All user reviews for the Akai Professional MPC4000

The MPC 4000 was released in 2002 by Akai and was intended to be the leader of the hardware samplers. Its notable features are:

16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
2 MIDI inputs, 4 MIDI outputs
96 kHz 24bit sampling
16 MB sampling memory, upgradeable to 512 MB
IDE bays for installation of internal hard disk drive and CD-ROM drive.
Optional plug-in boards: Effects board, ADAT board, S/P-DIF & wordclock board, 8 analogue outputs board
SCSI interface



UTILIZATION

The MPC 4000 is similiar to most of the other MPC's in the way that it is sequenced. A manual comes with the MPC 4000 but in my opinion, it is the type of tool that should be explored on its own. Everything is very straight forward on the 4000, and it boots up quickly everytime. One of my favorite features of the MPC 4000 is how fast you can load, save, discard, truncate, and manipulate samples of any kind.

SOUNDS

The MPC 4000 doesn't come with any stock samples because it is a sampler. And unlike other MPC's, this is a 24-bit machine so you aren't going to get that gritty, lofi, 12-bit sound of older samplers. This MPC prides itself on sound quality and it does have a great sound! It is still punchy, but clarity always stays in the sounds.

The effects are fairly usable. It comes with bread-and-butter effects such as EQ, Compression, Filters, Gate, and other basic effects. The pads are very sturdy too and it feels great playing drums out on them.

OVERALL OPINION

My overall opinion is that the MPC 4000 is the best of all the MPC's. It is stable, easy to use, and provides the most features of any MPC besides the 5000. I have tried multiple MPC's but this one was my favorite for these reasons. I have let go of my MPC 4000 and bought a Maschine, but there are lots of days I wish I had never made that move!

I overall give the 4000 a 9/10 stars.

The MPC 4000 is one of the most advanced MPC on the market that AKAI makes. The differences between this unit and some of the other units by Akai (1000, 2000 is that it has a much nicer feel to it. The pads especially have a much softer feel to them. It just feels like they are made out of better material. The MPC 4000’s design kind of stepped out of the box from the ordinary MPC line. Its def. a different color than the other MPC’s. It also has a built in synth module so you can start to work on creating some synth lines or base lines right on the machine and have no need for another unit to create those.


UTILIZATION

The manual is key to understanding this unit, its hard for anyone jus to sit down and understand it. Even if you are coming from other MPC models. This one is tough, they put all the bells and whistles into the MPC 4000.


SOUNDS

The sounds on the MPC 4000 arent much different than the most of the stock sounds that come on all of the mpc models. You will need to change you kits to your own once you purchase the MPC 4000! As far as the built in synth module. I am not a fan of it, it really doesn’t do that much for me. I would rather just use my Phantom for synths and baselines. Akai tried to create a unit that could do a little bit of everything . But I feel like they fell short because unless you are into sound creation you wont want to go through the process of creating these sounds. Most of us like using keyboard presets and tweaking them to our liking. Akai really doesn’t give you many presets (if any) to work with.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, it’s a very powerful unit. All of the MPC’s are! But this on is very expensive, you can a good keyboard workstation that you can sample on and do almost everything the MPC 4000 can. But die hard MPC users love the MPC and wouldn’t trade it for anything. But in my opinion you can go with the cheaper MPC models and get a keyboard or rack for under the price of this 1 unit. Its worth it if you have all the money sitting around, but you can get way more for your money!

The MPC 4000 is a great machine, Akai has provided us with the MPC line for many years and I don’t feel like it will ever stop no matter how digital the music industry gets. The only thing I hated was that the manual made you dumb! After the first few pages after the contents, it seemed impossible to put what it said into action. Akai over complicated the manual! I love my mpc, but they may as well sell you a helmet or first class tickets on a short bus with this manual!



UTILIZATION

The MPC continues in the tradition of being easy to use once you learn the machine and its method of speak. I had a history with the 2000XL so I sequenced almost right out of the box. Despite having several sequences I am still learning to maximize all of the machines applications. The manual is straight forward. I've had my unit since May '02 and, honestly I haven't read the whole thing--every time I refer to it I have no further issues and the manual ends back up on the shelf.


SOUNDS

The sound quality is clear and honest--what you put in is what you get out(unless you start throwing sliders, twisting knobs, re sampling, etc. I primarily use this machine for several of the most danceable and club-friendly genres. But I plan on taking advantage of this powerhouse as a multi sampler for the orchestral sounds i need for film scoring. Yes this thing sounds that good. The effects are more than adequate but purists and/or gear heads will always prefer stand alone effects modules to those included in a sampler/synth.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, great machine especially if you are into hip hop you can really bang out your beats with the mpc 4000. Its built to last and looks great as well as sounds amazing. It definitely gives you that gritty 90’s feel of music when you create with it. I recommend getting this and loading up your own drums, stay away from the stock kits.

Akai system: you pay, and you re-paid to use, the original is not bad: jack and XLR outputs, midi in 2 midi out four and many other fancy digital (USB, SCSI, etc. sync. ..) but card 8 analog out 500 euros, 200 euros HD40gigas, 256 RAM 150 euros, etc ... the flight in good and due form, you can dodge the HD to the RAM and the CD rom, so it's not too bad, she came back to 3500 euros in cash 8in/out the analog, 512 RAM The HD40go and DVD rom, new and guaranteed (I still negotiated sec)
The sequencer is monstrous, the sampler: a Z4 / 8, 24bit/96kHz (it will be underway but hey ...), card effects is included (must be an error in akai ...), and it sounds pretty ...

UTILIZATION

I never touched the sequencer hard in my life and I'm already comfortable on the MPC, the legend is true, it is a model of ergonomics, I never sought an office for more than 10 minutes (right after I do not know what will happen ...) and I barely saw the manual ...
It is a model of ergonomics and simplicity, we know we will have to get into it, but it's so simple compared to the power of the machine.
The manual may not be a model of its kind but is used only ...

SOUNDS

I have an Emu, and I have ben the MBM and the stories of "grain" ... I finally really does not sample, I transferred from the PC or sample CD so I do not want to speak on it. it sounds good, I like the dynamics well, and the effects section addresses this when it comes to sound a little boost.
the pads are a little hard when the velocity, must be beaten for having a loud ... it must be adjustable, I should take a look ...

OVERALL OPINION

I had this morning and I feel that my wife will be jealous tonight ... this is my first hard sequencer, the 2000XL seemed a bit limited so I "made fart", and I have no regrets, except that total to be mowed for a while now ...
A little expensive but I really have to be a parity machine psychopath ...

I quite agree with Yamada Man (See his opinion)
2 MIDI Out 4 trs in right for a hardware sequencer
Audio in: is the right thing, even from an RIAA for those that want to sample a platinum against any input on the Digital BCAN base. A prs of 3000 euros is theft
Section sampling effectively, a board's Z8 in bttn
Huge advantage, gre Wav files and transfer PC -> MPC is transparent USB and Aksys (software supplied) drag DPOS mouse and that's OK.
Section Indeed, I am less entousiasme. Ps the big potato and reverb sound REALLY metal
The sequencer is very correct edition, and although the selection is based Freestyle Sift + left or right arrow. The mouse control via front panel USB between t have one more (but not the program of R & D Aakai)

UTILIZATION

The config gnrale is rather easy. The large LCD screen is a rel more from the MPC2000 for example. AIM would have a VGA output but good ........
The function is clear, no ton of sub sub sub menu and the little orange button "window" makes for great service
The manual is dcevant little didactic. Clearly we feel that it is designed for people for whom this is not the first BCAN

SOUNDS

The converters are of quality but it sounds even AKAI (lack of heat) I do not use the 24/96 rather intensive food processor because you half the multitimbral sound enhancement for a (very) sensitive to my ears.
I still agree with Yamada Man, the pad is nice but too firm my taste. Full Level button renders services (Veloci background) but attention to the speakers.
I do not return on the effects (see section prcedant)

OVERALL OPINION

I bcanne the past 15 days. I had an MPC2000XL and I have an S5000 and an E-mu XL7.
I have long hesitated between a PC with sound card and the MPC4000. This dernire prevailed for many reasons (portability and transportabilit (!), No config headlock, rarely stable OS bugs).
I do not regret, I have too galer in the past with the sequencers software on PC. The switch on, it works.
The problem is the price and once again I agree with Yamada Man. It's really a scam. In searching for hours and hours I have found in England in 1600 or 2400 euros Turnkey + $ 34 shipping. Which should be added to the RAM (SIMM standart thankfully) and a CD player.
Dernire galre, I mount my same drive and RAM, distrust is rather complex and probably not at the door of all the world (not that I take to a specialist but I think be a handyman and honest experiment.
Rflechissez if you your in my case. Prs of 3000 euros is roughly the price of a PC and a sound card quality ....................

Trs squenceur good sampling of the same for the Z8 requires!
Good ergonomics despite two points: The wheel not empty and is pav alpha numrique parpill the entire machine.
Attention! Out MIDI sync output on both.
The effects are top top but it even happens when good finishes (Resampling effective)
Mpc 4k in the CONTRL matre 3 / 4 of my home studio and I must say that for MIDI grate is perfect!
Dynamics and VLOC pads are pretty weird ...
The grip is not difficult t (Former user of his little sisters Xl 2000 and 2000 for 4 years) so aa t. But as Premire machine must not be empty (the user manual does not look trs pais)

UTILIZATION

There's good config k'a follow the Arrows!
I combine keyboard matre Mpc 4K Reason Electribe 880 Jv and other hacks and since I have aa changed everything. It is the brush and at the same time the simplest and most logical.
Super-simple archive management programs perfectly Screen Standard What happiness!

SOUNDS

By taking the mug may well be banks sounds really INTERESTED and intuitive for all possible styles. I compose and beat Big Dn'B and tape.
I find the grain cool the 96 kHz-24 B has it all!

OVERALL OPINION

It's been five months that I have and I am satisfied.
I did not buy super expensive but the market has raque! Akai would still be able to add the same options for the price but hey!
I think I Do not hesitate to buy it back.

With the MPC 4000 since January 2003, I confess that my Premire impression on the machine rather silent
dcevante.
Although all the functions of an mpc .... well the
I thought to find myself ordering a SUPER MPC 3000 ..... and well I tromp widely.
Although the sequencer RESOLUTION is increased from 96 to 960 ... it's nothing more n'aporte
quantizer sounds like an mpc 2000 ...
There are no outlets ny amme original spares for this machine that would pro ...
the sound is not the best ... 24/96 is frankly of the "handjob" that is not the sound of the machine is bad it's just DIFFERENT, it is crystal trs .. . and the dynamics is to go.

UTILIZATION

Those who never used n'on MPC will not gn by the ergonomics General for the machine (whatever ...)
users of the sublime MPC 3000, will destabilisil paramtres agr are too many who spend time in the edition of the programs too direct, I think everyone is compliqubr / > notament also a cause of keygroups management.
it is true that section sampler is very complte, and pretty well made the quik fx are nice for a change ... and it's quickly trs simple looping perfect ... But it ' craft is less than the MPC 3000.La mpc 4000 is excellent for sound recording, live intruments ..., voice, sound
combined with the effects applied directly in the base sample is really ...

SOUNDS

The effects on the MRIT to be there, but frankly they are using and strengthens the cot mtallique sound
notament the reverbs should be used with modration not to end up with a sound too cheap.L Editor percussion and piano does nothing at all, music is not with Eyes .. . but with the ears. It reminds cubase when the rhythm was triturated guys blow ... but good mouse can be programmed in real time ...
General for the quality of the machine is fabricaton mdiocre, notament all the keys and buttons, black pads that attract dusts is boring ... and all lables and MADE IN CHINA.
Unlike the mpc 3000 that it offers a quality manufacturing much more careful.
Filters are ... and many good but can I use trs this section, I'm in a synthse sucks.
What I have with this change in the fawn BCAN to my beats is to play with the right button timming is a switch ON / OFF quantize ... for example I quantify my Charley the sixteenth ... without quantize the kicks ... checkout with ... another snare without correction ...
It compence one can feel more of Groove squenceur that I 'get it with my MPC 3000, playing
ave this key in real time on the 4000 you can get beats looks like a rickety cot with live
must have a good rhythm right hand to program this Manir, but can give you surprising about the results ...

OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion I would say I'm a can of this machine is a ((mpc 2000)) with lots of features ... can be a little too?!?
Which are only window dressing ... they have forgotten a few features that made the success of MPC
If I could make a sugestion to ingnieur of the akai squenceur menu TIMING CORRECT
Earlier Later fields and its inactive when applying a value it is mandatory to do it
while in a change in value of mpc 3000 all notes dplace is set
indicate it is that makes the groove of the MPC 3000 .. this is dcalage note ....
This change could be through the bone very easy ... but for the grain of the converters of 4000 are subjec not compete with the 3000.Il I have to adjust m and I am patient with this MPC is really hard for me to master at least the first few months but hey must persvrer and I think one can can produce good sound with ... well I 'Espree ...
over j using the machine is I arrive to find him positive points, this mpc 4000 that is sport
I spend hours to program a sampler, a resampler me and navigate DIFFERENT MENU bte of a search of the''groove''lost and all has nothing to produce ... sauvgarder nothing ...
Since January 2003 ... I am a''''... the training I am not satisfied for the time of his I do with ...

You 'm sorry I' returns ... I have training !!!!!!

I buy 8sorties suplmentaires, history to apply for external effects and other possibilities, it was outside the machine with these 4 outputs noon, and between the two djas level is difficult to ask for more, with phono and XLR and system usb file transfer, is more than the optional cards missing, but that's in all brands, at least I think ... I Reue 5giga with the bank sampler akai: instead of classic mpc2k, z4, z8, mpc3k, but not for the new bank mpc4k! I think it dpend more distributors rgionnaux akai that policy in itself. I was not too flach on effects, but there are probably a Manir to use them, I too feel that they sound too mtalique, must also spend some time on it to see ... As for the squenceur: I find it easy but when we got used on squenceur as cubase or other soft ... For the edition, again, it's pretty cool since "Aksys" akai allows the software to the preferences to choose which software edition, we want to use: this opens the file edit directly in the software of your choice, eg, WaveLab, SoundForge etc.

UTILIZATION

Certainly not the easiest machine at first, but given its potential, it is normal that we should some time to explore it in all its corners, I think anyone who wants to buy this expensive machine it's for good reason, this mine based on a fed up with these systems software that promise a lot of possibilities but we are sleepless nights rsoudre computer problems, I am not zicos computer, so a CT mpc4k is complicated but more for reasons of interface, it is difficult as the music can be ... In all the knobs and sliders assignable give access tons of possibilities. But some dtails enlve him a direct Accessibility assistive technology software for example you have to go through the menus to transfer or to a solo track. The manual is made Manir understand the operation of the machine, but it is not at all sduisant: couraging shots and copy and paste of references that do not exist, eg "for the use of effects see manual" part that is described in the manual I have the impression that the cem who described it is not amused! In any case, we do not want to dive back there!

SOUNDS

As for sounds, since it is a sampler 24b96kh this dpend only user of its choice and its rglages. For the ism, I must say that the neighbors really thought there was a battery home, I must say that some drumkits particulirement are effective, I do not know if the pads could VLOC be a little more flexible, it is true that one is tempted to bourinner over like crazy, knowing that the indoor, there is the hard drive, but running mode, it can make subtle tricks. And all that needs to pter, it must be to fool VLocity!
But the issue of same pchu's all quite impressive, with Aksys is not difficult to quickly compare the quality of output it they akai any pc with any sound card!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year yet intensment I at the same time discovering the andromeda which occupies much of his head ct and the goal is to drive with the andro MBM, I'll let you know of evolution, I also galre TRANSFR some files "recycle". 16slices It's probably because of the maximum, which transferred to m'empche rer compltement my pc work of the MPC!
I did not try other models of sampler, as I said earlier, I was fed up of pc problem! And issue price for the equivalent version soft more hardware, I'm not sure if it would cost less CHRE, the price of other apps and plug in more than 1000 ... It is sure that the machine is not very heavy for its price, when it opens it to find a quantum universe consist of mainly empty, but the cd cubase sx how it pse?
I think I would do the same choice with an option that does not exist yet: a keyboard, a mouse and a VGA output. APRS takes the computer is the LCD screen ...

Jsuis not crack a technical level but for the price you purchased the they could have put the separate outputs c CREVAR!
Level effects section has the potential to heat up your sound as it should, I use the digital EQ to warm up the mess and the sequencer ... I told him to do what I want to hear the machine can not even me controlled.
I would still be curious to try a sequence with a guy who has a 3000 to see what happens is so much controversy surrounding ca !.... But for now I'm satisfied.

UTILIZATION

C a machine that has a lot of menu and sub menu, but like any c a little practice and it goes pepere ..

SOUNDS

J level uses sound effects that can be pretty if you mix multiple effects in a single program

OVERALL OPINION

I lay for over two years that jaime c the screen that gives you a good view of all menus.Le hard drive and cd burner convenient.The his return after having it that drags hard on her. As against what bother me in this machine is that c is really too heavy when you have to move or repeated in the studio mixing your morceaux.La bad pub surrounding this machine Jprepare a cd of instruments we'll see what happens but I hopes to shut up all the critics ....

Main feature: a machine to do everything. you are not in the presence of a groove box, but a sampler / sequencer rather powerful.

UTILIZATION

Like any self-respecting big machine, it will give a lot of trouble to the neophyte. In this regard the book is very well done (about a hundred pages to understand what samples, sequencing and editing programs) The manual is too limited in terms of computer part and MIDI (there is almost nothing)

SOUNDS

The grain of the 4k is really excellent, always biensur metal side of digital, however, an assortment of filters allows evil really overcome this slight defect. The effects section asks evolve (fifty only) but the 4 processors are very useful! The after touch has helped the reputation of the 4k, and the velocity is adjustable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this machine for 5 years. Without separate outputs, with no PC connection. Now I have decided to expand my lab tool by connecting to my computer ... time will tell! The value for money can not be defined, the MPC with no competitor in the market. In any case it is very very expensive! but it's worth it to saicner. I do not know anyone who is disappointed with this machine, compact, versatile, which gives a good feeling to the musician.

The Akai MPC 4000 is a powerful sampler, much like all of Akai’s sampling machines they have come out with over the years. If you are into hip hop and rap music, then having an MPC is what you need to get. They are priced high but its well worth the money. The Akia MPC 4000 has a great sample right and still keeps that gritty sound of hip hop that we all love.

UTILIZATION

The MPC 4000 isnt easy to use when you first start using it, it will look like a space ship if you are new to using the MPC brands. But once you get the hang of it and know where all of the menu’s buttons and how to get your workflow together on it you will be on your way to being a great producers.

SOUNDS

Sounds are great, but not the stock sounds that come with the MPC. You will definitely need to load up your own kits, because all of the stock drums are very boring, kind of like when you purchase a software music program and they come with the basic drums and sounds. They aren’t very good so have your own ready to go.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall you cant beat going with the MPC, you can have all of your kits loaded onto the memory card and have them load up automatically right away as soon as you turn the mpc on. Downside of the MPC 4000 is that the screen is small. So if you are coming from a software program like cubase or fl studio you are use to editing midi notes on a big screen. You will have to do this on a little screen with this machine, it can be a pain. But you can always sync it up with your software and do it all on the computer anyways!

The feature is new and improved. I like to say at first getting use of the new features was a pain, do to the munual that is provided with the machine. But, as you get to know the mpc4000 the new features gives you unlimited ideas to create music. No more saving to floppies is a blessing. Loading sounds and samples from the 60gig hard drive and the internal cdr burner is a breeze. The easy way of loading my work from mpc2000, by usb from ak.Sys on my pc to the mpc4000 is a good planning. Adding filter to the samples and being able to tweak them, using the Four Q-Link knobs and two sliders is impressive. Filter effects 100% better than the mpc2000. Being able to sample my sequence, blows my mind. Effect is good when it comes to sampling or resampling a sample, but falls a little weak when you trying to add for the final mix. It will been better if it was setup like the mpc2000, instead having it already preset. I am excited about, even more features when the upgrade operating system is available. I hope akai don't make a mpc4000xl and give up on the 4000, like they did with mpc2000 to 2000xl.

Price paid

$3,000

UTILIZATION

A real learning curve at first, but once you get the hang of it, you really get to appreaciate the concept and features. Owning or knowing how the mpc2000 or the 2000XL work is a perk, because that way you have a little knowledge on what the manual is explaining. I going to sound two face, but the manual is dry in explaining somethings, because there is so many things to learn. But, to really master the mpc4000 you have to just find some time to sit back and read the whole manual. Once you get the feel of the mpc4000, skies is limit on what you can accomplish musically.

To be truthful the features make you want to take the mpc4000 to any gig and blow the roof off the place. But, I trust the mpc4000 more at home or at the studio, because it more like a pc, with a hard drive, cdr drive, pentium chip and memory. I had the mpc4000 crash on me twice, as if it was windows. I never had any reason to contact the customer support and hope I never have a reason to. I give the mpc4000 a rating of 10, because I never own any electronic equipment that didn't do anything odd. The quality problems begins, when it continues to do odd things.

SOUNDS

Sound is great. What you put into it is what you get back. Like I said before, the filter is excellent and you can do crazy things when controled with the Four Q-Link knobs and two sliders. Effects fall a litlle short for my taste.

OVERALL OPINION

When I first saw the mpc4000 on the net, it was love at first site. I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. I paid $3,000 for my mpc4000 and I don't regret a single penny. My friends thanks I'm crazy for spending all that money on one gear. The machine is a power house, with a whole lot of features. Once you master the control your ideas and creativity will really shine. I got to admit, it looks damn good in my little studio. I have a mpc2000 and she my love also, but I have a new love now. I won't sell my mpc2000, because we have such a musical bond. Don't let the price throw you, get a mpc4000.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 0-, 2002)

This machine leaves no room for complaints. Everything I dreamed about when I owned a 2000XL was added to the 4000, i.e. filters, higher resolution sampling, full fledged multisampling capabilities, an intel chip!....the list goes on.

Price paid

3000

UTILIZATION

The MPC continues in the tradition of being easy to use once you learn the machine and its method of speak. I had a history with the 2000XL so I sequenced almost right out of the box. Despite having several sequences I am still learning to maximize all of the machines applications. The manual is straight forward. I've had my unit since May '02 and, honestly I haven't read the whole thing--every time I refer to it I have no further issues and the manual ends back up on the shelf.

It's crashed on me once in 7 months and I leave the unit on almost constantly. Never a need to call customer service. I don't plan on taking it to any live gigs but I will testify--I got angry (to say the least )and I tried to throw my turntable into the wall. The deck would only go as far as the rca and ground wire would let it and the turntable, refusing to let go of the turntable inputs, crashed on my MPC. After the "storm" I cleared away the wreckage to find my MPC4000 with an all white screen and some cosmetic damage. I thought it was over but all was needed was a twist of the contrast knob and that set things straight. I need a new turntable though--screwed up the tone arm. Long live my MPC 4000.

SOUNDS

The sound quality is clear and honest--what you put in is what you get out(unless you start throwing sliders, twisting knobs, resampling, etc. I primarily use this machine for several of the most danceable and club-friendly genres. But I plan on taking advantage of this powerhouse as a multisampler for the orchestral sounds i need for film scoring. Yes this thing sounds that good. The effects are more than adequate but purists and/or gear heads will always prefer stand alone effects modules to those included in a sampler/synth.

OVERALL OPINION

If my house was on fire I would make sure my wife and kids were ok and then i would risk being marred and melted to salvage my MPC. If it were stolen, I would purchase another.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2002)

99% satisfied...only issues is the lethargic attitude that akai is taking to fixing the bugs...the bugs themselves aren't really a big issue with me, however.

Price paid

2300

UTILIZATION

It's easy to use once you learn how to use it the learning curve is a bit high...even if you've had a mpc prior to this one

top notch quality.

SOUNDS

The effects need improvement..this is something akai is looking into...or at least claims they are looking into. it's also something that will probably be fixed in a future os update. otherwise I'd have given this unit a 10

OVERALL OPINION

I dont' know how the hell i got along without it before

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2003)