OT:hip hop headz might want to see this MPC4000

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw it on Akai's website this morning. Though, this is a nicer photo. I want one baaaaaaaad! To bad it's prolly going to cost a gazillion dollars... Rick

Why the hell would they put the pads in the middle?!?! Also, this unit looks pretty high from the pic. Anyway, I gotta read the specs first before I really start to dislike it. (I'm an original 2000 head - I wasn't even impressed with the XL so... ) peace

I guess I'll just post the specs for those interested: The New MPC4000 by Akai Professionals The most powerful MPC ever takes its rightful position in our Akai Professional product line. Along with the MPC2000XL, and the MFC equipped Ultimate XL the MPC4000 joins the legendary music production tools of our time. Using the new Z-96 sampling engine the MPC4000 boasts the first full feature sampler ever in an MPC product. A few of the benefits of the new MPC4000 include: The new Z-96 sampling engine, combined with a high-performance Intel™ CPU provides ultra-fast processing and 24-bit audio resolution with sample rates up to 96kHz 64-voices, or 32 voices at 96kHz sample rate 16 MB on-board memory, expandable to a massive 512 MB Balanced stereo XLR-1/4-inch TRS combo inputs with reference-grade preamps, with switchable phono inputs to allow direct connection of turntables Four MIDI OUT ports control up to 64 independent MIDI channels Four Q-Link™ knobs, and two note variation sliders for real-time modulation control Real-time control of filter cutoff, resonance, pitch, LFO rate and depth - and more IntelliSample automates sampling, naming, program creation and sample assignment Virtual sampling streams sample playback directly from hard disk Full sampler implementation provides compatibility with Z-Series and S-Series Multi, Program and Sample files. The MPC4000 can create everything from powerful beats, to expressive piano and strings parts Project (.PRJ) files save all sequences, songs, samples, programs and multi's in a single file New 4-channel 56-bit effects processor (standard) USB host port accommodates USB floppy, CD-R, HD, MO, ZIP drives for storage, and an ASCII keyboard for naming USB slave port provides for ak.Sys Network and Control System software 192 filters/26 filter types with to 3 simultaneous filters per voice Dual independent LFOs with internal/external modulation control Internal IDE hard drive (standard) plus external SCSI connection Built-in sample rate converter on the digital input to eliminate rate-matching problems Large 320 x 240, multi-angle graphic LCD FAT32 disk format is fully compatible with S5000,S6000, Z4, Z8, DPS24, and most PC's Native .WAV sample format allows data sharing with anything supporting .WAV files Built-in CD Recorder for master archiving or Sample Loading ak.Sys Control & Networking software enables Mac and PC connection via on-board USB interface Two assignable footswitch inputs Wordclock input for sync with external digital devices (optional) Graphical sequence event editing Memory meters display remaining free sampler memory, sequence memory and CPU memory Audition samples directly from hard disk Graphic editing of sample waveforms Six pad banks provide quick access to up to 96 different sounds SMPTE I/O Standard And Much, Much more! (I have a feeling that 'much, much more' might be a hefty price tage.)

the 96 sample rate is way cool the 200o is at 16 bits but it looks like a $5000 price tag to me

I'm having mixed feelings about this unit b/c the MPC is my instrument. The specs are definately impressive but I just get the feeling that this machine is trying to do too much (512megs of Ram ). I can't really see it in the same light as the 60, 3000, 2000, or even the 2000XL. This is beyond MPC, so why call it that? $5000 was my guess too, but I was thinking in Canadian dollars. Now I paid $2100 for my 2000 about 5 years ago and I'm such a huge fan of this machine that I'd actually pay double that for it. But at 5k US? Can't see it happening. I just realized how stupid it sounds to be debating speculation like this, so I will stop now.

ear2ear I also have an MPC200, but I only have v1.72; is the v1.74 you have listed a typo or do you really have v1.74. I'd be interested in it if you do have it. Anyway the MPC2000 is a great instrument I agree and it'd be cool if they could incorporate some of the features of the 4000 in an upgrade for the os of all MPC's just to make it easier eg with project (.prj) save, which was one great improvement. Hope that made sense Peace yotimbo

Sorry, I think that is my typo. I'll change it