Mpc Ren/Studio Lcd Screen Life?

Sometimes I have my REN plugged in and powered on, but just to use the usb hub or built in audio interface, so sometimes it's on and I'm not even making beats. I know currently there's no way to turn off the lcd screen but does that mean its ok to leave the Ren on for example.. up to 24 hours at a time or more? They didnt give us the option to turn it off, and they MUST have realized there would be times the screen would be on without the mpc being used. So is this type of LCD screen built to handle long periods of being on but without being used. I just dont want my lcd screen to burn out. Did they put some special type of long lasting LCD screen in there or something bc I'm sure many heads want to have their gear on almost 24/7 especially when the Ren can be used as just an audio interface/usb hub.

What's your guys input on this? What's the longest you leave your Ren on for? Is this lcd screen built to last? Do you want the option to turn it off? What can happen if I leave it on for long time periods? Will the screen burn out? What's your guys thoughts on this? Unless the lcd screen is built like a tank, I think they should let us have the option to turn off the LCD when not using the mpc as an mpc. Actually even better if we could turn off all button LEDS and pad LEDS too.

Thoughts....?

The issue you are discussing pertains to many music production gear (drum machines, keyboards, sound modules, etc) to include most hardware MPCs. The screens of older MPCs (MPC 2000/2000XL) are notorious for burned out pixels. The screens of the MPC 2500/1000 last much longer.

Dan discussed this 'issue' at a previous Namm. He indicated that the LCD used in the the Ren/Studio is also used in their other products...and that they have a low failure rate.

By the way, you can turn off the pad LEDS......

Maschine is the same way, unplugging thee USB is the only "off" switch. (Ren might be like Maschine, kill the Hardware/USB process first, then safely eject the USB so you have no issues on re-plugging).

But mines been on for days and countless 12-18 hour cycles and it's fine after 3+ years. I've talked to 100's of other owner's and have not heard of a lined Maschine ever.

3k seems only the back light goes mostly. Obviously the 2k classic and XL are the worst in history. But it's well documented it's because of how the LCD's were made and how those 2 boxes have heat collect in exactly the worst places leading to slow line by line "death".

I've seen a few 4k's get lined but considering there's a lot out there since 2002 it's a very small failure rate.

Never seen a lined 1k in my life, and my OEM green 2500 LCD that had one line gone, I mentioned in a thread where I think the OP had the same issue. Consensus of the thread was no one here had ever seen what me and the OP had.

So I'm gonna agree with Jerome here that it isn't anything to really worry about.

I bet the first Ren screens that get pulled out of the units will be A-OK, and only be to pop in colored ones which I bet we'll see in the next year or two.

It is nice to be able to manually disable any LCD, but here I think the tiny mW electrical conservation that may add up over a year or so would be the only real benefit. And I'd estimate we're talking about like less than $15-20 of AC over a year's time.

I wished they designed these products in a way that makes changing LCDs, buttons, tact switches, pads, etc more user friendly.

My MPC 3000LE backlight needs to be replaced. I purchased a new back light from MPC Stuff but have yet to install it because it is a pain in the butt. And don't feel like spending $100-$150 to send it to Akai Japan....

JAH wrote:I wished they designed these products in a way that makes changing LCDs, buttons, tact switches, pads, etc more user friendly.

Good point. I bet a good design team (just speaking generally about the whole industry) could make an LCD casing/mounting that wouldn't even require opening the machine.

Look at NI they're making more bread of those faceplates/knobs and have to give away their (very good) soundsets. Heads love customizing stuff, what could be more hip hop than having it your way, your colors/style? Clearly that's the appeal.

On the pads/tacts that's a tricky one. Korg on the Monotribe and new Volcas is the only company I can think off that is like, "yeah sure bust it open player..."

Of course with the stipulation that your warranty is out the window. The more mainstream products you can see how the firms aren't so open about mods.

But still, gear is going to last well beyond the one year warranty or even any extended two year+ ones. And there's good $ to made and the customer goodwill you create is huge.

I found it odd that just a few ago if you dug deep into the Akai website they actually had buttons and jog wheels available for way less than MPCStuff and VST Service. I was like "yo broadcast that Akai, get that money".

We've agreed twice in a thread Jerome, what is going on here...
It's never been personal man.

It's all good...never personal. I just get overzealous discussing the Ren during my fanboy glorification.

I leave my 2500 on for days and weeks at a time with no problems

konc3pt wrote:I leave my 2500 on for days and weeks at a time with no problems

really? u leave it on weeks at a time? screen is still fresh?

Studio gear can be on weeks at a time. You should think about if the Ren is an industry standard or a consumer product.

Studio gear can be on weeks at a time. You should think about if the Ren is an industry standard or a consumer product.

Sorry but it is silly to keep gear turned on when not in use. Eventually, all LCDs will burn out...they don't last forever.

Start learning to solder now, by the time you need to you'll be able to replace your own LCD

Airyck wrote:Start learning to solder now, by the time you need to you'll be able to replace your own LCD

Always a good skill to have, but I bet it's like a 2500 screen and you get away with not soldering the grounds if colored replacements ever come out.

Metatron72 wrote:

Airyck wrote:Start learning to solder now, by the time you need to you'll be able to replace your own LCD

Always a good skill to have, but I bet it's like a 2500 screen and you get away with not soldering the grounds if colored replacements ever come out.

Even less to worry about if that's the case.

InspectahEX wrote:

konc3pt wrote:I leave my 2500 on for days and weeks at a time with no problems

really? u leave it on weeks at a time? screen is still fresh?

yes still looks the same