Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
By Tarelizer Thu Sep 06, 2012 2:16 pm
Hey there,

i`m new to MPC-Forum, new to the 4000 but not new to the MPC. I used a 2000XL to death. Dominating it blind!!!

I searched the forum to some threads about USB connectivity with external USB Devices. I found a lot but my Problem wasn`t discussed enough.

I plugged my 500GB HDD to the MPCs frontside USB connector. I activated the Load Mode and choosed the HD Drive. The MPC noticed it well, and showed me the free space but it didnt show me any file or folder. File System is FAT32. The same occured when i plugged on my kingston CF Card 4GB via a USB Card Reader.

do you have any ideas?

thanks.


the ATAPI CF Reader in my old 2000xl was easier i think
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By MoreBuck$ Thu Sep 06, 2012 2:54 pm
not sure exactly but try formatting a data-stick usb drive on your computer, loading a few wavs onto it, then test it in the mpc. That way you can see if it's just that drive or the MPC itself.
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By dabmeister Thu Sep 06, 2012 7:52 pm
Plus, what version of the os are you using on the 4k? The last version was 1.71. BTW, I just plugged in a 2 gig usb thumb drive that didn't have any music but showed everything (all folders) that was on that drive.

Now I'm :? about your delima.

Tarelizer wrote:I used the Drives on Mac


Unless the format is different, this shouldn't be an issue.
By Tarelizer Fri Sep 07, 2012 7:22 am
yes yes, very strange.

i run the newest OS in Version 1.71. Last night i plugged my Wifes USB 4GB Thumb Drive into my Mac. Delete all files and copied some samples on it.

Started the MPC plugged the Stick on the front connector and it works.

But every file was shown twice!!! the first of these were audible and therefore completly usable. the other one was only a placeholder.

Edit: maybe its the Analyse File from Ableton

Maybe the MPC must indicate a bigger HDD. Subfolders etc.

Today i hope i can test AK.SYS on my Mac.

USB 1.1 is a pain. The Thumb Drive Solution is the best.

80GB internal is a pleasure, but i would also satisfied with 10GB. Most Samples are not bigger as 10mb!!!
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By MoreBuck$ Fri Sep 07, 2012 8:49 am
10 mb is a pretty big file size really, are they whole loops? I think if you save stuff via mac, then it seems to make a macosx file on the data stick i think. either that or you are right and it is the ableton data-files. Try removing them ao you only have just the waves then see what comes up. Hope you enjoy your 4000, it's a BEAST of a machine!!!
By Tarelizer Fri Sep 07, 2012 11:22 am
yeah the MPC4000 is a pleasure compared to the 2000.

It sounds clear. You have a lot possibilities to work with samples.

The 2k also saw the OSX file on the CF Card when i used them together.

But anyway, it works.

The Manual is crap. Compared to the Manual for the 2000 its shit.

I`m missing a Tutorial from MPC_Tutor like the ones on 2k 2500 etc.

I could started but i have to learn again. It seems its a little bit harder cause of the Function overflow. I must learn to understand Multis. Also the Combination of Effects is shit. Only 1 FX Send for each Part/Pad !!!????????

Anyway it is used also as my main sequencer together with my EMU, Orbit, Bassstation and R8.

I think about to sell the R8. I have Pads and i have MIDI so why i should hold it?
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By dabmeister Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:15 pm
Tarelizer wrote:Anyway it is used as my main sequencer together with my EMU, Orbit, Bassstation and R8.

I think about to sell the R8. I have Pads and i have MIDI so why i should hold it?


LOL, it's funny you mentioned that. I got rid of my R8 a couple of years ago too. Served me well over the years that I had it.

As a matter of fact, I never let go of the expansion cards for it because I figured I'll come across a R8 mkII someday. :lol:

Nice drum machine, just doesn't bang like the 4k.
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By MoreBuck$ Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:32 pm
Tarelizer wrote:yeah the MPC4000 is a pleasure compared to the 2000.

It sounds clear. You have a lot possibilities to work with samples.

The 2k also saw the OSX file on the CF Card when i used them together.

But anyway, it works.

The Manual is crap. Compared to the Manual for the 2000 its shit.

I`m missing a Tutorial from MPC_Tutor like the ones on 2k 2500 etc.

I could started but i have to learn again. It seems its a little bit harder cause of the Function overflow. I must learn to understand Multis. Also the Combination of Effects is shit. Only 1 FX Send for each Part/Pad !!!????????

Anyway it is used also as my main sequencer together with my EMU, Orbit, Bassstation and R8.

I think about to sell the R8. I have Pads and i have MIDI so why i should hold it?


Download the add on manuals, they have much more details in them.

As for effects, you can send them to a part then also send them individually as pads, that's one way to combine effects. Also you can assign A,B,C,D or AB, CD which is another combination.
You can also pre effect samples in the sample page, then save them as processed, so the effect is permenantly on your sample. This is good as you can have multiple versions of the same sample to add variation to your tracks.
By Tarelizer Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:42 am
thank you for the hint. I noticed that at you can add effects on parts and pads.

SO i created a raw template for Parts so that i can vary the Reverbs and add Delays, Chorus etc. on Pads.


What do you think? Should I sell the R8?

I have a superb 808 Drumset and a R8 with the Electronic Card. The R8 is only a Sample Player.

I tried the 500GB no success :( maybe my patience was to low.

The MPC see the asd files, and identify as wav cause ableton creates xxx.wav.asd files
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By dabmeister Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:02 pm
Tarelizer wrote:What do you think? Should I sell the R8?


You probably won't sell it if you think about it not being in your presence anymore.

And if you do, just look at the pic at the base of my sig so it can serve as a reminder of what you had to use before that mpc came into your life. :)
By jimfowler Mon Sep 10, 2012 11:14 pm
i have the R8M (rack version of the R8) and i will not sell it. i think it's a stellar piece of gear and covers a lot of ground sound-wise. the yamaha RM50 is also really great.

- jim
By Tarelizer Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:12 am
i would use mainly as an alternative for an 808.

2000$ for it, is a way to much. The other Side is the Feel, Programming and the Groove.
The R8 with Electronic Card and the Dance Card is very nice. the cards are rare though.

In addition to a MPC i don`t know. I found a nice R8MkII Drumset i another Forum.

So i have a good Deal for a S950. i think about to sell the R8.