Description

Legendary Akai MPC 3000 MIDI Production Center, $3999!

The Akai MPC3000 is a legendary drum machine and sampler, widely regarded as one of the most influential pieces of music production equipment ever made. Released in 1994, the MPC3000 was designed by Roger Linn, who also created the original MPC60. It became a cornerstone in hip-hop, electronic music, and various other genres, thanks to its intuitive interface, robust sampling capabilities, and powerful sequencer. The MPC3000 is known for its warm, punchy sound and has been used by countless producers to create some of the most iconic beats in music history.

Key Features

Sampling and Sound Characteristics

  • 16-bit Stereo Sampling: The MPC3000 offers 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo sampling, providing high-quality audio capture that still holds up in modern production.
  • Warm, Punchy Sound: Known for its distinctive sound, the MPC3000 adds warmth and punch to samples, making it a favorite for creating hard-hitting drum tracks and rich, textured loops.
  • 32-Voice Polyphony: The MPC3000 allows up to 32 simultaneous voices, providing flexibility in creating complex, layered compositions.
  • Sampling Time: The unit comes with 2MB of RAM, expandable to 32MB, allowing for significant sample storage and longer sample times.

Sequencing and MIDI

  • Powerful Sequencer: The MPC3000 features a 99-track sequencer with a resolution of 96 parts per quarter note (PPQN), enabling detailed and precise sequencing of beats, melodies, and entire compositions.
  • MIDI Connectivity: The MPC3000 includes 2 MIDI inputs and 4 MIDI outputs, allowing for comprehensive MIDI control of external gear, making it a central hub in both studio and live setups.
  • Advanced Swing Function: The swing feature of the MPC3000 is legendary, allowing producers to add groove and feel to their sequences, a defining characteristic of many classic hip-hop beats.

Interface and Controls

  • 16 Velocity-Sensitive Pads: The MPC3000 features the iconic 4×4 grid of 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which are responsive and durable, providing an intuitive way to play drums, trigger samples, and control sequences.
  • Large LCD Display: A large, backlit LCD display provides clear visual feedback, making it easy to navigate through menus, edit samples, and sequence tracks.
  • Dedicated Transport Controls: The unit includes dedicated buttons for play, stop, record, and overdub, facilitating smooth workflow and real-time performance.
  • Comprehensive Editing: The MPC3000 offers extensive sample editing capabilities, including truncating, looping, and tuning, allowing for precise control over each sample.

Build and Design

  • Robust Construction: The MPC3000 is built with a heavy-duty metal chassis, designed to withstand the demands of both studio use and live performance.
  • Classic Design: The MPC3000 has a timeless, professional look with a layout that has influenced many subsequent music production devices.

Storage and Expansion

  • Internal Storage: The MPC3000 includes a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive for sample storage, a standard for its time. There are also options for third-party upgrades to add SCSI connectivity and external storage solutions.
  • RAM Expansion: The unit’s RAM is expandable from the base 2MB to 32MB, allowing for more extensive sampling and complex projects.

Specifications

  • Sampling: 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo
  • Polyphony: 32 voices
  • Sequencer: 99 tracks, 96 PPQN resolution
  • MIDI: 2 MIDI In, 4 MIDI Out
  • Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive pads
  • Display: Large backlit LCD
  • Storage: 3.5″ floppy disk drive (SCSI upgradeable)
  • RAM: 2MB standard, expandable to 32MB

Country of Manufacture

  • Japan: The Akai MPC3000 was manufactured in Japan, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship associated with Japanese electronics from this era.

Notable Features

  • Iconic Swing: The MPC3000’s swing function allows for the creation of groovy, human-like rhythms, a hallmark of many classic tracks.
  • Warm Analog Sound: The combination of its 16-bit sampling and internal components gives the MPC3000 its distinctive, warm sound.
  • Durable Build: Designed to endure the rigors of heavy use, making it a long-lasting investment for any producer.

Notable Users

  • Dr. Dre: The legendary producer has used the MPC3000 extensively in his productions, contributing to his signature sound.
  • J Dilla: Renowned for his innovative beats, J Dilla used the MPC3000 to create some of the most influential hip-hop tracks of all time.
  • DJ Premier: Another iconic producer, DJ Premier, used the MPC3000 to craft his hard-hitting, sample-based beats that defined the sound of East Coast hip-hop.

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