The Akai MPC range of stand-alone MIDI sequencers and samplers has been instrumental in shaping hip-hop music, and its robust instruments have also made significant inroads into various electronic music genres, especially within live performance contexts. The MPC5000, a powerful successor to the MPC2500 brings enhanced functionality again and new features. It's important to note that the MPC5000 is not simply a sequel to the often-derided MPC4000, which was more akin to the Z-series samplers and has since been discontinued.

At its core, the MPC5000 integrates a 64-track MIDI sequencer with a streamlined 16-bit/44.1kHz drum and phrase sampler, all contained in a sturdy desktop unit. The familiar 4x4 pad matrix, along with various buttons, knobs, and sliders, provides intuitive control. For those interested in a general overview, much of the foundational functionality was described with previous MPCs such as MPC3000 and MPC4000. Here, we'll focus specifically on the expanded features of the MPC5000.

Significant hardware upgrades make the MPC5000 stand out. With dimensions of 97x410x410mm and a weight of 8.25kg, the unit immediately projects its 'big boss' status in the MPC family. Notably, it sports a larger LCD screen and has tripled the number of Q-Link controls. The inclusion of an 80GB hard drive as standard is a welcome addition, enhancing storage capabilities alongside a Compact Flash slot for additional cards and an optional CD-RW drive. The USB connections have also been improved for easier access from computers to both the hard drive and Compact Flash drives.

Additional features include dual RCA phono inputs that can switch between line signals and DJ turntable outputs, paired with combi-jack/XLR inputs for balanced mic and line signals. An input sensitivity switch accommodates mic-level signals, but it's disappointing that there's no phantom power option for studio-grade condenser mics. New additions also feature an ADAT lightpipe connector for digital transfer of multiple outputs, allowing for up to 10 channels of real-time digital transfer, making it ideal for producers who begin their projects in the MPC and transition to software like Pro Tools for mixing.

Increased Sampling Power

The MPC5000 boasts significant advancements in sound generation, offering doubled polyphony with a capacity of 64 voices. Standard RAM has also been upped to 64MB, with a maximum of 196MB available. One exciting aspect is the ability to set a Pad's four sample Zones to play samples one at a time with each successive hit, either in a random order or based on their Zone number—greatly enhancing the Note Repeat function.

The updated Chop Shop algorithm has introduced stereo file chopping capabilities, although its performance appears to have regressed compared to the MPC2500, often resulting in awkward placements of slices. Manual adjustments lack the aid of the handy zoomed-in waveform display found elsewhere in the system, leading to disappointment for users looking for precision.

The filter algorithms have evolved as well, removing the dual-filter setup of the previous version in favor of greater control over filter shapes and responses. Options include low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-stop, EQ-style peaking filters, and formant filters, each offering flexible cutoff and resonance controls.

New Synth Engine and Arpeggiators

Beyond the enhanced sampling capabilities, the MPC5000 introduces a built-in 20-voice polyphonic virtual analogue synth. It includes three oscillators, two LFOs, and ADSR envelopes, all equipped with the updated filtering methods also applied to the sampler. Various waveforms—such as sine, sawtooth, and noise—allow for a wide range of sonic creativity, further enriched by modulation routings for MIDI aftertouch, pitch-bend, and other controller information.

The unit includes over 300 synth presets stored in the internal Flash ROM, but loading programs into memory and assigning them to tracks can be a bit cumbersome. Each sequencer track also receives its own arpeggiator, featuring multiple patterns and customizable parameters, applicable to both synth and sample programs. However, the MPC5000 lacks the ability to internally bounce MIDI output from the arpeggiator for fine editing, which could hinder some users.

Multitrack Hard Disk Recording

Among its most marketable features, the MPC5000 includes a built-in multitrack recorder, capable of layering up to eight tracks of linear recording alongside MIDI tracks. Users can record up to two tracks simultaneously from analogue and digital inputs, with regular editing options available post-recording. Edits include Gain, Fade, Cut, Copy, Paste, Normalize, and Silence, along with Import and Export functions for WAV file handling. However, the multitrack functionality feels limited, lacking essential features like auto-location and automatic punch-in.

The mixer for the audio tracks offers basic assignments but lacks standard processing capabilities such as EQ, limiting the effectiveness of the mixer without the internal multi-effects. Every channel is restricted to a single effects send, further complicating the mixing process. While the multitracking facilities allow for basic vocal arrangement development, those seeking a comprehensive production environment may still rely on external recording systems.

At first glance, the MPC5000 may feel deceptively familiar to those accustomed to the 2500. It provides the same streamlined production tools but adds substantial sampling and processing power alongside new instruments and effects. However, the aging user interface becomes apparent as users navigate the expanded features.

The traditional MPC charm remains, yet the complexity of new features may detract from the overall user experience. While the MPC5000 offers more functionality, it may struggle to compete with established keyboard workstations from manufacturers like Korg, Yamaha, and Roland, as well as Akai’s direct competitor, Roland’s MV8800.

Sampler Specifications:

• 16-bit/44.1kHz sampling rate
• 64-voice polyphony
• Standard RAM: 64MB, Max RAM: 196MB
• Four sample Zones per pad
• Enhanced filter algorithms (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-stop, EQ, and vocal formant)

Sequencer Features:

• 64-track MIDI sequencer
• New Piano Roll editor display
• Timing resolution: 960ppqn

Multitrack Recording:

• Eight-track recording capability
• Up to two tracks simultaneously from analogue or digital inputs
• Basic edit options: Gain, Fade, Cut, Copy, Paste, Normalize, Silence, Import/Export WAV files

Onboard Sound Library:

• Basic drum sounds (TR808, TR909, etc.)
• Sample packs from Loopmasters (mapped kit programs, themed drum hits, loops)

Synth Capabilities:

• Built-in 20-voice polyphonic virtual analogue synth
• Three oscillators per voice with various waveforms
• Integrated LFOs and ADSR envelopes

Effects:

• Four stereo effects buses, up to two effects per bus
• Basic EQ and compression over the master output
• CPU meter for monitoring DSP usage

Connectivity:

• USB port for computer connectivity and external drives
• ADAT lightpipe for digital transfer
• Combi-jack/XLR inputs for balanced mic and line signals
• Dual RCA phono inputs (switchable)

The main advantages of the MPC5000 (comparing to the MPC2500&MPC4000):

• Built-in synthesizer capabilities, which was unique among MPCs at the time
• Higher polyphony compared to the MPC2500
• Larger screen
• More sophisticated effects processing

Common criticisms include:

• Higher price point at launch compared to other MPCs
• Some users found the synthesis features less intuitive compared to dedicated synthesizers
• Less widespread adoption meant fewer community resources and tutorials

The MPC4000 was positioned as a more professional studio tool with hard disk recording capabilities, while the MPC2500 was generally considered more straightforward and user-friendly for beat-making.

The Akai MPC5000 indeed elevates the capabilities of the MPC lineage, incorporating features that cater to the evolving demands of hip-hop and electronic producers. However, its limitations in the mixing environment, the cumbersome user interface, and its constraints in features like phantom power and multitrack recording make it a less compelling choice against a backdrop of competing machines in the market. While it remains a strong contender for loyal MPC users seeking comprehensive functionality, the price point may pose a barrier.