Gut-feeling-dilemma. MPC2000 vs. XL. XL way better specs..but my gut feeling tells me

[Mitch Lowen]

This is gon' sound weird to you but I'm actually considering buying an MPC2000 over the 2000XL.. why:

gut feeling.

When I look @ the MPC 2000 I think: I'ma be sitting behind you working ALL DAY.. thinking of all the legendary producers who've sat behind MPC's and made hot *ss beats which were the foundation for so many incredible records... LET'S WORK!!!!!!! I think of the history of the MPC.. and it's like an adrenaline rush.. that if I just press the right buttons.. and go all out I can really create some damage.. so when I see the 2000 I wanna make it happen.

When I see the MPC 2000XL I think: that flip thing is so ugly.. and that big black turnknob.. so wack. Total turn off. It looks plastic and wacky.

The MPC2000XL is far better than the 2000... but I'm thinking: I've heard amazing beats done on the 2000.. it's the person doing the creating.. not the tool <to a certain extent> but basically I can pull off anything I want on the 2000 (ofcourse it doesn't have time-stretching which is too bad.. but I'd rather not have TS than have to look at that ugly XL).

So my question is... am I the only one who goes so far the let gut feeling decide over the specs of the upgraded version of a machine??

[Drugs]

ill tell ya two things or reasons to get the xl and thats wav. are abel to be read and folders for having stuff more organize......

[electric]

i have owned both. (currently have xl). the xl is everything the 2000 is plus many small little updates that are not essential but very worthwhile and makes it a better product.

biggest advantages for XL:
-flip screen(you may think it looks stupid but it keeps your neck from getting cramped fromlong sessions of looking straight down. trust me.
-file system so you can make folders for your discs (this is huge)
-reads both mpc2000 and 2000xl discs
-a feature where you can use the big fader on bottom left to trim your samples in the sample menu. love this feature
-zip drive can be built into unit instead of being external with more wires and crap in your setup( i like simple)
-little smaller footprint.

advantage of 2000:
-built like a tank. its tougher than the 2000xl. (2000xl is still not shabby. just not quite as sturdy)
-cheaper on used market
-is 99% the same as XL

biggest disadvantage for all mpc 2000 units:
-you cannot drag and drop files to and from a pc via usb or anything alike.
-totally weird file system that doesnt work well with mainstream computers.
-NOT portable. they are big and need 120v outlet. (why doesnt akai make a model with NiCad battery pack so you can use on a plane or in the car??)


i know its cool to have stuff that a lot of legends used and all, but great producers are using the xl everyday. it is everything the 2000 is and more . i would only go with the 2000 if you were trying to save cash.

also dont buy the 2000xl new. only buy used. otherwise get one of the newer models.

also dont sleep on a used mpc1000. look how small that thing is plus no need for zip discs and you can dump back and forth from computer

my 2 cents,
electric

[Peter Project]

Originally Posted by electric

i have owned both. (currently have xl). the xl is
-file system so you can make folders for your discs (this is huge)
my 2 cents,
electric

I've got an 2000, and THIS is the biggest biggest biggest issue.
Try loading up a ZIP 100 with 150 kicks, snares etc, and have NO IDEA where they are.....
THIS ALONE makes the XL a time saver....

[TTB]

What about using MPC editor to map out your kits. This saves a lot of time for the 2000. I use an MPC60 (3000 upgrade) and it saves me a lot of time.

My 2 cents..

[Peter Project]

I've been lookin into that a bit.
Do you use it on a Mac or PC?
I've heard scary things about putting zip disks in PCs running windows.

[TTB]

I've Had no problems since I ran the ' Disk OEMID Protection ' that comes with MPC Editor. I think its an IOMEGA thing..Because I have an Iomega external hard drive that everytime I formatted it and started it back up it would Format itself to RAW format after a day or 2. Then I ran that ' OEMID protection ' and it never happened again. Weird.. But I hate Iomega stuff! Zip disk are ok....but anything else..NOPE!! Oh yeah.. I use it on PC

[tengu]

The 2000 is built like a tank but I wouldn't worry about the XL.

I first got my XL about 6 years ago now. In the first week I owned it I was late for a bus and was running to catch it. The XL was in a snug fit bag without padding and a single strap that I had over my shoulder.

While I was running for the bus the strap came loose and fell off my shoulder, the MPC hit my knee while I was running full tilt. I stopped in my tracks and was in a form of paralysis as I watched the MPC hit the concrete and then slide for about 10-15 meters before it literally smashed into the curb. Everything went in slow motion while I watched it sliding, hoping that a bus didn't run over it.

Once its journey ended I picked it up and got on my bus. There were some dints in the side and the wheel had been knocked around a bit and was stuck under the case. From there it was a long ride home waiting to turn the thing on to see if the MPC worked.

Anyway, I got home fixed the dints, got the wheel out from under the casing and everything worked fine to my amazement and I have never had a problem with it since. There isn't anything else I own that could have withstood that treatment.

[nick x0x]

Originally Posted by electric

-a feature where you can use the big fader on bottom left to trim your samples in the sample menu. love this feature

can you explain this a little better? is it in sample or trim?

Don't know if it's any help because I gave my 2kxl away when I got a 4k and I've never actually owned a 2000 that wasn't an XL (though I've used them a bunch)

My 2kxl never froze on me.

I've seen 2000s frozen a bunch of times.


As far as the Flip Screen, that's just Akai's "make it look different" Game. I would guess that most of the machines I consider better actually have flip screens (other than the MPC60II)

MPC 60 = Flip Screen
MPC60II = NO flip Screen

Mpc 3k = Flip Screen

Mpc 2000 = No flip Screen
MPc 2K XL = Flip Screen

MPC 4000 = Flip Screen

The one thing I wonder why they left off is the power button on the 3k's screen. If I could turn the screen off, I'd never shut down my 4k. Also there should have been a monitor out. (But I guess they covered that with Aksys and allowed you to use 3rd party editors which are more functional)

Originally Posted by Peter Project

I've been lookin into that a bit.
Do you use it on a Mac or PC?
I've heard scary things about putting zip disks in PCs running windows.

Don't put your Zips in a Mac either.

I repeat DONT DO IT.

Use a dedicated "transfer" disk that you carry sounds between the comp/drum machine with, then save them to another disk once they are in the drum machine.

It has something to do with a discrepancy between how the MPC abbreviates characters to assign them to a program and the computer sees the entire name, so it kinda changes them (I could be off on this explanation, but I know your programs won't read and I ruined about 9 zip discs)

I got a 4k just because of the headaches. LOL It was a fight to get me to spend more on a drum machine. (I thought between battery/guru and a 2kxl, I had 24 bit sampling and everything a 4k offered. It didn't pay to be cheap in this case)

[nick x0x]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

My 2kxl never froze on me.

mine used to freeze alot on the earlier os(1.1 maybe)....once i upgraded my 2kxl to os 1.2 its a hell of alot more stable.

heres a sweet trick for the 2kxl(on os 1.2)....if u hold down note repeat and press one of the arrow buttons, it locks note repeat on to whatever timing is selected...freeing your other hand to do whatever! i set the timing to something shuffled...works great for getting those crazy shuffled hats.

ive tried it on the 60/3k/2k/1k and it doesnt work those mpcs unfortunately.

[electric]

Originally Posted by nick x0x

can you explain this a little better? is it in sample or trim?

in trim(on the xl)....you can use the slider instead of the jogwheel. this makes trimming samples very quick. i am a pro at it. with mpc 2000 i used to get so annoyed i want to trim samples on the computer and dump back.

the big advantage i see to the modern units is their file system/dump compatibility with a pc. got my eye on those mini units they make now. i want to be able to rock an mpc on a plane without ac power....

electric

[themaestro]

2500 fo life!!!!!

Originally Posted by themaestro

2500 fo life!!!!!

You like em more than the 4?


I don't see why anyone would buy a 2k today. I would have to have either a 2500 or a 4k I need some type of computer link. I'm spoiled now.

[nick x0x]

Originally Posted by electric

in trim(on the xl)....you can use the slider instead of the jogwheel. this makes trimming samples very quick. i am a pro at it. with mpc 2000 i used to get so annoyed i want to trim samples on the computer and dump back.

the big advantage i see to the modern units is their file system/dump compatibility with a pc. got my eye on those mini units they make now. i want to be able to rock an mpc on a plane without ac power....

electric

cool thnx...u forgot to mention u have to hold down shift while you are doing it though(i did anyways)...the 500 looks good as a secondary to a full on mpc....id love to get one to complement my 2kxl when i go out and play live techno(i might just score an r8 though and put the extra money towards some modular synth gear)...i was very un-impressed with the 1k compared to the 2kxl though...maybe its cuz im so used to the 2kxl's workflow...i will say, there is one effect on the 1k i love...the bit crusher makes some serious ghetto bass out of a properly looped 808 kick....the compatability w/ a pc isnt a big issue to me...i got a zip drive in the mpc and in the computer....but i dont really put samples in like that too much...i love the way the mpc's input color's samples...so i usually put everything in via the mpc's input.

[AON]

Originally Posted by themaestro

2500 fo life!!!!!

2500 with JJ OS is the sh!t!

[Tabnetic]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

You like em more than the 4?


I don't see why anyone would buy a 2k today. I would have to have either a 2500 or a 4k I need some type of computer link. I'm spoiled now.

i have a full pro tools rig, battery, native instruments goodies, etc. and i just bought at 2kXL yesterday (8-outs, full memory, $500). i just like the limitations of it. i've had various ones through the years (all 2kXL's) and i sell them when i need money but always come back to getting one. i find i am more creative when i spend less time in pro tools and more chopping in the MP.

also, the Zip disc problem you mentioned, i think it's ok to put it in a Mac (or PC) so long as you name your file less than 8 characters. i use a program called MPC program maker that works wonders.

Originally Posted by Tabnetic

i have a full pro tools rig, battery, native instruments goodies, etc. and i just bought at 2kXL yesterday (8-outs, full memory, $500). i just like the limitations of it. i've had various ones through the years (all 2kXL's) and i sell them when i need money but always come back to getting one. i find i am more creative when i spend less time in pro tools and more chopping in the MP.

also, the Zip disc problem you mentioned, i think it's ok to put it in a Mac (or PC) so long as you name your file less than 8 characters. i use a program called MPC program maker that works wonders.

Man I'm warning you. I had MPC pgm maker and I used to name my files less than 8 characters. Take it from ya boy. USE a transfer disk to be on the safe side.

Man when people can purchase 2kxl's with 8 outs for $500 damn it's easier than it used to be.

I feel you. I'm more creative when I spend less time in ptools too. I primarily like the 4k, because I can exhange files between ptools and the MPC with no problem at 24bit. I like to mult my drum mix and when I have it exactly how I want it, I drop it in the drum machine.
(And I can trigger it however I want from the MPC if the arrangement changes and it's still the same quality).

I can have all the limitations of a 2k but turn up the gas if I need to.
(NUk Notice the cooking analogy, I picked it up the day you told me my PC was so slow I was cooking with a campfire.)

[electric]

tabnetic,
i agree completely...i went through the same ordeal 6 years ago. (selling mpc for software setup and coming straight back with tail between my legs)

i would listen to no_ssl on the transfer discs. you know as well as anyone that those mpc discs are precious. make sure to use scratch transfer discs going back and forth...

electric


$500 for maxed out 2kxl is ridiculous.

Originally Posted by Tabnetic

i have a full pro tools rig, battery, native instruments goodies, etc. and i just bought at 2kXL yesterday (8-outs, full memory, $500). i just like the limitations of it. i've had various ones through the years (all 2kXL's) and i sell them when i need money but always come back to getting one. i find i am more creative when i spend less time in pro tools and more chopping in the MP.

also, the Zip disc problem you mentioned, i think it's ok to put it in a Mac (or PC) so long as you name your file less than 8 characters. i use a program called MPC program maker that works wonders.

[trioptic]

personally, I hated using the 2000. The XL would have been worth 2x the money, for folder support alone (along with a much improved OS). Luckily, it's not even close to 2x the price.

i agree completely...i went through the same ordeal 6 years ago. (selling mpc for software setup and coming straight back with tail between my legs)

, not me... I've been on a software setup (except for midi controllers) for the past 2 years, and haven't looked back since. If they ever drop a battery powered mpc1000/2500, I may jump on that. Maybe you should try again - I would have went all software 6 years ago, but the software / computers were garbage then. Now everything is different!

[electric]

Originally Posted by trioptic

personally, I hated using the 2000. The XL would have been worth 2x the money, for folder support alone (along with a much improved OS). Luckily, it's not even close to 2x the price.



, not me... I've been on a software setup (except for midi controllers) for the past 2 years, and haven't looked back since. If they ever drop a battery powered mpc1000/2500, I may jump on that. Maybe you should try again - I would have went all software 6 years ago, but the software / computers were garbage then. Now everything is different!

in my case i disagree. what i like best about mpc vs software is how it limits you. plus the dedicated work interface and the pads help build a great vibe. i just dont like building music in the computer. i dont mind mixing with it though. this however is just me.

electric

[nick x0x]

Originally Posted by electric

in my case i disagree. what i like best about mpc vs software is how it limits you. plus the dedicated work interface and the pads help build a great vibe. i just dont like building music in the computer. i dont mind mixing with it though. this however is just me.

electric

i agree...i did the software/controller route already...and the mpc just works better for me...but for those of you that work great with the computer/controller ...great...there is no wrong way to make beats....but for me...i love the mpc, and couldnt see working without it.

[Tabnetic]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

Man I'm warning you. I had MPC pgm maker and I used to name my files less than 8 characters. Take it from ya boy. USE a transfer disk to be on the safe side.

Man when people can purchase 2kxl's with 8 outs for $500 damn it's easier than it used to be.

aight i got a bunch of disks so i'm going to take your advice. good lookin out.

just to clarify, i should have a dedicated transfer disk, write the program from MPC program maker to that disk on my Mac, bring it to MPC, upload, save on another disk, and i'm good? i guess there's never really a reason to put an MPC disk in my Mac again anyway.

yeah i got a steal of a deal, so i couldn't resist. already made some ish just to mess around if you want to hear it...i swear it took me less time than it would in Recycle, Battery, etc.

DivShare - Password-Protected File

pass is "beats"

thanks again.