Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My first impressions on the newest and smallest MPC in Akais great lineup of sampler/beat machine was thatit just HAD to be a lesser equiped version of those higher numbered MPC. WRONG!!!. I've used all MPCs and can say that I am pretty skilled with the MPC-60, 60 II, 2000, 200xl, and 3000 and just begining to peak at what the MPC4000 can truly do (it is in a whole different level and not at all for the novice).
The MPC1000, in my opinion is the best of the lot (not including the MPC4000). It doesn't have the warm sound that the MPC-60/60 II has but overall it can do anything that you want it to do. It does everything that a 2000/2000xl can do. It may have a smaller number of outputs but that is not that big of a deal if you know what you are doing.
Armed with a computer (as most of us are) the MPC1000 is extremely capable of accomplising any task that its big brothers can. In fact it handles many things better than those costing much more.
The MPC1000 is set up more like an MPC4000 and will aid those who hope to step up to using the big boy. Starting with a 2000 or 3000 will hinder you, in that some of those things you will do on those machines you will have to re-learn how to do those same things on the 4000 (once you pay the big bucks to make that move).
Don't be put off by it's tiny size. Max out it's memory, get a big compact flash card (it canhandle up to a 2 gig card, WOW) and this little box will STOMP the 2000 and 3000, even the 60 (remember those aren't made anymore and are quit old).
This thing KICKS.

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Inheriting all the essential MPC series features, the Akai MPC1000 complements its larger siblings while also providing a powerful Music Production Center on its own. It features 32-voice stereo sampling, 64-track sequencing, and 16 velocity, and pressure-sensitive MPC pads--all in an affordable and compact package that weighs just 7.6 pounds. The MPC1000 is small, rugged and incredibly portable for an easy fit into a backpack or laptop bag for the traveling producer.
It comes with 16 MB of onboard memory (expandable up to 128 MB), and you can further enhance your storage with optional standard Compact Flash memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). A preloaded CF card with popular Akai Pro samples is included to get you going. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and MPC1000's CF card.
Key Features
Pattern-based and linear 64-track sequencer with 32 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive programming
16-level pad function maps one sound to all pads with varied level, tuning, attack, decay or filter per pad
Two Q-link sliders for real-time performance control
Built-in Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Standard WAV files samples and MIDI-file sequences
Analog and digital I/Os, headphone output and two MIDI In/Out
Internal sounds in flash
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Four-pole filters (two two-pole filters) filtering for each of the 32 voices
Two on-board effects processors plus main-output effect processor, all which can be used simultaneously
Outputs can be re-sampled

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Hard Drive (optional - req. HDM-10): any standard IDE 2.5-inch hard drive
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(6) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs [Stereo L/R + 4 Assignable Outs]
(1) Headphone Output

Digital Input/Output:
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Input [RCA]
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Output [RCA]

MIDI Input/Output:
(2) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(2) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(2) 1/4-inch Footswitch
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +17dBu [Stereo & Assignable Outs]

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song

Pad Details:
16 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Synchronization: MIDI Clock only
Power Options:
100v - 240v
50/60Hz
19W

Dimensions: 13 x 2.97 x 8.98 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 7.6 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility

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Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great product especialy for those wanting to make some hip hop or techno or whatever. Everything came in the box; mpc, ac adapter, manual, quick start, cf card, and latest version (1.31). The manual is great I have learned much in just a couple of days, though im still learning but its great. great price for what it is capable of.

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Sample and create music wherever inspiration strikes with the portable Akai MPC500 all-in-one Music Production Center. Whether you travel around the globe or across town, the MPC500 is the ultimate answer to your mobile production needs. It weight just under 3 pounds--a perfect fit for your backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase--and it can be powered for up to 4.5 hours on 6 AA batteries
The MPC500 combines a 48-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 12 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads. It comes standard with 16 MB of on-board memory and can be expanded up to 128 MB of RAM. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and the MPC500's CF card.
Key Features
Battery powered (6 AAs) or wall powered (AC adapter included)
Pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for responsive, accurate programming
12-level function places one sound on all pads with progressive level or tuning per pad
Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Support for standard WAV files and MIDI sequences
Analog I/O, headphone output, MIDI I/O
Sounds included to get started quickly
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Low-pass filter with resonance per voice
On-board effects: two stereo effects and a master effect

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(2) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs
(1) Headphone Output

MIDI Input/Output:
(1) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(1) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +5dBu

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song
24 "Active (loaded)" Programs max

Pad Details:
12 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Power Options:
12V DC 500mA pin-negative power adapter (included)
(6) AA batteries [lasts about 4.5hrs continuous use w/backlight ON]

Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.73 x 6.89 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 2.93 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility

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Akai XR20 Beat Production Station Drum Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I sent my XR20 midiclock, balanced its levels with some other gear, and voila! Amazing results. Funky, groovy, sounds awesome through my Korg KP3 Kaoss pad. Cool modes on this machine, too: it plays bass and synth. And one-shot FX. And there's tons and tons of samples--and you can switch drum kits on the fly. And you can switch patterns on measure boundaries only! Which keeps live jams with it from running out of control. And it does fills. And it sounds great. AND it has a microphone input, which means that I can send my voice into it! And it looks awesome. And the user interface is really well designed. And it's small. And it runs on batteries. And and and and and...

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Create beats wherever you roam with the Akai XR20 Beat Production Station, perfect for making hip-hop and R&B wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. The XR20 features sounds of standard and electronic drums, single (one-shot) hits, bass and synth sounds to easily create the maximum mix in minimal time.
More than 700 pre-loaded sounds cover a range of drums, percussion, effects and instrument samples, while an integrated effects engine includes Reverb, EQ and Compression, enabling users to make complete backing tracks. Plug in a microphone and mix vocals with your beats. In Pattern Play mode, you can trigger different patterns from each pad, so you can tailor the beats to flow with the energy on-stage. Bright blue pads light with the beat to illuminate your performances as you light up the club. The XR20 runs on wall or battery power, so it's flexible and portable.
Key Features
Over 700 sounds produced by Chronic Music
99 preset patterns and 99 user patterns
Backlit LCD
Bright, glowing, backlit pads that follow the beat
Microphone input and headphone output
Pattern Play Mode -- different patterns can be triggered from individual pads
Drum Roll / Note Repeat feature for realism and expression
Battery power capability and AC adapter

Specifications
Inputs:
One 1/4-inch mic
Two 1/4-inch footswitch
One MIDI

Outputs:
One 1/4-inch stereo pair (main)
One 1/4-inch stereo (aux)
One 1/4-inch stereo headphones
One MIDI

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Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, so there's a bit of a learning curve with this drum machine. You have to go into it knowing that. Also, you'd be an absolute fool to not also invest in the DVD manual. The DVD walks you through every single nuance of the DR-880 and you can easily index any portion of the DVD to learn the specific skill you need to learn for what you're trying to accomplish.
That being said, this thing is untouchable! There is no reason why anyone can't achieve the precise sound they're looking for with this drum machine. You can make it sound as synthetic or authentic as you need it to, depending upon the style of music you're creating. The bass guitars can be made to sound like fingers are sliding on the strings. The drums can be made to sound like there's a real drummer in the room inadvertently brushing and tapping his (or her) sticks on the snare between actual strokes. For those in the know, these are called "ghost notes," and the DR-880's got 'em!
You can record in step mode or real time... or a combination of both to get the exact sound quality, timing precision, velocity, and little nuiances you're looking for.
For guitarists, there are pre-programmed grooves, or you can use the EZ Compose feature to quickly give your jam a sick backbone in like seconds. So while there is a learning curve for composers, this thing is also very much a plug-and-play unit for someone who just needs a quick rhythm section to jam with. And check this out: This thing even has built-in Roland effect pedals and amp simulations built right in! From metal to jazz, chorus, distortion, 60's, 70's, and whatever the hell you need! You're getting literally thousands of dollars worth of top of the line Roland pedals built-in to it.
I use mine every single day and simply cannot recommend it enough to... well, anyone who is serious about recording, jamming out, or composing a professional sounding piece of music with complete and total control of the situation. I strongly urge anyone who buys this drum machine to get the DVD as well. Frankly, you'd be an idiot not to.
If you want to know what kind of amp is best for the DR-880, I run mine through a Roland KC-350 120W Keyboard Mixing Amp, and it sounds absolutely brilliant!

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