Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
By Olly Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:40 pm
Hello all, sorry I'm sure this has probably been covered in other parts of this site and I was hoping for a definitive answer. Also I should say this is a great site its been really interesting reading.

Anyway, I use an MPC 4000 in band. I hook it up through midi to some drum pads which works great. I also use the pads on the MPC to play parts of tracks, samples etc etc. I dont know that much about my MPC I brought it second hand. Its a blue one....if that gives any indication of age. The pads can be really stiff and sometimes dont trigger unless I get the perfectly in the centre. I have to hit them pretty hard with my fingers and its getting very painful. Loads of bruises and blisters etc.

So a) can I replace the pads b) is this an old model and the pads are much better now so I should get a new MPC c) is there a particular model of MPC that has better pads for live playing ?

Any help would be great

Many thanks
By Clint Tue Jan 27, 2009 4:02 pm
Sound like either your pads themselves or the pad sensors underneath may need replacement. Should be an easy repair and Im sure the blue model is the newer one...
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By dabmeister Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:02 am
popa1 wrote:adjust your pad sensitivity


This is what I'd check first before replacing those pads.
By Olly Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:56 am
Thanks all,

I have looked at pad sensitivity and it was at 100%.

I think I will try replacing pads. I saw on another forum someone mention cutting out squares of thin card and putting them between pad and sensor. Anyone heard of this ?
By shimmyshimmy Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:01 am
Maybe look on the other topic, they are sellin' pad sensor for cheap price. 40$ isn't a thang and I'm also considering of buying one. MPC 4k is not new and it may be possible that pads will trigger not as good as new ones.