Post your views and questions about the Akai MPC2500
User avatar
By Insomniac Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:54 pm
Hey, couldnt find an answer anywhere here or on web..


I own a 5k and im thinking of replacing with a 2500.

Will i have to re-save all my 5k programs as 1k format or will the 2500 load 5k programs (even if not all the settings will translate..)? I can deal with resetting some things, just wondering if the 2500 will atleast load samples to the correct pads and maybe mixer volumes and pans will be ok. I could live with that..

Anyone know about this?
User avatar
By konc3pt Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:08 pm
the extra features like the synth, or whatever other features that are exclusive to 5k wont transfer over...but as far as sequences, programs, EQ, filters should be no problem

why you ditchin 5k ?
User avatar
By Insomniac Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:53 pm
Honestly not impressed with the synth (dont use alot of hip hop lead kinda sounds). I have other better tools for doin basses n synths. Using computer alot for that stuff.

I liked havin 2 filters per pad in the 1000 (only other MPC ive owned). Not too sold on more effects, want somethin more portable but with the big pads :)

I liked JJOS in the 1000 also, I can definitely live with that. Just some stuff im not impressed by and other stuff I dont get enough use out of for the most part.

Im feelin more n more like the 2500 is right for me and my needs.
User avatar
By Insomniac Sun Feb 12, 2012 2:09 am
It seems the file extension of 5k programs is ********.50s

Will the 2500 even recognize or load this type of file??

Or is it absolutely necessary to re-save all my project's programs as 1k format (********.pgm)??

Anyone out there ever try loading a 5k program (.50s) on the 2500?

It would be alot of time and work for me to re-save everything in my projects so it would be very useful info to know for sure..
User avatar
By Insomniac Wed Feb 15, 2012 2:54 pm
Okay, think I got it figured out.

i started this thread because I want to load my 5000 projects on my soon to be 2500 but I will be selling my 5k before getting the 2500. Hopefully this will help someone else who is wondering.

For those who might want to know how to convert projects saved by "save entire memory" with the MPC5000 to projects readable (to the best of its ability) by the MPC 2500/1000..

1. Load chosen project into the MPC5000.

2. Save every program separately (maybe best to save to some alternate and/or temporary location) as 1000 format, which will save the program as *.pgm instead of *.50s

3. With project still loaded, load the programs you just saved as *.pgm and be sure to choose "YES" for "Replace same files in memory".

-If you originally loaded any programs that were already the *.pgm format, you can skip step 2 & 3 for those.

4. Now just "Save entire memory" as usual to another folder with extra text saying something like "**** -1k" or whatever you like.



I have only a 5k right now so no way to test it out but I owned a 1k before so Im pretty sure this will do the trick. You will however lose any 5k functionality not possible with the 1000/2500 and possibly the filter settings as well (not sure tho). May want to resample material with effects on them as the 1000/2500 have less effects busses and may be without a proper mixer FX send routing. 5k= 8 FX, 4 Busses. 1000/2500= 2 FX, 2? busses.

Anything to add, corrections??

-Later
Insomniak
User avatar
By Insomniac Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:39 am
Great idea. I did test it on the 5k to see what settings are affected (filters, effects, etc.) Nothing unexpected..

I did have a problem re-loading the projects tho. Programs (.pgm) and everything else loaded but the samples were not recognized by the programs. That is, samples loaded as well as the programs, but in the program editing the assigned samples had that question mark in front of the sample name as if they were not loaded. Weird.

I either have to load the whole folder (is this an option when loading files in the 2500??)

Or load programs and samples, then load sequences and songs, then input config file..

Both seem to work without a problem. Strange tho.