Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
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By Kalou Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:32 pm
All,

Recently, I've been wanting to switch out the slow and old "PlexWriter" CD-RW drive from my 4000. I wanted to put a fast DVD-RW inside but had some issues with the one I bought not being able to play audio CDs. This may have been due to how I had the drive set (i.e. slave or master).

I then bought a standard DVD ROM which had issues initially but when I took out the little piece of plastic that indicates whether it's the master/slave or otherwise it worked okay, but it is still slow, just 4X and can not read DVD-RW which is a bit which is a real shame.

I've read all the threads on DVD drives in the 4000 and there isn't really any definitive answers on what drives work, and what formats the MPC can read and write. I wonder also whether the MPC determines how fast a disc can be burnt, i.e. it's capped at 4x or the drive decides? Is it possible to sample audio from a DVD with .wav files?

I hope with this thread we can combine knowledge and if anyone knows of a DVD-RW drive that works they can share the info and what the set up regarding the master/slave.

For my part the DVD-ROM drive I bought after the DVD-RW drive was the SONY CRX320EE, which reads DVD's with audio but won't play them in record mode. It doesn't always let me play regular audio CD's (Unlike the PlexWriter) and I had to take out the piece of plastic determining whether it was the slave or master completely to get it to work. It will only let me burn at 4X despite claiming to be ultra-speed 52X.

Sorry about the length of this post, I tried to be through yet concise.
By rogue scrunt Tue Sep 11, 2012 3:29 pm
clint246clint wrote:Why the need for a DVD-RW?

Why the need for speed?

Make beats, burn a cd, and move on...



I agree, with clint.
the dvd aspect is for reading dvd burned on the computer
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By Kalou Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:10 pm
clint246clint wrote:Why the need for a DVD-RW?

Why the need for speed?

Make beats, burn a cd, and move on...


Why the need to know my motives, I'm just asking for technical assistance.

I wanted to replace the drive with a DVD-RW so I can play and sample audio files from a DVD-RW disc I was given by a friend. It's not always convenient to do so with the MP hooked up to a computer, I'd prefer to do it in the box. As for speed it can really take an age, often 15 minutes - maybe more, for my 4000 to erase a CD-RW disc. I'd like to have my machine as efficient and compatible as possible and then get on AGAIN with making music.

Sometimes the forum is fantastic and people are warm and helpful, sometimes the tone and responses leave a lot to be desired.
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By Lampdog Tue Sep 11, 2012 7:18 pm
Kalou wrote:I wanted to replace the drive with a DVD-RW so I can play and sample audio files from a DVD-RW disc I was given by a friend.

Your friend should have told you that a DVD ROM drive can also read DVD RW data and audio discs?
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By Kalou Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:00 pm
Lampdog wrote:
Kalou wrote:I wanted to replace the drive with a DVD-RW so I can play and sample audio files from a DVD-RW disc I was given by a friend.

Your friend should have told you that a DVD ROM drive can also read DVD RW data and audio discs?


My friend doesn't know I want to play her DVD on an MPC with a DVD-ROM or what one is for that matter.
By Clint Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:10 pm
Just asking Kalou.

People will also ask you questions in a forum. Sometimes theres no need to re-invent the wheel, but if you have your reasons for doing something that's cool.

Good luck.
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By Lampdog Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:49 pm
Kalou wrote:My friend doesn't know I want to play her DVD on an MPC with a DVD-ROM or what one is for that matter.


Ohhh, ok.

Well, a DVDROM drive in a 4k can also read DVDRW discs.

I have a 4k, with an original plextor drive, btw
.
I can't remember exactly but don't you need a spdif board and internal digital cable in the 4k in order to digitally sample from a disc?

I don't have an spdif board installed.