Akai calls it the next step in the continuing evolution of its MPC Series. You might call it just what you’ve been looking for! For starters the MPC2500 Music Production Center combines a 64-track MIDI sequencer with a 32-voice, 16-bit stereo digital sampler and 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive rubber pads. The large, bright LCD display provides a user friendly interface and easy access to all MPC features.
New features on the MPC2500 include the aptly named Chopshop, along with Patched Phrase, Grid Edit, Effect and LFO sync, and even Mixer Automation. The 64-track sequencer can now handle 100,000 notes and the unit can transmit to 64 external MIDI channels. The onboard sampler ships with 16MB of RAM, but it can be upgraded to a full 128 megs. A built-in USB port allows easy connection to a Windows or Mac OS computer and there are now 10 analog outputs.