Akai MPC-1000

Using JJ OS2 V1.18 This machine is beastly. My first MPC was a 60mkII, then I upgraded to a 3000. Got this last year. Its an MPC, thru and thru, no matter what people say about those classic models. They sound very good, but so does this. It sounds like an Akai, which means punchy midrange and midbass. Its almost like an inverse smileyface EQ is applied to the outputs...

Very very easy to understand the basics and use it, although, JJ has added so much functionality that you really should study the manual. Once you have an understanding of the newly added features, you'll soon come to appreciate the manner in which they're implemented, because they fit right in to the workflow. And boy can I fly on this machine!

See, I've used both Logic and Live extensively, and while the MPC1k can't compare on the basis of features, it wins hands down on workflow! And not only that, but I find that the best music I've made has been on this little wedge! Screw features, its all about the music.

JJ has added :
a full ADSR

simult pad (from the older models - don't know what Akai was thinking leaving it out)

simult sequence

Global Program Edit (edit programs in a table layout, edit one parameter for all pads, etc.)

grid edit (similar to the MIDI edit screens in DAWs)

editable track overview in the Main screen (see and edit the notes as you record/play them)

additional Q-Link parameters (including Q-Link to MIDI CC)

an improved Chop Shop with your choice of destructive or non-destructive chopping

the ability to hear your sample in context while in Trim mode

additional sample editing features like fade-in/fade-out

Audio tracks (record and play back long samples)
a track mixer

instrument programs (for multi-sampled instruments)

.........

You get the point. This little sucker is a powerhouse thanks to JJ!

The basics: 2 MIDI ins/outs, 2 audio ins (with input monitoring capability) and 6 audio outs, USB to computer for file transfer, HDD capable (up to 120GB I believe), standard PC100/PC133 memory (256MB gives you 128MB of RAM, however), CF slot (up to 2GB although users have reported cards as big as 8GB working), 32 note poly, 64 tracks per sequence, 99 sequences, 99 Programs, song mode to chain sequences, MIDI Clock, MTC, and more...

The original pads suck, but the Akai pad-fix (which come on new machines since last Nov.) installs the tried and true pad design that's been used since the very first MPC 60. They left a little space between the rubber pads, and the sensor board, but if you stuff some thin pieces of paperboard (or cut squares out of a record cover) under there, then they're perfect. Everybody won't like the pads, because they don't give like e.g. the Korg PadKontrol, but once broken in (not sure if its the pads or your fingers that get broken in....) they're extremely responsive, and JJ has included some options that allow you to highly customize pad response.

The sequencer? Best hardware sequencer ever! The only downside (for some, not for me) is the resolution of 96BPM. Other than that, its the fastest and easiest to use, and it inspires more creativity than any other hardware sequencer I've ever' used (which includes Roland MC-50, Yamaha QY100, EMU MP-7, and several integrated workstation sequencers).

Has that signature Akai sound, dry, unflattering, a little grainy, mid-forward. Really, its funny that based on that description, the Akai's seem like samplers to avoid... But in the real world, it works. Damn well.

I don't know what it is, but I could build the same pattern in the 1k and in Guru, and I would prefer the one in the 1k 9 times out of 10. I've concluded that the Akai sample engine is just very well suited to drum and vinyl samples. As for multisamples of acoustic or other instruments, if I was going hardware, I'd most likely choose a rack sampler from EMU or someone else, but the MPCs hold their own very well in the sound category because they work well with drum hits and phrase samples...

I also own an Ensoniq ASR-X (best of the 90's 16 bit samplers soundwise) which is very different sounding than the 1k (and the older MPCs) but very very good in its own way. Actually its the perfect complement to the MPC, because its sound is more mid-scooped, with extra emphasis on the lows and highs (and boy does it sound creamy!). And its effects trounce anything Akai has done to date (except maybe the new MPC5k - which I suspect is using Alesis' filter and effects algorithms).

I've never even had so much as a hiccup from any of the MPCs I've owned. Akai is doing something right.

Customer service, in my mind, is more than just warranty service... It includes maintaining a product and its user-base over the lifecycle of the product. Akai gets a 10 for finding JJ, a 0 for dicking JJ, and another 10 for allowing JJ to develop his OS. So I'll give them a 6. Haven't dealt with them personally.

Man, I can't imagine life without my 1k. It will leave my grasp when rigormortis sets in...

I've owned several other hardware samplers and sequencers:

Samplers:
EMU EMAX, E64
Yamaha A4000
Akai MPC60, MPC 3000, S900
Ensoniq ASR-X
Roland S-550, JS-30
etc.

Sequencers: Roland MC-50, Yamaha QY100, EMU MP-7, several workstation integrated sequencers (e.g. Yamaha MOTIF).

All in all, the 1k is not the best sampler of those listed above, but it holds its own when it comes to vinyl, drum, and phrase sampling. But it is by far the best sequencer of the ones listed.

It inspires, in ways that are hard to describe, and you really need to spend some time with it to understand how it happens. And this is the thing that all those DAW converts who dismiss the MPC as antiquated seem to miss. What they all seem to miss is that features don't make art, artists do. So, using the paintbrush that allows you to make the best painting, as opposed to the 'best' paintbrush, just plain makes sense to me. But to each his own.

Anyway, if you're reading this (sorry for being so long-winded - but this machine deserves it...) then I'd guess you're either already an MPC user or considering it (as a side note, its funny that it took for me to buy Guru before I even considered the MPCs) so this is an argument that I don't even need to make to you...

With the original AKAI software a lot of things can be very tedious indeed. Step editing is very limited. So I got myself the JJ OS, version 4, which turns this thing in another beast altogether. It's up to par with the MPC-2500 now, minus some in an outputs. I now have a fully fledged MIDI and grid editor. Not that I mind programming most of the beats in real time, but when I need it it's there in abundance. Without the JJ OS the machine would rate a 5.

The pads are pretty stiff and don't always respond accurately to what you play. Often you get nothing and sometimes you get it double. The polyphony of 32 voices might also be a bit on the low side for people who like to to full-fledged productions on one piece of hardware. I think it's okay though, since I usually just program beats, which I then turn into full productions on my computer.

I got me the 128 Mb extension and a 80 Gb hard disk, which I highly recommend. I can now carry a pretty big sample library and don't have to use USB for loading sounds all the time.

This machine sounds as good as the sample you put in it... and then some. It has the MPC sound: punchy and full. It also has the typical MPC swing, which has gotten famous through numerous hiphop productions (and which you can turn off, of course). It's not the machine for people who like all their sounds to be pristine. It adds a bit of grit, especially when cranked up high. But I love that... and with me a lot of other people.

It's build like a brick. The plastic data dialer looks a bit flimsy though.

No dealings with them yet.

I would definetely get me one again if this one would get stolen. It's an MPC, no more or less. It does all the stuff you'd expect from an MPC ... and that's pretty impressive. It's a highly professional piece of gear and a real asset to my otherwise PC-based studio.

I don't mind the preset sounds as much as other people who posted. Most of them you will not use, but there are a few kicks and snares i use regularly and have gotten few complaints over it. The manual is not very useful for a begginner such as myself, but once you get rolling, it gets a little more helpful

I'm not crazy about the effects, they hardly make a diference. However, this culd be attributed to me still learning how to use and utilize the machine. The filtering and capabilities to alter samples are awesome.

Reacts fairly good to my touch. There are time where I swear I'm playing the sounds perfect on the sequence/loop, but when it plays back, it sounds nothing like what I just played. Again, not sure if it's me or the machine. I use it for hip hop mainly, but can see someone doing reggae and r&b on it as well. Italso seems like it ouwld be great for house and techno.

Seems very reliable thus far. It is very sturdy and I'm amazed the wheel has broken yet, I spin that thing pretty hard and fast. The buttons also feel incredible and strong. I punch the heck out of the pads and my finger tips hurt before the machine does.

I would defintely repace it it were lost or stolen. It was well worth the price. I've only had it for 5 months, so I am still learning. But I am very pleased thus far. I purchased FL Studio software to see if it would be easier to make beats on the computer with pre loaded sounds . . .and it wasn't! It is a pain loading drums and wav files in here, that's actually what I hate about this machine. However, it's just a part of life and once you find a core group of sounds and drums you like to use, the rest is fun. Sampling is great and the samples come out crispy!! I wish it had more memory in it, only 5MB to save sounds in the unit. Also, the RAM upgrade is hot, but I wish it came with the option to buy it already upgraded and pimped out

it s really easy to program and play this sampler as it is very
musical to hack the pads and record what u re playing...

the best live sampler ever!!! very good workflow, usb, hrddisk,
take it in the train and compose traxx, sound is really good, dark,
it s build like a tank, metal case, but not big, if u want to get independant from laptop on stage that s it....

super sound quality!! as it has it s own sound caracter, not the boring hifi roland sound or the typical computer vst sound....

very reliable, never crashes on stage, rock like timing,
big sequencer...

forget the akai os2.0 get the jj s os ver, 3,5
with enormous more funktionality!!! grid editing more stable,etcm akai to ver 2,0

if stolen i must have it again one of my central peace of gear.

using software 2.10... and 128mb ram
erased all presets
the manual is good

easy to get started with, if you can work a tape deck, you can work with this too

64 note polyphony
the stiff pads don't always react as they should, heard many people complaining about this...
the sequencer is very easy to use
love the note repeat function

its a sampler, so the sounds are yours... the samples given with the mpc are allright..., i use it for hiphop and rnb and it works fine... gives a groove to your tracks

never had a crash... i would use it on a gig without backup...

i had a problem with the OS 2.1... once installed my screen was blank...
i phoned akai... they had no idea but were friendly
i mailed akai... never replied

luckily somebody on the www.mpc-forums.com helped me out by telling to press power + erase

i gave it a 2 because the guy on the phone was friendly, although he didn't know $%^& about my problem

its an allright machine, fairly limited sampler, but good to get started... if it got stolen i would replace it, maybe with a 2500/mv 8000

I bought the MPC1000 in August 2005, so I'm on v1.07. The manual is decent, but because this is an entry-level sampler/sequencer, unless you are not smart at all it's pretty self-explanatory. The mode key is color coded to the various sub folders on the pads. Just get used to the MPC terminology (sequence, program, autoload, etc.). The presets honestly suck. I made 5 decent beats with them and quickly deleted them and made my own samples and dowloaded some. Free hip-hop style samples are available for free from various sites, and give a good starting point.

As several others have said, the polyphony is a little unreliable. I've discovered that sometimes longer cymbal samples or my longer vinyl samples cut out well before the polyphony max given by Akai. And almost undoubtedly while a sequence is playing and you switch to the sample recording screen, a long sample WILL drop out. The 2 main outs and 4 assignable outs are nice ideas but the 4 assignable outs are virtually useless because of the difficult mixer section. However, the sequencer is reliable and plays back almost always exactly what you play (but I'm a drummer with accurate timing so...)and the beat locking is very solid with a option for 50%-75% swing or triplets. The full volume feature is very useful for not having to break your fingers on kick and snare parts. Definitly get the 128MB expansion.

The sounds, as stated before, are horrible, but this is a sampler so get your own sounds. I am happy with the sound quality for the 900$ that I paid. Overall very clear. The pads can be set to a velocity curve and sensitivity that fits how hard you play. This is very good, as the preset curve is not optimal. Don't use this machine expecting to produce anything besides rap, or at a stretch drum n bass or dance music. The effects are good with 2 assignable fx, and master compressor and eq, but the assiagnable effects are hendered by the complex mixer but not as much as the mix outs are. The assignable fx are still usable.

It is simply an entry level sequencer. It freezes if used too long; I think the freeze glitch occurs usually when recording one track of a sequence, not stoping playback, and then recording the next track. When you press stop, there is a 3-5% chance the MPC will lock up like a Linn 9000 (Old schoolers know). And this glitch combined with the long-sample dropout problem, is not very reliable. Sure you can sequence on it, and it is portable, but own a MPC 2500 or 4000 also. This is like your iPod and your larger MPC is a Desktop. Cosmetically, you should get a case or the red side panels WILL fall off. Mine are held on by duct tape right now.

I haven't needed assistance, but they gave me a free 128MB expansion, which I appreciate. The upgrades are all on the internet and they have samples of classic drum machines. Seems ok to this point.

If it were lost or stolen, I would get the MPC 2500 which was not out when I bought my MPC. If you travel, you might want a 1000, and if you are just starting out it will be good enough. Just take the video game strategy and save often, as freezing after recording 8 tracks of custom samples can be dangerous for any people who may be around you at that time. If your beats are centered around vinyl samples you might be frustrated with the lack of timestretching. Personally as a keyboard player I should have saved a little longer for a Triton or Fantom X, but if your beats are less melody oriented and more about ryhthms and simple bass, this should be enough for you. I suggest a small midi controller with the MPC1000 for trying to do chords of any kind.

(Version 1.07 software. My machine has the 128 MB RAM upgrade).

I never use the presets, although they do sound OK in a generic way. I built a collection of drum samples and use MIDI to trigger bass and pad sounds from my main synth.

Its not difficult to start making music with the MPC 1000 (especially if you're familiar with old-school hardware drum machines and sequencers) and the manuals (it comes with a Quick-Start guide as well as the full Operators Manual) are decent.

But, when it comes to actually constructing a polished arrangement (rather than jamming on the pads to make simple patterns or loops in real-time), the process is slow and unnecessarily labor-intensive.

The build quality of this box is truly pro-spec. It's chunky, heavy and all the knobs, buttons, connectors etc inspire total confidence. No Radio Shack feel here.

The pads feel great, although I did have to mess around with the various velocity curves and sensitivity settings to get them working properly for me. According to online folklore, Akai's pads actually need to get "broken in"... As far-fetched as this seems, I did find that they got more expressive with time - so it could be true.

Another huge plus (for me anyway) is the number of audio outs - a total of 6 (arranged in three stereo pairs). This was the biggest single reason I picked this box over Roland's MC-909. MIDI works fine.

Sadly though, all of these studly features can't make up for the Achilles heel of this machine - the sequencer. While real-time programming is easy and fun, step editing is a real drag. Even the most basic functions in Step mode are incredibly long-winded and tedious. Worse still, some functions (such as the ability to move an event around in time) simply cannot be achieved at all.

As someone who (almost literally) grew up with hardware drum machines and sequencers, I think I'm more patient than most modern musicians, but these limitations drive me nuts...

This is a sampler/sequencer, so discussing the sounds doesn't seem appropriate. Audio outs are quiet and clean.

As far as "expressiveness" goes, the pads are a real plus - specially for building drum parts. Also, the famous Akai timing makes for a more organic feel than other sequencers/beatboxes I've owned.

Absolutely dependable in my experience. I haven't gigged with it, but I would have no concerns about doing so without a back-up.

No contact with them.

Akai's MPC products have full-blow cult status and thousands of professional DJs, producers and performers around the world make a living using them. However, the MPC-1000 simply hasn't worked out for me.

If it were lost or stolen I would not buy it again. In fact, I've listed it on eBay to clear space in my studio for something else - either an MC-909 or a software-based solution like Reason.

LOVE: The pro construction and audio quality. These things alone probably justify the price of the MPC-1000.

HATE: The limitations and unfriendliness of the sequencer. For me, these issues get in the way of making music. And making music is the whole point - right?

I'm using 1.07, the lastest is as of 04.28.05. I think I overwrote the presets the day I bought it; it now autoloads my preferred samples when I start it up, as well as all my sequences. I think I may be alone in this, but I really bought this for its sequencer, not the sampler, which, as others have mentioned, is very limited. The sequencer has standard "tape transport" style controls, very easy/intuitive. Deep editing of sequences not so easy, as many of the menus are hidden.

It is useful only as a drum/phrase sampler and NOT as a traditional sampler, as tuning over pads is tedious. Also, you can't, as far as I've found, set the volume, effect or pan for a particular program in the internal mixer, you have to set the level/effect/out of each *pad*. Very time consuming, but there are a couple freeware programs (bluebox and mpc1000 program creator) that make it much easier. I think it's 32 note polyphonic, but I'm not sure. I've never had a problem with it running out of voices, but, as others have noted, sometimes it drops a midi event, usually a "note on", which results in a sample not being played, which sucks. Others have complained about the timing, but I find it to be *much* tighter than Logic or Ableton. The compact flash cards load extremely quickly, and they are cheap. I'm using a Sandisk 1GB (works great) and PNY ram... no problems. The effects are rudimentary and fairly useless, but you have 3 sets of stereo outs, so you can use your outboard gear anyway. There are two q-link sliders which are basically worthless, but can be assigned to the unimpressive filters, or, more usefully, tuning or zone. The "note repeat" button is great for doing flams/rolls, or for creating high-hat patterns with subtle variations (ride the HH pad while you hold the "note repeat" button). Also, unlike the MPC2k, you can sample audio and playback MIDI simultaneously. Then, when you assign your phrase to a pad, it plays it back exactly as recorded (you don't have to set the original note as you do with other samplers). Very cool. It has two MIDI ins/outs, and allows you to feed one MIDI in to any midi channel or out depending on the track you've selected.

Again, the sampler is very, very limited, but it's great for drums. If you don't like the feel of the pads (the default setting is stiff) there are 4 different velocity curves to choose from, and you can set each per pad w/16 different levels of sensitivity. Eventually, you'll find one that suits you. It makes programming drums fun instead of the click, cut and paste tedium that sofware sequencers force on you. If you've only ever programmed drum loops in a software sequencer, you really should check out an MPC.

There's something that I do that makes it freeze... I'm not sure what it is, some combination of buttons or feature selection. It usually happens after I've recorded a MIDI part and then immediately try to sample a part over it.

I've not dealt with Akai regarding the MPC1k.

I guess I'm kind of a luddite, as I genuinely hate most computer sequencers. So, yes, I'd buy it again. I've had all the recent MPCs (1k, 2kXL, and 4k) and like the 1k best, but only because I've got "real" samplers to use it with. It would be very frustrating to use as an "instrument" type sampler; don't buy it for that purpose. For a drum machine/sequencer it's great.

It does not come with many sounds and they are all spread out through the different banks which is a little anoying. The manual is pretty good but like most manuals it only gives you the command/button functions and does not explain them in detail.

Most of the features are easy to use but the effects are average at best. The pads are very stiff and not that responsive unless you use the full volume feature.

Since the unit is a sampler it will be up to you to get good ones. Since you need the full volume mode to compensate for the stiff pads you loose the velocity sensitivity.

i would not use this with out a backup. I had to return 2 units because they came out of the box with corrosion on the midi ports. It is a very heavy unit for it's size. Also the eject button for the memory card sticks out and is a little flimsy.

I would not buy it again. I only keep it at my studio for people who want to use it. I have owned and used many different types / brands of gear that i thought were great but I was completely dissapointed with this unit. I can see why some people think they like it but I think the reason everyone buys one is because of good advertising.

not to hard, the manual is pretty poorly written at times but you can get the gist of it pretty easily. the mpc-forums site has alot of good advice

theres a few things missing from other mpc's like delay and time stretch but i do my editing on pc anyways so the only thing i wishi it had was onboard syncd delay... i miss that!

well what you sample is what you get back! the effects are decent dispite what some people say.. i like the reverd and ive heard alot of complaints with that!

so far no probs! apparently theres a few bugs but mines been acting fine thus far.. since im not a millionair id have to gig without a back up and i would be bummed i trust it

never delt with em

i like it alot id definatly get anohter if it was swiped or broken. its a rad tool perfect for offtime beats and wierd times.. not stuck with 16 steps like korgs and others