Akai MPC1000 (2003–c. 2013)

32-voice sampler/sequencer with 16-bit/44.1 kHz sampling, expandable RAM, and 64 tracks per sequence.

Overview

The Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center is a standalone 32-voice sampler, sequencer, and drum machine. Akai Professional developed it with electronic engineer Roger Linn. It came out in 2003 and combines a 64-track MIDI sequencer with a stereo digital sampler. It was meant as a cheaper, more portable MPC for home studios. It runs the same operating system as the MPC2500 and MPC4000 and is based on the MPC2000XL design. It has 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive rubber pads, and the pad sensors were corrected to fix problems from earlier models.

Specifications

Production Years	2003 – c. 2013
Manufacturer	Akai Professional
Sample Resolution	16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo
Sample RAM	16 MB standard, expandable to 128 MB
Sequencer Capacity	64 tracks per sequence, 99 sequences, 100,000 notes
Effects	2 general effects (Chorus, Flanger, EQ, Bit-Grunger, etc.), 1 master effect (EQ, Compressor)
MIDI I/O	2 MIDI In, 4 MIDI Out, 32 channels, USB MIDI (Device)
Audio I/O	2 main outputs, 6 individual outputs, 2 inputs, S/PDIF digital I/O
Storage	CompactFlash slot (up to 2GB), includes preloaded sample card
Display	240 x 64 pixel backlit LCD
Controls	16 velocity/pressure-sensitive pads, 4 pad banks (64 total), 2 Q-Link sliders, data wheel
Dimensions	12.9" W x 3.1" H x 10.9" D
Weight	7.7 lbs
Power	DC 9V external adapter, IEC power cord
Finish	Black, Blue
Made in	Japan

Design

The MPC1000 is a compact, portable plastic box with a standalone hardware design. It has a 240 x 64 pixel backlit LCD, a data wheel, and dedicated controls including four function buttons, cursor arrows, and a 16-level button. The operating system is the same as the MPC2500 and MPC4000, and the layout builds on the MPC2000XL. Two Q-Link sliders handle real-time parameter control. The rubber pads were corrected to resolve the sensor issues of prior models.

Context

The MPC1000 came out in 2003 and sat below the MPC2500 and MPC4000 in the Akai Music Production Center line. It was the last MPC designed before Akai Professional was sold to Numark in 2005. Akai sold it as a streamlined, portable version of the series. It brought the MPC2000 workflow into home studios with the essential features at a lower cost.

Market

The MPC1000 is discontinued and counts as vintage. Used prices vary with condition and with modifications such as pad sensor replacement, backlight upgrades, or the third-party JJOS, which fixes bugs and adds functionality. The original pad sensors may get less responsive over time, though replacement parts are available. The unit is praised for portability, affordability, and sound quality, and it saw wide use in hip-hop and electronic music. Its time-stretching has lo-fi artifacts.

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