Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler

Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Review

Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Feature

• 32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128MB RAM
• Pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
• Velocity and pressure sensitive pads for responsive, accurate programming
• 4-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
• Battery powered (6 AA's) or AC powered (with included power adaptor)

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.

Roam where you want to with the compact Akai MPC500 (see larger image).

Built-in analog I/O, headphone output, and MIDI in/out (see larger image).

Power with included AC adapter or 6 AA batteries (see larger image).

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

The MPC500 is the first truly portable all-in-one Music Production Center, affording artists the ability to sample and create music on-the-go. Whether you travel around the globe or across town, the MPC500 is the ultimate answer to your mobile production needs. The MPC500 is fully compatible with the legendary MPC line, which means you can use the MPC500's built-in battery and drop your mixes back into your MPC2500 when you get back into the studio. The MPC500 combines a 48-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 12 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads. 16MB of on-board memory comes standard 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. Because the MPC500 is compatible with other MPC products, mobile producers and musicians will find it is the perfect way to extend their studios and accommodate their mobile lifestyles.