Akai MPC500 (2006–2013)
Portable sampler and sequencer workstation developed with Roger Linn, released in 2006 as the first battery-powered MPC.
Overview
The Akai MPC500 is a portable sampler and sequencer workstation manufactured by Akai Professional from 2006 to 2013. It was designed as a budget-friendly, compact entry into the MPC series, targeting hip-hop producers with its portability and core MPC workflow. Developed in collaboration with electronic engineer Roger Linn, the MPC500 features 12 velocity and pressure-sensitive rubber pads, a 48-track sequencer, and 32-voice polyphony. It is the smallest and most portable model in the MPC lineup, positioned below the MPC1000, MPC2500, and MPC4000, and brings MPC2000-style features to a lower price point. The unit supports sampling at 16-bit, 44.1kHz and includes onboard time stretch, pitch shift, note repeat, and sample chopping.
Specifications
| Display | Two-line, 16-character backlit LCD with adjustable contrast |
| Internal Memory | 16MB RAM (upgradable to 128MB via EXM128 expansion) |
| Storage | CompactFlash slot (up to 2GB), includes 128MB card; 5MB internal Flash ROM |
| Audio I/O | 2 x 1/4" Stereo Input (Mic/Line), 2 x 1/4" Stereo Output, 1 x 1/4" Headphone Jack |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI In, MIDI Out |
| USB | USB port for file transfer with computers |
| Power | 6 AA batteries or external AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 10.5" W x 6.9" D x 1.7" H / 266 x 175 x 44mm |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs / 1.3kg |
| Sampling Format | 16-bit, 44.1kHz WAV files |
| Recording Time | 136 seconds mono (16MB RAM); up to 24.5 minutes with 128MB expansion |
| Sequencer | 48-track, 100,000-note capacity, 99 sequences, 20 songs (250 steps each) |
| Audio Tracks | 2 stereo audio tracks |
| Effects | Two multi-effects blocks (EQ, compressor, tremolo, phaser, chorus, flanger, auto-pan, reverb, delay, lo-fi); master stereo 4-band EQ and compression |
| Filter | Single two-pole resonant low-pass filter per sample |
| Polyphony | 32 voices, stereo |
| Pads | 12 velocity and pressure-sensitive rubber pads, 75% of 'classic' height |
| Programs | 24 programs (48 pads per program), 4 drum pad banks |
| MIDI Channels | 16 MIDI output channels |
| Controllers | 1 x Main Volume Knob, 1 x Rec Gain Knob, 1 x Q-Link slider (controls filter cutoff, tuning, level) |
| Finish | Black |
Design
The MPC500 packs sampling and sequencing features into an ultra-compact, battery-powered unit, making it the first portable MPC. It features Akai’s signature rubber pads and a menu-driven interface that lacks waveform displays, grid programming, and advanced MIDI list editing. The operating system supports time stretch, pitch shift, note repeat, and sample chopping, but omits filter envelope generators, LFOs, loop-slicing modes, and Patched Phrase creation. The Q-Link slider and 12 Levels function offer limited real-time control over sample level, tuning, and filter cutoff. It does not support routing analog inputs to main outputs for monitoring.
Context
The MPC500 was released in 2006 as a budget-friendly, portable entry into the MPC series during a surge in hip-hop production interest, marketed as "The Hip-hop Portastudio." It competes with units like the Boss SP505 and Korg ESX1. As the first portable MPC, it offers core MPC functionality in a smaller form factor than the MPC1000, which it closely resembles. It is compatible with other MPC products and brings MPC2000-style features to a lower price point.
Market
The original UK price in 2007 was £399 including VAT. User ratings average 4.5 out of 5 stars, with praise for its robustness and portability, though some note menu-heavy operation and limited effects and filter capabilities. Reviewers suggest the MPC1000 may offer better usability despite higher cost.
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