Akai MPC2000XL vs MPC2500 - which one should you buy?
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- čas přidán 24. 10. 2021
- Visit my BandCamp page here for sample packs and songs computefunction.bandcamp.com/ they're both amazing but one is definitely better than the other.
mpc2000xl mpc 2000 xl mpc2500 2500 akai sampler drum machine - Jak na to + styl
I remember when the 2000 came out everyone hated the way it sounded, now people love the way it sounds. Go figure.
The 3000 over there looking like a spaceship next to the 2000 xl and 2500😂
I wish they made the X just like the 3000. It is the best interface of them all.
@@vintagestereos yeah I wish akai would make an updated version of the 3000 with a few modern changes but still the same like rossum did with the sp-1200 by giving it more sample time and the sd card option over the floppy
@@mont-doggBeats Just get the Scsi2SD mounted in front with the vailixi OS ROM, then youre set for the future
As someone who has owned & used the2000 classic , the xl & the 2500. I think your spot on. I've even gone back & forth bewtween these machine's. Th3 2500 is that mpc that doesnt feel like you're hindered by usng a vintage machine. My biggest compllsints with the xl was the lack of mute groups. There is something about the 2500' paint though.. it wears of faster than any machine I've ever used. Also. I gave a the Live II a chance. Im back on the 2500.
I agree. I'm dealing with that now. I used a Mpc2500 for years. It's been awhile since I've touched it but I know it like the back of my hand. I ran into a cheap 2000Classic and now that I only have 2 Mutes I find myself creating pads with no sound specifically to mute other pads more often than the 2500, or other Mpcs. Like a ton of people do this with like one pad a program/bank/group but now with only 2... I'm making 3 or more of them instead of one. I know I can hit the same pad I am using, then go in step edit and turn down the levels/volume but with the Pad it's easier because there is no "stop sample from playing" button. On most machines, you just push stop twice and it does it, like on the S2400, or any other newer Mpcs but with the 2000Classic, this is not the case. Sometimes you just don't wanna hear your sample play over and over driving ya nuts ya know? lmao
i use the mpc one, but i bought a 2500 now cause i wanna do my beats more oldschool. and i really like the look. it's beautiful
I have an MPC60 and an MPC1000 (JJOS), I used to have a 2000XL but didn't really like the sound or something about so I sold it. The thing is that the 2000XL is the only device that can import .SND (MPC60 files) and .WAV files, and it can also receive and transmit MIDI Sample Dump Standard. So it can be used as a translator between different AKAI samplers (s1000,s3000,MPC60,MPC3000), computer files (.WAV) and samplers that support the SDS standard.
The 2000XL is also the best for midi sequencing other units of the bunch, by a long shot, especially S Series racks.
feel the same about the sound thing between both! s/o from Montréal!
I’ve had both. The 2500 had jjos2xl and was fantastic. Mpc 2000xl jog wheel better, 2500 has the single increment buttons which I missed a lot on the xl. Swing on the xl is better. Other then that they both great machines and you can’t go wrong with either. I personally liked the xl better but that’s just for me. I can see why people really fck with the 2500 too tho. Both great machines people, but the machine ain’t gonna make hits, it’s you!
I got the 2XL , 2500 and MPCone. And nothing knocks the drums harder then the 2XL . Had it since 2002 and still use it lol .
2000XL is so underrated!
A few content creators and forum posters really dogged it and said the 2000 sounded better, they all had 2000s and did this to inflate the price. The 2000XL is fire.
People do this with EVERYTHING, they'll buy an S900 (for $300) instead of an S950 (for $800) then make constant posts and content claiming the S900 sounds better, having never even owned a 950. They then sell the S900 for $500 after contributing to inflating the price of the inferior machine that sounds almost identical to the upgraded version. It's SUPER degenerate behaviour.
@@CC-fi3pp It's funny. I could see that. I have a S900 and sure it sounds good but I would say the S900 sounds close to a Mpc60. The S950 sounds... Well like an S950. The thing about the S900 was it was used on the Portishead album with Dummy on it. It was used for the Drums. Also at one point in time, if you didn't have a S900, than chances are you wouldn't get specific jobs. It was a big deal for a short bit apparently until the S950 came out. I'd love a S950, but for the price these days, it better come clean as a whistle. I got my S900 for $300Cad. The unit has some issues... A Fully Functional S900 would be like $1000.00 but an S950 is like $2000.00. They do have quite a different sound. I'd say the S900 is like the S950's crippled older brother that wasn't given all the love it should get, but it no means is it "Sound Better" than a S950. 950 = Master of Jungle Breaks and Great for Hiphop. S900 = Good for Hiphop. It's definitely no slouch.
I've used 2500 for a while now. Had a 60, 3000 and a 2kxl. I prefer the 2500 because the filters are shit. It made me change my sound selection and start layering using volume rather than filters. Still miss the 3000 filters but the 2500 helped me develop my own style as a result of its shortcomings. New smooth jogwheel is the next upgrade and I may consider an internal analog filter which I can ressample through. If 2500 with jjosxl had 3000 filters I would never look at another sampler again
Nice. Ya if I wasn't using the Live I would most likely be using the 2500. It's all there. The build quality, the pads are decent, the sound is good IMO, the effects and most importantly it has nice file management. That and JJOS. What a beast!
Hey bro, you mind explaining what you mean by layering with volumes? Can def agree, the filters are pretty gabbage. Sometimes I just filter on the way in with the sp950 vst through reaper because its sounds better.
@@sgtcreasegrease I think he's refering to 16 Levels on Velocity, and/or changing envelopes of the sample. Primarily the 16 Levels and just add samples in with lower volumes to try to make them fit.
agreed, i owned a 2500 for a while and it was rock solid! in every way. only problem was that damn wonky data wheel. what a weird contraption that was. had to replace it and didn't wanna buy a whole new PCB from MPCstuff so i drilled it enough to add a modern encoder but it was a pain. unfortunately i sold it. i do miss it.
awesome video!!!!!!
That MPC 2000XL you have is in gorgeous condition. I have a 2500 but would love a 2000XL as well. It feels wildly excessive, but there's something gorgeous about it.
I almost kept it just because of how nice it looked. The blue pads were so nice and fresh looking. It was a museum quality piece that one.
The 2000XL wins for being the more reliable workhorse, literally everything is easily fixable. 2000XL exudes class.
Thanks 😊
The mpc 2000xl is far superior this is a newbie review. The individual outputs on the 2500 are far weaker than the main output like 15db lower. The mpc2000xl have more bassy individual outputs than the main. The sound of the Xl is better, the low pass is fatter, the optional fx card is better and more routable and 4 stéréo fx at once on all outputs not only on the 1 stereo main output. Also layers are unusable in the 2500 it creates a phaser effect because the clock is innacurate as simult pad fonction which is no problem on the xl.
The sound is also far more eqable from a 2kxl than the hollow mpc2500 converters.
You’re correct about a lot. Thing is the groove and swing of the 2000/xl exceeds that of the 1000/2500. Some go after the sound/groove versus the functionality. The king of this is of course that beauty to the left of your 2000.
lol 🤜🏽🤛🏽
Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching. Now go make some beats!
@@vintagestereos ok 👍
In 2017 I was eyeing on 2500, X and MPC4000. The 4000 is soo tough looking.
I’ve been using the 4k as a standalone instrument/production workstation for years: czcams.com/video/X8dW6NAVRWM/video.htmlsi=X2YQ6eEac74aHVFi
I remember having the xl first and then the 2500 came out and I upgraded and can't hear the difference in sound.
I don't think aesthetics are superficial, the vibe needs to be right if you want to enjoy making music.
Sounds reasonable when you say it.
I really wanted to love the 2000xl but when I got the 1000 with jjosxl I realized how much I was missing.
I think the 2500 will be the next one,
just for the tilting screen and I could really use these 2 extra outs!
Do it.
Grab a 2500. They are light years better than the 1000s, and I love the 1000. The extra outputs and the tilting screen alone are worth the upgrade. The screen is one of the only week points with the 1000. That and the pads. If you can try a Live it's worth it. I've had all the MPCs except for the 4000, and the Live is the best by miles. For me anyway. My next move will be to get an MPC X. That and a Live for portability and I should be set for life.
Some just aren't built for the old school, we are rough and tough like leather, they are a piece of pink nylon from Lil Uzi Verts crotch flap.
2500 all day, 4 real 🔥!!!
Im out of Vancouver. I had the 2500se, 1000, 5000, live, live2, x and I really love the workflow of the 2500. It was the best with JJOS. Just unbeatable. Even now with the new mpcs... Like i remember putting in high hats in JJOS and its like a joke if ya wanna program it. With the news mpc's its fine, but the way JJOS had that shit dialed in was superior. I love the X but I do miss the sliders. As for sound... I like the 2500 sound, but I sold because at the time the music I was making was more technical and everyone was moving to computers and daws... I do regret selling it but then again that Jogwheel was annoying... and nudging a sample over sometimes was annoying. You couldnt see it on the grid move, but the sample would move. I believe its 3 turns with the jogs wheel make a nudge you can see on the grid. These days I think about buying an older mpc for when I'm done school like a 3000 but than again the sp404mk2 came out and I'll probably just grab on of those for now to add to my collection. Not sure where your from but its nice to see other canadians on this tip.
4000 is a serious beast. It's the perfect cross of a 3000 and 2000xl
I've heard that. It's the only one (as well as the 500) that I haven't owned. The Live is by far my favourite and the only MPC I have left.
@@vintagestereos if you like the live the MPC X will blow you away. It very underrated.
Put some respect on the 500 lol. I had one, it’s basically the same as the bigger ones just 4 less pads but it’s super portable and it takes batteries so you could practically take it anywhere and make beats. That’s what i liked the most. It had the usb port as well so I could transfer files from my computer. I miss that thing
That's fair. I've had them all except the 4000 and the 500, so without owning it I shouldn't talk shit about it. I'm rocking the Live now and love it.
@@vintagestereos the 500 isnt basically the same lol, theres whole threads of ppl wishing they could change to jjos cuz the 500 is basically a calculator
@@momoney9700 I guess that the 3000 and the 60 are calculators too seeing as they are basically the same workflow as the 500. JJOS is great from what I hear but you can't use that on the 2000 or the XL either. There is no point wishing for an OS on a system that doesn't use it. Best to master the system in front of you. If you can use a 3000, you can use a 500 without reading the manual or watching tutorials, and visa versa.
You absolutely can put an extra drive in the 2000xl. Mine has an external flash card reader connected through a scsi bridge, so I’m not limited to 2gb cards. It also has an atapi flash card on the inside. That one is limited to 2gb.
The complaint I see over and over again about the 2500 is that the switches fail. Sure, if they haven’t failed yet, you can claim “built like a tank,” until they do.
Had the XL since 2001, then it broke in 2012 I threw out the window I wuz mad, then I ended buying the renaissance even though it got way more features... still miss the XL's sound rugged tuff
2000xl sounds dope as hell 💣
Everything on the xl is easily fixable.
Damn that 5000 never gets mentioned 😂
2500 hands down. I used both of them several times and that model has everything my 2000 and the 2000 XL didn't like 4 MIDI outs for one
The 2500 is killer.
I’ve had the 2500 for 10 years, and I’ve barely learned to use the USB feature about a week ago. Smh
I installed a new right side panel with a smooth jogwheel like the 2000xl. So much better!
Was it a fairly easy install?
@@ChromeRockwell very easy! just unscrew the board and release the wired cables from the clips. Swap the boards, insert the cables and screw it back to the frame.
Succes!
@@ChromeRockwell super easy. Makes you feel like a genius!
coool, where can you get that panel/wheel??
@@AnalogFlava where you from?
Now youre making me want to go with the 2500🤣😂😆
I'd skip both the XL and the 2500 and go straight the Live. It is out of control amazing. Thanks for commenting.
@@vintagestereos Stupid thing to say.
Are those fat pads or regular pads on the mpc 2000xl?
they def colored fat pads
You should try the 4000, I’ve had them all too and that’s my favorite.
Ya it's strange that I never got my hands on one. I almost did in 2021. I'm only a hack anyway though honestly. People with my skill level require something easier like the MPC Live. I'd be willing to try the 4k but file management can be a buzz kill if it's too tedious. For me anyway.
@@vintagestereos
Yeah, that’s why I sold mine this week.
The file management and the gremlin inside that corrupted my files to make select. Eats wonky.
As per the manual, it’s rated for usb 1.0.
Found that out after several of my beats rearranged themselves after loading them back up after sessions.
Other than that, the 4K knocks! and the differ t sample resolutions are a plus.
Currently debating over the Live II, 2500 or the XL
@@YAH_ONLYI wish I had known because I’m currently in search of another 4K since someone damaged the lcd board on mine and it’s been a pain in the @$$ to find parts to fix. It’s been an amazing production/performance piece for my needs. Heres one of my videos using it live: czcams.com/video/jD5vuylBMm0/video.htmlsi=6sQAYs-jVbd7D7HY
Could you do me a Favor bro and tell me What Country those MPCs where made in I’m sure the MPC 3K was made in Japan.. But what about the 2k and 2500 ??
Don't have them anymore but they were made in China.
If you like the live then the x is the ultimate.
i'm struggling choosing one for my first MPC ( i'm a Reason 6.5 lover / user ).
It's between the MPC one because it's small and good setup of buttons/Controls, the MPC live or 2. and the 2500 because Araab muzik !
Live because of the batteries and the capabilities.
Would anybody trade a Nikon t6i and an Mpk49 for either MPC 1000, 500 or 2000xl? Is it a good trade I mean?
2500 has 10 times the features with JJos in comparison with 2000xl. The sound difference between these two machines is minimal
Yes, there’s nothing inherently ‘magic’ or ‘crunchy’ about the sound of either. The 2500 is just modern enough not to be a pain with the current world. In many ways it’s that last great MPC-the current ones are good products but the touchscreen DAW-in-box-vibe feels like you may as well just use software.
@@davidsmisc1351
I've listened to a lot of beats made on the Akai 2000xl and when the beatmaker wasn't terrible and good at his craft the drums were harder and louder than say on an MPc one.
If I heard that on a 2000XL or two, ok, but 90% did imho
Of course everyone hears differently
@@kamikaze6295fired up my 2500 after years of sitting in a box and after using the mpc one for a min i can definitely tell a difference in how beefy your drums sound on the 2500 vs one. I never used the 8 outs back in the day either gonna set that up and finally use the 2500 as intended. Yea its more tedious and alot less options as far as sound design/fx but sometimes less is more, and keeping it simple usually ends in much better results.
The 2500 will go up in value it’s the end of a era. The touchscreen MPC’s sound like a laptop.
The 2000XL is more fixable and less breakable, and that's what really matters. The 2000XL is a work horse for life.
You still think the live is the best ? More than the 60 and the 2000xl?
100% yes. Especially when you pair the Live with a 12 bit sampler (Gemini DS-824). The synths, effects, ins and outs, easy sampling, file management and workflow is lightyears ahead of the 60 and XL. That's just me though.
@vintagestereos yeah I use live 2 with my SP's 404a 303 202 and dr groove 202 box I just like the way the 2000xl and 60 sound though
Wow 😲You sold all your MPCs except for the Live? Considering what your collection was, that is amazing
Yup. What I miss most is looking at them. I think they're visually stunning and are actual art. But more than that they're musical gear, and in the spirit of sampling I wanted them to be used. Or hoarded by someone other than myself. No looking back now and no regrets. I'm making lots of beats without distractions.
@@vintagestereos You are better than me. My 2000XL used to belong to one of my best friends who passed away exactly a year ago today, so this MPC will be with me for life. Same with my 3000 which was my dream MPC to have and my 500 I've had since it was brand new. I see them like how guitarists see their guitars. When I want a certain vibe I choose the one that will give that to me. I feel as though I am forcing myself to want one of the new MPCs as TBH I don't really need another due to what I have already
@@RoomAtTheTopStudio I like your guitar comparison. Very relatable.
from listening I would say that the mpc 60 and 3000 were the best in terms of sound. But they are not affordable for me at least. I think the sound of the 2000 and 2000xl is better than Live or mpc one, etc., but I think the workflow of the Live is better. However, this is only my opinion
Ya I would say the only one of the three that you mentioned that sound different is the 2000. It sounds super flat and dull to me. Some like it, but I found it was lofi with the grit. All amazing machines, however the Live is out of control amazing. I prefer a simple 12 bit sampler (Gemini DS-824) and a Live VS. an MPC60 all day. The 60 is tedious. The sound is nice but the workflow is bonkers.
2000xl
You really need both.2000xl for the nock, 2500 for every thing else.
Or a Live.
Any standalone product with a screen should always have tilt screen period moving forward!!
I second that motion!
Mpc x is what you should be buying
now people are wise to the 2500 and the price is kicking up. can't find one under 1100$ canadian. rip
I picked up a murdered out 2500 with fat pads, max ram, free jjos, and not a scratch for 400 usd. Only issue was backlight was out. Works fine with lights on. Found it on Facebook marketplace so I had to drive 45 minutes but it was well worth the price. Maybe I just got lucky but there are some good deals out there if you check every place possible. Best of luck to you.
@@jjwinterstorm definitely got lucky
@@bliss3174 i seen some going for 600 and 2000xl and 2000 going for 4 to 5 hundred
3
Bad point 2500 fo me : Green display, jog whell, acces menus by pads
The SE version has a blue display
hey if you wanna donate an mp to me be my guess jk i use push 2 but i’m considering the 2500 til i got 3000 money lol great video!!
Mpc x or mpc 2500? Which would you choose?
Depends if you want a less functions model or a centerpiece for your production which the X can really become. 2500 with paid JJOSXL is already very powerful but lacks FX and the ability to bounce your single tracks. You need to record your stems to a DAW for further mixing. In the X you can just bounce them within the X itself and then copy them to your computer via USB. But: With all the FX built-in FX in the X I' d say that you can mix your entire song in the X. The FX in the 2500 are trash and you get only a few compared to the X. I own an MPC 1000 and never use them, they are the same FX as on the MPC 2500.
The ALS Export feature of the new MPC's really make them shine. I know alot of people who have older MPC's have a Audio Interface with 8 Ins but theres alot of kids that done use that. So the ability to export and not have to track your stuff can save some time. Just make a song in song mode, convert to sequencer and touch up your giant sequencer(aka your song) and ALS export into separate tracks. If you want a specific sound, get something to process your samples through like an AkaiS950. There is a cheap VST version of it if you dont have space though. You can look it up. Good luck. Cheers
@@MakingMadBeats Good point on that focussing on your studio environment thing. i treat my 2500se as an instrument running analog through an SSL+ Interface into logic. owning jjosxl i use the bit reduce feature all the time to give my samples that mpc 60 12bit sound. works great imo.
@@sechshunderter Das 12bit feature nutze ich tatsächlich noch sehr wenig, hat aber definitiv was...
@@MakingMadBeats Ja, lass das ruhig mal krachen. Gerne auch altes vinyl in 12bit 11khz sample rate 👍
60 and 3000...
I hear that. For me it's just the Live now. I'm gonna grab a 2000 to flip but that's it.
mpc2xlsound wise kills the mpc2500
neither, get the OG 2000
I've never used a 2500 and it's never been tempting to me. That's just me personally though as I'm sure it's a great machine. If you are going backwards and you go from a 2500 to a 2000XL then you will miss the features that came with the 2500 for a hot minute, and then you will get used to them not being there and having to add effects to an individual sound or group of sounds once it's been recorded without effects to a DAW. I had the 500 before I got the 2000XL so I missed the effects straight away, but I adapted quickly and absolutely love the 2000XL now. I know the history of my one as well so I'd never sell it.
Fast forward two years and the 2500 is tempting me now as I've seen one going at a very good price. Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yes. Will I get it? This and other questions will be answered in the next episode of my studio life's "Soap," 😂
2000XL is superior, its built to last, you people literally do antything to discredit the 2KXL, the 2K and 2500 are not better & the 4000 is dooe, stop miseducating people.
2500 is junk. It will break. 2000xl you can fix everything on the unit yourself with ease.
Both can have issues, but the XL seems to have more parts available.
junk? you probably never used this unit... both machines are great but callin the mpc 2500 junk is just dumb bro
@Paddydacook I've owned almost every mpc, I used to make a lot of hip hop. 2500 unfortunately is junk Sir. Anything after the 4000 had a significant dip in build quality. My MPC5000 combusted into flames, I've seen several 1000s and 2500s break from just beginning dropped from table height. On the other hand I saw an Akai MPC 60 go down 8 flights of stairs and it worked perfectly after, I also saw an S950 get thrown through a 2nd story window in a domestic argument and still work after with a cracked screen (it actually could of killed someone had it of hot them). My mpc live unfortunately broke randomly in an unfixable way, my MPC 2000xl has been through the wars and has lasted me almost 3 decades. It has outlived dozens of other samplers and is fixable from almost any way it could ever possibly break. So I'm definitely gling to call complete bs on your reply, no offence intended Sir.
@@CC-fi3pp yes but it's still not trash, maybe not as good as the older right! but for me it's a good machine and i really like it. mpc 500 is trash or at least is a toy in my opinion🤣
i'm planning to get a 2000xl too in the future
@Paddydacook i ❤️LOVE❤️ the 2000XL, but don't set your expectations to high! It is a basic but solid sequencer that, despite being built in China, still has VERY high build quality (it and the 4000), and it is pretty much infinitly fixable. Its sampling capabilities are nothing to write home about (although adequate), the feel and quality of the machine are good, though. The 2000XL and 4000 are the last of the original MPC's, after that they became something else, the 1000 / 2500 / 5000 era is something different (these sacrifice tank like build quality for more advanced features and OS - which i dont care for, ill take the simpler and better build quality machine like a 3000 or 2000XL last my life time any day, because once you incorporate it into your workflow its longevity is infinite). The new ones with tablet screen and awful pads are again something different - these are super advanced but built to break and be replaced just like a mobile smartphone.
But everyone knows the 2500 sounds terrible... you seem to be really new to this... Sell that lame 2500 to an ignorant hipster and get a 2000 classic.