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Remix & DJ > DJ Groove Production > Akai Professional MPC500

Akai Professional MPC500

Item ID: MPC500

Portable, Battery-powered Groove Production Center with 12 MPC-style Pads, and Built-in FX

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From Our Research Team:

The First Truly Portable MPC Beat Box!

The Akai Professional MPC500 continues in the MPC tradition of samplers and sequencers. This is the first MPC to be truly portable with its battery powered design. The MPC500 does not compromise any of the classic feel or sound that MPCs are known for, making them the premiere music production center for urban, hip hop and rap music.

Akai Professional MPC500 at a Glance:
  • Portable, battery-powered MPC sampler/sequencer with familiar MPC button layout
  • FX, Mic/Line level inputs, a Q-Link slider, and 12 MPC style pads


The MPC500’s button layout will be familiar to the existing MPC user looking to be able to work outside of the studio but the quality construction, sound and feel will make it perfectly at home in the studio as well.

The MPC500 features up to 128 meg of internal RAM via the same EXM128 memory expansion that is used on the popular MPC1000 and MPC2500. The CF Card slot will allow users to backup their data, which can then be loaded directly into a MPC1000 or 2500 making the family of new MPCs fully compatible. The USB port allows you to transfer .wav files and .mid files or MPC sequence files in and out of the MPC500. Add the built in FX, Mic/Line level inputs, a Q-Link slider, and 12 MPC style pads, and you have a powerful production tool in a compact and portable package.


Akai Professional MPC500 Features:
  • Classic MPC feel in a portable, battery powered unit
  • 12 MPC-style pads
  • Built in effects
  • Data compatible with MPC1000 and MPC2500
  • CompactFlash card for quick, expandable data storage
  • Uses same EXM128 Memory expansion as MPC1000 and MPC2500
  • USB for transferring samples and sequences to and from a computer
  • Selectable Mic/Line inputs
  • Q-Link slider for writing Tune, Filter or Level automation

The portable Akai Professional MPC500 lets you create beats and produce anywhere you like in classic MPC style!

MPC500 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Internal Sound Engine No
Sampling Yes
RAM 16 MB Installed, Up to 128 (EXM-128)
Additional Media Storage CompactFlash (Type-II)
Sequencer 48-track Sequencer
Effects Types Chorus, Flanger,EQ, Compressor, Reverb, Delay, and More
Arpeggiator No
USB USB for Slave Only
Number of Audio Inputs 2
Audio Input Types 2 x TRS
Number of Audio Outputs 3
Audio Output Types Tx TRS, 1 x Headphone
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Number of Digital Outputs 0
MIDI I/O In, Out
Depth 6.89"
Width 10.47"
Height 1.73"
Power Supply 6 x AA Batteries, 12V DC 500mA
Manufacturer Part Number MPC500

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Reviews

based on 2 reviews

Great Song writing tool

by Andy H. from Parkersburg, WV
October 28, 2008
Music Background: musician, recording engineer
Makes song writing easy! Very portable. We took it on a long trip and hooked it up to the car stereo to come up with some new song ideas. We are also going to use it to trigger samples on stage at gig... read more [+]s. Having the sounds built in is awesome! No laptop to drag around with you and you can even put in your own samples. The pads are very responsive and playing drum samples is fairly easy. The pads are touch sensitive so the moment you touch the pad the sample is being played. Can't be beat. close [-]

AWESOME

by David Rhoderick from Troy, NY USA
December 12, 2008
Music Background: Musician, engineer, producer, turntablist, composer
Boy are MPCs expensive! This one is the cheapest and it's definitely worth it. I am writing this review mainly to debunk the stories of how the display is bad. Unless you have used any other MPC ex... read more [+]tensively, you really don't miss it. The layout of controls is simple and easy to understand. The wave editing is awesome and easy. It took me more time to record it, put it on my laptop, and edit it using software than it does to trim and edit samples in the MPC. The only reason I gave it a 4.5 out 5 is because of the price, which is maybe a little expensive, and that there are only 2 effects per sequence and 1 Q-link fader. Wish there was more but the filters for each sample allow a lot of versatility. Note repeat is awesome. close [-]

inSync Review

by: Nick Schenkel
Inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere. In today's fast paced world, musicians need the ability to capture ideas when they have them, and the MPC500 makes it all possible. For many musicians, c... read more

Sweetwater Advice

Nick Schenkel
Finally, an "all-in-one" way to work on MPC files while on the road! The depth of this unit is absolutely amazing given its small size.
Carson McClain
The legends of hip hop and R&B production have all used MPCs to create their beats and sample their records. This is the first step you need to take if you want to be a real producer. You will need the RAM and 2GB Flash memory card, so save up and make the call. The MPC is the industry standard.

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See Also: Beat Boxes , Akai Professional , Akai Professional DJ Groove Production

Akai Professional MPC500

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