Bad Gear - Akai MPC 500 - Still an MPC???

[@Kizunaut]

that ending tune was a BANGER

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@sheepkillindog]

Proper choon

[@EvanBurnetteMusic]

This replaced coffee for me today

[@187onasimp]

I feel like this man is a master producer just torturing himself with bad gear to prove the world wrong.

[@tomfenn7149]

Word! Best AudioPilz bad gear tune to date imo!

[@roryjineffect]

The amen drum carnage was totally worth the watch. Hope it goes up on the Patreon. 😁

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Currently working on the edit!

[@roryjineffect]

@@AudioPilz I shall hold my breath until then... *Inhales*

[@dyF.6]

@@AudioPilz How's the edit going?

[@Sadiquecat]

"Pedal to the metal MPC hero, amenbreak-o-geddon digital Hardcore" is something I didn't know I needed in my life

[@AudioPilz]

The sound of 2021!!!

[@alexsicko]

future called, it wants the -german idm tech balls to the wall dance floor sweeper- back

[@jonnie2bad]

yeah its drum n bass and it happened over 20 yrs ago and got nothing to do with germany but ya almost got a decent meme out of it......almost

[@alexsicko]

@@jonnie2bad you didnt watch all the series now, did you

[@southpole76]

@@AudioPilz but you didn't make that on the 500 did you???

[@trickfall8752]

I honestly don't know how you are able to crank out so many excellent videos, but I'm glad you do.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I just don't mess around much ;)

[@trickfall8752]

@@AudioPilz You must never sleep, but seriously aside from the content the graphics and editing are excellent.

[@comfy_21771]

I think that's just the Germanic in him.

[@danielpharo4571]

don’t underestimate the mpc500. as a stand-alone machine for sampling off records and making hip hop beats, this is a great introduction to the art form. i made dozens of beats on that thing. upgraded to the 2500 and i truly still miss it. good video man!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@RayoBeatz]

had it and sold it couldn't find anyone on this to teach how to even use it i will say i liked it but what was the point if i didn't know how to use it?

[@deejaynoizecph]

Worth mentioning that the 500 is the affordable (and maybe only) MPC that also has you trimming samples by numbers, not waveform - like the 60 & 3000. Which is not a bad idea, since your ears decide the start and end point, not your eyes. Great show, salutations from Copenhagen.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@danieklerr]

An MPC on Bad Gear?! That seems to be the surprise for many, and just as many others are certain that the 500 deserves the placement. The question I have, though.. Is there **any** one piece of kit that isn't "bad gear" in some way? I think not. The beautiful thing is when an artist draws every.possible.gemstone out of a piece of bad gear, and creates masterpieces, despite its limitations. I think you do this consistently, and have created a spectacular channel based on it. Great episode as always.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! In my experience you can't fabricate it. There's stuff where I just can't get a screen full o'hate

[@christiankaiser8126]

The mpc 500 is one of the best mpcs ever made because of it's size. One bad thing is that the mpc 500 is prone to crashes. Definitely is a great choice for a second sampler to do quick transfers of samples from a main sampler back to the main sampler

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@mrCharlesG]

I’m impressed with each episode. You’re so consistently good at dissecting it all. The music is just icing on the cake

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@jessymina]

Florian over here just trying to get all the communities to band together and overthrow him! 😄 As a diehard MPC guy, this was a great vid. Thank you for the continued awesome songs and high quality vids!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Finally, all gear heads will unite!!!

[@danielmillon9312]

still an mpc? yes. now lets talk about rolands line up sp's, good luck. they are all different breeds

[@lulzguy2501]

I already asked... I just hope he leaves my beloved SP505 out of it :)

[@AudioPilz]

True but there's a very distinct DNA in the MPC range

[@luke2141]

@@lulzguy2501 the vinyl sim compressor fully protects the 303/505

[@grungepants]

Starting with the SP1200.

[@lulzguy2501]

@@grungepants Take cover!! hiphop heads incoming!

[@phdj535]

For this price you can get two used Electribe 2 Samplers. Also a sampler, also battery powered, also receives plenty of hate. But unlike the MPC, E2S gives you the led disco lights at the bottom to power your sampler to the outerspace. Potential for a good bad gear.

[@AudioPilz]

You had me at disco LEDs ;)

[@dustincassidy]

@@AudioPilz Yes please do the Korg Electribe 2 sampler and or the synth based one.

[@DoctorNemmo]

@@dustincassidy I have the Electribe 2 and I hate its sound. It's full of samples but they all sound distorted.

[@alecsbuga]

I’d never trade a MPC500 for an Electribe sampler. I have the E2S also and it doesn’t come close to this. I know it slices and shit but the slices are useless. You need to play them on separate tracks. I’m an MPC1000 user also and recently picked up a 500 also just for testing sake. If you replace the pads it’s a quite capable machine. And I got it cheap also. But again. I’m familiar with the MPC workflow so I’m pretty proficient with it

[@dustincassidy]

@@DoctorNemmo That’s not normally the case with those units. Yours might be faulty. You might also check your gain staging.

[@AndrewJohnClive]

Love that DnB session Florian! Sounds like Boom Boom Satellites!❤️❤️

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@JotaSotodiaz]

Love MPC live! Great Video once again master!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@f33fifofum]

Still remember the day I went into the store after saving up to buy a MPC 1000, only to walk out with a 500. It's been the source of constant frustration for almost a decade. Thought I was just not spending enough time learning it, turns out I might have just been a German word.

[@AudioPilz]

Things like that can be very educating ;)

[@t3hjnz]

You are getting, improbably, even better at making your bad gear sound f!cking amazing - and at producing these videos (lol @ "Honey, I Shrunk the MPC" - well played, sir). Your channel is criminally underrated, friend.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you! Working on the underrated aspect;)

[@Mac.Eunique]

I still have my 500 and it still gives me that gritty MPC sound I love!

[@AudioPilz]

I enjoyed the sound too!

[@invisibleoc]

Fuck me, an MPC on Bad Gear. Shots fired! Incidentally, possibly the most enjoyable episode in ages- and that breakcore-ish tune at the end was a delight. Good work, Herr Doktor AudioPilz :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@missingreels]

I'm a big fan of the 500. I love its size, battery power, midi capabilities. Sure it's a chore to sample on and dig through menus, but once it's all loaded up with sounds it's a blast to play with.

[@AudioPilz]

Indeed! Great for beatmaking!

[@idiotisterecords]

You are a SENSATION! Loving these!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@DeathTrapProductions]

I LOOOOOOOVE this fucking thing. Its battery powered and has midi! Sampling can be a paramount pain in the ass but I usually just chop up all my samples in maschine and dump them to the mpc with that 'mpc 187' software. Standalone future proof solutions!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! Have you tried the standalone Maschine?

[@TMmusic08]

@@AudioPilz standalone maschine is doodoo, make a bad gear about it. Title idea: "over priced piece of shit" lol.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

It's pretty easy to chop by ear. Press start record at the point you have cued up to start and press stop at the point you want it to finish. Place it on a pad then set the pad to cut the sample when you stop pressing. Either play your sequence in to make up a song or just play it live while recording into your DAW. Once you have the skill locked you will find it easy and much faster than messing about with a visual wave file. Well, I have anyhow.

[@DeathTrapProductions]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudio I've done it a good amount I just prefer to prepare my chops externally and use this for playing live.

[@dylanleroysynth]

Great episode! My MPC500 is easily the least used piece of gear in my entire setup. Really like what you accomplished with it in this. Love the show!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@VincentSebastianMusic]

Put a little foam behind the pads and it transforms this thing! I got one a while back and it was an absolute pain to learn, but it really rocks once you get it figured out. Ended up using it a bunch when I needed to perform synth samples with a live band. (finally got an sp404 for that now)

[@VincentSebastianMusic]

Also, sampling onto the 500, using the pitch and fx, then recording into a daw is a blast. All of the mpc character without any of the 500 headache!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, that's a nice workflow

[@quiltclips]

After hearing your fantastic Amen Break test jam , I recomend you keep the one on test, and get at least one more! You are the definition of a man and a machine in perfect harmony!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@barilochebarracuda846]

I loved my MPC500, despite the terrible buttons and the bad filter. I Made cool beats with it as a standalone machine. I believe the interface make you concentrate on your ears and on the music, so the limitations help you push the limits and be creative.

[@AudioPilz]

I really liked the "concentrate on your ears" aspect about the old Akais but unfortunately the jog dial is so crappy that I didn't really think it's fun

[@allehooop]

=ne of the best sounding intro. Also one of the best Bad Gear chapters. Nice music, good explanation, a lot of jokes. Was perfect. Thanks

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@TonyJMX]

Honestly I have never had any issues with my MPC500! My setup would not be complete without it!

[@AudioPilz]

Happy to hear that it works for you!

[@marcomaureira]

Great video as always, that thumbnail was a work of art lmao

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@phillindablank]

Its a great machine, i love making beats on it and video tutorials as well. That being said, it takes a long time to understand the workflow and the menu diving can be quite intense. However, with time and practice you become pretty quick with the workflow and could do most things other MPCs in the line can do (besides easy sample chopping).

[@AudioPilz]

I see, you can read the Matrix code ;)

[@phillindablank]

@@AudioPilz hahahahah yessir :)

[@roamorama5046]

If you only knew how much i'm looking forward to your shows.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks, I honestly appreciate that

[@welcomethrillhouse]

Had one of these for a while. You could discharge a revolver into the pads and only achieve 50% velocity. What hope did my undersized hands have?

[@AudioPilz]

Same here!

[@GoodfaYou]

You need to replace the pads with fatpads and cork and then they work fine

[@dozer30]

@@GoodfaYou I mean, it's like people don't want to take the time anymore to upgrade their gear. This was the first thing I did & now, I barely have to touch the pads to get the drums bumping.

[@dozer30]

@DJ TRIX to be truthful, I did say upgrade and not repair. But either way, the stock pads do work fine out of the box especially when you change the sensitivity curve in the menu. Eventually though, everyone with a mpc is gonna have to replace, repair and upgrade their machine as with all gear. All of these things are investments as is the nature of music equipment.

[@bunnabot9692]

Good review! I usually roll my eyes at the epilepsy trigger warning up front, but wow, that last tune had me feeling a bit twitchy!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I'm really robust when it comes to stuff like that but I had quite a headache after editing that

[@squoblat]

I've had one of these sat in a box for a year and never got over the initial frustration. I think I'm going to have to break it out and have another go.

[@AudioPilz]

It is indeed frustrating in the beginning

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I had mine since 2007 and only learned to use it properly in 2019. It sat in storage for about 10 years. Now I know how to use it I kick myself for not learning sooner. It's bloody great, lol

[@EmilioNorrmann]

your intros are out of this world !

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@MattGreerMusic]

I've been working on a beat tape on my 500. I have to admit I've really bonded with the little guy. The small screen and subsequent menu diving is really the only problem with it. It's still a proper MPC though.

[@AudioPilz]

There's quite some MPC DNA in this thing as far as I can tell

[@dannydr]

7:15 BRUTAL! I love it! And thanks for another great video!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@LawrinMaxwellsmpc500]

Been producing on the MPC 500 for over 10 years. I love it and make great beats with it.

[@AudioPilz]

It totally works for some (cool user name, btw)

[@LawrinMaxwellsmpc500]

@@AudioPilz thanks brother

[@matrix12x]

Great video again!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@secretterminal2179]

If it has professional in its title, it's probably not professional

[@AudioPilz]

That's a pretty good rule of thumb!

[@crochambeau]

The "professional" is at the brand level though, so that's painting all of Akai gear with a pretty wide brush. Fully agree on use of the term with respect to model naming though.

[@crochambeau]

er, I mean all Akai gear in the *musical instrument* division, the home audio stuff can still pound sand.

[@z.verdadero]

i mean i have the akai professional headrush e2 and it's quite good, so i think there are exceptions

[@kristianTV1974]

I've always said the same myself, up there with any product with 'master' anywhere in its title.

[@INADRM]

Great video, loved the ending song!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@matthibp]

I have two of these. Here’s my likes and dislikes Likes The sequencer - this is probably where a 500 has the most in common with its more powerful MPC brothers. Both 500s have held up well for over 5 years - but they are lightly used in a home studio or on vacations. It took me a long time to understand the basic work flow with a 2 line lcd screen, but now it is fairly intuitive. Works well with readily available rechargeable batteries. I get about 90 minutes off a charge. The trim function requires you to use your ears to chop/trim - no visual cues but I find it fairly easy to use. The 500 does not require a companion computer or iPad. The storage is good - I’ve used cf cards with up to 16 gigs with no problems. The required format is standard wave files. Dislikes Weird hum in the phone jack that comes and goes - not so much in the outputs. MPC Forums has threads about this and in some cases MPC 500 users have changed the caps in the power supply. The pads are not responsive - but I added pieces of bicycle tubes underneath the pads and have had good results. MPC stuff sells pads and cork which may improve the responsiveness. LCD - this is like using command terminal mode on a Unix or linux computer. It can be maddening to figure out how to get something done but once understood, it can actually be more convenient than a graphical interface in some instances. Conclusion - I bought the first 500 when there were very few self contained sampling alternative for something with removable storage for less than $1000. The second was picked up in a trade. I still enjoy using them, think the build quality is ok, but learning how to use them is a bit like programming a 40 + year old computer.

[@AudioPilz]

That sums it up pretty nicely!

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

@DJ TRIX the second one he picked up in a trade🙄

[@matthibp]

@DJ TRIX the 2nd was a good deal at a used music gear I deal with. Sometimes I use one for samples and the other one to sequence synths, even though it is possible to work with samples and midi sequencing on one mpc.

[@RustyRogear]

I also had two, now only one that I don’t use. It freezes once in a while

[@Akaimpcone]

Totally addicted to your videos.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@NM-ir6wd]

The 500 is an excellent machine. It's a 'travel MPC.' Though it lacks a few of the features of the big brother 1000 its portability is a huge plus. There's few other non-MPC samplers from this era that offer the range of functions in such a small footprint. Cop some rechargeable batteries and you can take it just about anywhere. Long live the 500!

[@AudioPilz]

Love the portability!

[@_thevaporz]

Aw yeah sick jam as always AudioPilz 5:15! Really tight stuff. Another great bad gear episode. Whoa and then you hit us with 6:15! Fantastic nostalgic

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@oiartsun]

My takeaway is: Is it an MPC? Yes. Is the MPC1000 still the most compact model of the line that also still combines solid build quality with accessible, functional design? Yes.

[@AudioPilz]

That sums it up nicely

[@0mgwtfsrsly]

I’m only here for the banger dnb demo! Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lagunagfx]

I got mine for 160 euros a few years ago and simply love it. It’s quite capable and full of shortcuts, but you maybe need to learn the workflow on a bigger, simpler MPC. Once you know what do you want to achieve, it is really quick and straightforward. And yes, I DO prefer it over my Maschine Micro or my Machinedrum UW. For detailed editing, I come from tracker-based sequencing, so the 500 seems really really straightforward. And the MIDI Section works really well. Don’t bother with the pad velocity though, and use 12 levels instead. Just accept the slighty different work approach instead of complaining about what the box is not. The moment you “get it”, it becomes a wonderful MPC. Wunderbar video!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I started limiting the velocity>level parameter for every sample - a nightmare

[@lagunagfx]

@@AudioPilz Oh, not necessary! Just use Full Level enabled and add variation with 12 levels when needed, like in a tracker. I mean: i.e. Entering a simple 8th note hihat pattern, you enter your even steps in full level (128) and your “odd” hats on a second pass with the 12 levels mode with a speed of maybe (92). I mean: most people I know never really use “the pad sensivity” (be it MPC, Maschine or whatever) and instead program notes with default speeds like in a DAW. I know it is not “fingerdrumming ready”, but you won’t feel limited by that in the Digitakt, right?. You can also edit note velocity on whole sections. Learn the “edit” functions. They’re really useful. The menu diving becomes second nature after a while, but I guess people get lost because it is “really close to use a big MPC” but with some key differences. Once you see as its own thing instead of a crippled version of the 1000, you’ll start to enjoy it.

[@LawrinMaxwellsmpc500]

Exactly, some people rather complain than take time to learn it. That goes with any instrument... As for me I like the 500 and I do everything in the box from time stretch to chopping etc...

[@FrankArvoton]

I have been waiting for this since i left a comment about it! One thing to mention is that if you can use this fluently , you can probably use any sampler you come across! At least in my experience.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, I found this one really educational

[@skanes709]

Found a 500 a few years back for a great price. I loved the idea of it's portability but I ended up getting frustrated with its OS and abandoned it to go back to my 1000. Really liked the idea of having a unit you had to manually chop samples on too since the auto chop of the 1000 is almost too convenient haha.

[@AudioPilz]

The 1k seems to be the much more complete workstation

[@removalist1995]

It is a good day when you upload!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank god it's friday!

[@FlorianRachor1]

An MPC on bad gear? Have to be honest, didn’t see that coming :D

[@AudioPilz]

It's ticking boxes ;)

[@jessecreature8035]

@@AudioPilz add the renaissances and mpc touch

[@MeeperDude45]

«Do you even Danger Zone bro?»

[@hicknopunk]

MPCs require pad modification to be useful.

[@reinierweerts6923]

Sick editing. Nice to see some things of my MPC One back in this.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@chriswareham]

I had to pause halfway through and hit the like button just for the Evil Dead references.

[@AudioPilz]

My man! Thanks!

[@xisotopex]

I thought I was the only to notice

[@ain-mylan]

Been waiting on this!!!

[@AudioPilz]

THX! It had to happen

[@RosalvoParadella]

O melhor canal do youtube !!

[@AudioPilz]

Muito obrigado!

[@GameBrou]

Estou vendendo um MPC 500 no Mercado Livre. Será que devo me sentir culpado por vender um “bad gear”. Certamente há quem goste!!! hahahaha Afinal de contas é um MPC. Como muitos equipamentos que já usei, depois que você se acostuma com o workflow as coisas ficam mais fáceis.

[@jaayjones3159]

Thanks for the epilepsy warning. I don't have epilepsy but I appreciate when people do that for others.

[@AudioPilz]

Always stay safe!!!

[@Alavux]

thanks for including best chioldhood movie ever in context of small mpc , good idea ! ;)

[@AudioPilz]

That movie burned itself into my brain as well

[@secretelitemusic]

Also, a brief cameo by The Chin. This is cult viewing.

[@HailSagan_]

These little disposal genius song segments you're doing are too good. I hope you've got longer versions available for us somewhere :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Just uploaded a 5min version to Patreon ;)

[@corrosiveabuser]

I've been using MPC's since the 60ii came out, it's a shame when companies like Akai/Numark muddy the name by lowering the standards so far, - still you certainly got the most out of it. btw, loved that pad/string sound at 6:30, was that an Akai library sound from the S950?, it sounds just like the strings used on Andrew Weatherall's - All The Little Things love to ALL, feel no hate

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Yeah, original S900 library

[@Necrobutcher777]

Worm

[@nathanjon9586]

All your tunes in this episode are slapping man! You should get yourself an MPC hahaha!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Maybe a 60💪

[@matthewlowe1120]

"Honey, I shrunk the MPC" *instant divorce*

[@matthewlowe1120]

This is why that guy punched Rick Moranis.

[@ChrisLeeW00]

What if that movie ended with him getting served divorce and custody papers.

[@matthewlowe1120]

@@ChrisLeeW00 He'd become an SP-404 guy

[@ToreHansen]

I had an ASQ-10 in the 90s, MPC without the MPC! Cool video

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@cammellsound5400]

It'll just make you want a 1000.

[@AudioPilz]

I think that was the reason why they released the 500 ;)

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Actually it was the total opposite for me. My friend kept on at me to get a 1000 like him but I just wanted him to show me how to use the 500 and he didn't know how to. The 1000 didn't appeal because it wasn't battery powered.

[@cammellsound5400]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudio Crack on, son.

[@berlinblast5736]

Akai gear transcends time (time tested, scene tested) and is always in style in all of its iterations inspite of subjective inconveniences (including dodgy units) and workflow related debates. I absolutely dig this unit and I got the SP’s and the PO 33 to jump in with their contributions when asked for. However, for making tracks on the spot with Dilla’esque drums, unquantized syncopated played bass lines, FX’ed synth beds and keys on emulated side chain compression sound along with solid project management (Mode 3-> save entire memory to project, set to individual folders works like a charm and super simple) done via Sequences->Tracks->Song Chains (20 songs) with each track in each sequence mapped to any Program loaded in memory; the MPC 500 gives me total control of my beats. Try doing all of this on your SPs and POs and OP1s in the same unit and in less than 6 minutes of loading up (live vinyl scratching via scratch sample pads mapped Qlink set to tune anyone ?). It’s essentially 3000 in a backpack form factor. Those individual sequences can then be FXed up by SP404 for a realtime performance straight to tape or looper of your choice. 1. Same old caveats “small screen”by folks probably never worked or appreciate the workflow in the 3000 to begin with. Your chopping conveniences relate to an internal algorithm that indexes the spots in the linear array of 2 byte numbers stored in memory (sound files are just digital binary format containers listing out number arrays of amplitude measurements at the end of the day, nothing out of this world or alien science), I dont necessarily feel the urge neither the need to let my units internal computer chop up my samples that manner, by ear works for me most of the time anyways like any other music instrument I glaze over these non existent ‘issues’ for the most part. Set your threshold to -48 (Mode 4) and set to either Rec In for external or Main for internal resampling. Play the sounds after pressing Do It for initiating ‘waiting for input’ and every sample start lines up for program assignments. This means you can work on sample end points only mostly if needed and purely for memory conservation. Pressing Do It after the arming during recording or resampling will snapshot only that part. Now this can be exploited for both piecewise sampling and chopping. For phrases this workflow is super intuitive, bass and drums phrases and loops all line up and just one event recorded in the sequence plays through. You set sequence tempo LATER to loop the recorded or resampled (live played) phrase. This captures your playing without grid contamination or even sequencer ppq internal quantization. If you use the SP 404 you have only one kind of sequencing, in 500 you can do plenty more stuff than just phrase sampling (which I love btw) all with rock solid timing. I also use played events on the tracks for either drums or melodic samples obviously and then the Timing Correct comes into play if I am looking for a particular groove effect, most times its always set to off. Bass lines (layered samples or parts of phrases played by feel) I then play over the resampled drums phrase as sequence events via 12 layers mode set to tune or filter. Qlinks can be recorded too, super noice. I use the Rec Gain knob as expression modulator for external sounds and VSTs or iPhone apps (works great for strings and horns esp.). Chopping if needed for extracting particular chord segments and drum hits etc just record via Do It after arming (set threshold to -48) and press again to end recording and immediately assign to a pad next to original loop for an extracted segment (play the loop and record selectively when your segment starts and finishes). 4 samples per pad btw, really nice. Try doing this on the cult SP 404s or the lameish Electribes and the fun but not really PO 33 (I like the step sequencer and dirt though). I still need to set the default prgram values to Note On and Velocity to 80 or 90 for a louder sound. I rarely use Normalize in the Sampler. The Trim mode in 500 is operational and has the bread and butter but you dont need to use it as often. 2. The FX section can be preconfigured to EFX sets and can be set even on the fly to separate FX combinations and settings. Only having FX 1 and FX 2 is kinda limiting (grunger, tremolo, reverb, chorus, delay, phaser, flanger, EQ etc) but thats for each sample pad and you still have 2 master FXs including compression and EQ. Honestly, this unit has made me an eternal fan of the 3000 workflow (Dilla duh) and has kept me busy with tighter sampling routines and a no BS vibe when I am with the 500, so I aint playing around but getting shit done, even if its browsing samples via internal Load Sample feature and pressing Play to preview or building new programs by sampling external sources and setting things like loop points and all just to keep things straight and sorted. This thing dont mess around and I like that. For y’all masochists, I use the MIDI step edit function all the time! The shift left and right locators (two fingers back to back like a V shape slanted down) get me right to the next event at hand and I select whatever I wanna do next (change velocity, move or copy or delete). It’s super duper intuitive and for seasoned terminal nerds like myself this all text interface works perfectly, and my mind is set to reading stuff sans graphics curves and lines. Undo via dedicated Erase button is very welcome and pressing a pad while pressed will delete those particular events. when on Rec or Overdub. The midi step edit will also act as as a step séquencer so those 4 to the floor stuff can be done with ease. BTW the sample Trim mode is pretty much standard on all and even the recent slew of inMusic iterations and the MPC softwares too. The same features with Sample Start, Sample End, Sample All and such the whole layout is literally picture perfect even on today’s MPC 2.X software, and it’s all available on the 500, the Sampler and Sequencer. I wish the looper feature was integrated somewhere but I already got those right beside this unit. The entire MPC workflow setup is literally the same even today, in standalone or software (minus those redundant piano rolls which I hate to begin with). No tracking like Renoise LOL! MPC workflow is awesome. Some bugs here and there sure. Longish load and Save times at times, sure. Pads a bit tough, yea so? I love the scroll wheel btw on this thing, nice sound and clicky feel. My units been with me across 4 continents for 6 years now, so its a good one, no defects and everything works, version 1.31 OS (its got the LP, BP and HP filters). Do I care, not a damn and I dont get it when people blare their somewhat misinformed concerns about the 500. Akai engineering did a good job for the most part.

[@berlinblast5736]

forgot to mention…Its got these time stretching algos too, if you wanna be surgical and all with loops.. there is a depth to the MPC 500 for those looking.

[@otobotrecords]

I did a whole instrumental album on the MPC 500 while chilling in parks. It was the MPC Live (with limitations) before the MPC Live (which I got as soon as it was released). You had to be creative with the 500. No chop shop? Sure, no problem, add velocity to sample start and use 12 velocity levels while fine-tuning the velocity amount to hit the chops' starts correctly. I still have the 500 and use it as decoration on a shelf in the "studio". It needs some TLC for many of its tact switches are defunct now. If I get around, I will restore it. Limitation can be inspiring.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! Great to hear that it works for you

[@otobotrecords]

@@AudioPilz "worked" 😅. Grüße nach Österreich.

[@Fred_pimpstone-II]

Stepped into the other room while this was on(a good three walls away), and can confirm that the bass in the d&b jam is indeed, MASSIVE.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice to hear! Thanks!

[@droetkering]

super awesome to watch this video again while I left a comment to review an Akai sampler, man I love you! the jungle was broken hard! really genius! as i say over and over again, CONTINUE LIKE! And besides that, if you make merchandise, let me know

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Working on the merch ATM

[@Decypher]

Ah das freitag ist schon mit einem neues Audiopilz video! Ganz super genau auf geschnitzeld!!! (Using my school German here so sorry for any spelling errors)

[@AudioPilz]

Alles einwandfrei!!! Danke!

[@uly1981]

My old work place used to have Schnitzel day on Friday, now my Fridays are Bad Gear day

[@peterpiper0815]

Hahaha geschnitzeld. Wiener Amen mit Pommes

[@ontology3]

This thing was my first and only sampler for like a year and a half. I remember I was aiming for an Akai S2000 (which I eventually got like a year later), but I was like eeeh I should probably get something with a built-in sequencer to start out with... In hindsight I should've just jumped on the S2000 haha. That being said, you can do some really sick stuff with it! Like when it came to Jungle I would just ditch the internal sequencer and use Renoise, and it legit sounded really great, even with the internal effects! If you sped up your audio and slowed it back down after sampling you could get a *really* nice warm crust, too. Awesome video dude!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! It's truly a jungle animal;)

[@luckyllou7325]

It's Friday again and I'm hanging out with other shady addicts in a dark KZbin Corner and waiting for the man with the good stuff. And he delivers ... as always!

[@AudioPilz]

Da good stuff... (THX;)

[@meerkatzThe23]

you sound like you're narrating arte tracks,especially with the breakbeats in background!😄

[@zedudli]

Very nice jungle ditty at the end 👍🏻

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@DowntownDigitalUK]

I knew this would eventually happen, great gear I am working hard to criticize... Now we are getting somewhere ... Next episode... Jupiter 8: too many buttons

[@AudioPilz]

Moog Minimoog - No Polyphony???

[@GradyBroyles]

HEY HEY! The original Jupiter8 is legendary in old-school psytrance circles. Seriously, tho. Some amazing techno has been made by some of the biggest legends of the genre ojn the (original) Jupiter 8. The all digital remake, the JP8080, OTOH. Is that purple 4-U rack mount thing with, like a gazillion itty, bitty knobs and an almost laughably complicated documentation printed such that you need a micrfofilm reader. lol Still makes dope sounds tho.

[@ChrisCebelenski]

I can criticize the Jupiter 8 just fine but not based on the interface. It was a solid performance synth for its time, and deserved to be used as much as it was. That was then, this is now - today its got some kind of legendary mystique around it and goes for crazy prices, which are unwarranted IMO. Break it down to the sound, and its competent and maybe somewhat generic sounding. I know I get push back on that, but really there's nothing magic to the Jupiter 8.

[@GradyBroyles]

@@ChrisCebelenski Yeah. I think the prices for them now just relate to a nostalgic reputation that out strips the actual greatness of the device. Though they are pretty damn cool synths.

[@leftmono1016]

@@ChrisCebelenski - I used to own a Jupiter 8 and you’re completely correct. It’s great as a collector’s item but nothing special really. If I could go back in time and grab my old one I’d have it up for sale in a heartbeat.

[@lucaspontesakerman]

Sick video once again! I know you did the Tb-03 Roland video but what about the other Aria Synths?

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! There's one about the VT-3, more to come!

[@lucaspontesakerman]

@@AudioPilzah, yes! That’s what I meant, easy to mix em all up!

[@vitalyfutoriansky5613]

I think it’s a great machine, and for sure has an amazing value for the price, the competitive portable groove boxes are electribes, novation circuit , roland mc 101 and sp’s... all of those can’t play same number of tracks, and be able to play it with micro timing steps,...so if you ask me the 500 wins this category... ofcourse there is also mpc live but it’s much bigger ( less portable) and in other price range

[@AudioPilz]

The track count is nice!

[@JorbLovesGear]

Oh my God I forgot about these, great choice🤣

[@AudioPilz]

I'm not sure if they shouldn't be forgotten ;)

[@Treakorizor]

Pulling out and showcasing the best music genres every time.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@cunc3040]

jumpscare at 0:01 you were warned

[@AudioPilz]

...and I thought you were referring to my face ;)

[@intnrmri]

My choice is the 3k but when I had the 500 it felt really similar. I was really worried about the build quality and ultimately ended up selling it. I had horrible experiences from the 1k with changing pads, encoders and didn't want to go though that again. If the build had been on pair with the 3k I'm sure I would have kept it, it's pretty capable.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, especially when you're already familiar with the overall MPC concept

[@mitchellborne7428]

I didnt know I needed this video in my life.

[@AudioPilz]

Happy to hear that! Thanks!

[@benitoe.4878]

As an MPC user I was more than a bit shocked to see these three holy letters on Bad Gear... very wise to put that caveat about the 500 right upfront. So my brethren and I let you live. For now. *sinister laughing*

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you, generous Lord

[@hicknopunk]

Don't forget the pads without modification

[@moinlabs]

The quoted "Pushing Buttons" performance was the first thing I found regarding proper MPC use many, many years ago...apparently it stood the test of time.

[@AudioPilz]

Classic!

[@mycosys]

More early engagement for the youtube algogods

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@beerchiller9878]

ooh ooh! me too!

[@seanluke3052]

In English we usually say "User Error". Another popular term in the IT support industry is "PEBKAC" -- you can tell users that the problem appears to be PEBKAC without them realizing that this stands for "Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair".

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Didn't know PEBKAC...

[@apoclypse]

I definitely foresee the Roland MV-1 being on this channel at some point for a lot of the same reasons the MPC500 is on the list.

[@AudioPilz]

I've already seen some Bad Gear MV-1 memes on FB😂😂😂

[@dubbylabbymusic5392]

Almost MV1 is getting Zenbeats integration (step by step) but yeah lcd seems an expensive addon for Rolands...

[@AveMcree]

lol

[@possumridgeentertainment4614]

You finally used a movie I recognize! I thought that would never happen.

[@AudioPilz]

Is the movie choice too arty?

[@possumridgeentertainment4614]

@@AudioPilz No, I'm just not a movie buff. I'm sure the scenes you pick are iconic to most viewers, but I haven't really watched a movie since O Brother Where Art Thou and all of the weekend rentals growing up were comedies so it's just thrilling to see one of the few movies I do recognize.

[@EVILJAMARR]

I almost bought one of these. Almost.

[@AudioPilz]

You dodged that bullet ;)

[@DJDiskmachine]

I got mine for 150€, guess it's time to part ways.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@DJDiskmachine I'd take it off your hands for 150 euros

[@shnixbot]

Flow Ryan used the Amen Break in a box-ticking way that just made me go out and design "your succulent here"

[@AudioPilz]

True story!

[@Goettel]

Great time to rewatch Evil Dead

[@AudioPilz]

I, II and Army of Darkness

[@saftpackerl]

@@AudioPilz Ash vs Evil Dead is not that bad either ;)

[@clowdishere]

This was the device I learned how to sample with. If you’re a manual reader it’s fairly easy to figure out

[@johnadams3888]

Now that's what I call an Amen Break!

[@AudioPilz]

It's such a magic sample

[@Inbellion]

Love my 500 for the most part. Came with all the extras (ram, fat pads, midi cables). When i work with it, I know that I can’t play around. The menu diving makes it so that experimentation isn’t a thing. I mainly use it for sampling with minimal midi. THIS MASCHINE BOOM BAPS! I wish they made the screen bigger by making the surrounding overlay smaller or removing the overlay all together.

[@AudioPilz]

Total and neverending BOOM BAP!!!

[@Gainn]

I was tempted by one of these.. But got an XR20 instead.. Sometimes you get lucky and unlucky all at the same time :P

[@DowntownDigitalUK]

Jokes all around ;)

[@AudioPilz]

Lol!!!

[@secretelitemusic]

The XR20 is almost a decent machine. The real mystery is why Akai took a genuinely fine drum machine like the XR10, and added a bunch of dumb vocal samples as some kind of upgrade. Maybe they had a spare donkey brain left over.

[@bobz1736]

Awesome vid as always 😀

[@AudioPilz]

THX!!!

[@ianmccoy13]

AudioPilz : "And here I'll play some mediocre tune with this Bad Gear (tm)" _plays the stuff of angels_ Me: "hehe...my Digitakt go beep boop" Great stuff as usual, man. Keep up the great work!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@straighttalk2069]

@@AudioPilz Your musical talents are out there and you always impress. This MPC beat was your usual high quality.

[@strelokknoize]

You're showing everything I used to hate on the MPC 1000 back then (the blue/red one). That data wheel jocking was so terrible it literally raped my workflow. Well, it didn't last long in my setup. More than a decade later: the MPC One hits the market. And boy, that's a monster. Everything bad the 1000 did to me is forgotten and forgiven.

[@AudioPilz]

Interesting! It was my first foray into MPCs. Very educational ;)

[@drbop6951]

The MPC500 is an incredible piece of kit...portable inspiration.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, great for banging out beats on the go

[@nebula0697]

That amen bit is really amazing, awesome bass line.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!

[@FreeThink1984]

I thought about getting this for awhile back in the early 2010s. I got an octatrack instead. Different animals but I made the right choice for me

[@AudioPilz]

That choice makes total sense to me too!!!

[@FreeThink1984]

@@AudioPilz any chance you’ll do the OT on Bad Gear? Definitely no lacking of people complaining about its learning curve and workflow lol

[@lundsweden]

I had one of these. I felt it was not too bad, very small, battery powered, ok build quality... tiny screen, reports of faulty pads (although it did'nt happen with mine). I liked how you could layer 4 or 5 drum samples per pad, which I can't do this on my Korg Electribe Sampler 2! The non quantised beats are good or bad too, depending on your perspective. As this video states correctly, UI is very fiddly and difficult to understand at first, but really I do miss this little guy, it may not be the best MPC, but it is an MPC, its affordable and portable and lap friendly!

[@AudioPilz]

It still is an MPC, that's the most important thing!

[@spookypen]

2:42 Man, shout out to JJ and JJOS. Think he can only work on the 1k and 2500.

[@AudioPilz]

That man's truly a Jenius