Reviews and questions about the entry-level MPC500
By Matt Chef Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:35 pm
Hi, my name is Matt Chef, I have recently purchased an Mpc 500. I've wanted pads for enuff time now, and the difference it makes to beats is just what I wanted. Overall, very pleased indeed.

The first thing I did was upgrade to 128mb board and a 4G flash card for more space.

Its all been gravy until the other day, I went through the motions of re-naming all my samples, naming the sequences and the program. I then go to create a folder and it Freezes :?

Then when I turn the MPC off, then on again, the folder is there, with the program, BUT, when I go to load it the program it tells me 'Unkown Format' :(

As far as I am aware, the operating system is the latest, CAN ANYBODY HELP PLZZZZZZZ!
By Matt Chef Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:29 pm
Ok, here goes

1st step, Set Up.
Turn on mpc500, srcoll to empty sequence (always number 5), press 'Mode' then 'Program' , I scroll to new program and select 'programme one.

2nd step, Recoord.[/u]
I press 'Mode' then 'Record'. I then record what iwant to sample and assign to pad A10, then A11 for the 2nd cut and so on. I usuall name the samples (in 'Trim' mode option) so that any I extract there on in are ready named and numbered.

3rd Step, Trim.
I press 'Mode' then 'Trim'. I trim my samples to where I want them, then discard what I dont want*. I then load onto pads A1, A2 and A3, DjKick, E-Snare and E-CLHH from the onbord sample bank.

*Some times I dont always discard the sample excess straight away as I may want to re-Trim later on as I make music late at nite/early morning when I am really tired and have to go back and tidy up sample sometimes, but I have a 4GB flash card so memory space is'nt an issue*

4th step, Sequencing
Once I have gone through each track in 'Track Params' to make sure eachtrack on the sequence is assigned to new 'programme one'. I check the tempo is good. I then change the sequence length in 'Sequence Params' to 4 bars and also name the Sequence whilst I am in the 'Params'. I then reord into track 1 the sample loop, track 2 is the kick, track 3 is the snare and track 4 for the hi-hats. I enter 'Seqyence Params' and copy that sequence to the next empty one. Whilst I am there i name the sequence e.g from Hiphop1 to Hiphop2. I also name the Programme e.g Hiphop

5th step, Saving
I then press 'Mode' then 'Save'. The options come up to 'Save' programme Hiphop, I press 'do it' and scroll once clockwise to chose the option of 'new folder', i press 'do it' and I then have to name folder. I do so and press 'do it' and it freezes. :x

When I then turn the 500 off, then on, it has the Folder Hiphop. I try to load programme and it tells me 'Format unkown' :(

Now I am not very good with manuals :? However, I have made about 40 programmes so far and its only now that it has started playing up.

I hope this post has made sence, and that someone can help.
I reckon its something I am doing maybe, but I dont know, which is why I am here.

Nice one all, Matt Chef
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By Captain Hook Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:39 pm
It sounds like you may need to update the os. To save go to save all samples and programs then all sequences and songs and save them all in the new folder then when you turn it back on just load that folder and you should be good.
By Jamon Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:35 pm
You are using v1.31?

I followed your steps, they could've been more precise, but it worked for me, and saved without freezing.

Hold play when you power on to check for RAM errors.

Try a different CF card and format it fresh.
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By inflict3 Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:45 pm
Ive just recently stared saving entire memory project, it saves time from saving the program, then saving all the sequences, thats how i use to do it..lol
By Matt Chef Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:21 am
Entire memory projects?? Infilict3, how do I go through this, and how does it work better than the long ploddy process I use??

SODIMM test shows no intial probs.

How do I check what op system is on there, I dont want to admit it, but I bought the machine from Cash Convertors :roll: What can I say, It was only£200

They did'nt really know what the hell they were selling so asking them about the op system was a bit hopefull.

Thanks to all for the advise, fingers x'd will sort out psoblem, either the machines or my errors..