One more question

The Data Wheel on my MPC seems to be jammed..when I turn it..I get no response..it seems I have to pull on it really hard and then push it to the right or left to get a response...where can i take it for repair? Please don't tell me I have to ship it back to Akai...that could take months

Try calling your local music stores (that sell mp's) and ask them if they know of any local guys that fix mp's. When my data wheel broke i took it to
forat, and still had to wait a week for the part to come in, but forat is the man....

"Please don't tell me I have to ship it back to Akai...that could take months"

That is because Akai does not do repairs. If you send it to them, they turn around and ship to a regular repair shop. Best to find a local shop.

if you call up akai, they can refer you to repair locations in your area.