2000 for beginner - what else?

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping y'all can help me out w/ some good info as I delve into the world of MPC.....
I've been a hip hop head for life who's really excited about getting an MPC. I'll start by saying I'm not going to be looking to make any beats to sell or anything like that. I've got a pair of Tech 12's that I've been buying vinyl for and mixing on for several years and basically just want to elevate the hobby to include messing around w/ beats/production, etc. I don't want to dump a ridiculous amount of money into everything, but it's also not a real issue. I'm looking @ the 2000 (based on a friend's recommendation re: ease of use) and have the tables, vinyl, a decent mixer, receivers, a PC, etc.

I'd like to know what else I'll need to initially get going and playing around (after reading the manuals, etc.) and if the 2000 is much different, if at all, to the 2000XL?

Any help/input anyone has for a true beginner would be greatly appreciated. For the record, I did do alot of research and found no one as 'beginner' as me!

Thx

esce1 wrote:
I'd like to know what else I'll need to initially get going and playing around (after reading the manuals, etc.) and if the 2000 is much different, if at all, to the 2000XL?

Summary of differences between MPC2000 and the updated MPC2000XL.

http://www.mpc2000xl.com/summary.htm

Both capable machines, but for a little extra the MPC2000XL is the better option with more features and of course the tilt screen.

The EB16 FX board and the eight output board are not standard (I think some 'studio' models might be an exception) nor is the MCD (multi card drive) found on later blue models of MPC2000XL. Your options for save/ load operations are a) floppy drive b) SCSI zip drive, hard drive, CF card reader c) Internal IDE CF reader modification.

Plenty to consider, and plenty of relevant information here http://www.mpc2000xl.com/ and here viewforum.php?f=1

So besides the necessary cables for connectivity, I am good to go once I receive the MPC?
Are there any programs I'll need to download from the PC? (laptop), or can I store some things initially on floppy discs?
Also, for taking samples from vinyl......I'll be able to record those directly into the MPC? And drum variety(s) will come stored in MPC already??

Thx!

clint246clint wrote:The EB16 FX board and the eight output board are not standard (I think some 'studio' models might be an exception)

Studio models were known for including an expanded reverb only board, Not the regular eb16 fx board that you would buy off eBay right now.

As for the OP, I think your better off starting with a 2000. It's probably the most just straight forward/streamlined MPC I have ever used. Once I got going, it was really easy for me to infer conclusions on how the machine worked.

Of course by the xl if haven't bought one yet, because once you get going you'll like the extra features. But if you have a 2000 in front of you already, you won't be sorry.

I love my 2000. It's such an extremely practical sampler + sequencer, if you overdrive your sampling a bit it can really knock... Ive done an A/B myself.

For your questions, you need to run your turntables through dj mixer/ or a preamp before going into your MPC. The MPC will come with absolutely no sounds, unless the buyer decides to give you a floppy or two with drum sounds on them. You'll need a USB floppy drive to read the MPC disks on your computer, other than that you'll have no problem backing them up. But yeah, it's a sampler... So sounds are all on you.

m56p87 wrote:

clint246clint wrote:The EB16 FX board and the eight output board are not standard (I think some 'studio' models might be an exception)

Studio models were known for including an expanded reverb only board, Not the regular eb16 fx board that you would buy off eBay right now.

Not true. EB16 = SampleVerb (in US), it's the same thing. There is only one FX board for the MPC2000/XL although there are two names for it. Let's not confuse the guy by posting inaccuracies.

"The MPC2000 XL Studio Sampler version also adds an 8-out board and SMPTE board, and S/PDIF digital I/O built in. A standard MPC2000 XL can be upgraded to the Studio Sampler using the optional IB-M20T SMPTE board and Multi-8/DM Digital In/Out Board. There is also an MPC2000 XL Studio Plus model, which comes with all the expansion boards found in the Studio Sampler version as well as the EB16 SampleVerb Multi-Effects Processor Board option built-in."

http://www.vintagesynth.com/akai/mpc2000.php

you'll be basically good to go - just need a medium for saving progress.

if it has a floppy in it, get some floppies.

avoid zip at all costs. stick with floppy or go floppy emulator or go scsi anything before you go zip (they fail quickly).

depending on your dj mixer you can set it up pretty intelligently.

one option is if your mixer has sends, run those to the mpc record in and set them up pre-fader. bring the mpc back in to a free line input (or fx return in a pinch). you can set it all up on one mixer this way (dont send the mpc to itself!).

another option is to run the entire output of the mixer into the mpc and sample that way.
only issue with this is you still have to have the mpc running into your receiver or something else.

clint246clint wrote:

m56p87 wrote:

clint246clint wrote:The EB16 FX board and the eight output board are not standard (I think some 'studio' models might be an exception)

Studio models were known for including an expanded reverb only board, Not the regular eb16 fx board that you would buy off eBay right now.

Not true. EB16 = SampleVerb (in US), it's the same thing. There is only one FX board for the MPC2000/XL although there are two names for it. Let's not confuse the guy by posting inaccuracies.

calm down Clint, it was a mistake it's not like I thought "hmm lets post some misinformation here..." I read that same article a while ago, never heard it called "sample verb" so I must have "blended" some information into a big soup. Lol

Im fine thank you, the misinformation needed correcting, that is all.

Thx alot m56p87 & everyone else for the info......great to have!

I'm assuming if my laptop (my only current PC) doesnt have a floppy drive then I can get an external drive for cheap somewhere?

As for the 2000 vs. 2000XL.......I have not purchased just yet, but I was leaning towards the straight 2000 for pretty much the reason m56p87 stated (as did the friend who recommended) - ease of use being extreme coupled w/ common sense.
I do see a couple straight 2000's w/ the 8-outs (where as some don't have it)......Is this something I want, as I had assumed?

Lastly.....what do y'all think is a fair price for a 2000 in good condition? I've been seeing some variation (350-400 USD) and would love to get some reassurance. Also, anything else to ask buyers and/or look out for would be real helpful

Again, thx so much!

esce1 wrote:Thx alot m56p87 & everyone else for the info......great to have!

I'm assuming if my laptop (my only current PC) doesnt have a floppy drive then I can get an external drive for cheap somewhere?

As for the 2000 vs. 2000XL.......I have not purchased just yet, but I was leaning towards the straight 2000 for pretty much the reason m56p87 stated (as did the friend who recommended) - ease of use being extreme coupled w/ common sense.
I do see a couple straight 2000's w/ the 8-outs (where as some don't have it)......Is this something I want, as I had assumed?

Lastly.....what do y'all think is a fair price for a 2000 in good condition? I've been seeing some variation (350-400 USD) and would love to get some reassurance. Also, anything else to ask buyers and/or look out for would be real helpful

Again, thx so much!

You only need 8-outs if you plan on mixing in Pro Tools or any other DAW. This way, you can put everything on separate tracks. If you just plan on making beats and recording them to a tape/stereo track in a DAW, your stock stereo outs on the MPC will be just fine. As far as price....350-400 is what I would pay for a 2000xl WITH 8 outs. Definitely wouldn't pay more than $250-300 for a 2000, and even that is probably too much. I picked up a 2000xl without 8 outs for $300, so I think that you can do much better than $350-400 on a 2000. I will say this, though: I would pay premium for an MPC that is in mint condition.....so if you feel good about the machine and price, then grab it!