street priceThe AKAI MPC 2000XL is a digital music production center released by Akai Professional in 1999. It is a sampling drum machine and sequencer, and is one of the most popular and influential pieces of music production equipment ever made. It is capable of producing a wide range of sounds and styles, from hip hop to techno, and is still used by many producers today.
In an impressive return to form, Akai has reintroduced the innovative tilting LCD display that was previously featured in its earlier models but absent in the MPC2000. This new display offers three adjustable positions, providing essential functionality for live performance settings where stage lighting and glare could make visibility an issue. Rather than repositioning the entire unit or relying on lighting adjustments from the tech crew, a simple tilt of the screen can significantly enhance usability.
The MPC2000XL has expanded its features to fit the "XL" designation, tripling the sequence note capacity to a staggering 300,000 notes—an essential upgrade for live setups where reliability is paramount. The machine can now hold 256 samples, doubling the previous capacity, which allows for more songs and percussion sets to be immediately available without the need for tedious loading processes. Standard RAM starts at 2MB and is upgradeable to 32MB via SIMMs, enabling users to manage their storage needs effectively.
Moreover, the operating system now resides in Flash ROM, ensuring permanent access and reliability, while still allowing easy upgrades via floppy disks. This shift signifies a leap forward in maintaining the stability and functionality of hardware over traditional computer-based systems.
User interface improvements are also notable, with four individual Bank buttons facilitating quicker access between assigned sounds on the pads while maintaining the flow of your performance. The introduction of a Next Sequence key also enhances live play capabilities, allowing musicians to prepare their next selection while the current sequence plays seamlessly.
Editing is made significantly easier with the Open Window key, which provides a high-resolution view of parameters being adjusted in the main mode, offering a clearer perspective when working on fine details in sample manipulation.
The price point has also been remarkable, with an impressive reduction while still incorporating upgraded features like the tilting display. Additionally, the MPC2000XL supports built-in SMPTE I/O (with optional upgrades for comprehensive integration) and offers expansions that enhance its analog and digital capabilities (8 audio outs board).
On the software front, significant functionality additions include time-stretching and a new Slice Sound option—long-awaited features that enhance the machine's usability and extend its creative potential. Time-stretching now allows for high-quality adjustments of samples, with multiple algorithms tailored for various material types. This function, combined with the introduction of sound slicing, provides an exceptional level of detail and versatility for sound manipulation.
Additionally, compatibility with sound and sequence data from previous MPC models has been seamlessly integrated, allowing users to blend old favorites with new capabilities. Overall, the Akai MPC2000XL represents a well-balanced evolution of its predecessor, focusing on enhanced performance, user-friendly features, and expanded creative options.
In summary, the Akai MPC2000XL successfully merges advanced capabilities with enhanced user interaction while maintaining a cost-effective approach, delivering a powerful tool for both studio and live performance environments.
Country of origin / production: Japan
Recommend product to a friend| Usage area | |
|---|---|
| Rhytm/ Drum Machine | |
| Groovebox/ MPC | |
| Sampler | |
| Usage Design/ Form Factor | |
| Without Keys, Desktop | |
| Archetype | |
| Digital (D) | |
| Sampler | |
| Sampler Format | Linear |
| ADC | 16 bit |
| Sample Format | Custom |
| Maximum Sampling Time | 189 sec. |
| Sample Memory | 32 Mb |
| Resolution | 16 bit/ 44.1 kHz |
| MIDI in/ out | |
| IN | |
| OUT | |
| IN count | 2 |
| OUT count | 2 |
| Display | |
| Display type | LCD |
| Color resolution | Monochrome |
| Pads Matrix | |
| Pads Count | 16 |
| Pads Count, vertical | 4 |
| Pads Count, horizontal | 4 |
| Audio out | |
| Stereo | |
| Dedicated output per voice | |
| Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) | 10 |
| Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) headphones preamplified | 1 |
| Audio in | |
| Analog 1/4" | 2 |
| Power | |
| Power Supply | Built-in, internal |
| Case/ body | |
| Metal&plastic | |
| Color | |
| White | |
| Production start | 1999 |
| Production ended | |
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