500 Pads Wearing Out? + General Wear/Tear

I feel like I have to hit the pads on my 500 with a bit of oomph to get them to trigger consistently. I know there are sensitivity adjustments, and I'm using Full Level, but I'm wondering how long the pads will stand up to abuse? I'm going to have to make this thing last for quite some time. About how long can one expect their MPC to last?

Are there any other things that I should be considered about with wear and tear?

How easy is it to get these things repaired (just repaired, i don't mean warranties and whatnot)?

My guess, the pads will last a good while, but you can replace them for about $20 or $30.00... I know VST sells replacement pads for the 500... http://www.vstservice.com/

You will have to give them a call because i don't think they have the pads for the 500 on their site yet but I did call them myself and was told they could get them for me with no problem. (I had this same question awhile back)

As far as how long the unit last, good question!

Cold Snap wrote:My guess, the pads will last a good while, but you can replace them for about $20 or $30.00... I know VST sells replacement pads for the 500... http://www.vstservice.com/

Hmm yeah I was gonna guess that they'd last a while too, they seem pretty solid to me, although that could just be the construction not the durability. I haven't played with another MPC for comparison either. I figured since people still rock the old-school models, they must be good for a little bit at least? or do people have to constantly repair them?

The 500 uses the time tested Akai sensers, so they should last many years without any problems. The only model that had different pads were the older 1000 units. These pads were trash, but have since been replaced with the older sensers. On the older Mp's, the only thing that seemed to consistantly have problems were the LCD screens. Other than that, these machines are built to last...

i noticed that one of my pads is kinda wearing out too. but maybe im just crazy.

this is unlikely
sensitronics fsrs, same model that's in the 1000/2500 now. you should be good
additional software settings (threshold, namely) would help a LOT.

Nym wrote:this is unlikely

you mean it's unlikely they'd wear out? or it's unlikely they'll last a while?

any fragile bits on the machine to watch out for?

unlikely that the pressure sensors will wear out.

the first bit that would wear out on the MPC500 is any of the tact switches