should be the MPC 1000 after reading a thread below.

Now with this, anyone have any links to good buying spots for hte mpc 1000? Is there anything I should know? Would I be able to get more space/memory or something?

Any info on buying the mpc 1000 is appreciated

if you like underground hip hop then maybe you like that old sound? If so then go with MPC2000XL or if you can afford MPC3000. You can always check specs on wiki or something else. Sound vs features and speed, thats all for me if I would want to pick up another MPC.

shimmyshimmy wrote:if you like underground hip hop then maybe you like that old sound? If so then go with MPC2000XL or if you can afford MPC3000. You can always check specs on wiki or something else. Sound vs features and speed, thats all for me if I would want to pick up another MPC.

Hey shimmyshimmy, appreciate the help.

Looking through, apparently the akai MPC 1000 will cost me $848.00 (http://djdeals.com/akaiMPC1000.htm) and the MPC 2000XL will cost me $1,200.00 (http://www.topdjgear.com/akmpmiprce.html). Is there any major differences that really make it worth the extra $350?

Hm, It's a bit harder to find sites to buy the akai MPC 2000XL.

Why would you not suggest MPC 1000? I'm curious as the reasons, as I've been researching it lately. (after I make this post im gonna do further research on the others).


The Akai MPC 3000 I'm having trouble finding links. Tho I think it's around $1,100 I'll leave you/anyone with this post. Hopefully could answer those questions! Thanks all.

CryptviLL wrote:Hm, It's a bit harder to find sites to buy the akai MPC 2000XL.

The only place to easily find classic MPCs (60,2000XL,3000) under $1000 is on eBay or Craigslist.

You may have an easier time getting started with a MPC 1000 or MPC 2500 -- as the workflow for making beats is much more streamlined especially with JJOS. And if you purchase it new, it will have a warranty unlike used gear. Granted, a new 1000 ro 2500 may not have the grit or warmth as a classic MPC -- but it is a sampler -- so it's only as good as the sounds you're putting into it.

MPCHunter wrote:

CryptviLL wrote:Hm, It's a bit harder to find sites to buy the akai MPC 2000XL.

The only place to easily find classic MPCs (60,2000XL,3000) under $1000 is on eBay or Craigslist.

You may have an easier time getting started with a MPC 1000 or MPC 2500 -- as the workflow for making beats is much more streamlined especially with JJOS. And if you purchase it new, it will have a warranty unlike used gear. Granted, a new 1000 ro 2500 may not have the grit or warmth as a classic MPC -- but it is a sampler -- so it's only as good as the sounds you're putting into it.

Ah appreciate the info.

With that info, I really am leaning towards the MPC 1000 or possibly 2500. I wouldn't like to get a used one.

Is there any negatives about the 1000 that I should know?

hello all i am getting very close to buying mpc 1000, is there any negatives I should know about it? Or is it good to get as a start off mpc ?

as far as the 1000 just make sure it has the upgraded pad sensors. If you happen to come across a cheap used 1000, just make sure you get the pad sensors. Or get a 2500 if you can cop one at a good price

faze1 wrote:as far as the 1000 just make sure it has the upgraded pad sensors. If you happen to come across a cheap used 1000, just make sure you get the pad sensors. Or get a 2500 if you can cop one at a good price

Faze1 appreciate the help -

If I buy a new MPC 1000 off say djdeals.com, do I really need the pad sensors? How important are they?

Akai MPC 1000 link: http://djdeals.com/akaiMPC1000.htm

848.00$ in total, right under were I want to be.


How much better is the 2500 over the 1000?


Link: http://djdeals.com/akaiMPC2500.htm

$1333.00 in total, a bit expensive, however, if its that much better then the 1000, I'd do it.


Once again - really appreciate the help

EDIT: After doing some research, it appears it would be a no brainer to go wit the mpc 2500 if it were in the 1000-1200$ range. However, it being 1333, im going to have to take a closer look. The pads seem to be better, more ports, flip up screen, nicer overall MPC in the 2500, but is that worth 400$+ ? I duno....?

They are basically the same machine with the exception of the flip screen, bigger/regular sized pads, and audio/midi outputs. If these features matter to you then you should go with the 2500. As far as the pads on the 1000, you might have to contact djdeals and ask them if it is an older 1000 or a newer 1000 with the pad fix. I believe the model number for the newer ones is MPC1000BK-N or something like that. Someone let me know if that is incorrect. A used MPC2000xl on ebay for $450 - $600 might be something to look at too. These are very capable machines.

faze1 wrote:They are basically the same machine with the exception of the flip screen, bigger/regular sized pads, and audio/midi outputs. If these features matter to you then you should go with the 2500. As far as the pads on the 1000, you might have to contact djdeals and ask them if it is an older 1000 or a newer 1000 with the pad fix. I believe the model number for the newer ones is MPC1000BK-N or something like that. Someone let me know if that is incorrect. A used MPC2000xl on ebay for $450 - $600 might be something to look at too. These are very capable machines.

really appreciate the knowledge, gonna have to look into this once i get the chance. Thank you.

if you only want brand new... then dont even look at the mpc2000xl... they stopped making those a decade ago so you probably wont find one new. anyways $1200 is too much anyways.

mr_debauch wrote:if you only want brand new... then dont even look at the mpc2000xl... they stopped making those a decade ago so you probably wont find one new. anyways $1200 is too much anyways.

yeh, brand new is a major thing for me, i think the 2000 XL is outta the picture

with the 2500 being 1333, im most likely back to leaning towards the mpc 1000

CryptviLL wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:if you only want brand new... then dont even look at the mpc2000xl... they stopped making those a decade ago so you probably wont find one new. anyways $1200 is too much anyways.

yeh, brand new is a major thing for me, i think the 2000 XL is outta the picture

with the 2500 being 1333, im most likely back to leaning towards the mpc 1000

well get the 1000. do some research on JJOS. JJOS is an operating system made by some guy in japan. He apparently worked for akai (or so the rumour goes) and they got rid of him... so when he left he kept a copy of te source code and built an operating system that is 10 times better (maybe 13 times better, depending on who you ask) then the operating system akai includes with the machine.

What it does is, it add features that never were intended for the machine when it came out. I am no expert, but from what I hear.. he added a better method to chop and edit sounds and samples and much more.

JJOS is available for both the 1000 and the 2500 which are basically the exact same machine except for a few differences....

Hey buddy. I think there are few reasons for every MPC to buy it and not to buy it. It would be the best if you could try this machine before buying it. I'm not a long time MPC user. First I borrowed MPC500 for few days, then I decided I will get MPC1000 which I didn't liked. I had it for about 3 months and I've decided to sell it and add some money so I could cop MPC4000, which I think was great choice, but there is a hard time starting on it. I wouldn't be afraid about used MPCs as they hold well with age and there are many people that buys MPC60/3000/2000/2000XL/4000 and none of those are produced, so you can't buy it new. Just find a good seller and you can save a couple of $.
For me the best route for you would be the route I took not so long time ago. I analized every MPC specwise and I was looking for things that are important for me. I found nearly everything on MPC4000 and I wasn't wrong. Older MPCs are less user friendly, but I can say MPC4000 is very comfortable when you get used to it (my friend got 2000XL so we was comparing). If you have hard time deciding between 1000 and 2500 then I would suggest 2500.
IMO it is way better to take some time on collecting information than buy something on rush and not be happy about your decision.