Mpc guide tips

Brand new to the mpc scene but I've fiddled around on a Mpd and have some basic knowledge on how it works. Long story short I sold the Mpd over means of portability, I've got a decent desktop computer but even so it can't handle my workload sometimes with random CPU spikes and such so I've decided to try out some hardware in order to stay away from the computer a bit.can anyone recommend an mpc with a decent price tag and sound or even another product just as good. Also how's working with the floppy drives? Seems like it would be a hassle. (the mpc500 is a little out of the question) any response is greatly appreciated.

I love my 2500... But maybe check the MPC comparison forum to see what's best for you

-niN wrote:I love my 2500... But maybe check the MPC comparison forum to see what's best for you

A lot of comparisons going on in there, so spend a while reading through each thread to see what peoples opinions are.

Only the older models use floppy disks, and you can get compact flash drive kits for them anyway. You can put hard-drives in newer models, my 1000 has 20gb in it.

You say the 500's out of the question.. how come?! I'm guessing lack of screen etc.
You say portability is important... the 1000 is the model above the 500, fits nicely in your rucksack, and probably does most things you want it for.

Anyway, as -niN said... Get reading up in the comparison forum

One more thing... welcome to the forum dude

thanks for the quick replies guys! truly helpful. i'll be looking into the charts. pretty sure ive found a decent mpc1000 off craigslist is there anything else i should be getting besides the manual? cables and such while i wait for it? I'd probably be better off adding a hard drive into it. sorry if its been covered a bunch of times.

Sofakingkiller wrote:thanks for the quick replies guys! truly helpful. i'll be looking into the charts. pretty sure ive found a decent mpc1000 off craigslist is there anything else i should be getting besides the manual? cables and such while i wait for it? I'd probably be better off adding a hard drive into it. sorry if its been covered a bunch of times.

BASICS OF MPC 1k before purchase. Make sure it has newer pad set, either after market or is the a black newer model. Two def you get you hard drive, will need to installment kit, i purchased mine from mpcstuff.com. Also dig into these forums and maybe buy the bible sold on this site. THe mpc may seem complicated at first because it has so many features, a lot guys get it and then sell it cause the dont make those "hot beats" right of jump. And last but NOT least, get at least the free version of the JJ OS, global program edit it a feature I and many others could not live without, and that feature is just tip of the iceberg that you get when you install JJ. I wouldn't spend more than 400-500 on an used 1k unless it came maxed out with all the above features. Good luck,

thanks for the heads up the price was around 550 so i guess its a bit of a rip considering it only came with a 512mb memory card and no upgrades. it was the black version though, by the looks of it i'd be better off saving up until i see a used mpc with upgrades on mpcstuff are there any other sites offering used upgraded mpc's?

Contrary to what has been said...

As a new user, certain upgrades will not be essential from the jump off.

You should learn how to use the machine too see if it fits your production style and methods, before you think about 'maxxing it out'. You may not ever get to the stage where you need or use a lot of the extra features available. Some of these guys are experts on the 1000, they know exactly what they need to do what they want. We all know about the issue of dodgy pads, so take that on board at the very least.

You can always upgrade as and when it becomes essential and finances will allow. But if you come across a machine with extras at a good price cop it, it makes sense.

Just don't feel that you absolutely need those extras to make beats, because you dont.

Thanks, I guess I figured it'd be a win/win considering I don't know the conditions of the pads if I end up ordering one online. Also after watching a couple YouTube videos I saw some comments on people complaining about the mpc500 on how a memory upgrade is essential right out of the box to assign your own samples to each pad. Was wondering if I was going to run into anything like this on the other mpc's.found a 2000xl for a good price but I'm not too sure if I wanna cop it incase I run into any problems on it.

Buying used gear always involves an element of risk.

Most risks can be avoided if you collect the item personally and have it demo'd by the seller before your eyes.

Test everything you possibly can (pads, buttons, screen and outputs) is working before you part with your hard earned.

If you cant collect personally deal with a reputable seller.

Buying older MPC's is more risky as parts can fail at any time and are harder to replace.

clint246clint wrote:Just don't feel that you absolutely need those extras to make beats, because you dont.

Thats very true,

i'll take it into consideration, right now im stuck between a mpc1000 with a few upgrades for $800 off a good dealer or a mpc2500 for $850 with 128ram and a 120gb hd in it. The 2500 i atleast get to test out cause its available in my town. any thoughts? i know these prices are kinda steep just trying to see if im getting ripped off.

Sofakingkiller wrote:i'll take it into consideration, right now im stuck between a mpc1000 with a few upgrades for $800 off a good dealer or a mpc2500 for $850 with 128ram and a 120gb hd in it. The 2500 i atleast get to test out cause its available in my town. any thoughts? i know these prices are kinda steep just trying to see if im getting ripped off.

Main things going for the 2500 above the 1000 are the 4 midi outs (for hardware), 8 outputs (for an 8 input soundcard and/or a 8 input mixing desk or larger), tilt screen and bigger pads.
Ram upgrade is kinda essential imo but only costs ~$20 anyway (no need to buy the "official" ram). HD is very nice to have and that isn't expensive to buy either (just get a compatible laptop HD).
But if both are so close in price there's no contest if the 2500 works properly.

Sofakingkiller wrote:Also after watching a couple YouTube videos I saw some comments on people complaining about the mpc500 on how a memory upgrade is essential right out of the box to assign your own samples to each pad.

+1 on this, the memory upgrade is cheap and easy though, just be careful not to snap the clips when you insert it though like a buddy of mine did . The other thing with the MPC500 is to upgrade the OS to 1.31 before bothering to use it as I had issues with the midi mapping when I plugged in an external drum pad.

Aside from that though, it's been grand.


http://www.chancerrecords.com/index.php/red-riding

I'd go for the 2500. (If it works) It's just great, you won't feel like you need anything "more", for a while. It's got enough hardware, it's full sized and sturdy.
Alot of people complain about feeling "cramped" on the liitle 1000 pads. Some even say it feels like a toy, and that you'd be afraid to break it if you hit the pads too hard.
Myself, I have no personal experience with it whatsoever. BUT I have seen videos where people work that little bastard hard. + if the portabillity is important to you, the 1000 is def. one ahead of the bigger and heavier 2500.

You decide

Im military and mobile is good. got a 1000 love it..