Grid Edit Mode

The MPC 2500s Grid Edit mode, takes me back to the drum machines of the past. Instead of the classic MPC step mode (which displays note position in terms of value/numbers), the Grid Edit mode gives you a visual representation of your tracks.

The Grid Edit mode is not just an editing menu. In this mode, you still retain for operation of the MPCs transports, erase, note repeat, undo, track change, tap tempo, Q-link sliders, pad banks, and more.

Using the TC (time code) function, you can set the resolution of the Grid: 1/8, 1/8(3), 1/16, 1/16(3), 1/32, 1/32 (3)..or turn it off to view the entire resolution of the MPC...96 PPQ.

The edit functions include copy, paste, delete, and move. The move function will display the current position of a given note (in terms of bars) and let you dial in the new position.

While the MPC adds this Grid Edit mode, the classic Step Edit function is still intact. In addition to that, while in the Grid Edit mode, you can press the Window button on the MPC to display a notes numerical values as seen in Step Edit.

cry: While playing the MPC2500 in this mode, there was one fiunction that was missing. This is the Play function. You should be able to move to a note visually and hit a play button to play that note. This is possible in the Step Edit but not in the Grid Edit...or at least I couldn't find it.

when in grid edit while the sequence is playing do the 16 pads correspond to the 16 steps? ie - on most x0x/grid machines pressing buttons/pads 1,5,9,13 at the same time will instantly drop in a basic 4/4 kick. does it work like this or do you have to use the cursor/wheel to move to the steps that you'd like to edit? couldn't really tell from the video.

also, is there an actual 'piano roll' editing screen or is grid edit used for this?

lank wrote:
when in grid edit while the sequence is playing do the 16 pads correspond to the 16 steps? ie - on most x0x/grid machines pressing buttons/pads 1,5,9,13 at the same time will instantly drop in a basic 4/4 kick. does it work like this or do you have to use the cursor/wheel to move to the steps that you'd like to edit? couldn't really tell from the video.

also, is there an actual 'piano roll' editing screen or is grid edit used for this?

The pads represent the samples assigned to them and not the steps in the Grid. You move to different stesp using the Data wheel, Cursor keys, or the Transport controls. The Grid Edit mode still functions like the standard MPC sequencing mode, but you can visaually see notes as they are entered.

The 16 levels function, still works in this mode though.

There is no 'piano roll' in the MPC 2500.

good enough for me, sounds great. it's got to be a breeze to sequence chopped beats now. thanks!

jahrome wrote::D The MPC 2500s Grid Edit mode, takes me back to the drum machines of the past. Instead of the classic MPC step mode (which displays note position in terms of value/numbers), the Grid Edit mode gives you a visual representation of your tracks.

The MPC4000 has a grid editor. I guess then you could call the 4000 a "drum machine of the past".

The grid editor in that MPC is really nice with the big display. The bigger display is the one thing I miss on the 2500.

Hurricane Producer wrote:

The MPC4000 has a grid editor. I guess then you could call the 4000 a "drum machine of the past".

The grid editor in that MPC is really nice with the big display. The bigger display is the one thing I miss on the 2500.

Not really what I meant..but ok

The bigger display is the 1 thing you miss on any MPC that is not a 4000

jahrome...say it aint so. What happened to the 3k?

MaZe

Maze wrote:
jahrome...say it aint so. What happened to the 3k?

I am cheating on her.......

I have been looking for an MPC like the 2500 since the 2000 came out. I wanted my MPC 3000 to be updated. This is Akai's best attempt. I know there is an MPC 4000, but it is unlike any other MPC. I wasn't really feeling it like that. But this 2500....yes! It is my centerpiece now. Especially the enhanced MIDI controls....

wow...I am speechless...I am happy I have the 4000 and 3000 . Akai has yet to top what each was made to do IMO.

MaZe

Maze wroye:
wow...I am speechless...I am happy I have the 4000 and 3000 . Akai has yet to top what each was made to do IMO.

You have stated the obvious mentioning the MPC 4000, which is Akai's flag ship MPC.

However, it is not even close when it comes to the MPC 3000 and the MPC 2500. The MPC 3000 is a beautiful piece of hardware but function per function, it can't match the MPC 2500. Everything the MPC 3000 has, is finally in another MPC. I wouldn't have given my MPC 3000 up if it wasn't so.

Im speechless. Thats all I can say.

(I think I just saw a pig hovering outside my window)

MaZe

jahrome wrote:Everything the MPC 3000 has, is finally in another MPC. I wouldn't have given my MPC 3000 up if it wasn't so.

what was the 2000xl missing besides 4 midi outs and seperate outputs standard? obviously the 2500 swamps it all over, but was there something else the 2000xl couldn't do that was on the 3000?

how about the sound of the 2500 as compared to the 3000? or is that not something you care about? also, would you say the 2500 sounds exactly like a 2000xl?

In all fairness he said everything the 3000 HAS is in another MPC. I believe he means function and spec wise. There is no way the 2500 sounds like the 3000. That would be impossible.

MaZe

Jahrome I`m guessing if the 2500 has a similar grid editor like the 4k that in order to hear the notes using the play button you have to go to your MISC mode of your mpc and set the function to on within there. Remember some of the features from the 4k were implimented in the 2500 so I`m guessin it will work the same way. It seems only the drum grid editor from the 4k were used ;however, the piano editor, graph editor, and control change editor, qlink editor, pad editor, and part editor weren`t included. I like it as a step up from the 2xl which I use to have before the 4k, so I enjoy your reviews till I review one myself. I for myself will keep mastering what I have. Keep up the good work.

lank wrote:
how about the sound of the 2500 as compared to the 3000? or is that not something you care about? also, would you say the 2500 sounds exactly like a 2000xl?

Maze wrote:
There is no way the 2500 sounds like the 3000. That would be impossible.

I will not get into a debate of which MPC 'sounds' the best. I can honestly say that the 2500 is no joke. I sampled some Emu drums from my Proteus 2000 into it. I was impressed. Very impressed. I plan on doing a little more sampling using both the analog and digital inputs and report back. But so far, I can say that there shouldn't be any compalints about the sound of this unit.

Blue Haze wrote:
Jahrome I`m guessing if the 2500 has a similar grid editor like the 4k that in order to hear the notes using the play button you have to go to your MISC mode of your mpc and set the function to on within there. Remember some of the features from the 4k were implimented in the 2500 so I`m guessin it will work the same way. It seems only the drum grid editor from the 4k were used ;however, the piano editor, graph editor, and control change editor, qlink editor, pad editor, and part editor weren`t included. I like it as a step up from the 2xl which I use to have before the 4k, so I enjoy your reviews till I review one myself. I for myself will keep mastering what I have. Keep up the good work.

There is no PLAY button for the Grid Edit mode like there is in the STEP Edit mode. But this is OS 1.00 so anything is possible. Akai has always added OS updates that have added additional features.

Somethings that are some things that are missing that seem odd to leave out : MIDI panic (ALL note off) and a RESET/Initialize ALL perimeters function. Another thing I miss (from the MPC 300) is the ability to name the MIDI out ports.