MPC5000 reviews, bug reports and fellow user support on the most recent standalone, hardware MPC from Akai
By jigzelmnt Thu May 31, 2012 12:22 pm
Hey everyone, I purchased an MPC2500 used a few months back. I LOVED this thing! I had purchased "PRO COVERAGE" for 150 bucks though Guitar Center. I had been experiencing a few minor issues, nothing completely crippling, but when previewing samples, it would randomly go into usb mode (usb button is right next to preview), and at random times random samples would play in like a exagerrated stereo effect. I asked for help on that topic on this forum at another time, and was told it was likely the board. So I sent it out under my pro coverage, and they have had my mpc for almost two months. After a month of "testing" they sent it to Akai. Now Akai has had it for a while, and am getting to my witts end with this. I should have just dealt with the issues, but figured a $150 warranty should be a quick replacement or fix. Obviously not the case. I contacted the manager at Guitar Center, and we worked out potentially me getting an MPC5000 instead. Though, can anyone tell me if this is a wise move, and if my projects will all open from my 2500. I have googled compatibility on the MPCs, and cannot find anything. If anyone can help me see if this is a good decision and if I can open projects already created on the 2500, it would be greatly appreciated!

THANKS Everyone!

Jay
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By TheUnfuckwithable Thu May 31, 2012 12:29 pm
jigzelmnt wrote:can anyone tell me if this is a wise move


not a smart move.

the 5000´s operating system is buggy as fvck. the 2500 can run jjos which is highly recommended. plus it gets constantly updated and enhanced.
By jigzelmnt Thu May 31, 2012 12:34 pm
Really? Just looking at the extra capabilities like the major increase in effex sends, and options, and Voice and syth capabilities, not to mention the included hard drive, better option wheel, cd rom drive, bigger screen and more sliders. You have owned a 5000 before? I know they just released a new OS for the 5000, but unfortunately I have not used it, or used the 5000 at all for that matter. But aside from that, do you know if projects can be opened in the 5000 that were created in the 2500?
By dazastah Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:57 pm
**** wrote:not a smart move.


atm i have the 5000 and 1000(with jjos2xl) .. 1000 is clearly much better to use. I'd def push to keep the 2500 ...
The synth is kinda fun to use.. but the sampling and sequencing features of jjos out do the 5000 tremendously...I would let a thief take the 5000 over the 1000...
By Thants Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:15 am
jigzelmnt wrote:can anyone tell me if this is a wise move


Maaaaaayyyyyyybbbbbeeeee. The 5k is a great piece of hardware with a sucky OS. If you need the extra hardware capabilities, it might be worth putting up with the headaches the OS will give you. If you want an all-in-the-box solution, and you'll be using the synth and the extra q-links etc all the time, it's maybe be the right choice. Otherwise, no.
By ntalec Mon Jun 04, 2012 5:31 am
Personally I find the 5k not to be buggy and stable without a doubt.

JJ OS still has a somewhat clunky feel about it.
I am really hoping that the forth coming OS3 is about refinement not just new features.

The biggest thing about the comparison of the two is this:

-The 5k has a more finished feeling OS that has a much better flow.
It's like a highend production car.

-JJ is more of a geek feast is has a lot of features if you are trying to be very experimental in your methods.
It's more of an ugly hotrod.

The real black eye in the game is whether or not the new larger screens with their rearranged data will help to give the 1k/2500 the missing refinement that it's missing?

If the change in the data fields can accomplish this then JJ OS may finally have the pivot it needs to truly exceed the workflow of the 4k and 5k.
By dazastah Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:36 pm
ntalec wrote:JJ OS still has a somewhat clunky feel about it.
i disagree

The 5000 is way more clunkier at chopping up samples. Especially if the samples are longer.. jjos is miles ahead with it's simple zoom in and out chopping style where it appropriates the amount it moves start and end points by the amount of zoom. The zoom function on the 5000 is ridiculous(goes in too close) it opens a new window and then it its zoomed it too close. making the chopping task take longer and more frustrating. especially when you have to manually change how much the start and end points move by(in increments)

Also pgm editing is much better in terms of global edits... Pad copying parameters.. and building keygroup pgms..

They are more sequencing functions in jjos dealing with how you change sequences and how you can trigger them.. Its best to check and read the jjos site..


I still love the 5000 very much, it has its plus's like the synth and 8track disk streaming capability. but it's quite clunky and limited to use.. i'd rather use jjos to work with samples and sequenced loops..

I think you have to think about what you gonna be doing with your music making..
If you'd like to have the extra option of a 8 hard disk streaming tracks(independant of sample ram)(you'll be recording vocals or long tracks that you want to play along to your song) plus a synth module with 4 fx send buses the give the 5000 a go.

How ever if you think you'll be messing just with samples and want more power with sequenciing,and pgm building plus the fact that you'll be able to service your mpc2500 and access parts easier than the 5000 i'd say stick with the 2500..

Both machines have their bugs....but There is much more bug support/updates with jjos... where there is no support/updates from akai..