Swimming in the deep end...

I'd like to say thanks for this forum, been reading and taking in so much in the last week.

I'm a total mpc newb, never even used one really.

Used Mpc prices have dropped to the point where I can actually afford one.

I've been researching all of the different models, and have received some advice regarding which model would meet my needs. Ideally I'd like someone who knows the boxes to show me each one and what it's about, but that shit isn't happening.

I'm looking for a stable machine that isn't flakey has a hard drive and talks to the computer.

So I'm pretty close to deciding on the 4000. I don't need the multisample keygroup features at all, I've got soft synths for those types of things. But what I do have is about a 60 gig library of samples and probably half are 24 bit. I'd like to use these in the Mpc. So rather than constantly converting samples I'm thinking the 4000 would suit my needs.

I also like that it's the former (current, depending on who you talk to ;P ) flagship product from akai, that means hightest quality parts and design (or so it should).

I've also heard the pads on the 4000 have the best touch. This is very important to me. I've got the mpk49, and those pads are unusable. I've tested other units, and they're not as bad as mine, but they still suck it.

I've also heard that the 4000 has the best sound of the Mpc's. This is also very important to me. I'm from an asr-x background, and if you know that box, it's got killer sound.

BUT

I'm a little worried that the 4k is more than I need in terms of functionality. I'm coming from a computer based background, and I feel like I'm pretty close to master level with my particular workflow. But I'm not having any fun anymore on the computer.

Ideally I'd be working on both the mpc and the comp. The mpc as an instrument really. I want to start playing my parts again, rather than drawing and all of the other "conveniences" that the computer has to offer.

But I don't want to climb Mt. Everest just to have some fun, feel me?

So is the 4k really that laborious to program versus the other akais - such as the 2500, 2000xl, 5000?

I want to get sounds into the mpc as fast as possible, get them chopped up, mapped out and start playing and arranging with as little trouble as possible. I'm not looking for a free ride but if that process is too difficult, I know I'm just gonna go back to the computer.

So again, I'd like to test this stuff out first, but I don't really have that option right now, so I'm relying on your opinions to help guide me in this very important decision.

I mean it sincerely, thank you!

all I really can tell is that the 4k never gets boring.

its a beast regarding functionality, it has the right size and all to work woth, its fast, my workflow got super-fast with it and sound transfer is very easy. I'm actually looking for a second one for the parts so I can keep running this machine for ever

plus, it's like the nicest toy I have. Even If I just sit there and chop drums for an hour or two, I feel totally entertained. Thats something I never felt working with a PC.

Thanks man, I'm heading out to pick one up right now.

About to join the brotherhood

The 2500 has all the functionality I'm after, but I've read all about it's build quality and broken shit. I'm not going to deal with that.

I own a 4k... the 4k is the first mpc i've ever laid hands on.. I learned it from the ground up and have absolute complete control over the thing now.. get a 4k, its not that hard to learn..





4k.....

4k.....

And I repeat

4k.....

i used to own a 2k classic, and i would never go back. usb connectivity, internal hard drive, full blown sampler, i can connect a keyboard to it... q-link controls... built in phono, you can just connect the turntable directly. sounds way better than your dj mixer. there's a lot to this machine, but there are a lot of things on this machine that really make life easier, and help you enjoy making music a lot more.

i work a lot faster w/the 4k, and can do a lot more. it's much faster than my old 2k, that's for sure...

i don't have to words to describe how good it feels to not have to turn on the computer to make music.

one big difference between the asr-x and mpc4k is that the mpc4k is a very clean sounding machine. sample anything you want w/the 4k, you will not be able to tell the difference between the 4k and source. you have to add your own flavor, either by messing with the sample in the mpc (bit reduction, or by using the FX) or by sampling it w/the asr-x first.

this thing is literally a godsend for me.

Went to pick up a used 4k today, but noticed that the pads would occasionally double trigger. It only happened sometimes and it happened more when one adjacent pad was held down. Is there a fix for this?

It was strange - the timing of the second hit seemed to be exactly the same every time which makes it seem more like an os problem or an electrical problem, rather than a mechanical pad problem...?

It was a fair deal for the 4k. It was pretty clean, some minor scratches on the back. I would have bought it if not for the double triggering.

Never having seen one in person, those things are big!

I walked away from the deal, and was pretty disappointed... an hours drive, and my hopes were dashed.

I'm gonna tell y'all something that might make you cringe - I picked up the last mpc 2500 from gc... FLOOR MODEL. This thing looked pretty beat in the store, but it cleaned up actually really nicely. I've been going through checking the buttons, and all the functions. Everything seems to work. I didn't mind buying it so much from gc, cause I picked up a 2 year warranty on it. If this thing eats it before the two years, hopefully I can just get them to cut me a check for my purchase price.

I'm thinking the akai os for the 2500 is not really that great... seems like you can't adjust the count in length - that's not enough to condemn the os, but if this is generally their approach to usability... I don't think I'm gonna be down. (playing pads with right hand, transport on right side, it pretty much gives you two beats to prep before record kicks in)

This thing is easy to learn, lemme tell you. Sitting in gc, in about 15 minutes I had all the basic functions down, no manual, no prior experience with any mpc.

I'm gonna continue looking for used 4k's, but I will no longer look on ebay. That double triggering issue scared me. I'm gonna have to test out the mpc before I buy it...

the double trigger is not an issue.

it is just the way you hit the pads.


it will go away, as you develop your pad playing technique.


it happens to alot of people when they first get the 4k.


check the 4k forum, it is a common issue with new owners.


don't hesitate, the machine has no issues

Yo that double trigger was an issue. If I tapped a pad, it wouldn't double trigger. If I pressed and held the pad below it, and then hit the pad it would double trigger. That is an issue.

I've got mpk pads, padkontrol pads, and 2500 pads, and none of them do this.

I'm not saying all 4000's are like this, just the one I tried out.

The 4k is sensitive to vibration. Unlike the newer MPC's it is prone to double triggers. When you hit the pad and hold your finger there it will naturally bounce a little and cause the double trigger. You have to learn to play it and make your fingers srtike it more sure and stable. Also, try playing while standing or position your chair higher so you are not pressing the pads at an angle. This makes your fingers tend to bounce more. You want to hit straight down vs from an angle.

?!

I'm gonna test out another 4k when one hits the market here. I take y'all at your word, but I'm refusing to believe a good quality 4k should be like this. I need to be able to hit two adjacent pads without the second pad double triggering.

If the second one is the same... I'm gonna have to roll with the 2500.

I only played 3 4k's but they all had that same issue. I don't know if getting new sensors will help but you can try that. I was annoyed by it but quickly learned to play it without this happening.

don't be silly.

it is just a minor adjustment to your playing style.


the 25000 is a plastic piece of crap

b-righteous wrote:I was annoyed by it but quickly learned to play it without this happening.

I don't understand this really. How can you play the pads without this happening? If you want to sustain two sounds on adjacent pads... you've gotta keep pressure on the pads.

Lemme ask y'all a question - what are those screws for that are around the pads. This dood had some like viking helmet screw heads - leads me to believe somebody was messing around with the pads.

Check this photo:



The viking helmets were loose, I could freely spin them, can that have something to do with it?

I believe that guy is a member on the forum. I know I've seen those viking helmets b4.

If you hit the pads towards the edge of the pads they will double trigger. The pads need be hit in the center. Also, the sensitivity could have been set to be too sensitive.