BLACK MPC 60 II SCSI question

hi i'm going to take a close look at a 60 ii tomorrow, the seller doesn't seem to have a clue about the options.. from the pics he sent me it's got the SCSI connector, but i heard that doesn't necessarily mean it has the SCSI kit fitted inside? is there a way to tell without opening the MPC? and if so is it just a matter of unscrewing the back screws? also how can i check the max ram and os version (i want 3.1)? finally if the backlight is dead, is it easily replaceable (i've only found 60 mk1 repair videos on yt)?

When you first turn on the MPC it will say "Searching SCSI for Hard Disk" if the SCSI option is installed.


MPC 60 Memory expansion (1.5Mb max, 26.2 seconds max sampling time)
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daftmunk wrote:the seller doesn't seem to have a clue about the options..

Dont know how much you yourself know about the MPC60, but you can check the spec without opening the unit as master-ceo states.

However, if you still are not sure how to check, opening the unit will also give you a visual indication of what options are fitted (SCSI, memory expansion, Roger Linn 3.1 OS upgrade) as you will literally be able to see them. There are only a few screws to remove, so it wont take long, besides taking a look at the inside will tell you a lot about the condition of the machine and what type of environment it has been in.

1. The SCSI board is centrally located and will be internally connected to the SCSI port at the back of the machine. It will be clearly labelled SCSI INTERFACE FOR AKAI MPC60 - MARION SYSTEMS CORPORATION.



2. The memory expansion board (if fitted) will be connected to the white expansion socket on the left hand front PCB. If you can see an empty white socket, you don't have the memory expansion board. It looks like this, and may be be MUTEC/ MU-TECH branded.



3. The OS eproms are located on the PCB located in the centre base of the machine, if the SCSI board is installed it will be partly obscured. The Roger Linn 3.10 eproms are clearly labelled, and there should be four of them numbered 1 to 4.



A fully upgraded MPC60 will look like this when you open her up (this one has an internal card reader in place of the floppy).

ok i bought it... turned it on and it said "searching for SCSI hard disk" and the OS is 3.10, haven't opened it yet to check the RAM and what not. one thing that is kaput is the backlight, is the mk1 the same as the mk2? btw mine is black and it doesn't appear to be a custom job, anyone ever hear of a stock black 60ii?! looks beautiful, had to cop..gonna look great next to my SP-1200

btw thanks clint for the rundown, will definitely help me pinpoint what i'm looking for..

daftmunk wrote: btw mine is black and it doesn't appear to be a custom job, anyone ever hear of a stock black 60ii?

Photos, or it didn't happen !


Seriously, we'd like to see it.

daftmunk wrote:mine is black and it doesn't appear to be a custom job, anyone ever hear of a stock black 60ii?

Its gotta be a custom job like this forat piece...which is dope



or this diy effort...which isn't

i have yet to see a repainted 60ii that I really like (or at least prefer over the stock)

I sold my 60II to another forum member, and kept the Mk1.

But... I miss her, she had a certain charm.

I think the black Forat looks dope.

Any pics then daftmunk??

mr_debauch wrote:i have yet to see a repainted 60ii that I really like (or at least prefer over the stock)

Werd. I think its because the original doesnt have a painted look/texture to it. I think the way to go would be to dye the case instead of painting.

OP, I would really love to see pics of your find too. Holla at us.

master-ceo wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:i have yet to see a repainted 60ii that I really like (or at least prefer over the stock)

Werd. I think its because the original doesnt have a painted look/texture to it. I think the way to go would be to dye the case instead of painting.

OP, I would really love to see pics of your find too. Holla at us.

well I think.. maybe the paint's finish looks off.. maybe an ink or dye could be okay.. I dont know.

so far though.. I honestly have not seen too many custom mk2 mpc60s... the red one I saw around online... wack. that purple one... wack.. the black ones are not really wack, but not fire either IMO... yes the forat one is better than the other one... but at least the other one the dude still has another 60ii to the left to work on instead.

ok peepz here is a teaser shot:



the reason i was thinking it was stock is cuz the off-white text layout isn't silkscreened or painted but engraved/textured. is this how it is on regular 60ii's? btw there is one major flaw on this puppy which you can start to see on the upper right, there is chipping and a friggin crack in the casing

Thanks for the Pic!
The OG 60II button labels are silkscreend in mostly black letters and only the numberpad is in white, all with a raised feel to it. So yours was done over and looks good.

Your MP looks more like a matte black in the pic wich is easier on the eye IMO.
Don't worry about the cosmetic flaws, because you can always replace the case. Its the insides that count the most.

Enjoy it and try to sample everything you put in it.

yes thank god it's matte black (i hate glossy finishes)

i've yet to open mine since i was in a hurry and have now left for summer vacation, i was just happy it had scsi and 3.1 but the ram remains a mystery and i'm curious about the inside condition (the crack on the case is not a good indication about it's previous owner's care ) btw you say the case can be replaced? where to find one though?

master-ceo wrote:
Enjoy it and try to sample everything you put in it.

um..is this i a joke? i mean how else would i get any sounds in it?!

No joke theres ways. I forgot you mentioned you have a SP so your not new to this.

www.midicase.com/mpceditor/

I'll tell you one thing about the Marion SCSI, don't get too excited until you've tested it and confirmed that it works properly.

I bought a 60 with the SCSI board fitted once, and it didnt work. Tried it in multiple machines with the 3.10 OS and still no dice. There were no obvious signs of damage on the PCB so fortunately, I was able to sell the SCSI board as 'faulty' for £100.

When you buy these 25 year old samplers, you should really TEST EVERYTHING, especially any fitted options as soon as possible if not immediately.