Akai MPC3000 versus MPC4000 Sound Comparison Shoot Out

In this clip, I put the notorious Akai MPC3000 up against the formidable MPC4000. These two titans both share top-tier rapport among industry heavy weights.. so which would you choose?! See them in the 'sonic shooutout' and decide for yourself!
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Technical details of 'captures'
I used only Mogami Gold 1/4" cables for this demonstration. Both Samplers are using 16bit,, which means any one of 65,536 values are available for the converter to choose from.. 44,100 times per second, otherwise referred to as 44.1kHz (the Sample rate).
I used an RME Fireface interface set to 24bit (which means any one of 16,777,216 values are available for the RME converter to choose from) at 48,000 times per second, also referred to as 48kHz (the Sample rate).
The signals were pushed to, what I refer to as the 'humanly-accessible ceiling' of what each Sampler could accept before 'clipping' (aka distorting). Doing this, reaches into the optimum amount of 'Bit depth', thus.. making the most of the available dynamic range from both.
The thing to note about the 2 different models of MPC in this clip, is that, their Output and Input stages are vastly different. So, it should be stated, that this is by no way a measure of the actual analog to digital converters.. but rather, a measure of 2 independent devices that share some aspects of various hardware.
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Index:
0:00 'The set up' rant
4:00 Round 1
8:22 Round 1-Output 5
12:45 Round 2
17:23 Round 2-Output 5
21:49 Round 3
24:21 Round 3-Output 5
26:47 Bonus Round
29:07 Bonus Round-Output 5
#mpc3000 #mpc4000 #mpc

[@tonelab]

'Download & Play' kits for SP1200/MPC now from TONELAB! tonelab.merchi.co/products

[@streetlife20]

4k reigns supreme

[@Noise-Conductor]

The 4000 clearly sounded better coming the Main outs, it was more even with the Indy outs. Both sounded great tho!

[@lofiprototype]

Nice video! Was looking for something else and stumbled into this video. Got my 4k yesterday. From all the gear I’ve had, this one looks, sounds, feels the illest! 🔥🔥

[@culturemax234]

Love this video

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

4000 sounds soooooo full 🙏🏾🎁💪🏾

[@tonelab]

Yeah, I was quite surprised how well it did.. the only area I heard it, bow down to the 3000.. was the resonance off the Moog.. the 3000 seemed to be able to recreate that 'growl' from the Moog a little more.. but, my ears noticed a little more 'knock' coming out of the 4000.. which seemed to be a little more noticeable coming out of the 808 snare 👌🏼

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

@@tonelab facts!!!!!

[@nostandingonlydancin]

@@tonelabagreed. 3000 had a little more flavour on the Moog samples. 4000 seemed to have a bit more knock on the 808 main outs. I imagine the 4000 will perform better for most tasks.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Let's be honest here. Very few 4000 owners are going to say the 3000 sounds better, and visa versa. Neither are X owners. Those who have all three will have their personal preference. I own a 3000 so for me it's the best, especially when using the individual outputs. I would love to have a 4000 to really know the difference and come to my own conclusion, but I'm quite happy with the results that I get with my 3000. The difference in your tests here are inconclusive to me. I like them both if I take off my bias hat. I'l be extremely happy when I have them both and my XL is fixed lol

[@BigStereoVR]

Like a wine tasting. I like that.

[@HarrySteed]

However, I have a fine ear... thank god! I'm always surprised not to hear differences, crazy!

[@substance90]

Wow, I sincerely expected there to be a bigger difference. The 3000 sounds just as hifi as the 4000. 🤔 On a pair of €1500 mixing headphones.

[@tonelab]

Plus, the 4000 goes up to 24bit / 96kHz too.. but, try out the clip where the 3000 versus the 2000XL.. the XL, appears to have a little more of that 'dusty' footprint that a few seem to be on the hunt for 🙏🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfNaoWwj5ecfq8

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@tonelab Very true. As much as I love my 3000, there are times when the 2000XL will give me more of the sound that I am looking for. MPCs are like electric guitars. Each model has it's own character so choosing the right one for the job is very important

[@theAUXOUT]

For me all the way the 3000. It sounds so balanced and everything sits so perfect in the frequency spectrum. Now i want one!

[@tonelab]

Hope you get one! 🙏🏻

[@lilmarktube4773]

Get the Classic and not the Black LTD. It has better capacitors on all the PCB's and sounds better

[@johnniejackson3154]

I was thinking the same thing. And I want one too.

[@michaelgermany6279]

I aint gon lie, the 4000 kinda kicked ass here.

[@tonelab]

It's a lotta MPC for $800-$1000 👌🏼

[@kvmoore1]

@tonelab I believe the price is going to go up on to 4000 when enough people discover how powerful it really is as well as it's sonic advantages over the legendary 3000 in terms of versatility. Back in 2005, when I was shopping for a studio MPC before I made my decision, I played a 3000 that was for sale ($1600). I went with the 4000 because it is more modern and has all of the features I wanted. I don't regret that decision one bit.

[@tali813]

Drums thumped a hair harder on the 4000.

[@YAH_ONLY]

Round 2 - the 4K shows it’s strength in producing more punch

[@rayh2596]

MPC3000 for me. 4000 not bad.

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

I own a 4000 and love it. I’ve had it for 20yrs. But I can definitely hear the differences between these two with this comparison. It kinda pisses me off😂 With that said, there is talk about there being a difference between the white OG version and the later released blue version. I would love it if we could put that debate to rest. This was excellent. Thank you.

[@k-fountain154]

I got both MPCs in white! I didn’t know the second blue version of the ‘4000 came out later & had a difference in quality!

[@jovantrendmaker4722]

Why would white one sound better than blue. Same with 2000xl every colour scheme sounds the same

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I was told by a respected source who has both yesterday that the white has more punch to it's sound than the blue. Me? I'd take white or blue and it wouldn't really bother me about the white being slightly more punchy.

[@DT1One]

This is completely false I own both and have had them upgraded/serviced by Armen. There is zero difference in sound.

[@NME_REK]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudioI e definitely heard the blue ones were made with some cheaper parts that were not available anymore and the blue runs into more issues than the white.

[@lionelluney3063]

Their real close I lean toward the 4000 theyre both loud and detailed and seemed to switch places in character when you swithed to the outs. The 4 seems to have that eq envelope bump between the 3 and rhe 2k

[@user-zo2qh8to1h]

Get a 3000 and akai z4 sampler it's the rack mount of the 4000

[@Gabrielrose.mp3]

I have an mpc x se and akai s950 and it’s the best of both worlds

[@tylerdurden9765]

Prefer both the X and 4000 to the 3000.

[@3rd_eyevision]

On individual outs 3000 beats 4000. Stereo out difference is smaller.

[@rook9309]

I’m sure the differences are minimal and that you can make them sound identical in post production. Right out the box though? The 3k does it for me. I’m biased though since that’s what I own and I do my best to use what I have. Lol. S/O to All y’all 4K users.

[@jovantrendmaker4722]

Did mpc 4000 have effects by default or you needed to buy them like on 2000XL?

[@tonelab]

It came as standard - 4 busses too 👍🏼

[@dramaloc7128]

The 4K has more sustain

[@Noise-Conductor]

Could you do a MPC1000 or 2500 vs 4000 or 3000?

[@tonelab]

When I get my hands on a 2500 or a 1000, sure.. in the mean time check out some of the others 🙏🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfNaoWwj5ecfq8

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@tonelab Thanks & hopefully you can make that happen as well as MPC60/60II. I seen that video you linked & have been sharing around the web. Keep up the great work!

[@tonelab]

Thanks! ..appreciate spreading the word 🙏🏻 ..I'll have a 60mkII in a couple of weeks 👌🏻

[@Noise-Conductor]

@tonelab Great! I don’t know how you're getting all these MPCs, but keep doing what you're doing. Tho, if you can get a 60, you gotta be able to get a 1k, but I know you will. Peace ✌🏾

[@tonelab]

Oh, I have a 4 of my own.. I got offered a 2500 the other day, for a shootout.. but I still have a few other clips in the queue.. so the 2500 happen at some point, but I decided to go for the 60 sooner 🙏🏻

[@sanxulian7714]

On keys and Moog the 3000 had more low end / Body iMo. On the other Hand the 4000 was punchier on the drums

[@dubmaverick69]

Really appreciate doing this, but regarding the sample packs, when they are used in stand alone mode on the Akai MPC X, we are still using the output of the X, and we know the D/A really don't sound great either, specially wen you spread it out over 8 outs its disaster, did you try this? Is it just best to put the X in controller mode and use the the audio interface, which is what you really going to be using to record all the other things. The X is basically a glorified sequencer, its a shame. Also when you use the controller mode or you use a class compliant usb interface the sound is not native anymore, what a mess we are in now with this company. These videos really really help to make decisions Thank you.

[@tonelab]

Correct, however.. the converters are responsible for converting on the 'way in', as well as on the 'way out'. So, if I purposely 'over load' / 'distort' the audio, on the 'way in'... it'll get saturated, with the flavour of the converters. Now, that's an extreme example.. but, point being, you're getting a footprint from the converter nonetheless. If you use Controller Mode, essentially, you're 'out sourcing' the conversion to the audio interface your DAW is using.. at some point, on the way back to an analog signal.. a conversion will happen, so.. whether it's the MPC X, or a high end Antelope, that does the conversion.. there'll be another footprint, 'flavour', on the outward facing analog output too 👍🏼

[@dubmaverick69]

@@tonelab Right there will be a footprint for sure, but what I am trying to get at is how good is the D/A of the X? If you played the D/A from the the old and the new of the same sample, do you think the X D/A is doing a decent job. I am using Burl, Mytek and RME so I am spoiled, but whenever I trigger samples from my E-mu E4xt you can really feel how good it sounds on certain sounds, specially does sound libraries. I am currently trying out the SSL Big Six in class compliant mode, so far its works flawlessly no pops and clicks, it does not work with any RME class compliant except for BabyFace, I have checked with RME they believe its what Akai is using on the USB side that is older technology (Uac1.1). Therefore it works for a bit with RME UCX II, for a while and then starts have digital glitches. I really appreciate your work because other than what E-A-Ski is doing, we dont have much people helping to have Akai change these converters and according to Black Lion the X SE has Burr Brown converters, which is what was used on 3000 and 4000 if I am not mistaken, but Burr Brown makes so many different types and it been decades since those converters. If Akai could just do what Dave Rossum is doing with the new SP1200 and keeping the work flow. What do you need in order to do a shootout between the X and the X SE? I actually don't even know if I like any of the mods that Black Lion is doing just from what I have heard, the sound just becomes very clean. Thank You!!!!!!

[@tonelab]

"How good is the D/A of the X?", well.. I can refer you to the clip, where I put the X up against the 3000, below.. but, for me.. it's no longer a question of "which is better", now that I've done a few of these comparisons.. my ears are attracted to elements of each. I find the X, has crisper detail in the top end, but I like the low end from the 3000... but that's how I perceive it. I'll do a comparison of the X SE, if I can get my hands on one... until then, I've got a few others in queue, coming up shortly.. so, I'll just working through a few others, like the MPC60, ASR-10 etc.. before that opportunity, with an X SE, presents itself 🙏🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabRmqyGi89kebs

[@sir0623]

4K ALL DAY

[@Dewane1511]

First !

[@DT1One]

I own both 3000 LE and 4000 Blue, (had a 4000 white as well but recently sold) I chose to keep aftermarket 4000 8 output expansion with the TI/Burr Brown converters and boxed the oem. Would love for you to do tests with that board installed and hear your thoughts. The 4000 is definitely underrated and underpriced. The 808/909 knocks, cracks, shatters what comes out of the 3000 mains. Night and day difference with the same sample pack.

[@Gabrielrose.mp3]

Now do the mpc xse

[@0e0]

4000 sounds way better/clearer to me

[@yunghendrix]

funny

[@Dandroid5000]

Listening on a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770's and first impressions are that the 4000 has a heavier bottom end on the synth sample......but it's not necessarily a good thing, seeing as you'd probably end up rolling that off in a mix. The 808's are too close to call, they both sound amazing......haven't got round to the Moog yet. I've got a 4000 myself and have always lusted after the 3000 and 60 as they're bona fide Linn machines.....but the price is ridiculous these days, as with everything else!

[@tonelab]

I found the Moog to be a fascinating comparison, as it appeared to my ears, that the 3000 held the resonance 'truer', than the 4000 did.. but, apart from that, what you described is close to what I found.. although, I was getting a touch more 'knock' out of the 808 Snare, from the 4000 👍🏼

[@johnstarks5323]

I saw 2 steals, MPC 60mk2 (8 out 10) for $850 & a 4k for about the same price (condition 9 out of 10) I thought it was too good to be true. So I passed. did I make a mistake?

[@Dandroid5000]

@@johnstarks5323 Where did you see them? They can always be serviced, if needs be.....depends where you are and if you can find a decent tech.

[@upstateplumbing9995]

Can anyone message me on why my samples get distorted as time goes on and it's been on for a while?

[@tonelab]

Could be a number of things.. without knowing your MPC, without knowing where your audio signal is coming from and via the type of cables you're using.. I'd say take it to a service tech 👍🏼

[@showbread9366]

Maybe your using up your polyphony