Should i upgrade to 2500?

Howdy. Currently I'm using the MPC 1000 with JJOS 2. Aside from the outputs, what would I gain by upgrading to the 2500? I'm trying to decide if I should bite the bullet and go to an even higher model, but I'm hoping the 2500 will be enough for what i'm doing...which is basically just synths and samples

Honestly, with the 2500 you're only gaining 4 more outs and 2 more midi outs. That's basically it. I'd stick with the 1000 unless you just absolutely find it necessary to get the 2500.

4 outs, dvd/cd-rw, tilt screen, bigger pads, 2 more Q-Link controllers

sometimes i wish i still had the 1k... but the tilt screen is nice.

konc3pt wrote:4 outs, dvd/cd-rw, tilt screen, bigger pads, 2 more Q-Link controllers

Oh yeah... that too

Does the 1k have the Input thru?

if you already have a 1000 i wouldnt upgrade. the added benefits are minimal and its really not a cost effective move. Its a different story if your debating which one to buy.

That-1-DJ wrote:Does the 1k have the Input thru?

yes

If you can get a good price for your 1k and get a good price on a 2500 I would do it without a doubt.
They are currently available for $1350 new if you should around so finding used ones in the $800 range is pretty easy.
If you keep the 1k you already have to accept paying for the pad upgrade since it's going to get you sooner or later.

Problems with the 1k
(note these aren't really problems that need to be fixed but things that makes it different from the 2500)
1. the 1k requires perfect postioning because of the display, that tilt makes a world of difference
2. might not seem like a big thing but the lack of MIDI connects in only a problem when it is a problem but then it is a problem--you won't miss them until you need them, then you know why people want them
3. if you have a nice mixer or DAW with a good interface the 8-outs allow you to work with your sound much easier as well as multitrack things in a more balance way
4. the larger foot print give the 2500 a less cluttered feel than the 1k if you have only used the 1k you might not realize it until you have put some time in on the 2500
5. better feel and reliabilty of the pads, very important later inthe life of the unit
6. the raised knobs seem easier to deal with than the flats
8. JJ will eventually get that CD functionality to a workable point so that having that free CD drive has value

If you were talking about the Akai OS there would be a lot of software differences between the 2 units but since you already have JJ the makes the software more aligned.

Still comes down to how much you can get for yours and what deal you can find on a 2500.

Since you have a 1k already, you can just sit there, money ready, and wait patiently (while making beats) until a reasonably priced 2.5k comes along, unsuspecedly - then you pounce like a tiger!

That's what I did.

Muied Lumens wrote:Since you have a 1k already, you can just sit there, money ready, and wait patiently (while making beats) until a reasonably priced 2.5k comes along, unsuspecedly - then you pounce like a tiger!

That's what I did.

Exactly.
They are definitely out there to be had.

If you are using rack sound modules you should just pony up the extra dough for the 4k. They seem to be coming down in price, and loads more features. Like midi cc assign for the q-link sliders. not available with 2500. another reason to read the book before you buy!

postpunk77 wrote:Howdy. Currently I'm using the MPC 1000 with JJOS 2. Aside from the outputs, what would I gain by upgrading to the 2500? I'm trying to decide if I should bite the bullet and go to an even higher model, but I'm hoping the 2500 will be enough for what i'm doing...which is basically just synths and samples

no. dont bother, save up and get a 4/5 K.

In life you've got hardware .... and hardware

I sold my mpc1000 since I've tried a 2500 after one year of use
Why ?
No question about software features, numbers of outputs or whatever
just because : THE 2500 SOUNDS BETTER ! as a stand alone machine

try the 1000 and 2500 side by side (master EQ and comp turned off)
put the same sounds, projets inside both and ... listen carefully (with reals headphones if possible)
the 2500 sounds wider, deeper bass, better details
overdub many sounds in sequence it 's still clean and tight in shapes
the 1000 is much more messy in the sound picture with a uggly peak in the middle EQ (accords to my ears)

out of that, the 2500 is better build in my opinion
the 2500 sounds more like a 2000XL, better than a 1000, the 1000 sounds better than a 500 ...

it has been like this the last 20 years ... hardwares enter level are cheaper manufactured, it's a fact,
but we like to think that a little smart thing can play like the big (real) one.

I wish an MPC in a 500 format (with 16 pads of course i'm not crazy you know) that sounds like a 2500 or better,
but it didn't exist ... and if it will be done by akai, the price will follow up ... and over

^ here's a man who listens with his wallet. psychoacoustics is a b!tch!

truth to be told, the 2500/1000 uses the exact same converters, exact same processor, exact same sound engine, exact same effects, exact same pitching algorithms, and in side by side tests is in fact identical. truth is you're pretty much the only dude i've EVER read about on this forum who perceives a difference that, sorry to say, simply isn't there.

out of that, the 2500 is better build in my opinion
the 2500 sounds more like a 2000XL, better than a 1000, the 1000 sounds better than a 500

enjoy this comparison test:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=64599

very enlightening as to this perceived difference in sound.