All user reviews of 5/5 for the Akai Professional MPC2500

Bought second hand model with lOS Akai original post without additional RAM or hard drive. After a few hours of use, one quickly realizes that spending 128MB of memory is not a luxury I backup my sounds on the Compact Flash card supplied with the machine, but quickly jenvisage dinstaller an internal hard drive for comfort. File transfers via USB with my computer is fast and convenient, a big plus compared to older models of MPC.
The effect section with reduced to a minimum, but I havent bought a mpc is to
The sequencer is MAGIC! Ldition is more difficult than on a computer screen, but in real lenregistrement Temp coupled a Correct Time and well rgl Swing give an incredible groove to squences (see section Overall Guest).


USE

From dune computer configuration (Abletin Live / Reason / plugins), it is a good time to understand the phylosophy of the machine (sequences, programs, sounds). We must also understand the relationship between bright and backup memory, or risk losing his first recordings. Limportant is not to reason no analogy with computer music quon knows, you just simprgner the Akai logic and everything works!
The manual is essential to use the machine in detail. Not very educational but clear enough to understand what this is about.


SONORITS

The dorigines sounds provided by Akai are despicable but allow davoir sound the first time quon slap on the pads Then this is what you put into it that will make a ringing or not !dropoff window The acquisition audio via RecOd In is very easily and without breath. on the other hand do not expect that this step adds anything your sound (like heat, momentum, etc). The process is neutral fact. Jinsiste this because we racontre anything and everything on this part.
The expression of the pads is really good. I can not compare with other models because I've never utiliss. on the other hand I can tell you that they are 100 times better than the MPD Controller 32 (of the same manufacturer): it is possible, with a little workout, measure his shot to get the vlocit DSIRE which was totally impossible with the MPD 32! So, there is almost nothing ny edit in edit mode and acest top.


NOTICE GLOBAL

Notice after twenty dheure of use: ultra happy and reassured! Let me explain: made a dozen dannes I do computer music, mainly in the box with Ableton Live (v5). I started with an Amiga tracker, then PC with Acid and Reason, Cubase slightly and Live, VST plugins, then return Reason I think I test everything that is done in sequencer and synth s virtual. Jai also test combinations of hardware / software, Lately with MPD 32, Fx Pansion Guru and Live. All these tools are powerful functions bourrs of possibilities, dupgrades quen But is it cratif their potential? While on paper it seems Superior all that exists in hardware, the reality is diffrente !! After spending hours and hours in front of my screen align synths, turn virtual buttons, stack galore effects of dautomation edit curves in the lower Dtail for r poor result and lifeless, jen got tired, I have sold everything and I have bought a MPC. I'll make it simple: this is the best thing I have done in my life!
The MBM is limited by memory, storage in edition in effect Compared with config dordinateur, a is not a nail. on the other hand, in terms of making music, this is something else: a groove, this is instinctive, this is alive, sometimes wobbly but full of charm. We must be careful in each his chosen rflchir the organization of its sequences, sometimes back to ldition in Grid Edit mode (necessarily less practical Live clip quun), sometimes resample or review its program, but all this requires making the most of each element and the results are. A lot of artists prnent that creativity is rooted in coercion, I am 100% okay.
Nothing in the world I would come back in rear. Notice all those who are tired of linfinie computer power.

Edit the 14/04/10: after two months of use, I bought the JJ XL2 bones, and it goes squarely in the 4th dimension !!

Most of the famous hip hop producers consider the AKAI MPC as a main tool in the process of creating music. It is a drum machine, which isn’t created for hip hop, but has shaped the genre in the form you can see today. Numerous drum machines have been released, but the products from AKAI have always been outstanding. The AKAI MPC 2500 is technically an upgrade from the MPC 2000 and the various characteristics will prove that. Multiple analogue outs, digi in/out and the additional filters are some of the new features, which can’t be found in the previous AKAI drum machines. Experience the new effects, the ability to use more memory and the opportunity to connect to other MIDI instrument as a master, or a slave. 16MB RAM is offered in this version and you can sample about 136 seconds of mono sound. A laptop can be connected to the drum machine, but there is a CDR-W drive, which can be convenient if you are interested in recording everything on CD. A compact flash card is something a user must have when it comes to MPC 2500 because the sounds should be saved there.

UTILIZATION

The operations on the AKAI OS are almost the same as the MPC 2000. Of course, there are certain changes because the OS should also be upgraded. Due to the new effects, filters and programs, the OS offers many more options and you will have to spend a little bit more time to adjust. Most of the MPC users will easily get familiar with the details of this device because the functions are almost the same. The core sequencing, main window and mode button are the same since they are essential for the AKAI drum machines and there is no need to complicate them. Maybe the sequencing features will disappoint the fans because it is still characterized with 64 tracks per sequence, the polyphony is at 32 voices and be careful if you are interested to transfer everything from the old AKAI MPC because you can only take the seq, pgm, wav or snd files from the AKAI OS. I wasn’t satisfied from the MPC 2000 pads because they weren’t responsive enough. It is great that there are positive changes in the 2500 version since you will feel an excellent responsive level. Also, you can adjust it on each pad individually, which is a great feature that wasn’t available in the past.

SOUNDS

Real-time control has suffered some positive changes and you will love them. The two faders on the left side of the drum machine, are known as ‘Q-links’ and the users will be able to assign a filter to a specific pad. The filter can be controlled by the faders because it is much more convenient. They will change the workflow and make your music even better. It is crucial to use the faders to your advantage, but they are easy to be implemented, too. It is a surprise that the AKAI developers have provided new additions to the OS, which are the Grid editor and Mixer automation. You might figure out right away that the Grid editor is an upgrade from the step editor, which a few new adjustments. But, you will understand its work right away. The Mixer automation is great because you can easily record volume and pan changes with the Q-Links. But, keep in mind that you won’t be able to automate effects sends and sometimes it is a crucial characteristic in the workflow. The effects are EQ, compression, delay, reverb, modulation and bit grunger, and they are a standard feature in the new AKAI MPC and you will be able to add effects to either FX1 or FX2.

OVERALL OPINION

One of the characteristic features of the AKAI drum machines, is the crunchy sound, which isn’t available in the other drum machines. It is probably the best feature in the AKAI MPC 2000 and the users loved it. The MPC 2500 is recorded at 16-bit 44.1 kHz, which is different because the previous version is recording the samples at 12-bit. Of course, there is a good thing from the 16-bit since the sound has a lot more quality and it is easier for the final mixing of the record. Many people are wondering if it is a good thing to purchase the AKAI MPC 2500 and put the MPC 2000 in the other room. My opinion, is that is it a better option, but don’t forget the drum machine that taught you how to create your music. There are a lot of benefits from the MPC 2500 and you will learn them easily. Features such as chop shop, more RAM, direct recording and mix automation, aren’t available in other drum machines, so you will make a smart choice if you upgrade your studio equipment.

Pros:
- More RAM memory
- Mixer Automation
- Better Pad sensitivity
- OS upgrade
- Direct recording
- 16-bit 44.1 kHz recording samples
- Q-links

Cons:
- No 12-bit crunchy sound
- No upgrade from 64 tracks per sequencer
- No automate effects send
- Huge price

Everything is there!
The MPC 2500 is a complete production station.
Eight separate audio outputs.
2 MIDI IN, OUT 4.
You can control your entire home studio with this bike.
Much more pleasant to use than a computer (well, well, here it is only my opinion).

The MPC sequencer proven.
I, on mine, the JJOS XL, and frankly, it's just perfect!

I also strongly advise the purchase of additional memory and why not, an internal hard drive.

UTILIZATION

The use of MPC is never easy.
It can do so many things that is quickly lost in all the options.
The value of 2500 is that it is more pleasant to use than 1000 or, worse, a 500.

So there are several levels of use of MPC.
To make a beat is just perfect!
The pads are damn good.
And to production, it will try different working methods before finding the right workflow.

The thing is that the MPC will fit your way of working. You will spend more time to know how you want to work.

SOUNDS

Sounds are those that are returned.
Management sampling is excellent. Do not forget that the basic GPA is mostly a sampler.
On one branch external source, we will record, cut, assigning the pads, and hop on cheek.

It's very fun, very nice.
Have fun!
But once you start to put it all sample and play with.
It quickly becomes acros!

OVERALL OPINION

I use my MPC for a little over a year.
I had read and seen many tutorial before I buy it.
So I quickly understood the philosophy of the stupid. In addition, my experience in software Tracker helped me to understand many things.

My MPC is the brain of my home studio.
It controls my 2 MIDI synthesizers (a Ultranova and NORDWAVE). If necessary, I resample sounds directly into the machine (without loss of quality).
It also controls my Analog Four freshly arrived in my set.
It is on this that I finalize my mix (using the seq and the next track mute).

Anyway, I never regret my purchase.

The only fault that can find him is the short length of component life.
I had to change my pad sensor. Me and some buttons are more lacking.
She is very strong in her dress of black metal, but I have a feeling that time is still against it, and especially against its electronic component.

What connections (audio, MIDI ...)?

Well I'll say like everyone else: look at the manufacturer. It is well stocked.


He has an effects section? Yes, correct: EQ, reverb, delay, enough work.


How many sounds, styles available? Are they edited? Through a utility for Mac / PC?

Any style is the sample. editable, importable and exportable via Mac / PC.

What caractériques the sequencer?

A killing! That's what made the reputation of MPC's.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is simple?

Childish.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

Ample see useless except for some clarifications and details.

Common functions are they easily accessible?

Everything is at hand.

SOUNDS

The sounds they are suitable to your style of music?

Yes, I carry around my Mac to samples of MPC 2500/5000 and vice versa.

Are they realistic? As far as can be a sample. It is neutral so we do what we want. Do not tell me grain, I see no difference between the new and the previous generation, and its dynamics are the same (I'm not talking about the 60 and 3000 I never had in hand)

The expression is good? (Reaction to velocity, aftertouch to)?

Yes, very good. The pad is good for playing drums.

Are they realistic? Sample!

The effects are they effective and responsive?

Yes to what I did. EQ a lil here and a delay there. This is not phenomenal but that's enough.

OVERALL OPINION

How long you use it?

2 days.

Did you tried many other models before buying it?

Yes: Akai MPC: 2000/xl, 500, 5000. Otherwise also Roland W30, S950, S3000xl, s2000.

What is so special that you love the most, least?

Pros: The size of the machine, easily transportable. The speed of work, a component every 30 min for the bitter full of inspiration. This is the workflow that best suits what I do and the sequencer is a killer of simplicity that allows me to play Reason live and forgetting the mouse (mouse I was pissed). The input thru (not in my previous MPC 2000XL). The eternal groove MPC and the dynamics that is quickly forgotten my favorite software: Reason that I no longer use at all to my beat's.

The -: .... it's slow, I prefer the 5000 on this issue (on others as well), the screen too small (the 5000 live yet)

Price / quality ratio?? Ba I are not paid expensive so I find it excellent. Seriously if you look in the Cygnus: € 500 minimum is good. New: more than € 1000 to the lowest, one can abuse (at that price I buy a Mac if I do nothing to Tafer).

Finally I would much rather work on 5000 but was not too portable I found a 2500 order to work around. Hop in your backpack! Otherwise fluidity level work when I went from 5000 to 2500 I felt I was finding my 2000XL, a flashback. Ok the 5000 costs more expensive but comparing with the 2500 I do not regret it. Long live 5000!!

Oh yes I can not find the JJ OS super awesome. I'm used to the Akai OS even if certain features are longer to access.

I use the base config for 1 month (16MB, no CD, no internal hard disk) and that is enough for now. I think buying more RAM in the short term for the price, Akai could make an effort to 128MB base. One point less.
I do not have internal drive because I connect the MPC directly to my iBook to store data and it suits me.
I do not need to drive / CD-ROM because I sample my CDs and DVDs from my iBook to the analog input of the MPC. Grain A / D converters is just great!

Update: I have the MPC for several months now. I boosted the RAM to 128 (256MB PC133 SODIMM barette standard 47 euros which works perfectly). This is clearly more enjoyable for the same sampler and ressampler loops with and without effects. I also added a 80GB Hitachi hard drive. It's more convenient to have an internal hard drive (100 euros) to store the samples and projects.

UTILIZATION

I have always used the software (Ableton Live on iBook) and the passage of MPC was smooth. This is the first time I use an MPC and I likened its use very quickly, the interface is exemplary and we understand very quickly how to use it. The manual is very clear and well written (in English). I was a bit scared at the start before finding how to use the quantization of the legendary beast but once the quantization set correctly (I use mainly the quantization 1 / 16 Swing 50%) everything is back to the order. The new firmware 1.2 has resolved some bugs that I identified with the functions and Trim Chop.
Which is great fun, the whole: it's heavy, it's tough, it's enjoyable to use, it does not tire of typing on the pads! The wheel is the only thing that is cheap with his iPod but rattle style plastic. One point less for the dial.

SOUNDS

As the saying goes "Garbage in, garbage out! ". It all depends on what you put into it. But from the moment you sample the good sound, big sound is guaranteed to exit! I'm sure we can get the equivalent with a good sound card and a computer but this is live, it's native did not mince words, it rocks serious!
Cool sound effects (Bit cruncher, Tremolo, etc ...) but the Reverb is unfortunately too small. We can not have a 100% wet signal and create atmosphere and good old tablecloths disturbing ... It will probably add an external reverb to top it off. One point less for the Reverb.

Update: I fell for a FireworX, history to have an impact worthy of the name. I do not serve as the equalizer of the last MPC.

OVERALL OPINION

With the features and functionality, be careful if you have to choose between the MPC 2500 and MPC 1000. Akai just update the firmware of the MPC 1000 which now has the functions Time-stretching, and Reverse Chop. The 1000 and 2500 are a functionally almost identical: the major distinction between the two is how the Grid 2500, which allows you to program in a simple MIDI can be a sequencer software.
The differences between the 1000 and 2500 are primarily technical (see data corresponding MIDI ports, the number of exits, etc ...). In short, this is the best purchase I made long ago. In fact, my musical style is hip-hop and the MPC is ideal.

See the manufacturer's website ...

UTILIZATION

- The configuration gnrale Is it easy?
yes APRS reading the manual I MPC1000 is in french on the internet
because the manual that came with was only in English.
- The usual functions are they easily accessible?
yes all pars is the pads and the wheel.
- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
yes I had no problem reading the APRS

SOUNDS

- The sound should it your style of music?
yes I made the perfect hip hop then c o)
- The effects are they effective and responsive?
I use them
- The expression is good? (Raction the VLOC)?
so we can resolve almost all

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
for about 1year
- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
I love all my BBO c)
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
no I did not have the chance to try prdceseur c
- How do you report qualitprix?
say anything
- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
ho yes, o)

Comprehensive, the mpc 2500 is a true workstation.
twelve o'clock the connections are very active and very useful, the effects section is nice but nothing beats a good external effects rack output ...
the sequencer is very powerful and very easy to use, who can we recalled the sequencer of the most popular softwares ...

UTILIZATION

Extremely easy to use, I had no manual for 2 months after purchase .. and except for backup, I could only get by tt.
To access the different section of the mpc, simply press the corresponding pad mode + .. a breeze!

SOUNDS

In terms of sounds, a sampler, it's strange how tjs question.
sample is what we want to sample!
Personally, I find that the record is exceptional.
obviously I sincerely believe that it is rather centered hip hop, groove, electro .. rather than metal or punk but again I think it's playable!

OVERALL OPINION

Purchased in October 2007 ..
sound, groove and the ease with which we manage to have a big sound!
I had a electribe before, ES1, no comparison, and I had to fiddle a OCCAZ ESX1,
bcp more button for live and other real-time motion .. but without hesitation I would do the same choice!

The best MPC yet! CHOP SHOP is truly amazing and the grid edit it cool.

Price paid

$1,700

UTILIZATION

If you already own an MPC you'll be okay but it's def. not for a newbie of anysort. They'll be LOST. I haven't encountered any bugs with the OS--I took the day off from work to just sit and fool around with it.

SOUNDS

Good sound quality--I love the effects and real time capabilities with the q-link faders and knobs. 4 midi outs! Got my JV 2080, Motif, and Ion all connected! Comes standard with BALANCED 8 outs.

OVERALL OPINION

Built Ford tough! It's not going out of my studio.

I'll give my unborn child for one of these! The features are AMAZING--the 8 outs a effects are standard and I don't have a SINGLE COMPLAINT.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: bhardman ( 9-, 2005)