10/29/2012

Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center Review

Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center
Average Reviews:

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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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CB Drums JRX55 Junior 5-Piece Kit Package (Black) Review

CB Drums JRX55 Junior 5-Piece Kit Package (Black)
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The only complaint I have is that it didn't come with very good directions for setting up.

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ART Pro MPAII Microphone Preamplifier Review

ART Pro MPAII Microphone Preamplifier
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Can you find a better sounding mic pre with more functionality than the ART Pro MPAII? Absolutely. Can you find a better mic pre anywhere near this price range? Not in my experience.
The controls are intuitive and the sound is excellent. My only two complaints are:
1.) The stock tubes that come with this unit are CHEAP. If you get this, I would recommend ordering a pair of high quality tubes as well. I went with TungSol 12AX7 Gold Pin tubes, and the difference in sound was substantial. l'd probably have bumped my rating up to 5 stars if the stock tubes had been better.
2.) It would have been nice if ART had put the XLR inputs on the front of the unit next to the 1/4 inch inputs. As it stands, the XLR inputs are on the rear. I have my components mounted in a stationary rack integrated into a desk, and hooking up mics can be a bit of a chore. This is a small complaint, but it's something to be considered.
Beyond that, this is a great buy for someone looking to see big improvements in their sound without spending vast sums of money.

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Blackout Effectors Twosome Dual Fuzz Effect Pedal Review

Blackout Effectors Twosome Dual Fuzz Effect Pedal
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This pedal is pretty fantastic. There is a ton of tone options with the two different sides. You're best checking youtube for reviews where you can hear the pedal. DO NOTE that this near $300 pedal doesn't come with an adapter and can't take a battery, so add an adapter to your order.

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Flinthill FHM75 F-Style Mandolin Review

Flinthill FHM75 F-Style Mandolin
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Purchased this mando for my son who started on cheaper mandos to learn. He had moved up to my wifes Morgan monroe mm-3 and was ready for his own better grade of mandolin. We purchased the Flinthill not knowing how well it would be, but at this price range we knew it wouldnt be junk. Well we were right, it was better than expected. I had to tighted up the strings, tune it and it was ready to play. We all were amazed by the mellow tones and crispt play of this instrument. The inlays are great looking and the fret board is nice and straight with the action low so its easy to play. You will not go wrong with this instrument.

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10/28/2012

Zildjian A Custom 13-Inch Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair Review

Zildjian A Custom 13-Inch Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair
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I was looking for a crispy sound and this is the one.
A really versatil hi-hat beacause when you need strong and hard sound, just opening it a little bit, you get it. If you want a sweet and crispy sound for latin rythms then you just have to know how to play it to get it.
It's a really nice hi-hat, i just bought it and i know i still need to keep playing it to get more out of it.


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Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch Review

Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch
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What can I say The Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch,was a great purchase for me, this pedal is simply awesome,and the deal I got through Amazon is beyound belief,product arrived within 2 days of placing the order,and I haven't had any regrets.This Digitech JamMan ROCKS MY WORLD.Thank You

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