Reviews and questions about the entry-level MPC500
By volcan90 Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:34 pm
what does the pad sensitivity need to be for me to just press the pad lightly and it plays with a high volume, as apposed to have to hit the pad hard to get a loud sound, cuz when i press it softly it plays softly. So i just want to have to press it soft and it play at a reasonable level
ByTr1pl36ix Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:31 pm
You can press 'Mode' -> 'Pad 8' [OTHER] and scroll using the data wheel to find Pad Sensitivity. You might have found this already since you're asking this question. I keep mine at around 12 for each pad, I believe.

Now... you could always use the 'Full Level' button to make every pad you hit play at full level no matter the velocity. This is good for samples and things you might want play at a constant level.

However... instruments like drums are best played without full level. Think about it, a drummer doesn't hit a kick, snare or cymbal at the SAME velocity each and every time they make a hit. It's MUCH better to have velocity differences, and other things, amongst drum hits and such. And I feel this applies to a lot of instruments.

So, in the end, you prolly wanna raise you're pad sensitivity above the default 10 (I believe it's at) and play with full level OFF unless the situation calls for it. In time, the pads will become 'broken in' like a new pair of kicks (sneakers o_O) and they should feel slightly more sensitive. You may even wanna drop the pad sensitivity back down in the future. Hope I helped somewhat
By JHouse Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:59 pm
Your reply may have helped me. I just got this 500 used from a guy that barely used it, so I'm thinking the pads are still pretty new and thus not done broken in me thinks. Hmmm.