Akai MPC 5000 User manual

V.2.00

REFERENCE MANUAL
Version 2.00

Chapter 1: Introduction.................................................................................................1
Overview............................................................................................................................... 1
Top Panel ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Front Panel ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Rear Panel ..........................................................................................................................................................................8
Bottom Panel....................................................................................................................................................................10
Hooking Up Your MPC5000 ..................................................................................................11
Output Connectivity Example ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Analog Input Connectivity Example ...............................................................................................................................11
Digital Connectivity Example .........................................................................................................................................12
USB Connectivity ............................................................................................................................................................12
MIDI Connectivity ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Footswitch / Headphone Connectivity............................................................................................................................. 13
Basic Concepts and Terminology..........................................................................................14
Sequence .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Tracks ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Song..................................................................................................................................................................................14
Sample..............................................................................................................................................................................14
Drum Pad ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Sample Program...............................................................................................................................................................15
Synth Programs ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Note Number, Velocity, and Length................................................................................................................................ 15
RAM.................................................................................................................................................................................15
Memory Card ...................................................................................................................................................................15
Operating Modes..................................................................................................................16
MAIN Mode ([MAIN])....................................................................................................................................................16
Q-LINK Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 1]) ................................................................................................................................. 16
DISK Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 3])......................................................................................................................................16
REC SAMPLE Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 4]) ...................................................................................................................... 16
TRIM Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 5]) ..................................................................................................................................... 16
PROGRAM Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 6]) ........................................................................................................................... 16
MIXER Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 7]....................................................................................................................................16
MIDI/SYNC Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 8]) ..........................................................................................................................16
OTHER Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 9]).................................................................................................................................. 16
ARP Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 10]) ..................................................................................................................................... 16
EFFECTS Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 11]) ............................................................................................................................17
SEQ EDIT Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 12]) ...........................................................................................................................17
STEP EDIT Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 13])..........................................................................................................................17
GRID EDIT Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 14]) ......................................................................................................................... 17
SONG Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 15]) .................................................................................................................................. 17
HD RECORD Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 16])......................................................................................................................17
SYNTH Programs ([SYNTH]) ........................................................................................................................................17
Chapter 2: Basic Operation ........................................................................................19
MAIN Page ......................................................................................................................................................................19
Cursor, Cursor Buttons, [DATA] wheel..........................................................................................................................19
Function Buttons .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
[WINDOW] Button..........................................................................................................................................................19
[MODE] Button ...............................................................................................................................................................20
Setting Names .....................................................................................................................20
Entering letters with [DATA] wheel ............................................................................................................................... 20
Entering letters with the Numeric Keypad ......................................................................................................................20
Chapter 3: The Sequencer..........................................................................................21
Main Page ............................................................................................................................21
'Now'................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
'Sequence' ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
'Track' field....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
'Track Status' field............................................................................................................................................................22
Recording the Performance..................................................................................................22
'Record Ready' Mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Step Recording ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Playing Back a Sequence ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Playing Several Sequences in Series ...............................................................................................................................23
Punch In/Punch Out ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Other Useful Features for Recording Sequences ..................................................................24

Undo and Redo................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Erase....................................................................................................................................25
Deleting In Real Time......................................................................................................................................................25
Deleting From the Erase Screen ......................................................................................................................................25
Timing correct......................................................................................................................26
Real time timing correction .............................................................................................................................................26
Swing................................................................................................................................................................................26
Correcting the timing of recorded events ........................................................................................................................26
Swing................................................................................................................................................................................27
Shift Timing .....................................................................................................................................................................27
Strength ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Window ............................................................................................................................................................................27
Click/Metronome .................................................................................................................27
Note Repeat .........................................................................................................................28
Note Repeat Hold.............................................................................................................................................................28
Locate ............................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Detailed Information on the Sequence Feature....................................................................29
Setting the Length of a Sequence ....................................................................................................................................29
Setting the Time Signature of the Sequence....................................................................................................................29
Setting Tempo ..................................................................................................................................................................30
Tap Tempo .......................................................................................................................................................................30
Changing Tempo of All Sequences At One Time...........................................................................................................30
About Tempo Change ......................................................................................................................................................30
Setting the Loop for a Sequence ......................................................................................................................................31
Extending the Sequence Length Automatically .............................................................................................................. 31
Changing the Default Settings .........................................................................................................................................31
Changing the Sequence Name .........................................................................................................................................31
Changing the Default Name for a Sequence....................................................................................................................32
Copying a Sequence......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Copying a Sequence Parameters ('Loop', 'Time Sig', 'Bars')...........................................................................................32
Deleting a Sequence.........................................................................................................................................................32
Deleting All Sequences....................................................................................................................................................33
Handling the duration (the length of a note) at the loop boundary .................................................................................33
Track Features .....................................................................................................................33
Setting the Track Type.....................................................................................................................................................33
Selecting a Program .........................................................................................................................................................33
Sending MIDI Program Changes.....................................................................................................................................34
Track Velocity..................................................................................................................................................................34
Track Mute .......................................................................................................................................................................34
Setting the MIDI Output Channel....................................................................................................................................34
Changing a Track Name ..................................................................................................................................................35
Changing the Default Name for a Track..........................................................................................................................35
Copying a Track...............................................................................................................................................................35
Deleting a Track...............................................................................................................................................................35
Deleting all Tracks ...........................................................................................................................................................35
Track Lock .......................................................................................................................................................................36
MIDI Receive Indicator ................................................................................................................................................... 36
Track Select with [SHIFT] + Pad ....................................................................................................................................36
Continuous Sample Tracks ...................................................................................................37
Selecting a Track with Function Keys.............................................................................................................................37
Soloing a Track ................................................................................................................................................................37
MIDI Sequencer Features ....................................................................................................38
Handling the Sustain Pedal ..................................................................................................39
Recording Aftertouch ...........................................................................................................39
Chapter 4: Editing Sequences ...................................................................................41
Selecting a region for the editing .........................................................................................41
Setting the Range .............................................................................................................................................................41
Setting the pad/note number ............................................................................................................................................41
Copying events (COPY) ..................................................................................................................................................41
Moving events (MOVE) ..................................................................................................................................................42
Transpose .........................................................................................................................................................................42
Changing the timing of an event (SHIFT TIMING) .......................................................................................................43
Changing the Velocity of an event (Velocity).................................................................................................................43
Changing the duration of an event (DURATION) ..........................................................................................................44
Selecting the editing region by bar ......................................................................................44

Copying bars (COPY)......................................................................................................................................................44
Inserting a bar (INSERT).................................................................................................................................................44
Deleting a bar (DELETE) ................................................................................................................................................ 45
Changing the order of tracks (TRACK MOVE) .......................................................................45
Chapter 5: STEP EDIT Mode.......................................................................................47
A Note about Playing Events...........................................................................................................................................47
About Step Edit................................................................................................................................................................47
'Now' field ........................................................................................................................................................................47
Event List .........................................................................................................................................................................47
'View' field .......................................................................................................................................................................47
'Event Time' field .............................................................................................................................................................47
Event................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Basic operation ....................................................................................................................47
Event List .........................................................................................................................................................................47
[F1] (T.C.) ........................................................................................................................................................................47
[F2] (TRACK)..................................................................................................................................................................48
[F6] (PLAY).....................................................................................................................................................................48
Events ..................................................................................................................................48
Pad Event ......................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Note Event........................................................................................................................................................................ 48
Pitch Bend Event.............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Control Change Event......................................................................................................................................................49
Program Change Event .................................................................................................................................................... 49
Channel Pressure Event ................................................................................................................................................... 49
Poly Pressure Event ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
Exclusive Data Event .......................................................................................................................................................49
Editing the exclusive data ................................................................................................................................................49
Effect Select Event...........................................................................................................................................................50
Tempo Change Event....................................................................................................................................................... 50
Real Time Event...............................................................................................................................................................50
Effect Automation Event ................................................................................................................................................. 51
Track Mute Event.............................................................................................................................................................51
Pad Mute Event ................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Copying / Pasting an Event..................................................................................................51
Moving an Event...................................................................................................................51
Deleting an event.................................................................................................................51
Step Recording.....................................................................................................................52
Detailed setting for step recording.......................................................................................52
'Auto step increment' field ...............................................................................................................................................52
'Duration of recorded notes' field.....................................................................................................................................52
Inserting an event .............................................................................................................................................................52
Track Lock .......................................................................................................................................................................53
Chapter 6: GRID EDIT Mode .......................................................................................55
About Grid Edit.....................................................................................................................55
DRUM View ....................................................................................................................................................................55
MIDI View ....................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Now ..................................................................................................................................................................................55
Time ruler.........................................................................................................................................................................55
Vertical marker.................................................................................................................................................................55
Horizontal marker ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
'Event Range' field ...........................................................................................................................................................55
Event Area........................................................................................................................................................................ 55
Basic operation ....................................................................................................................56
Operation in the Event area..............................................................................................................................................56
Relationship of Grid Value to Timing Correct. ............................................................................................................... 56
Selecting an event ............................................................................................................................................................56
Editing in GRID EDIT mode ..................................................................................................57
[F1] (T.C.) Button ............................................................................................................................................................ 57
[F2] (TRACK) Button......................................................................................................................................................57
[F3] (EDIT) Button ..........................................................................................................................................................57
[F4] (DELETE) Button .................................................................................................................................................... 57
[F6] (PLAY) Button......................................................................................................................................................... 57
Copying and Pasting an Event ..............................................................................................57

Moving an event...................................................................................................................57
Deleting an event.................................................................................................................58
Entering an event.................................................................................................................58
Step recording ..................................................................................................................................................................58
Detailed Setting for Grid Edit Recording...............................................................................59
'Auto step increment' field ...............................................................................................................................................59
'Duration of recorded notes' field.....................................................................................................................................59
Real time recording..............................................................................................................59
Track Lock .......................................................................................................................................................................59
Controller View and editing individual events ......................................................................60
Chapter 7: SONG Mode...............................................................................................61
Structure of a song ..............................................................................................................61
Screens ................................................................................................................................61
Now' field .........................................................................................................................................................................61
'Song' field........................................................................................................................................................................61
Step list.............................................................................................................................................................................61
'Step' field ......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
'Sequence' field................................................................................................................................................................. 62
'Reps' field ........................................................................................................................................................................ 62
'Tempo' field..................................................................................................................................................................... 62
'Bars' field......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Creating a song....................................................................................................................62
Deleting a step.................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Inserting a step .................................................................................................................................................................62
Playing a song......................................................................................................................63
[F5] (SUDDEN) ...............................................................................................................................................................63
[F6] (NEXT).....................................................................................................................................................................63
Other features in SONG Mode ..............................................................................................63
Changing the song name..................................................................................................................................................63
Copying a song.................................................................................................................................................................63
Deleting a song.................................................................................................................................................................63
Deleting all songs............................................................................................................................................................. 64
Setting all sequences to the same tempo.......................................................................................................................... 64
Ignoring tempo change events in a sequence ..................................................................................................................64
Converting a song to a sequence......................................................................................................................................64
LOCATE ..........................................................................................................................................................................65
Chapter 8: HD RECORD Mode ...................................................................................67
Adding Hard Disk Tracks to a Song ......................................................................................67
About the RECORD Page................................................................................................................................................67
Recording Hard Disk Tracks .................................................................................................68
Recording additional tracks ............................................................................................................................................. 68
Viewing Recorded Tracks .....................................................................................................69
Selecting the View Range.....................................................................................................69
Viewing Individual Disk Tracks ............................................................................................69
Choosing the Track to View ............................................................................................................................................70
Editing Hard Disk Tracks ......................................................................................................70
Selecting multiple tracks..................................................................................................................................................70
Fine Editing of a Single Track ......................................................................................................................................... 70
Individual Edit Functions .....................................................................................................70
Gain ..................................................................................................................................................................................71
Fade ..................................................................................................................................................................................71
Cut / Copy / Pasting Tracks ............................................................................................................................................. 71
Normalize .........................................................................................................................................................................72
Silence ..............................................................................................................................................................................72
Deleting, importing and Exporting Tracks ............................................................................72
Deleting ............................................................................................................................................................................72
Importing..........................................................................................................................................................................72
Exporting..........................................................................................................................................................................73
Erasing HD Track Automation ........................................................................................................................................73

Mixing Hard Disk Tracks.......................................................................................................74
Setting Track Output........................................................................................................................................................ 74
Setting the level and pan of a Track ................................................................................................................................74
Assigning effects to a Track ............................................................................................................................................75
Muting a Track .................................................................................................................................................................75
Using Q-LINK Controls with MIXER Mode..................................................................................................................75
Mixer Automation ................................................................................................................76
Erasing HD Track Automation ..............................................................................................76
Mixdown ..............................................................................................................................76
Mixdown to File...............................................................................................................................................................76
Track Mix Access in HD RECORD Mode .................................................................................77
Selecting Track Mix.........................................................................................................................................................77
Returning to HD MIX ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
Chapter 9: Functions of a Pad ...................................................................................79
Playing with pads.................................................................................................................79
Switching pad banks ........................................................................................................................................................79
Full level function ([FULL LEVEL] button)................................................................................................................... 79
16 levels function ([16 LEVEL] button) .........................................................................................................................79
Muting Sequence Tracks with Pads (Track Mute).................................................................80
Operation..........................................................................................................................................................................80
Solo Function ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Selecting Instant Track Mute ...........................................................................................................................................80
Setting the Track Mute in Solo Mode..............................................................................................................................81
Recording Track Mutes....................................................................................................................................................81
Ignoring Track Mute Events ............................................................................................................................................ 81
Track Mute Groups .......................................................................................................................................................... 81
Track Mute Quantization ......................................................................................................82
TRACK MUTE Quantization .......................................................................................................................................... 82
Changing the Timing Correct for Track Mute Quantization........................................................................................... 82
Change Sequences in Track Mute Mode................................................................................82
Program with Pads (Pad Mute) ............................................................................................83
Operation..........................................................................................................................................................................83
Pad Mute Groups .............................................................................................................................................................83
Pad Mute Quantization .........................................................................................................83
PAD MUTE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Changing the Timing Correct for Pad Mute Quantization .............................................................................................. 84
Selecting a Sequence to Play with Pads ...............................................................................84
Operation..........................................................................................................................................................................84
SUDDEN Button.............................................................................................................................................................. 85
HOLD Button................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Next Sequence for Next Bar .................................................................................................85
Chapter 10: MIXER Mode..............................................................................................87
Program Mixer .....................................................................................................................87
Setting the Output ............................................................................................................................................................87
Setting the Level and Pan of a Pad ..................................................................................................................................88
Assigning Effects to a Pad ............................................................................................................................................... 88
Muting Pads .....................................................................................................................................................................89
Viewing Program Info ..........................................................................................................89
Track Mixer ..........................................................................................................................90
Setting the Level and Pan Position of a Track................................................................................................................. 90
Muting a Track .................................................................................................................................................................90
Using Q-LINK Controls with MIXER Mode..................................................................................................................91
Viewing Track Details ..........................................................................................................91
Mixer Automation ................................................................................................................91
Shortcut between MIXER and EFFECTS mode. ............................................................................................................92
Take Over Mode ...................................................................................................................92
Input Thru ...........................................................................................................................92
Applying effects to an incoming signal ...........................................................................................................................92

Chapter 11: Sampling ...................................................................................................95
Preparing the recording .......................................................................................................95
Starting the recording.......................................................................................................................................................96
Sampling - detailed information...........................................................................................97
Recording the digital signal .................................................................................................97
Preparing the recording....................................................................................................................................................97
Recording the MAIN OUT .....................................................................................................97
Preparation For Recording...............................................................................................................................................97
Recording the internal CD’s sound .......................................................................................97
Preparation For Recording...............................................................................................................................................97
Other Features .....................................................................................................................98
Monitoring feature ........................................................................................................................................................... 98
Peak hold/Reset peak feature ........................................................................................................................................... 98
RECORD INFORMATION Window .............................................................................................................................99
Direct Recording feature ......................................................................................................99
Preparing the recording....................................................................................................................................................99
Starting the recording.....................................................................................................................................................100
Chapter 12: Sample Editing: TRIM Mode ..................................................................101
Setting the Start / End Points ............................................................................................101
About the waveform display..........................................................................................................................................101
LEFT / RIGHT / BOTH Waveform View.....................................................................................................................101
Adjusting the start point................................................................................................................................................. 101
Adjusting the end point..................................................................................................................................................102
Snapping to the Next Zero Crossing (SNAP 0).............................................................................................................102
Zooming in/out...............................................................................................................................................................102
Adjusting the TRIM and LOOP Points at the Same Time (LOCK).........................................102
Deleting Unused Parts from a Sample (DISCARD) .............................................................103
Deleting a Section of a Sample (DELETE) ...........................................................................103
Silencing Part of a Sample (SILENCE) ................................................................................103
Saving part of a sample as a new sample (EXTRACT) ........................................................103
Converting a Stereo Sample to Mono (STEREO TO MONO) .................................................104
Sample window features....................................................................................................104
Changing the sample name ............................................................................................................................................104
Changing the pitch of a sample......................................................................................................................................104
Copying a sample...........................................................................................................................................................104
Deleting a sample...........................................................................................................................................................105
Deleting all samples .......................................................................................................................................................105
Assign a Sample to a Pad directly in TRIM Mode........................................................................................................105
Selecting a Pad’s Sample to Edit ...................................................................................................................................105
Setting the Root Note of a Sample.................................................................................................................................106
Other editing functions ......................................................................................................106
NORMALIZE ................................................................................................................................................................106
REVERSE ......................................................................................................................................................................106
TIME STRETCH ...........................................................................................................................................................106
PITCH SHIFT (Changing the pitch of the sample) .......................................................................................................108
Gain ................................................................................................................................................................................109
Bit Reduce......................................................................................................................................................................109
Fade In............................................................................................................................................................................109
Fade Out .........................................................................................................................................................................110
Dividing a Phrase Sample into Several Regions .................................................................111
Chop Shop......................................................................................................................................................................111
SLICED SAMPLE/PATCHED PHRASE.....................................................................................................................111
Dividing a Sample Automatically (AUTO)...................................................................................................................112
Dividing a Sample into Regions of Equal Length (EQUALLY) ..................................................................................112
Adjusting the Start / End Point of the Region ...............................................................................................................112
Zoom ..............................................................................................................................................................................113
Converting Divided Samples to SLICED SAMPLES...................................................................................................113
Converting PATCHED PHRASE..................................................................................................................................114
Changing the Tune and Tempo of a Patched Phrase Sample ..............................................114
Editing Regions ..................................................................................................................115

EXTRACT .....................................................................................................................................................................115
DIVIDE REGION..........................................................................................................................................................115
COMBINE REGION .....................................................................................................................................................115
RESTORE ......................................................................................................................................................................115
Setting the loop .................................................................................................................116
Adjusting the loop point.................................................................................................................................................116
Adjusting the end point..................................................................................................................................................116
Zooming In/Out of the Waveform .................................................................................................................................116
LINEAR and LOGARITHMIC Displays ...................................................................................................................... 117
Linking the Loop Point to the Start Point......................................................................................................................117
Auto Phrase Loop...........................................................................................................................................................117
Popup List for Samples ......................................................................................................117
Convert Patched Phrases to Sliced Samples ..................................................................................................................117
Chapter 13: Sample, Keygroup and Synth Programs ..............................................119
Sample Programs...............................................................................................................119
Creating a Sample Program ........................................................................................................................................... 119
Assigning Samples to Pads ............................................................................................................................................119
Note On vs. One Shot ....................................................................................................................................................120
Volume and Tuning For a Sample .................................................................................................................................120
Velocity ..........................................................................................................................................................................120
Velocity / Cycle / Random Sample Switching (Zone Play) ...................................................................................................121
Velocity Sample Switching............................................................................................................................................121
Cycle Switching .............................................................................................................................................................121
Random Sample Switching............................................................................................................................................121
Per-Sample Panning.......................................................................................................................................................122
Changing Pitch with Velocity........................................................................................................................................122
Playing several samples with one pad ...........................................................................................................................122
Assigning One Sample across All Pads (Auto-Chromatic)...........................................................................................122
Simultaneous Playing of Multiple Pads.........................................................................................................................123
Setting Envelopes...........................................................................................................................................................123
Using Filters with Sample Programs .............................................................................................................................125
Setting the Filter.............................................................................................................................................................125
Controlling the Filter with Velocity...............................................................................................................................126
Multi Pad Edit ................................................................................................................................................................126
Program Tune.................................................................................................................................................................127
Mute groups ...................................................................................................................................................................127
Limiting the Number of Voices in a Program ...............................................................................................................127
Setting Voice Overlap ....................................................................................................................................................127
Mute Target feature........................................................................................................................................................128
Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO)................................................................................................................................. 128
Purge Unused Samples ..................................................................................................................................................129
Sample assignment......................................................................................................................................................... 129
KEYGROUP Type Program ..................................................................................................130
Creating a Keygroup Program .......................................................................................................................................130
Adding Keygroups to a Keygroup Program .................................................................................................................. 130
Sample Layer Crossfade ................................................................................................................................................131
Panning Individual Samples ..........................................................................................................................................131
Tuning and Root Note....................................................................................................................................................131
Keytracking ....................................................................................................................................................................132
Keygroup Tune and Transpose ......................................................................................................................................132
Pitchbend / Modwheel / Aftertouch...............................................................................................................................132
Synth Programs .................................................................................................................133
About Subtractive Synthesis ..........................................................................................................................................133
Playing a Synth Program ...............................................................................................................................................133
Auditioning a Synth Program ........................................................................................................................................ 133
The Synth Button ........................................................................................................................................................... 134
Creating a Synth Program..............................................................................................................................................134
Editing with Q-LINK Controls ...................................................................................................................................... 134
Basic Editing of a Synth Program..................................................................................................................................134
VCOs..............................................................................................................................................................................136
VCF ................................................................................................................................................................................137
VCA ...............................................................................................................................................................................139
LFOs...............................................................................................................................................................................140
MASTER........................................................................................................................................................................141
Other Program Functions ...................................................................................................142
Changing the program name ..........................................................................................................................................142
Copying a program.........................................................................................................................................................143
Deleting a program.........................................................................................................................................................143
Deleting all programs..................................................................................................................................................... 143

Setting a Program Change Number ...............................................................................................................................143
Assigning MIDI Notes to Pads in a Sample Program ...................................................................................................144
Changing the Default Note Number Assignment..........................................................................................................144
Chapter 14: Arpeggiator .............................................................................................145
Editing the Arpeggiator......................................................................................................145
Latching the Arpeggiator ...................................................................................................146
Using the Arpeggiator with Pre-Recorded Tracks...............................................................147
Chapter 15: Effects......................................................................................................149
Applying Effects to a Pad ...................................................................................................149
Buss Effects vs. Insert Effects ....................................................................................................................................... 150
Setting an Effect as an Insert ......................................................................................................................................... 150
Adding additional Effects to the Effects Buss...............................................................................................................151
Effect Buss Chaining ..........................................................................................................151
About CPU Usage ...............................................................................................................151
Editing Effects....................................................................................................................151
Effect List.......................................................................................................................................................................152
Routing Effect Buss Output to Individual Outs ...................................................................162
Using Master Effects ..........................................................................................................162
Editing the Master Effects .............................................................................................................................................163
Editing the Effect Set .........................................................................................................163
Changing the name of the Effect Set .............................................................................................................................163
Copying the effect set ....................................................................................................................................................164
Resetting the effect set ...................................................................................................................................................164
Copy / Paste / Swap Effect Settings ..................................................................................164
[F2] COPY .....................................................................................................................................................................164
[F3] PASTE.................................................................................................................................................................... 164
[F5] SWAP.....................................................................................................................................................................164
Easy Effect List Navigation ...........................................................................................................................................164
Chapter 16: Saving and Loading (DISK Mode) .........................................................165
About memory cards......................................................................................................................................................165
Saving................................................................................................................................165
Selecting the destination ................................................................................................................................................165
Creating a New Folder ...................................................................................................................................................165
Saving a Sample.............................................................................................................................................................166
Saving a Synth or Sample Program ...............................................................................................................................166
Saving all Programs and Samples..................................................................................................................................167
Saving a Sequence .........................................................................................................................................................167
Saving All the Sequences and the Songs at the Same Time .........................................................................................168
Saving All Data In Memory...........................................................................................................................................168
About Input Thru (.IPT) File .........................................................................................................................................169
Renaming a File ............................................................................................................................................................. 169
Deleting a File ................................................................................................................................................................ 169
Copying Files .................................................................................................................................................................169
Moving Files ..................................................................................................................................................................170
Loading ..............................................................................................................................171
Selecting a File...............................................................................................................................................................171
Loading a Sample...........................................................................................................................................................171
Create a New Program When Loading a Sample ..........................................................................................................172
Loading Audio from the Internal CD Drive (optional) ................................................................................................. 172
Loading a Program......................................................................................................................................................... 172
Deleting All Programs and Samples in Memory Before Loading ................................................................................173
Loading a Sequence .......................................................................................................................................................173
Loading the ALL File ....................................................................................................................................................173
Loading Individual Sequences from the ALL File........................................................................................................173
Loading Only the Effect Set from the ALL File ........................................................................................................... 173
Loading a Folder ............................................................................................................................................................ 174
Automatically Create Programs from a Folder....................................................................174
Loading a Folder after Deleting All Data in Memory ...................................................................................................174
Loading a Project ...........................................................................................................................................................174
Loading an Input Thru File ............................................................................................................................................174

Burning CDs .......................................................................................................................175
Audio CDs......................................................................................................................................................................175
Data CDs ........................................................................................................................................................................ 175
Erasing CD-R/Ws .......................................................................................................................................................... 176
Close Session .................................................................................................................................................................176
Autoload ............................................................................................................................176
Creating an Autoload .....................................................................................................................................................176
Restoring the Factory Autoload.....................................................................................................................................176
Turning Autoload Off ....................................................................................................................................................177
Formatting .........................................................................................................................177
Auditioning Synth Programs..........................................................................................................................................177
Quick File Browser Movements ....................................................................................................................................177
Chapter 17: Program and FX Q-LINK Controllers.....................................................179
Program Q-LINK programming ....................................................................................................................................179
Configuring the Q-LINK Sliders & Knobs ............................................................................179
Resetting the Q-LINK slider / knob value ..........................................................................181
Recording the slider/knob value in a sequence .................................................................181
[AFTER] Button ............................................................................................................................................................181
Sending MIDI Continuous Controllers with a Q-LINK .........................................................182
Configuring FX Q-Links ......................................................................................................182
Configuring the FX Q-LINK Sliders & Knobs .............................................................................................................182
Default Q-LINK Mode .........................................................................................................183
Bypassing Default Q-LINK ...........................................................................................................................................183
Chapter 18: Using the MPC5000 with External Devices...........................................185
MIDI Clock .........................................................................................................................185
MIDI Sync with the MPC5000 as the master................................................................................................................185
MIDI Sync with the MPC5000 as the slave ..................................................................................................................185
MIDI Time Code (MTC).......................................................................................................186
Time code Display .........................................................................................................................................................186
MPC5000 as the Slave ...................................................................................................................................................186
MPC5000 as the Master.................................................................................................................................................186
MIDI Machine Control (MMC).....................................................................................................................................187
Sending MMC to a device .............................................................................................................................................187
Receiving MMC from a device .....................................................................................................................................187
Connecting the MPC5000 to a MIDI Keyboard with Built-in Sounds ...................................188
Setting the MIDI Input Channel .........................................................................................189
Connecting the MPC5000 as a Multitimbral Sound Module .................................................189
Setting MIDI Channel....................................................................................................................................................189
Select Active Track or Sequence with a Program Change...................................................189
Chapter 19: Connecting the MPC5000 to Your Computer .......................................191
Connecting the MPC5000 to a Windows - based PC....................................................................................................191
Connecting the MPC5000 to the Macintosh.................................................................................................................. 191
Chapter 20: Other Settings.........................................................................................193
Adjusting the Master Level............................................................................................................................................193
Sustain Pedal to Duration...............................................................................................................................................193
Truncate Duration ..........................................................................................................................................................194
Record Aftertouch..........................................................................................................................................................194
Tap Average ...................................................................................................................................................................194
Flash Tempo LED ..........................................................................................................................................................194
Mute / Stop of One-Shot Samples .................................................................................................................................194
Setting the ADAT Digital Output..................................................................................................................................195
Program Audition Note..................................................................................................................................................195
Using the Footswitches ..................................................................................................................................................195
Adjustment of Pad Sensitivity and Velocity Curve....................................................................................................... 197
SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................................................................ 197
Initialize To Factory Default.......................................................................................................................................... 198
How to Upgrade the MPC5000 ..................................................................................................................................... 198
Specifications.....................................................................................................................200

General ...........................................................................................................................................................................200
Sound Generator ............................................................................................................................................................200
Effects.............................................................................................................................................................................200
Sequencer .......................................................................................................................................................................200
Inputs/Outputs................................................................................................................................................................201
Standard accessories ......................................................................................................................................................201
Options ...........................................................................................................................................................................201
Data Compatibility.........................................................................................................................................................201
MIDI Implementation Chart...............................................................................................203
Index .................................................................................................................................205

Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MPC5000. The MPC5000 is a powerful musical production tool and this manual describes
how to use the MPC to its fullest potential. We’re sure you’d like to jump in and start using your MPC5000 quickly. To
help you do this, check out the MPC5000’s Quickstart guide. The Quickstart guide is a separate manual that should
have everything you need to start playing quickly.
Once you’re ready for more in-depth information, this reference manual is for you. This manual will describe the
workings of every single feature and parameter on the MPC5000 and you should be able to find answers to all of your
MPC5000 questions here.
Be sure to register your MPC5000 at our website (www.akaipro.com) so we can give you the best possible service. And
since the MPC5000's operating system is upgradeable, check the site once in a while for late breaking news. Future
versions of the operating system will include things like new features requested by our users as well as improvements
to existing features. Also, you might want to check for new beats and samples every once in a while.
We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve your musical goals.
Sincerely,
The MPC5000 Team
Overview
In this chapter, we’ll go over the basics of the MPC5000 including the name and function of each button, slider, knob,
and jack. Next, we’ll also cover how to hook up your MPC5000 to the rest of your studio. Finally, we’ll review the basic
MPC-related concepts and terminology that is found throughout this manual.
Note that in this manual, the names of buttons, knobs, sliders, and input/output jacks are found in brackets and in all
caps as follows: [NAME]. Names of different operating modes are displayed in all capitals, such as PROGRAM mode.
Fields and parameters on the screen will be indicated by single quotes, such as 'copy sequence'.
Top Panel
Most of the MPC5000’s controls are located on the top of the unit. These controls are as follows:
1. [MAIN VOLUME] Knob:
This knob controls the loudness level of the [PHONES] and [STEREO OUT] jacks on the rear of the MPC5000. Use this
knob to control the volume of your headphones or speakers.
2. [REC GAIN] Knob:
This knob controls the gain level of the [INPUT] and [PHONO] jacks on the rear of the MPC. Use this knob to set proper
input levels before you begin recording your own samples.
3. [INPUT SELECT] Switch:
This switch sets the source for your MPC5000’s [INPUT THRU] and record functions. Set this switch to the 'PHONO'
position, for sampling from the RCA jacks, (CD player, DJ mixer, Minidisk, etc.) and to the 'MIC' position for recording
from the [RECORD IN] MIC/1/4" combo jacks.
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Introduction2
4. [INPUT THRU] Button:
Using this button, you can mix the input signal from the [RECORD IN] jacks to the [STEREO OUT] jacks. This way, an
additional source can be monitored through the MPC5000's outputs without the need for a mixing board. You can also
use the MPC5000’s internal effects on this signal. The level of the input signal is controlled by the [REC GAIN] knob. For
more information, see the 'Input Thru” section at page 92.
5. [PAD BANK] Buttons:
These buttons let you switch between pad banks A, B, C, and D, allowing you to have 64 total pads. The currently
active bank will be illuminated.
6. [FULL LEVEL] Button:
When this button is engaged, the MPC's pads always play back at their maximum volume. Pads will be recorded at
Maximum MIDI velocity (127). When the button is disengaged, the pads can be played using their entire dynamic
range, with the pads getting quieter as you hit softer. Pads will be recorded using the entire MIDI range of velocity (0
-127).
7. [16 LEVEL] Button:
This button allows you to use all 16 drum pads to play one sample with increasing velocity, increased filter effect, or
play a single sample at 16 different pitches.
In other words, if 16 LEVEL is set to Velocity, all of the pads play one sample but the velocity of that sample increases
as you move from [PAD 1] to [PAD 16]. See page 79 for more about this feature.
8. [TRACK MUTE] Button:
This button calls up the TRACK MUTE page where you can mute or solo your sequence’s individual tracks using the
pads, or mute individual pads in the current program. For more on Track mutes, see page 80. For more information on
Pad mutes, see page 82.
9. [NEXT SEQ] Button:
This button calls up the NEXT SEQ page, where you can switch sequences by pressing a pad. For more information, see
the 'Selecting a Sequence to Play with Pads' section on page 84.
10. NUMERIC KEYPAD
These buttons are used to enter numeric data directly. Enter numbers with these buttons into selected numeric fields
and press the [ENTER] button. If you are entering numbers with a decimal value, enter the number ignoring the
decimal point. (Example: for 120.5, enter 1205.). If you make a mistake, it is possible to cancel by pressing the
[SHIFT] button. If you use the [CURSOR] buttons, [DATA] wheel, or [MAIN] button while you are entering data with
the numeric buttons, the input will be canceled and the data returns to its original value.
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Also, you will notice that much like a telephone, each number also has three or four letters associated with it. These
are used for naming programs, tracks, samples etc. For more information on naming, see page 20. These buttons can
also be used in SAMPLE lists, FX lists, and in DISK Mode to quickly jump to the first item corresponding to the letter
pressed.
11. [DATA] Wheel / [+] and [-] Buttons:
This wheel lets you change the value of the currently selected field. Turning the wheel clockwise increases values, or
moves you forward in a list, whereas turning the wheel counterclockwise decreases values or moves you backwards in a
list.
Also, the [+] and [-] buttons can be used to change the selected value by single increments. These are best used for
fine adjustments.
12. [CURSOR] Buttons:
These four buttons let you move your cursor around the LCD screen to select the various parameters available on
screen. Holding [SHIFT] while in a list and pressing up or down will bring you to the top or bottom of the list,
respectively. While in [MAIN] mode, pressing [SHIFT] + [UP] will always select the 'Sequence' field, and [SHIFT] +
[DOWN] will always select the 'Track' field.
13. [TAP TEMPO] Button:
You can set a sequence’s tempo by tapping this button at the desired rate. For more about setting tempos, see 'The
Sequencer' on page 21.
14. [MAIN] Button:
This is the Main page of the MPC5000 and is displayed when the unit is powered on. Pressing the [MAIN] button at any
time will return you to this page. See 'Operating Modes' on page 16 for more about this button.
15. [MODE] Button:
The MPC5000 has several different operating modes and each mode is assigned to its own pad. To shift between these
modes, press the [MODE] button and then hit the pad corresponding to the mode you wish to enter. See page 16 for
more on this.
16. [SHIFT] Button:
Many of the MPC5000’s buttons and pads serve more than one function. Holding the [SHIFT] button while pressing
these buttons and pads allows you to access the secondary functions.
17. [UNDO] Button:
If you are unsatisfied with your last performance, you can quickly delete the last take by pressing the [UNDO]. You are
also able to undo certain sample editing functions, like Reverse, Discard and Normalize.
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Introduction4
18. [STEP] Buttons ('<' And '>'):
These buttons will step you through a sequence according to the value of the timing correct setting. See 'STEP EDIT
Mode' on page 47 for more about this.
19. [GO TO] Button:
This button displays the locate window.
Entering a locate point and then pressing [F5] (GO TO) will move you to
the selected position in the sequence.
You can also memorize a locate point. Select a point in your sequence
and press the [GO TO] button. Select number you want to memorize
and press [F2] (CAPTUR) to memorize this point.
20. [BAR] Buttons ('<<' And '>>'):
These buttons let you move through your sequence by bars. See 'STEP EDIT Mode' on page 47 for more about this.
21. [REC] Button:
This button enables recording of your performances. Pressing [REC] + [PLAY START] or [REC] + [PLAY] will begin
recording to a sequence. Any existing events in your sequence will be overwritten by your new performance.
You can punch in by pressing [PLAY] + [REC] during playback and punch out by pressing the [REC] button a second
time. See page 24 for more about punching in and out on your MPC.
New to the MPC5000 is 'Record Ready' mode. When in 'Record Ready' mode, the MPC will start recording when a MIDI
or MMC Start command is received. To enter record ready mode, simply press and release [REC]. The LED will start to
blink, indicating that the MPC is in 'Record Ready' mode. The MPC will start recording upon pressing [PLAY] or receiving
a MIDI start command. See page 23 for more about 'Record Ready' mode.
Another new function added to the MPC5000 is the ability to perform step recording from the MAIN page by holding
down either the [REC] or [OVERDUB] button. For more information, see page 23.
22. [OVERDUB] Button:
This button is quite similar in function to the [REC] button. The only difference is that [OVERDUB] lets you add events
to an existing sequence (overdub) instead of overwriting existing events in the sequence.
Press [OVERDUB] + [PLAY START] or [OVERDUB] + [PLAY] to begin overdubbing a sequence. To perform a punch-in,
press [PLAY] + [OVERDUB] while the sequence is playing. Press [OVERDUB] to punch out while recording.
23. [STOP] Button:
This button stops playback and recording. Quickly pressing this button three times sends an 'all notes off' MIDI
command stops all sounds from playing back.
Note: If your MPC5000 has a 'stuck note' or if a sample is ringing due to improper programming, you can always stop
all sounds by quickly tapping the [STOP] button three times.
24. [PLAY] Button:
This button starts playback of a sequence or song from its current position.
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25. [PLAY START] Button:
When looping is disabled, this button will play a sequence from the beginning. Press [PLAY START] to start from the
beginning of the sequence regardless of whether looping is enabled or disabled.
26. Display:
This backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) shows you the status of your MPC.
27. [DISPLAY CONTRAST] Knob:
This knob will change the contrast of the LCD display. This will allow the screen to be easily viewed at many different
angles.
28. [F1] through [F6] Buttons:
These buttons are used to call up pages at the bottom of the display, or to execute the feature assigned to the button.
The available feature depends on the currently displayed screen.
29. [WINDOW] Button
Pressing this button will display a pop up window where you can see more details about the parameter selected on the
screen, and allows you to access more in-depth editing of the selected function. When there is more information or
parameters available for a particular selection, the [WINDOW] button will light.
This button also acts as a drive activity light when connected via USB. When your computer is accessing the drive, the
[WINDOW] button's LED will flash repeatedly.
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30. [PAD1] Through [PAD16]:
These drum pads let you trigger the samples in your MPC, or play Synth Programs. These pads also let you enter
various modes, choose sequences, and mute tracks.
31. [SYNTH]
to the MPC 5000 is a virtual analog synth, with which you can create your own synth programs. Synth programs make
sound by a method called 'subtractive synthesis'. From smooth, whistling leads, to huge, booming basses, to lush,
spacious pads, synth programs can be used to create a vast array of sounds.
Pressing the [SYNTH] button allows for quick access to the synth program on the current track, automatically add the
first loaded synth program to the current track, or if no synth program is loaded, create a new, generic synth program
for you to work with. It's best to think of the [SYNTH] button as a quick-fix shortcut to quickly get into synth
programming.
32. [ARP ON/OFF]
This button allows you to turn on or off the arpeggiator quickly. This button will light when the arpeggiator is on for the
current track.
33. [ARPEGGIATOR]
New to the MPC5000 is the arpeggiator. The arpeggiator will play in the order the pads being held down, or any notes
being held down on an external MIDI keyboard. This will allow for rapid playing not always possible when playing
manually. This is similar to pressing [NOTE REPEAT], but the advantages of an Arpeggiator (or 'Arp' for short) are that
the notes play in a defined pattern. For more on the Arpeggiator, see page 145.
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