TURNTABLE LAB

Akai
MPC1000 Sampling Production Studio

OVERVIEW
Now in black. The MPC 1000 is a fully re-designed MPC series. It maintains the key features that made the orignal series the industry standard, but also integrates new features to make it more portable and easier to integrate to computer-based studios.

USES
• recording + sampling
• audio + MIDI sequencing
• audio manipulation
• drum programming
• portable sample trigger/performance instrument

FEATURES
The MPC 1000 features a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo sampler with 136 seconds of mono sampling time standard (expandable to 24m28sec). Sound wave patterns are displayed as wave forms, making it possible to edit samples both visually and aurally. Effects including pitch, LFOs, envelopes, time stretch and resample are available for use with all sounds. A new addition to the 1000 series includes two stereo effects and one master effect each of which are assignable to all sounds. These stereo effects include chorus, flanger, bit grunger, 4-band EQ (also available in master), compressor (also available in master), phase shifter, tremolo, flying pan and reverb. Another improvement over past MPC's is the inclusion of a high pass filter, and both the low and high pass filters on the 1000 are 2-pole per voice.

The sequencer section is where the MPC has really derived its great reputation. With a 100,000 note memory and a capacity of up to 99 sequences that can be recorded in either linear or pattern-style, the 1000 is an extremely powerful machine. It also features a step edit mode, a loop recording function and 16 level, full level, tap tempo, auto punch and undo sequence features, making it extremely fast and intuitive to work with.

The hardware on the MPC 1000 offers enough connections to satisfy the most demanding recording applications. 2 new hardware features on the 1000 make it more compatible with computer based studios than its predecessors. The first improvement is the Compact Flash port which takes cards that range from 32MB (included) to 2GB. The second is the inclusion of a USB port that supports storage on MAC and PC via the Mass Storage Class USB standard. Basically, M.S.C. is a file management system that allows you to drag and drop sound files from the MPC to your computer's hard drive and vice versa, via the USB port. These 2 features negate the need for those slow floppy and zip disks, a weakness of previous MPC models.

The back panel of the 1000 is equipped with stereo 1/4" INs and OUTs, four 1/4" individual OUTs, digital S/PDIF IN and OUT, two MIDI INs and OUTs, a headphone OUT and two footswitch INs. The dimensions of the unit are 13" by 8" and it weighs less than 8lbs. Its sample reading capabilities are compatible with the MPC 2000XL, MPC 4000, Z4, Z8 and the S5000/6000.

OUR OPINION
I can remember when the MPC 60 cost $3200 brand new out of the box. We've come a long way in these 15 years and as advancements in technologies are made, the consumer is the real winner in the end. The 1000 is a real deal production center, equipped with most of the features that made the MPC so legendary.

Some of the new features included with the MPC 1000 should be especially appealing to today's musician. The addition of a 2-pole high pass filter gives the user a new range of sound design possibilities previously unavailable to the MPC. On previous models, the internal effects were either limited or cost extra to buy the expansion boards. The different effects that come standard with the 1000 allow the user to more fully shape their sounds within the MPC, lessening the need for outboard gear or upgrades.

In our opinion, the greatest improvement with the 1000 is the inclusion of the Mass Storage Class USB standard and the Compact Flash port. For CPU users this will negate the need for floppy and Zip discs that can be slow and difficult to manage. The speed of being able to drag and drop sound files as well as the convenience of having all your samples at your finger tips, displayed on your computer screen, will save a lot of time and creative energy. The new methods of memory storage (Compact Flash card and USB) will ensure that the user's data doesn't get lost as formats change and that the MPC 1000 will be able to communicate with new equipment as it is released in the future.

Overall the most important element the 1000 retained from its MPC lineage is its ease of use. Its layout and sequencing section is intuitive, making it a fast learn. The trademark trigger pads and sequencing features make it a powerful, realistic drum programming tool. Portability is no longer an issue with the 1000's new compact size. Take it to djing gigs and trigger sound effects or homemade creations into the mix. For live bands the 1000 can add anything from more powerful drums to atmospheric sound scapes, all at the touch of sixteen buttons. By no means a lightweight, the 1000 will probably end up dominating the hardware based production market for years to come.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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Akai
MPC2500 Beat Production Station

OVERVIEW
The Akai MPC 2500 is a completely redesigned MPC that bridges the gap between the high-end MPC 4000 and the industry standard MPC 2000, while adding several new, unique features. At its foundation, the MPC 2500 retains all the features that make the MPC series so popular: 64 track MIDI sequencing, 32-voice/ 16 bit digital sampler, easy editing, and those 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads, the signature of the MPC series.

USES
- recording + sampling
- audio + MIDI sequencing
- audio manipulation
- drum programming


KEY UPGRADES FROM THE MPC 2000
- USB connection for MAC and Windows
- the MPC 2500 includes standard the effects board and digital outputs, both expensive add-ons for the MPC 2000.
- comes equipped with 16 MB of RAM, expandable to 128 MB (MPC 2000 = 2 MB/32 MB)
- more effects: the MPC 2500 has more effects choices plus two effects processors that can be used simultaneously for more sound variation.
- 10 outputs included, upgraded to balanced.
- more storage capabilities: included Compact Flash Drive and internal hard drive compatibility (hard drive not included).
- optional, user-installable CD-RW/DVD drive
- advanced functions taken from the MPC 5000: Grid Sequence, Patch Phrase, and Auto Slice.
- 2 MIDI input and upgraded 4 MIDI output
- foot switch connections
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials

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Akai
MPC500 Portable Production Workstation

OVERVIEW
The MPC-500 is Akai's latest entry in their legendary MPC line, and it's their most portable and affordable unit yet. Not only is the MPC-500 the smallest MPC yet, it also has the ability to run on 6 AA batteries, which automatically makes this the go to choice for dj's and producers who travel a lot (think of all that airport downtime). The 500 shrinks down the MPC-1000 frame with a smaller overall size, slimmer profile and a streamlined group of features. You are still getting Akai's professional level recording + sampling features, sequencing functions, and programming ability, just in a smaller package.

FEATURES
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 MPC500 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. 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 use as a slave connector with a computer.
Memory expansion is available.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials / samplers + effects

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Akai
XR20 Beat Production Station w/$30.00 Rebate

compact all-in-one production unit

SPECIAL REBATE: Get $30 back with mail-in rebate from Akai when you purchase the XR20 between 11/1/2009 - 12/31/2009. click for rebate form

OVERVIEW
The XR20 is Akai's smallest all-in-one beat production station. This ultra-compact and portable unit allows you to produce beats on the go (via optional battery powered operation) or in the studio with over 700 pre-loaded sounds, an integrated effects engine, MIDI I/O and a mic input for laying down vocals over your creation. All this with the trusted feel and sound quality Akai is famous for.


FEATURES
For it's compact size, the XR20 is big on features. It comes with over 700 pre-loaded sounds and kits including professional sounding drums (electronic and analog), percussion, bass, synths, sound effects, vocal and instrument hits as well as an integrated effects engine for high quality reverb, EQ, and compression for full control over the sound. The XR20 also features
a mic input for mixing vocals with your patterns plus a very useful MIDI I/O for integrating the unit into your MIDI setup.

The unit itself is incredibly compact and can run off batteries or AC adaptor for added portabillity. It's sleek black frame is accentuated with a bright blue LCD screen and brilliant backlit pads that actually light up while following the beat for visual cues and added precision. Different patterns you create can be triggered by individual pads for even more versatility. Additional features include drum roll/note repeat for added realism and expression, footswitch input and headphone out.


OUR OPINION
Akai's XR20 is a heavyweight contender in the portable production unit realm with an impressive list of features and a very attractive price. Boasting professional quality sounds built-in, MIDI I/O, mic input, trusted Akai functionality and much more for under $300, the XR20 is the perfect unit for producers of all skill levels that want a portable all-in-one production unit for a reasonable price.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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Korg
MicroSampler Sampling Keyboard

versatile sampling keyboard and sequencer

OVERVIEW
Korg's microSampler delivers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and over-the-top effects all under a fun-to-use intuitive interface. More than your typical sampler, the microSampler is a complete sound design studio for creating loops, phrases, and much more.

FEATURES
The microSAMPLER hosts a solid complement of top-end sampling features to expand your creative potential. This full-fledged instrument offers fourteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe. Each bank contains 36 samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in internal memory. The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the microSAMPLER is fun to use and easy to operate for beginners or seasoned pros.

SAMPLING
Five distinct sampling methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling, plus a number of creative sampling modes: Loop, Key Gate and Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER is a versatile and unique tool.

- Loop sampling for recording grooves and phrases, drum loops, etc.
- One-Shot sampling for grabbing and triggering single events such as drums, etc
- Gate sampling for playing a sound musically across the keyboard
- Auto-Next sampling for capturing phrases as multiple samples
- Key Gate sampling is best for grabbing multiple samples from the same source

There's a resampling function that lets you play existing layered samples processed by an effect and played by the pattern sequencer and capture it all as a new sample. You can even sample while playing, allowing the sampling process itself to become part of your expressive performance.

PATTERN SEQUENCER
The pattern sequencer uses an overdub operating style that lets you continually layer your performances. You can switch between patterns during playback for seamless performances. Up to sixteen patterns (16,000 notes per pattern, or a maximum 64,000 notes) can be stored in each bank.

KAOSS EFFECTS
Developed for Korg's KAOSS PAD series, the effect engine serves up a great selection of effects so important when editing samples. The twenty-one effects include not only traditional delay and chorus, but also ring modulator and grain shifter, and even a Looper that's derived from the Loop Recording feature of the KAOSSILATOR Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. The effects can be applied to any sound while resampling, allowing the effects to be used over and over again for more sonic expression.

In addition, the microSampler features USB connectivity with editing via free editor/librarian software as well as importing of WAV/AIFF data. The keyboard runs on a wall adaptor but is also portable and can be powered by 6 AAA batteries.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects / dj equipment - new arrivals

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Native Instruments
Maschine Groove Production Studio

complete music production system with hands-on control

OVERVIEW
Maschine combines the flexibility of computer-based music production with the ease of a groove box into one powerful creative tool. Utilizing onboard samples or your own audio files, Machine’s unique combination of hardware and software not only ensures a fast and fun workflow, but lets you easily turn your ideas into professional productions.

FEATURES
With the Maschine package you get:

- intuitive hardware/MIDI controller
- built-in effects
- browser, sequence, and sampler

The hardware unit is both instrument and MIDI controller in one. Sixteen illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads form an interface to intuitively make beats, tweak sounds, create patterns and sequence whole songs with the powerful Maschine software. Two large, high-resolution displays with eight corresponding rotary encoders, buttons, and transport controls also integrate perfectly.

Maschine connects to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0 and comes loaded with over 5GB of production-ready sounds and patterns. Everything from fat drum kits to state-of-the-art synthesizer sounds and pristine acoustic instruments have been sampled, sliced and tagged for your convenience. The unit also features studio quality effects ranging from dynamics processors to beat-mashers and even mastering tools, all tweakable in real time via the hardware controller. You get 300 drum kits, 280 multi-sampled instruments, 400 sliced loops, 6,500 one shots, 50 complete projects, and 100 effects.

Maschine's pattern-oriented concept frees you from the limits of linear arrangement. Build song "scenes" by layering patterns, and re-arrange the scenes on the fly. It also offers external sampling through your computer’s audio interface as well as internal re-sampling, precise editing and slicing, auto-mapping, effects and an ultra-convenient browser â€" all perfectly attuned to the hardware controller.

please check the Native Instruments site for more details.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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Roland
MV-8000 Production Studio

FREE VGA EXPANSION FOR MV-8000
The expandable MV-8000 is the only sampling workstation that lets you plug in a VGA monitor and a mouse (via MV8-VGA expander). Get your hands on an MV-8000, and you'll never look at your music the same way again.
OVERVIEW
The MV-8000 is an all-in-one production powerhouse that allows you to take your project from just an idea and some samples to a mastered CD ready for mass-production. For the 8000, Roland has combined the strengths of their highly successful VS series multi-track recorders and SP series phrase samplers, with the best parts of Akai's MPC series. The result is a machine that can be at the center of a production set-up or simply be the entire studio.

USES
• Sampler
• Sequencer
• Multi-track recorder
• Mixing Console
• Mastering Tool
• CD burner

FEATURES
The MV-8000 has four main modes of operation; sampling, sequencing, recording and mastering, which can all be used together (and for the most part simultaneously) to achieve a complete project. Sampling was designed to be fast and painless. It features dedicated input volume knobs for getting the correct level, a phono input for direct connection to a turntable and the ability to load both Roland and Akai MPC sounds from its internal CD-RW and floppy disk drives. Unique features like its chop mode, which allows you to cut a sample into mutiple-segments and automatically spread them across the 16-touch sensitive pads and its clip board function for coping and moving samples with the touch of a button, put the 8000 in a league of its own for convenience of use. With its memory fully expanded (512 Mb) the 8000 can sample nearly 100 minutes of audio (mono). All editing of samples is done graphically on the machine's large LCD screen.

In addition to sampling, the MV-8000 can act as a sound module by playing back a full range of instruments stored on its 40GB internal hard drive or imported from CD-ROM or a computer. These sounds can be played on the machines pads or with an external MIDI controller. A virtual analog synth is also included for designing your own sounds and adding them to your compositions.

The sequencer section of the 8000 offers both pattern (drum machine style) and linear (computer style) programming. All of your programming can be visually edited and arranged on its LCD screen or intuitively with its pads. The 8000 also acts as a hard disk recorder allowing you to record up to 16 (8 stereo) tracks of audio from any source you'd like, just plug in a mic, guitar, synth or whatever and your ready to go.

After everything is programmed and recorded you can move into song mode to arrange and mix down your creations. In addition to editing your parts and putting them in the right order, you can use the 30 built in 24-bit effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) and EQ to get it sounding exactly how you want. After that you can move into mastering mode to give your work the professional edge using either preset templates or your ear to achieve the best sound possible. Finally you can burn your song/s to the 8000's internal CD-RW drive and create real Redbook audio CDs ready to be sent to the CD duplicator.

OUR OPINION
While the MV-8000 is a bit on the expensive side, you are getting what you pay for" a complete production center capable of taking your projects from start to finish all without leaving the machine. Roland obviously spent a lot of time with MPC users to develop this machine as the 8000 includes a lot of features that improve on the MPC's limitations. These features include more short cuts to speed up your workflow and the inclusion of a multi-track hard disk recorder.

This is a production tool for serious minded musicians/producers, who want everything in one neat, easy to use package. In addition to all the features that come standard on the MV-8000 numerous choices for upgrading the machine are also available, including a full size screen for better visuals, a mouse connection and numerous INs and OUTs and pedal options.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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