Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
By jimfowler Wed Aug 01, 2012 5:05 pm
analog outputs (xlr and 1/4" both exhibit problem) is putting out a weird almost digital-noise-ish crackling sound whenever it's playing samples...it's not constant but comes and goes and there's nothing rhythmic or tempo-related to it. the noise is NOT in the samples, it's not a bad cable, and i just cleaned the outputs with pcb-friendly contact cleaner. happens at all sampling rates and is not specific to any one sample/program.

i have yet to try re-seating ribbon cables, etc. and the only thing i've done recently is installed kingston ram (which is recognized by the machine) and the problem has only recently begun...ram's been in for a week or two.

any ideas short of shipping to a service shop?

- jim
By atestarr Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:00 pm
try taking the new RAM out and seeing if the problem persists. (power down first.)
this is the extent of my problem solving advice, i'm afraid.
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By Lampdog Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:11 pm
I was just about to say the same thing. Ram about to go bad or unseated ram.

Do you hear it in the headphones also?
By jimfowler Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:37 pm
didn't check the phones...will do.

it is feasible to have ram recognized by the machine but still be bad/corrupt/etc.?

- jim
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By Lampdog Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:55 pm
That can actually happen yes. Same as a tv might turn on but you can't access certain channels.

The ram might still power up and be recognized by the mpc but certain data bits/bytes might not be addressed properly inside ram and you'd get ram errors when data tries to cross that corrupted area.

If you still get crackle after reboot, different samples, in all outputs, static when pad banging, then you might have bad ram, get other ram or try a buddys ram. Go to a store and see if you can buy and be able to return ram.
By jimfowler Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:51 pm
so i pulled the new ram and installed the original (into it's original slot) and the noise went away. then i cleaned the sh!t out of the ram sockets and re-installed my kingston ram. still no noise. so my theory is that the unused ram socket was just dirty/corroded from sitting unoccupied for 10 years.

anyhow, all fixed and crystal clear sound. big thanks for the suggestions.

- jim
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By Lampdog Thu Aug 02, 2012 2:42 pm
:-D Glad you got it worked out.
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By Matriks Mon Apr 07, 2014 6:17 am
mothemixer wrote:I have same problem no audio com out.
Cracxkling noise some times
Plz help


Did you already follow the instructions above?
By MPCdawk Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:08 am
mothemixer wrote:Pulled out ram now it wont read ram gg


What does "gg" mean? Genuine question, I just want to know because I can't understand young people any more and need help.

BTW, if you pulled out the RAM then there's no RAM to read now?

Did you put it back in? Remember I said it's quite hard to insert the RAM cards back in the slots - it needs to go in further than you think, and one of the cards sits up a little higher than the other one.