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nin1 « A great upgrade from MPC2000 »
Published on 10/02/14 at 08:32Most 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
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