Is the MPC 3000 the Best Drum Machine of All Time

[@mike-pm6xn]

Yes. I've owned /used all of them and the 3000 is the simplest to use, doesn't crash, built tough and it's the best-sounding. Roger Linn created a killer machine.

[@planej6315]

How would you compare the workflow to a 2000/XL? I always imagined that chopping samples on the 3000 would be harder because you don't have the waveform visualization. Never used any of the old MPCs though.

[@mike-pm6xn]

@@planej6315 I'm just used to using my ears so I really don't mind not having a waveform visualization. I've been using the 3000 since it came out (and had the 60 and 60 II before that) so I'm just used to it.

[@djwaxcuttacompanyllc9]

Yes I have the 3000 got it in the 90s

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

To me the best MPC is the one that you use, IMO. If you have more than one then the one that you are currently using is the best. When I am using my 2000XL, as far as I am concerned it's the best. Wave visual chopping is a breeze on it, sequencing my hardware is great, and it sounds warm and gritty. When I use the little 500, it always amazes me how good the results turn out, so as far as I am concerned when I am using it then it's the best. Actually the 500 made it easy for me to understand how to use the 3000 and the 3000 made me better at using the 500 as chopping by numbers is so simple on the 3000 and the techniques translate to using the 500. Those who don't like the 500 because it doesn't have wave editing, won't like the 3000 either for the same reason. Needless to say when I am using the 3000 as far as I am concerned it's the best. Every time I try to convince myself that I prefer one over the other, the other proves that it can't be dismissed. They all can be used to make incredible beats. Now I have a guitarist type of mentality. I choose one out of the selection that suits the job and then just get on with it.

[@tpeterson4546]

MPC3000! Hands down! I own every MPC every made from the ASQ10 to the now garbage MPC One. Not bragging, just saying. I am a collector as well as a 20 year producer. I also own the SP1200 and all the other "flagship" sampler/drum machines that were made during the golden hip hop era. The 3000 has simplicity and it colors the sound just enough for everything to blend well. The more you put into it, the better the sounds blend. It adds punch and clarity that most people spend hours in the studio trying to perfect with plug-ins, eq, compressors.....etc. The 3000 right out of the box just works. The groove has long been the reason that most people think its the best MPC but that is one part of it. It's not the groove so much as it mirrors what the person taps on the pads. If you drag, it drags; If you play with precision, it gives that input back to you. The MPC60/II has the same attributes but its 12 bit makes it more suitable for hard hitting drums. The 3000 encumbers everything. It is still the secret weapon of choice for most of the songs you hear today. Even the new school producers add the 3000 to there productions done in the box. Great video!

[@unc1589]

Plus it’s built like a tank. Roger linns crowning achievement.

[@rwesreal]

Yes! Well built and has it all. I have owned all as well, but the 3000 until a few months ago. Damn bro, has that signature sound straight out the box! Do miss wave forms, but it’s worth the trade off. Found mine in mint and will never part with it! It’s a legendary instrument....feel blessed

[@shizzyshawn412]

Have you ever compared the 3000 to the Renaissance?

[@MidxRange]

Would you recommend recording synths and everything in the MPC 3000? Or just for sample and drums

[@dianevrules]

@@MidxRange mpc 3000 is an empty sampler and 64 channel midi sequencer. I think it has 16mb capacity of sample memory. So you cant record any synths in it for more than like 3 minutes or some s&$). If you want to record synths and have gigs of memory, you will need a workstation like an MPC X/One/Live/Live II. Dont touch an overpriced MPC 3000. You can buy 3 brand new Live IIs for the price of one bs empty used 16mb capacity MPC 3000 with a floppy drive

[@lionelluney3063]

The 4k mpc is my favorite simple like the Roger Linn ( 60/3000)and 2000(xl) with the bonus of ability to add a sd drive use usb sticks 24/96 capabilities 10 outs and a full featured sample engine so you can load keygroups as one of the 16 programs and use it as a customized synth

[@Guyforkz]

Yes I'd say the MPC 3000 is the greatestDrum Machine/ Midi Production Centre of all time, due to it's sound, tight sequencing, outputs and rock solid timing and reliability in the studio. However the most powerful MPC's are the current MPC X, Live and One.

[@kb420ps]

It's definitely my favorite of all time!!!

[@Defalt____]

The fact they go for £3000 here in the UK . I'd say it's the best one ever made

[@andytupaia]

I think the 3000 is the best mine still doing the job

[@titanjake8640]

Subjective I started on the Amiga Scream Tracker (yes google Amiga lol) in late 80s/90s. My first MP was the 2k...I have all MPCs except the crappy 5k, 500, and The newest ones. All around complete MPC for me would be the 4k. For the vintage swing and sound I agree the 3k It depends on your WF, feeling, or vibe you are trying to achieve. Or hell if you just like analog. Dope dope

[@lucio788]

what does it do that 2000 , 2000xl or 2500 doesn't do other than the audio resolution ? thank you

[@tpeterson4546]

Hello Sil, The 2000 and the 2000xl were Akai attempt at the 3000 with the left over input on design from Roger linn. In addition the components like the resistors and electronic components were not as good because Akai had to cut cost to appeal to the consumer and not professionals. This doesn't mean these machines weren't capable of doing the job. They were still professional machines. Kind of like the difference between a Mercedes C class vs. a S class. Both get you to your destination if you can drive. The 2500 has all the bells and whistles but it's a sterile feel compared to the 3000 and the 2000,2000xl for that matter. In my opinion of course. Doesn't matter what you use, whatever gets you the result you're happy with is all that matters.

[@unc1589]

Audio resolution matters!

[@Guyforkz]

The 2000/XL had more powerful software , but the build quality was cheap, also the lack of outputs on the expanded models rendered them near useless in a studio compared to the MPC60 and 3000.

[@unc1589]

Open up a 3k and a 2k and look inside and tell me which is the better unit. Lotta stuff in those 3ks.

[@dianevrules]

@@tpeterson4546 OMG STFU. $2500 was the 1997 brand new price for an MPC 2000 Studio Plus. Akai wasnt appealing to consumers. Not even with the base 2000, which was $1500 with no outputs, SMPTE, or effects board. Since you brought up C vs S class. The 3000 was a 1993 S Class with less memory. BS blue screen. BS .snd files only. Less note events. No wave sample ability. Other 80s technology. 3000 was just a 16 bit 60. 2000 was the 1997 S Class with more features and improvements.

[@deanivan3951]

No it's not just the simplicity. It gives a warmth to samples and the beats knock like no other and believe me i have owned them and still return to my 3000. Simply put, the MPC 3000 takes a slowwww shit over any other drum machine!

[@shizzyshawn412]

Yes it is!

[@sagcap7927]

IMO the mpc is a drum sampler, not a drum machine. Theirs a difference. The mpc acts as a drum machine but it has no built in sounds that can’t be removed. It’s other powers are it’s sequencing abilities. Top notch.

[@unc1589]

Tell you what, lift a 3k and feel the weight of it compared to let’s say a 2k. Lotta stuff in that unit!. SP 12/1200s were a joke when the 3k dropped. When hip hop became a serious art form the 3k was right there. 95/96/97 forget about it. Every hit , Hiphop and RnB, used one. Even back then they were calling it the best drum machine ever made. Not only was the fabled “ MPC SWING” celebrated , you could run so much outboard gear with it. You should see what a full midi setup looks like with the 3k. Crazy

[@soulscientific2685]

i think the mpc 60 is the best ever cause its 12 bit. i own the mpc live and i love it yo, the live classic is my first mpc.

[@JoePhame]

I would love to mess around on one of the older series and experience the difference

[@soulscientific2685]

@@JoePhame same here. but i guess it all depends on what style of music your making. i make boom bap so a 12 bit sampler would be perfect for me. but then again all i gotta do is go into my lofi effect on my live and boom i got that 12 bit sound.

[@JoePhame]

@@soulscientific2685 yeah i feel like you can achieve the same sounds or really close to it on the new mpc series. I am just curious how the quality is built compare to the x ill get my hands on some other mpc some day lol

[@soulscientific2685]

@@JoePhame true! hopefully one day i will too lol

[@unc1589]

Soooo many hits made on this mpc. 60 owners tossed them when 3k came out. I worked at S.I.R. In NYC in 94 and went from renting out the 60 once in a while to renting the 3Ks every day. As hip hop/ RnB exploded in the mid 90s so did the 3K. Serious piece of equipment!

[@Dougie-]

No it isn't. Define best. What do you use to measure the best? Workflow? Sound? Features? It has been surpassed long ago. I love working with old technology though. So I prefer one over many of the newer ones.

[@littrandemakerjovy3770]

People dont realise that you can buy akai S sampler for way cheap and it has excactly the same converters as mpc 3000

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

You could change the floppy to compact flash. If you get an S sampler that is still recommended to change the floppy to flash. I'm not paying £3000 for an MPC3000 either but I would trade studio services for one.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Okay I lied and I did lol

[@ReinaldoCrespo]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudioyou got the 3k? How much did you pay for it?

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@ReinaldoCrespo £3000

[@ReinaldoCrespo]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudio Nice! I just got a mint LE 3k maxed out for 2900usd

[@theoutsideas]

The MPC x is by far the greatest ever

[@JoePhame]

I love my X

[@htid718]

yes.

[@djtrakakadrunkpoet8598]

I write too that’s funny

[@80smusicproducer]

Maybe write a script and stick to it when recording a video like this…you know…

[@littrandemakerjovy3770]

If mpc 3000 would still be around 1000€ it would be worth it but for these prices now days hell nooo. Paying 3500€ for 25 year old maschine that is slow as hell still has floppys and only few minutes of sample time, no tnx.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

The machine isn't slow only the user.