Akai MPC500 Sampler

AKAI MPC500 Details

The Akai MPC500 is a compact, portable, full-featured music production center featuring a 48-track, 16-channel MIDI sequencer combined with a 32-voice drum/phrase sampler. The MPC500 supports 16-bit/44.1 kHz sample rates and provides upward of 128MB of RAM. The unit’s MIDI sequencer supports the SMF (standard MIDI file) format, while the sampler accepts WAV files. Like all Akai MPC units, the MPC 500 provides velocity sensitive pads (12) for triggering sounds and the unit includes Akai’s legendary 12 Levels function—where one sound can be assigned to all pads with varied level or tuning per pad. The MPC500 provides numerous onboard effects plus two stereo effects sends and a Master control. In addition to operation via six AA batteries, the unit includes an AC power adapter. For transferring work to other Akai MPC models, a Compact Flash storage card is included for use with the internal CF drive. The MPC500 includes a USB port for connecting an external hard drive. Memory expansion is available.

Akai MPC 500 is the first truly portable all-in-one Music Production Center. Affording artists the ability to sample and create music on-the-go, the MPC500 offers many of the same features users have grown to love in the MPC line. From rock solid sequencing and programming to expandable memory and storage options, the MPC500 is only small in physical size. Compatible with other MPC products, the MPC500 extends users' studios to fit in with their mobile lifestyles.

Positioning
The Akai MPC500 is a great compositional tool for musicians on the go—enabling them to work on planes or in hotel rooms—knowing they can easily transfer their work to their larger MPC systems back at the studio.

Applications
The Akai MPC500 is an ideal travel partner for creative musicians—enabling them to capture their ideas whenever creativity strikes.
The MPC500 is ideal for the following applications:
+ Field sampling
+ Composing while traveling—such as on planes or in hotel rooms
+ Triggering sounds for live performance

Key Features
+ Pattern-based and linear 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
+ 16-bit / 44.1kHz sampling
+ 32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128MB RAM
+ Battery powered (6 AA’s) or AC powered
+ Velocity and pressure sensitive pads for expressive programming
+ 12 Levels function: one sound on all pads with varied level or tuning per pad
+ Built-in Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
+ Support for standard WAV files and MIDI sequences
+ Built-in Analog Audio I/O, headphone output, and MIDI I/O
+ Internal sounds in Flash
+ 4-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
+ 1 lowpass filter with resonance per voice
+ On-board effects: 2 stereo effects and a Master effect
+ Memory expansion available separately
+ Compact Flash card and AC power adapter included

AKAI MPC500 Specs

* General Display: 2 x 16 character LCD w/back light
* Memory card slot:Compact Flash (The size of the compact flash card that MPC500 can handle is from32MB to 2GB)

* Dimensions: 266mm x 175mm x 44mm
* Weight: 1.34 kg
* Power requirement: 12v DC 600mA (negative tip)
* Battery life: Approximately 4.5 hours of continuous use with LCD backlight ON.

Sound Generator
* Sampling rate: 44.1kHz
* Memory capacity: 16MB standard (11.5MB for sound memory), expandable to 128MB
* Recording time: 136sec. (16MB, MONO) or 24m28sec. (128MB, MONO)
* Memory expansion slot: 1 x for optional EXM128
* Data format: 16-bit linear
* Polyphony: up to 32 (dependent on processing)
* Dynamic filtering: 2-pole lowpass filter per voice
* Preset sound memory: 5MB
* Number of programs: 24

Effects
* Effects: 2 stereo effects and Master effect
* Effect type: Chorus, Flanger, Bit grunger, 4 band EQ, Compressor, Phase shifter, Tremolo,
* Flying pan, Reverb, Delay
* Master effect: 4 band EQ, Compressor

Sequencer
* Maximum events: 100,000 notes
* Resolution: 96 parts per 1/4-note
* Sequences: 99
* Tracks per sequence: 48
* MIDI output channels: 16
* Song mode: 20 songs, 250 steps per song
* Drum pad: 12 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
* Drum pad banks: 4
* Sync mode: MIDI clock

Inputs/Outputs
* Record input (L and R): 1/4-inch stereo phone x 2, pseudo balanced -40dBu, input impedance 9k ohm
* Max. Input level: +10dBu
* Stereo output (L and R): 1/4-inch phone x 2 pseudo balanced +11dBu, output impedance 1k Ohms,
* Max. Output level: +5 dBu
* Phones output: 1/4-inch stereo phone x 1, 200mW / 100 ohms
* MIDI inputs: 1 x 5-pin DIN
* MIDI outputs: 1 x 5-pin DIN
* USB: Slave connector x 1, USB MASS STORAGE CLASS support (Windows 2000/ME/XP or later version, or Mac OS 9.x/10.x or later version.)

Data Compatibility
* MPC1000: SEQ, WAV, PGM
* MPC2000/2000XL: SEQ, WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
* MPC2500: SEQ, WAV, PGM
* MPC4000: SEQ, WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. 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)

Other views of AKAI MPC500 (Click to enlarge):

Akai MPC500 Sampler

Yamaha RH2C Full Sized Headphones