Anone switch from MPC3000 to MPC4000?

[jlotto]

Been thinking about it. The 80g internal HD is probably the only reason. I have heard conflicting reports that the MPC4000 has trouble loading MPC3000 files. Been using the 3000 since 97 and have all my stuff on SCSI zip100's. Been down to sam ash but was not able to hook up scsi zip to se if my files transfer in full. was going to rent one for a day or so- but not in stock. Funny thing- I've been offered more for my MPC3000 than I would have to pay for a nice used MPC4000. ANy first hand knowledge or insight would be helpful.

[Thermionic]

Funny thing- I've been offered more for my MPC3000 than I would have to pay for a nice used MPC4000

I've had a 3000 since '95. It's still full of bugs but I've learnt to live with it (has latest os btw). I haven't used the 4000, but in the UK 3000s are fetching more s/hand than new 4000, same as in your case. Going on the basis that professional users vote with their wallets, one can only deduce that this is not a good sign...

I'd like to hear from a 4000 user, anyone? Are the inflated prices for 3000s a nostalgia thing or did Akai throw the baby out with the bathwater on the 4000?


Justin

[d.dot]

The only complaints I've heard (coming from former 3000 users) is that it takes too many steps to do the same function as on the 3k or its too complicated etc. A big time LA producer has a couple of 4ks, but still uses the 3 because that's what he is comfortable on. I don't have an extensive 3k library but the program files that I do have loaded with no problem. My biggest gripe was that 16 level tuning was not implemented in the original OS. I heard the engineers at AKAI figured it was a little used feature and left it out. Needles to say the hip-hop and RnB community were outraged. The latest OS (1.50 I think) fixes that problem and added some other cool features as well. I never measured, but it seems like the outputs are hotter on the 4k. Are the swing and feel the same as on the 3? I really don't know. It feels good to me right now. Trust me. You are going to love being zip free after you transfer your library. I transferred my most commonly used AKAI CD-ROMs to the HD and use the 4k as a sampler (I think it has the S5000 under the hood). I bought a 3k about 2 years ago and have a hunch that I paid way too much for it. Got caught up in all the hype. It got stolen. Then someone gave me a 4000. I have put major mileage on both. I'm happy with the 4. But if you really want to talk to an expert you should ask Bruce Forat at Forat electronics. http://www.forat.com . He is LA foremost authority (next to Roger Linn I guess) on all things MPC. Also check out the the new Roland piece. I heard it was the shizit.

[The MPCist]

Don't buy the MPC4000! If you are going to keep your 3000 and just add a 4000 to your arsenal, then cool. But if you're thinking of replacing it....NO WAY!

If you've been a member of the MPC4000 Yahoo group, you'll see how it still isn't working right after 2 years.... Mine sat on top of my rack for 2 years until I sold it off some time ago.

Just doesn't compare to my main workhorses -- mpc3000 and mpc2000xl.

[d.dot]

I checked out the 4k yahoo group. I read the last 4 months positings word for word. In all fairness there have been a lot of complaints of buggyness and lack of support from AKAI, etc. However AKAI has released an updated OS (1.51) that seems to have fixed most of the issues. Die-hard users seem to be happy, but still have a few feature request. There's also a lot of opinions given about the roland MV8000. You'll have to check it out for yourself.

Good luck!

[The MPCist]

Originally posted by d.dot
However AKAI has released an updated OS (1.51) that seems to have fixed most of the issues. Die-hard users seem to be happy, but still have a few feature request.

Not really. If you notice, the "Die-hard users", myself included, have given up and don't even participate in the group on an active basis. The new updated OS has induced just as many bugs as it tried to fix.

It is still a barely functioning unit. For those who just do beats, it's limping along okay. For those who are power users and do more MIDI with it, they've given up (after 2 1/2 years) and back to their 3000/2000xl's.

[Syki]

I've also had my 3000 since 95. I think there is a big difference in the sound of the 4000. Sounds thin to my ears ( I could be wrong). I'm getting ready to have my 3000 reworked at Forat sound in L.A.!!

[moskvitch]

I've pretty much switched from my beloved MPC3000, I'm using the MPC1000 more and more (never liked the MPC4000).

Check out the MPC1k, its small & portable. Easy to transfer sounds with a computer. Sound is very tight.

[jlotto]

Thanks for the replies. Decided to keep my mpc3000 and sent it to Forat to get pimped out & put in a zip100 internal.

[Syki]

Thats what I'm talkin bout!!!!!!

[5150MP]

I have both the 4K and 3K, I love the 3K's sound but for running a full midi studio the 4K smokes the 3K. The 4K sound isn't thin but is full, big and clear. Use your own ears to see what 24 bit 96 khz sampling sounds like.

The 3K has it's times but the 4K's new OS (1.51) makes it the best workstation around.

As to the Roland MVS8000, it's buggy and loose feeling with 16 bit 44.1 khz sampling, lol, it's 2004 not 1994, lol. Only good thing about it are it's effects but my ASR 10 still can't be touched for efx, go figure.

I say rent a 4K for a week or two, you might be surprised, just make sure it has OS 1.51!!
My .02

[jlotto]

put the mpc4000 thru it's paces at Unique earlier. One of the producers brought his in. The extra button pushes for a few options thru me a little. I'm never sampling or recording anything at 24/96 so that really doesn't thrill me. I do love the 80g HD though & the ability to map samples to a keyboard. Right now I'm just gonna rock w/ the 3000 & picked up a motif rack & waiting on Roalnd Fantom XR

[aprim]

The 4000 is a very powerful and unique system.
Its leaps and bounds over the 3000 (no disrespect to those who have a 3000) in terms up Usb, hd space, built in CD burner and of corse sampling options.

It is not (bug ridden) and works perfectly with 1.51 yes after 2 years of waiting.
Don't listen to people knocking it if they don't own it I dont care if they owned it when version 1.14 was out. It was a mess..
I have a 60, 2000, and a 1000.
My 4000 is by far the best in its league. I never did own a 3000 so I can't really compare sound but as far as what the 4k can do I can tell you its finally ready.

[Syki]

aprim, you said it exactly, "I never did own a 3000 so I can't really compare sound " I'm sure the 4000 is an awsome production piece , and the sound is quite good, but the 3000 is not like the 2000 or 1000 which are rather thin IMHO

Something about those Akai's that have the words Linn on them

[aprim]

Yea, I think the 4000 caught a bad rap! BUt check out the sound of the 24 bit samples. Really nice. I think you should listen to it. The features on the 4k are amazing. Do check em out.

[Syki]

I have heard it!!tutt