Testing a 2nd hand MPC2500 to ensure it is fully functional

Hi,
I've never owned an MPC although I do have some general experience with audio equipment. I have found a great price for a "like new" MPC2500LE - so great in fact I'm wondering "whats the catch?"

How can I test it properly to make sure I am not buying a piece of junk?

I've read some other threads on this, and was going to ask the seller to load up a sequence and play some samples from every pad. What else can I do to make sure I don't get ripped off, and ensure that I end up with a fully functional MPC?

Make sure that all the inputs and outputs work (record in, 8 assignable outs, stereo outs, digital in and out, MIDI in and out, USB, headphone out), play around with the Q-Link controls to make sure they work (the knobs/sliders and the buttons), make sure all the other button and knobs work, and since the LE usually comes with a hard drive and CD-ROM, make sure the hard drive is working (read and write) and that the CD drive reads (and writes if you have the ability to do that on the spot). If all of the above works, I'll say its in working condition.

Cool, I'll ask him to demonstrate that all of that is working Thanks for your help!

Anyone, if there's anything else I should look out for, let me know.

So in the MPC2500 service manual there is some stuff about a Test OS. I can't find it anywhere on the net - I've emailed Akai support, but does anyone know where I can find this?

Seems pretty handy because I can rock up with a compact flash with the Test OS in it. The Test OS will:

*display q-link + jog input value
*display each pad input velocity/peek value
*all LCD dots turn to black, jog adjust (checking for dead pixels I guess)
*all LED's light up
*SDRAM simple check and SDRAM all area read/write check
*CF card simple check, type of CF card display
*HDD simple check, type displayed
*test flash rom (writes test OS to flash rom...)

it can do more, including a full bit signal test tone that comes out all outputs, and a midi test, foot switch test, as well as some A/D and SPDIF tests I don't understand from the manual.

Seems like if I run through this OS, burn and read a CD (there is no test in the OS for this) and physically have a fiddle with all the buttons and knobs I'll be doing a thorough check.

still struggling to find this "test os"

So Akai got back to me and said they can't distribute the Test OS to end users or 3rd party service centers.

If anyone can sort me out with the Test OS then drop me a PM or something!

cheers

Bump

Akai reckon that the Test OS can potentially cripple an MPC which is why they won't give it out.

So I'm picking up my MPC tommorow!

Wish me luck!

Good luck...

Maybe the seller has already run the Test OS on it....and it went bad - which is why you're getting it for such a good deal

Seriously though - my advice -

check the pads (vital)
check the outputs (vital)
check the rotary wheel is ok - from what I've read on the forum - this is not one of the 2500's strong points.

M

Haha, yeah I've actually scared myself off the first MPC which was a 2500LE for like 900AUD at 1usd=0.84aud, u do the math, it was scary cheap.. too good to be true, I think... plus the guy was pretty keen on shipping it to me rather than me picking it up.. I just wish I never even saw that deal! haha.

Ended up agreeing to get just a regular 2500 with no upgrades for $1300AUD, their RRP here is $3k and this one is apparently in excellent condition and the seller just seems more trustworthy. Plus I'll be able to go pick it up in person and give it a test drive.

So I'm either ripping myself off $400aud and the chance to get an LE or making a very wise choice! I guess I'll never know!

I ended up getting that regular 2500 today, at the guys place we just powered it on, loaded a sequence and played some drums through his speakers - everything seemed fine so I payed him and left.

Going to give it a more thorough test tonight, if there's any problems then I can just rock up at his house. Heheh.

Cheers guys

Good luck

..and I appreciate you may be feeling a bit out of pocket after spending all that money on a 2500, but trust me - the sooner you get into using JJOS the better.

You can download and use a demo version that lets you do everything except save your work.

You will not regret it.

M

haha, I love the expression "out of pocket".

Yeah - I'm not going to spend any time learning the Akai OS. Straight to the JJOS when I get home. I also gotta find some cheap RAM I reckon - at the moment it is completely bare bones with a 32mb CF

thanks Mark!

I've actually decided to stick with the Akai OS for now - I just don't know enough about this ish to switch to JJ yet.

Gonna get my skills up for a bit with a nice beefy manual sitting next to me before I take the plunge.