My New Purchase: MPC60 MK1

Read the 60 bible thread couldn't find the info I needed.

Got hold of a 60 mk1 today appears to be in good condition, with original printed manual. Dude said it had been stored in his attic for about 4 years, probably the cleanest 60 I have ever seen anywhere. I bought it because I fancied a 'project' dude said the soft keys didn't work, they do work but need a few hard presses.

1. Unit is running OS 2.14, the manual is for version 2.0. Where does this OS sit in comparison to the others available?

2. Not sure if the rear port is the SCSI upgrade or redundant RS232C connector. Don't have a SCSI drive to test it.

From Roger Linn Design FAQ:

Q: How do I find out if my MPC60 has the Marion Systems MPC-SCSI hard disk interface installed?

A: If you have the original MPC60, the connector labled "RS232C" on the rear panel may be either the original RS232C connector (which was never used) or the true SCSI connector. Check the operating system number when you start up your MPC60. If you have version 2.14, you have a SCSI interface (v.2.14 was the only version that shipped with a SCSI interface). If not, run this test:

1. Press DISK, then 8.
2. If four menu options appear, you have the MPC-SCSI installed. If two options appear, you don't.

I have OS 2.14, but the test led me to 'copy a floppy'...so still not 100% certain.

3. I have no idea how much memory this thing has, how can this be checked?

From Roger Linn Design FAQ:

Q: How do I find out if my MPC60 has expanded memory?

If your MPC60 is running version 2.14 software or lower:

1. Turn on your MPC60.
2. Place a disk containing a SND or SET file into the disk drive.
3. Press DISK, then 6.
4. Read the AVAILABLE SOUND MEMORY field. If it says 1536K, you have memory expansion. If it says 768K, you don't.

Unfortunately I don't have any MPC60 floppies.


4. Backlight appears to be out, in the dark you see nothing. Text is clear in lit conditions. Reliable UK service centres??

Everything works, just requires some TLC to restore it to its former glory.

Ebay purchase, collected and paid £350.00 cash.

My studio is down at the moment, but I succumbed to gear lust...again

Will upload a couple pics later tonight of my new 60 and her sisters...

1. You can get the v3.10 OS chips from Roger Linn. These make the 60 more like the 3000 with practically all it's functions.
2. You need the v.3.10 OS in order to use SCSI with the mpc60 so no, it won't have SCSI installed.
The SCSI board was recently available but as far as I know is out of stock again.
If you want it, let roger know and he may have a new list. Last time when the list was long enough they made a new batch of boards but you may have missed the boat now.
3. Pretty obvious. Make yourself a disk
4. Backlights are available on ebay and other places. Very easy to install . Will probably need some very elementary soldering.
Look for EL foil or EL folie.

1. I don't think 2.14 is much different from the other 2's. 3.1 is still the best
2. Don't you need 3.1 to use scsi anyways?
3. open up the case and see the bottom left hand area has the ram and if theres an extra board (about 3X3") stacked on top thats the ram upgrade

Try this for foil replacement

http://akai.mpcblog.com/akai-pro/mpc60/ ... -a-mpc-60/

Thanks for the quick replies, remember I just got home with it.

Anyway, I've opened her up, given her a quick clean.

Very interesting purchase indeed, I may actually dispell a myth with this one.

Pics n' porn to follow

@Grenozh: When I researched the MPC60 there was no mention of Akai OS 2.14 anywhere, just vague references to it. I thought the last Akai OS was 2.12?

@Pilchard: Last time I held a soldering iron was at least 20 years ago.

Well maybe not a myth but....

MPC60's with Akai OS 2.14 left the factory with SCSI pre-installed.

This is what I have right here, for £350 (including a USB floppy drive & original manual) thats bargain of the year.

So no, you don't always need the Linn upgrade OS 3.10 to use SCSI.

Also OS 2.14 looks different from other standard 60's, which is why I asked where 2.14 fits in. Can anyone confirm this?

I haven't seen another 60 for a while, so I could be wrong.

Good for you Clint.
Treat her well!


As for 2.14 > very interesting info

clint246clint wrote:Pics n' porn to follow

Looking forward to it

More photo's posted here.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=69672&start=810

She's a good 'un...

*Pilchard* wrote:As for 2.14 > very interesting info

My guess is that the very last models to leave the factory had the 2.14 OS and Marion SCSI.

Who cares, I was expecting a stock Akai unit with no upgrades.

Nice collection

clint , was that the 60 on ebay earlier this week? that went for £350 too. good find with the scsi in place. i got my 60 for the same price a couple of years ago. had to get one of the new scsi board from roger linn, although it did have v3.1 installed.

mikolo wrote:clint , was that the 60 on ebay earlier this week? that went for £350 too.

Yessir.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

Collected her yesterday from Hertfordshire.

Missed out on a 60mkII two weeks back, I think that went for £450, I wasn't too bothered.

I didnt expect to get it for that price, placed my only bid with two hours to go and went out.

A lot of people are broke after christmas and forced to sell gear, January is a good time to buy.

nice one, congrats! (i saw it originally on another forum with some folks i was having an mpc conversation with)

Very clean!