Akai MPC 2000xl User Manual
mpc2000xl
MIDI PRODUCTION CENTER
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Operator's Manual
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
1-En
5 / 10 / 1999
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol , within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
5B-En
Warning
WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD
ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
WARNING
The MPC2000XL is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that
your MPC2000XL meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified
electrician or Akai Professional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada
220~240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE MPC2000XL
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the MPC2000XL from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the
cord.
• Allow only an Akai Professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or
reassemble the MPC2000XL. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers
might touch live internal parts and receive a serious electrical shock. There are no
serviceable parts inside.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the
MPC2000XL.
• Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply.
• If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the MPC2000XL, disconnect the power,
and call your dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
• To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the MPC2000XL
away from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the MPC2000XL. They may damage the
surface, and may ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the MPC2000XL.
They will damage the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the
MPC2000XL being impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the MPC2000XL is always well-supported when in use (either in a
specially-designed equipment rack, or a firm level surface).
• In order to assure optimum performance of your MPC2000XL, select the setup location
carefully, and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the
MPC2000XL in the following locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. On a surface which is not horizontal
4. Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration
5. In an extremely hot or cold environment
Page i
Warning
WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT
This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains plug.
To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as follows:
1) Remove the fuse cover and old fuse.
2) Fit a new fuse which should be a BS1362 5 Amp A.S.T.A or BSI approved type.
3) Refit the fuse cover.
If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for your type of
AC outlet sockets, it should be changed to an AC mains lead, complete with moulded plug, to the
appropriate type. If this is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit
the AC outlet. This should be fused at 5 Amps.
If a plug without a fuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should NOT BE GREATER than 5
Amp.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE
SHOCK HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET
ELSEWHERE.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW —EARTH
BLUE —NEUTRAL
BROWN —LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter E or with the safety earth symbol
GREEN and YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with
the letter L or coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
Ensure that all the terminals are securely tightened and no loose strands of wire exist.
Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the cord grip is clamped over the outer sheath of
the lead and not simply over the wires.
or coloured GREEN or coloured
6D-En
Page ii
Warning
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
21B-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU AMX10
Le présent appareil numérique n’ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique
édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
27-F
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
27-En
VENTILATION
Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on the soft carpet, in a narrow space,
or by placing objects on the unit's chassis—top, side, or rear panels. Always keep the unit's chassis
at least 10 centimeters from any other objects.
31C-En
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROYED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
32-En
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI MPC2000XL is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in
DISKs and ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Operator’s Manual,
contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part
of the software or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify,
adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software
and its related documentation or any part there of without prior written consent from AKAI Electric
Co. Ltd, Yokohama, Japan.
Page iii
Warranty
WARRANTY
AKAI Electric Co. Ltd. warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized “AKAI professional” dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 (twelve)
months from the date of purchase. Warranty service is effective and available to the original
purchase only, and only on completion and return of the AKAI Warranty Registration Card within 14
days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI instruments and their software,
when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI Service Center, and a properly completed
Warranty Registration has been returned to your “AKAI professional” dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the detect, be properly packed
and shipped to the nearest AKAI Service Center. The party requesting warranty service must provide
proof of original ownership and date of purchase of the product.
If the warranty is valid, AKAI will, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the
responsibility of the product's owner.
AKAI warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to
the original owner within 12 (twelve) months of the purchase date if:
1) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to failure of one or more of its
components.
2) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship.
3) The product has been maintained and operated by the owner in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Before purchase and use, owners should determine the suitability of the product for their intended
use, and owner assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AKAI shall not be
liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of use, or inability to use
the product.
The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed
as a result of acts beyond the control of AKAI, including but not limited to:
1) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI will not cover under warranty any
original factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling.
2) Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or modification of the product: operating
software, mechanical or electronic components.
3) Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate the product in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
4) Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons.
5) Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events
such as rain, floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc.
6) Damage caused by operation on improper voltages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This warranty becomes void if the product or its software is
electronically modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
AKAI shall not be liable for costs involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with regard
to time, labor, or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in transporting the
product to and from AKAI Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error, or
owner's inability to use the product.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS LIMITED TO
THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
1) Loss of time.
2) Inconvenience
3) Delay in performance of the Warranty.
4) The loss of use of the product.
5) Commercial loss.
6) Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability, applicable to this product.
Page iv
Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................... 1
Features .............................................................................................................. 2
Panel Descriptions............................................................................................... 4
Front Panel.............................................................................................. 4
Rear Panel .............................................................................................. 7
Handling Floppy Disks......................................................................................... 8
The Disk Drive......................................................................................... 8
Taking care of your Disks........................................................................ 8
CD-ROM Care......................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: The Basics ............................................................................................... 10
Hooking Up Your System .................................................................................. 11
The Terms Used in MPC2000XL....................................................................... 12
Sequence .................................................................................. 12
Track ......................................................................................... 12
Song.......................................................................................... 12
Sound........................................................................................ 13
Drum Pads ................................................................................ 13
Note Number............................................................................. 13
Program .................................................................................... 13
Operating the Front Panel and Screen.............................................................. 14
The Cursor, Cursor Keys, Data Fields ...................................... 15
The Numeric Keypad and DATA Wheel.................................... 15
The Function Keys .................................................................... 15
Basic Functions ................................................................................................. 16
Loading and Playing Programs ............................................................. 16
Playing the Drum Pads, the PAD BANK, & FULL LEVEL Keys ............ 18
Selecting Programs ............................................................................... 19
The NOTE VARIATION Slider, ASSIGN and AFTER keys................... 19
The ASSIGN Key ...................................................................... 20
The AFTER key......................................................................... 21
The 16 LEVELS key .............................................................................. 22
Chapter 3: Recording Sequences............................................................................. 24
How Sequences are Organized......................................................................... 24
Bar.Beat.Tick............................................................................. 25
Examples of Sequence Recordings .................................................................. 26
Example 1: Recording a Drum Pad Performance ..................... 26
Example 2: Recording a Loop................................................... 28
Example 3: Recording With External MIDI Equipment.............. 30
The MAIN SCREEN .......................................................................................... 32
Selecting a Sequence ........................................................................... 32
Renaming a Sequence.............................................................. 32
Name Window........................................................................... 33
Deleting a Sequence................................................................. 33
Copying a Sequence................................................................. 34
Next sequence function............................................................. 34
Second Sequence Feature ....................................................... 36
Page v
Contents
Setting the Tempo ................................................................................. 37
Tempo Change Window............................................................ 37
Entering and Modifying a Tempo Change................................. 38
Selecting a Tempo Source .................................................................... 39
Setting the Time Correct (Quantization)................................................ 40
Setting the Beat..................................................................................... 41
Setting the Number of Bars ................................................................... 42
Looping a Sequence ............................................................................. 44
Setting the Recording Count In/Metronome .......................................... 45
Selecting a Track................................................................................... 47
Renaming a Track..................................................................... 47
Deleting a Track ........................................................................ 48
Copying a Track ........................................................................ 48
Turning the Track ON or OFF ............................................................... 49
Deleting All the Tracks that You Have Turned Off ................................ 50
Setting the Track Type .......................................................................... 50
Settings for MIDI Reception .................................................................. 51
MIDI Filter Function ............................................................................... 52
Setting the Track’s MIDI Channel.......................................................... 52
Settings for MIDI Output........................................................................ 53
Multiple Track Recording....................................................................... 54
Editing the Velocity................................................................................ 55
Setting the Program Change Transfer .................................................. 56
Locating with the DATA Wheel.............................................................. 56
Units Used to Locate a Point..................................................... 56
The Main Screen Function Keys ........................................................... 57
The Play/Record Keys and the Locate Keys ..................................................... 58
The AUTO PUNCH IN/OUT Function................................................................ 60
Chapter 4: Editing Sequences .................................................................................. 61
Overview............................................................................................................ 62
Erasing Data with the ERASE Key .................................................................... 62
Erasing a Note in Real Time ..................................................... 62
Using the ERASE Window to Erase Data ................................. 62
Step Editing ....................................................................................................... 64
Step Editing Screen............................................................................... 64
Timing Correct in Step Edit ....................................................... 65
The Event Display ..................................................................... 65
Operating the List Display ......................................................... 66
Selecting and Editing Multiple Events ....................................... 66
Copying an Event...................................................................... 67
Deleting an Event...................................................................... 67
Pasting an Event ....................................................................... 67
Inserting an Event ..................................................................... 68
Step Recording...................................................................................... 68
The Editing Screen ............................................................................................ 69
Copying an Event...................................................................... 69
Editing the Duration of a Note ................................................... 70
Editing the Velocity of a Note .................................................... 70
Transposing a Note................................................................... 71
Copying by Bar.......................................................................... 72
Rearranging the tracks.............................................................. 73
Page vi
Contents
Sequence Preferences.............................................................. 74
Transposing a Track ................................................................. 74
Chapter 5: Song Mode ............................................................................................... 76
Overview............................................................................................................ 76
Song Mode ........................................................................................................ 78
Creating a Song .................................................................................... 78
Renaming a Song.................................................................................. 79
Selecting a Song ................................................................................... 78
Deleting a Song..................................................................................... 80
Copying a Song..................................................................................... 81
Setting the Tempo ................................................................................. 82
Setting the Loop .................................................................................... 83
Selecting a Step and Changing a Sequence......................................... 84
Repeating a Sequence.......................................................................... 84
Deleting a Step...................................................................................... 85
Inserting a Step ..................................................................................... 85
Moving to a Specific Point in a Song (Locate)....................................... 86
Converting a Song to a Sequence ........................................................ 87
Chapter 6: Creating and Editing Sounds ................................................................. 88
Sampling a New Sound ..................................................................................... 89
Editing a Sound ................................................................................................. 93
Selecting a Sound ................................................................................. 93
Renaming or Displaying the Specification of the Sound ........... 93
Deleting a Sound....................................................................... 94
Copying a Sound....................................................................... 94
Converting a Sound............................................................................... 95
Converting Stereo to Mono ....................................................... 95
Converting Mono to Stereo ....................................................... 96
Re-sampling .............................................................................. 97
TRIM Mode............................................................................................ 98
Fine Adjustment of the Start Point ............................................ 99
Fine Adjustment of the End Point............................................ 100
LOOP Mode ........................................................................................ 101
Fine Adjustment of the Loop Points ........................................ 102
ZONE Mode ........................................................................................ 103
Fine Adjustment of the Start Point of a Zone .......................... 103
Fine Adjustment of the End Point of a Zone ........................... 104
EDIT Mode .......................................................................................... 104
BPM Match.......................................................................................... 107
Setting the Sound Parameters ............................................................ 109
Beat Loop Function ................................................................. 109
Chapter 7: Creating and Editing Programs ........................................................... 110
What Are Programs? ....................................................................................... 111
Creating a program ............................................................................. 112
Selecting a Program and Assigning a Sound .................................................. 113
Selecting Programs ............................................................................. 113
Renaming Programs ............................................................... 114
Deleting a Program ................................................................. 114
Creating New Programs.......................................................... 115
Page vii
Contents
Copying Programs .................................................................. 115
Assigning Notes to the Drum Pads ..................................................... 116
Assigning Sounds to Notes ................................................................. 117
Auto Chromatic Assignement.............................................................. 117
The Pad Assign Mode and Initialize .................................................... 118
Deleting Unused Sounds from the Memory ........................................ 118
The Program Sound Generation Mode ............................................... 119
Editing Note Parameters ................................................................................. 121
Selecting Programs ............................................................................. 121
Selecting Notes ................................................................................... 121
Copying the Note Parameter................................................... 122
Setting the Envelope ........................................................................... 122
Setting the Filter .................................................................................. 124
Setting the Pitch .................................................................................. 125
Setting the Voice Overlap.................................................................... 126
The MIDI Settings of the Sampler ....................................................... 127
Chapter 8: Mixer Functions..................................................................................... 128
Stereo Output Mixer ........................................................................................ 129
Setting the Volume .............................................................................. 129
Setting the Left/Right Pan ................................................................... 130
Linking the Volume/Pan Levels ........................................................... 130
Setting the Individual Outputs and Effect Send (Option) ................................. 131
Assigning the Sounds to Individual Outputs........................................ 131
Setting the Output Level...................................................................... 132
Linking the Individual Outputs/Output Levels ...................................... 132
Sending Effects ............................................................................................... 133
Setting the Effect Send Level .............................................................. 133
Setting the Volume or Pan for Each Note........................................................ 134
Setting Up the Mixer ........................................................................................ 135
Chapter 9: Effects (optional) ................................................................................... 137
Editing Effects.................................................................................................. 138
Turning Each Effect On or Off ......................................................................... 138
Multi-effects ..................................................................................................... 139
Setting the Effect Routing................................................................................ 139
Reverb Effects ................................................................................................. 141
Editing Each Effect ..........................................................................................143
Chapter 10: Disk Operation..................................................................................... 151
Overview.......................................................................................................... 152
The Device: Field ................................................................................ 152
The Device Icons................................................................................. 152
Before Proceeding to Use a Floppy Disk ............................................ 153
Formatting a Disk ............................................................................................ 154
Formatting a Floppy Disk .................................................................... 154
Formatting a SCSI Drive ..................................................................... 155
Saving the Data ............................................................................................... 156
Saving Across Multiple Floppy Disks .................................................. 159
Saving to Folders on a SCSI Device ............................................................... 160
Creating a New Folder ........................................................................ 160
Making Folders Within Folders............................................................ 161
Page viii
Contents
Selecting Folders/Files ........................................................................ 162
Deleting Folders .................................................................................. 163
Renaming Folders ............................................................................... 163
Loading Files ................................................................................................... 164
Deleting a File from the Disk ........................................................................... 168
Loading an Updated Operating System .......................................................... 169
Loading Files Created on the AKAI MPC60/60II ............................................. 170
Chapter 11: Flash ROM............................................................................................ 172
Formatting the Flash ROM .............................................................................. 173
Saving to Flash ROM ...................................................................................... 174
Loading From Flash ROM ............................................................................... 174
Deleting Data from Flash ROM ....................................................................... 175
Flash ROM Fragmentation .............................................................................. 175
Editing a Sound Within Flash ROM ................................................................. 176
Chapter 12: MIDI/SYNC Mode, OTHER Mode ........................................................ 177
MIDI/SYNC Mode ............................................................................................ 178
Synchronizing the MPC2000XL with Other Sequencers..................... 178
Synchronizing Another Sequencer or MTR to the MPC2000XL ......... 180
Synchronizing With SMPTE Time Code.............................................. 182
MIDI Sample Dump ............................................................................. 183
MIDI Footswitch Assignement............................................................. 185
OTHER Mode .................................................................................................. 186
OTHERS Screen ................................................................................. 186
INIT Screen ......................................................................................... 186
VER. Screen........................................................................................ 187
Appendix................................................................................................................... 188
Notes on Using SCSI Drives ........................................................................... 189
Connecting an External SCSI Drive .................................................... 189
SCSI Cables........................................................................................ 189
SCSI ID ............................................................................................... 190
Termination ......................................................................................... 190
Cable Length ....................................................................................... 190
Installing the Options—To Service Technicians .............................................. 191
Location of MPC2000XL Option Boards ................................. 191
Installing Memory Expansion .............................................................. 192
Technical Specifications .................................................................................. 193
The MIDI Implementation Charts..................................................................... 195
Page ix
Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Features
The following is a summary of some of the advanced features of the MPC2000XL.
General
• Large 248 x 60 dot LCD display with graphics.
• 6 function keys under the LCD display provide various functions on each page.
• Built-in 1.44 megabyte floppy disk drive to store both sequence and sound data.
• By pressing the OPEN WINDOW key at the parameter you want to edit, you are allowed to
make more detailed parameter settings. It is not necessary to switch between different
pages as in the case of conventional devices to make detail settings.
• Built-in SCSI interface for storing data to external hard disk.
Sampler
• 16-bit, 44.1kHz stereo sampling.
• High capacity sound memory: 2 megabytes standard (22 seconds mono or 11 seconds
stereo), expandable to 32 megabytes with SIMM memory.
• Digital sampling input for direct recording from digital sources with IB-M208P (optional)
board.
• 256 sounds (samples) may be held in memory at one time.
• 32 simultaneous playback voices.
• The envelope or filter can be set for each sound.
• Optional multi-effects generator EB16 for versatile effects.
• Sample files may be loaded from Akai S1000 and S3000 disks.
• IB-M208P (optional) enables you to mix and output internal sampler sounds from 8 individual outputs.
• A maximum of 24 programs (sound assignments and sound parameter settings) can be
created.
• A maximum of up to 4 programs can be played simultaneously.
• A selection between polyphonic (multiple sounds are overlaid when the same sound is
played continuously) or mono (the second sound silences the first).
• It is possible to stop the playing of a sound with another sound. This is used to simulate the
open close effect of the hi hat.
• It is possible to copy a part of a sound as a separate sound or paste a sound to a section of
a sound. It is also possible to mute or reverse part of a sound.
• One MIDI note can play three sounds. The sounds can be played simultaneously, switched
by velocity, or with the NOTE VARIATION slider.
• Loop settings can be made to a sound.
• The velocity can change the playback pitch..
• When phrase sampling, it is possible to calculate the tempo of the phrase from the length of
the sound loop.
• Since the sound wave patterns are displayed, it is possible to edit the sound while watching
the wave pattern. It is also possible to zoom the wave pattern.
• Reading and writing of PC compatible .WAV sound files.
• Timestretch, resample, wave pattern edit functions, etc. are available.
Page 2
Chapter 1: Introduction
Sequencer
• Loop recording function enables quick recording by looping short phrases.
• Sequencer memory equivalent to 300,000 notes (including note and other data).
The maximum number events in a sequence is equivalent to 50,000 notes.
• 99 sequences may be held in memory at once. Each sequence contains 64 individual
tracks.
• 2 independent MIDI output ports permit 32 simultaneous MIDI output channels.
• 2 mergeable MIDI inputs.
• The optional SMPTE IC chip (IC-M2TC) enable synchronization with SMPTE time codes.
• MTC (MIDI time code), MMC (MIDI machine control) compatible.
• Data can be exported to or imported from standard MIDI files.
• Step edit function enables you to edit individual events.
• The velocity of each track can easily be modified.
• It is possible to record to 32 MIDI channels at one time.
• Tap Tempo feature allows the playback tempo to be set by tapping a key in the time of 1/4notes.
• Programmable tempo changes in mid-sequence or mid-song are supported.
• Auto Punch feature enables you to punch in or punch out automatically in the designated
sequence.
• Swing feature enables you to add a swing-feel to the rhythm.
• 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive front panel drum pads and 4 pad banks provide a total
of 64 pad/bank combinations.
• Track mute can be turned on or off and sequences can be selected using the drum pads.
• The NOTE VARIATION slider controls the decay or filter value of the sound in real time.
• Since it is possible to convert MIDI sustain pedal data to note duration data, you can place
sustain effects independently from the note data within a track.
• The note repeat function and the after touch function pads enable you to easily enter drum
rolls and hi-hat beats.
• The UNDO SEQ key enables you to undo sequence recordings or edits.
• The 2nd sequence function allows a separate sequence to be played at the same time that
another sequence (or song) is being played/recorded.
Page 3
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
INTEGRATED RHYT HM MACHINE 16 BIT DRUM SAMPLER / MIDI SEQUENCER
1
F 4
F 3
MAIN SCREEN OPEN WINDOW
4 5
6
12
LOCATE
GO TO
OVER
STOP
DUB
2
7
OTHER
MIXER
456
SAMPLE TRIM
3
1
SONG
MISC
SHIFT
NOTE
VARIATION
AFTER
7
ASSIGN
10 11
8
F 1 F 2
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
9
8
MIDI/SYNC
PROGRAM
23
.
LOAD
ENTER
0
SAVE
TAP TEMPO
NOTE REPEAT
9
UNDO SEQ
ERASE
STEP
13 14 15
EVENT
REC
F 5 F 6
F 6
DATA
CURSOR
DIGIT
BAR
START END
PLAY
START
Chapter 3: Recording Sequences
21 22
16 LEVELS
FULL LEVEL
SPACE
A/a
TRACK MUTE
NEXT SEQ
25
PLAY
26
PAD 13
PAD 9 PAD 10
PAD 5
PAD 1 PAD 2 PAD 3 PAD 4
PAD 14
YZ
QR ST
PAD 6 PAD 7
IJ
AB
REC GAIN
23
MIN
A
DRUMS
PAD 15
#
&
PAD 11
KL
28
CD
B
MAX
PAD BANK
27
24
UV
MN
EF
MAIN VOLUME
MAX
MIN
CD
PAD 16
PAD 12
WX
PAD 8
OP
GH
20
1
162917 18 19
LCD
All the function windows are displayed here. This
adjustable display can be tilted to 3 different angles
for clearer viewing.
Function keys
2
These keys execute the function shown on the very
bottom of the display.
Functions surrounded by a rectangular frame
can be executed.
Letters without a surrounding box, indicate the currently selected page.
Reversed display indicates that you can
jump to that page by pressing the corresponding
key.
Numeric keys / Mode keys
3
These allow you to directly enter numeric data.
Enter numbers with these keys into selected numeric fields and press the ENTER key.
If you are entering numbers with a decimal
value, enter the number ignoring the decimal point.
(example: 120.5, enter 1205.)
If you make a mistake, it is possible to cancel by
pressing the SHIFT key before the ENTER key.
If you use the CURSOR keys, DATA wheel, or
MAIN SCREEN key while you are entering data
with the numeric keys, the input will be canceled
and the data returns to the status before entry the
entry was made.
By holding the SHIFT key and pressing one of the
numeric keys, the key functions as a Mode key and
allows you to enter the mode indicated under the
key.
MAIN SCREEN key
4
This allows you to return from any page to the
MAIN screen (initial screen). The MAIN screen is
the basic screen used to record or play back a sequence.
Page 4
Chapter 3: Recording Sequences
OPEN WINDOW key
5
When certain fields are selected, pressing this key
opens another window to allow you to set further
data related to that field.
Pressing the key again closes the window.
DATA wheel
6
This allows you to change the numbers or data of
the selected field. The data variably increases the
faster the wheel is turned.
To set the contrast of the LCD, rotate the DATA
wheel while holding down the SHIFT key. This can
be done at any time, regardless of the mode you
are in.
NOTE VARIATION/AFTER key
7
Normally, the NOTE VARIATION slider is used
when the drum pad is played or when the drum pad
performance is recorded to a sequence.
However, by pressing this key, it is possible to use
the NOTE VARIATION slider while the sequence is
playing. This also needs to be on when you are
overdubbing only the NOTE VARIATION slider effect.
NOTE VARIATION slider
8
This enables you to change the parameters of the
preset internal sound source.
Hold down the SHIFT key and press the AFTER
key to display the screen and then change parameters (TUNING, DELAY, ATTACK and FILTER)
with the slider.
TAP TEMPO / NOTE REPEAT key
9
This allows a sequence to play at the tempo set by
hitting the key.
Hold this key and press one of the drum pads to
play to the beat set in the Timing field on the MAIN
screen. For example, if the Timing is set at 1/8, you
can play the hi-hat at an eight beat by holding this
key and pressing the drum pad that is assigned to
the hi-hat.
This button only operates during the play and record
modes.
If you hold down this key and then press SHIFT , the
NOTE REPEAT feature will be locked and you can
release the buttons and just press the drum pad.
Press NOTE REPEAT again to release the lock
mode.
The length that the drum pad is held determines
the note’s velocity.
UNDO SEQ key
mr
When you record and stop a sequence, the indicator above this key will light. It is now possible to
return the sequence back to the original state before recording by pressing this key (the light will go
out). If the key is pressed again, the indicator will
light and the state will return to the condition after
the last recording. This is convenient for comparing
the recording with the previous one, or to undo a
poor recording.
You can only use the UNDO SEQ key when you
are recording or editing a sequence. You cannot
use this key when you are editing a program or
sound. Using the UNDO SEQ is also limited to the
time just after a recording or edit. If you move to
another mode or function screen, the UNDO SEQ
mode will be disabled.
ERASE key
ms
This is used to erase data on the selected track.
By holding this key and pressing the drum pad of
the sound that you want to erase, while dubbing
over a sequence, you can erase the data (as long
as the PAD is pressed). In addition to drum tracks,
you can erase the notes on a track of an external
MIDI device by holding this key and pressing the
note that needs to be erased on the MIDI keyboard.
The ERASE window will appear if you press this
key while a sequence is not playing. This allows
you to erase specific notes or lengths of data.
CURSOR key
mt
This moves the cursor to select the parameter that
you want to edit. The currently selected field is displayed by white figures on a blue background.
To enter large numbers (when using the trim mode,
for example, to edit sounds) press CURSOR LEFT/
RIGHT while holding down the SHIFT key.
STEP < / > key
mu
This locates the sequence point backwards and forwards one step at a time. The step is set in the
Timing field of the MAIN screen. When Timing is
OFF, you can move a step by one clock. HOLD the
GO TO key and press this key to locate the position
of the next/previous event recorded on a track.
GO TO key
mv
This key displays the locate window. Enter the locate point or move the cursor to the memorized locate point and then press GO TO [F5]. To memorize a locate point, pick a point that you want to
memorize and display the Locate window by pressing the GO TO key, then move the cursor to the
number you want to memorize and press the
STORE [F2] to memorize the point.
Page 5
Chapter 1: Introduction
BAR << / >> key
mw
This locates the sequence point by bars. Holding
the GO TO key, press this key to locate the start or
end point of the selected sequence.
REC key
mx
While holding this key, press the PLAY key or the
PLAY START key to begin sequence recording. If
there is data on the track, it will be erased by the
new recording.
OVER DUB key
my
While holding this key, press the PLAY key or the
PLAY START key to begin sequence recording.
The new recording is dubbed over the data on the
track, adding to the original data.
STOP key
mz
This stops the playback or recording of a sequence.
PLAY key
m{
This starts the sequence from the current point
(“Now:” on the MAIN screen). It is also possible to
select “Now:” with the CURSOR keys and set the
position for playback/recording with the DATA
wheel.
PLAY START key
nr
This starts the sequence from the beginning.
REC GAIN knob
nu
This adjusts the level of the sound coming from the
RECORD IN jack during a sampling.
MAIN VOLUME knob
nv
This adjusts the volume of the STEREO OUT and
PHONES jacks. However, this does not adjust the
volume of the optional “assignable mix out” outputs.
NEXT SEQ key
nw
Pressing this key will display the NEXT SEQ screen
that allows you to select another sequence to play
directly following the one already selected.
Although the NEXT SEQ function can be used with
the main screen, the NEXT SEQ screen provides a
wider range of convenient functions that can be
used.
TRACK MUTE key
nx
When this key is pressed and the indicator lights,
you can mute tracks by pressing the corresponding
drum pad (pressing the pad again turns the track
back on). Press the TRACK MUTE key again to cancel the mode.
PAD BANK A–D keys
ny
There are four pad banks from A to D and each has
sixteen sounds, so it is possible to use 64 different
sounds by switching banks. The indicator will light
for the currently selected bank.
FULL LEVEL key
ns
When this key is pressed and the light is on, regardless of how hard the drum pad is hit, the sound will
always be generated at full velocity.
Also used to selected upper or lower case letters
when naming sounds, sequences, etc.
16 LEVELS key
nt
This allows you to assign one selected sound to all
16 pads and set and play the sound at 16 parameter levels of velocity, tone, attack, decay, or filter.
Drum pads
nz
These play back sounds (samples, etc.), including
the drum sounds in the memory.
The loudness of the sounds depend on how hard
you hit the pad.
You can assign up to 64 sounds to the 16 drum
pads by using the 4 pad banks A-D.
Floppy disk drive
n{
The floppy disk drive is used to load or save sound
or sequence data. Both 2HD and 2DD floppy disks
can be used.
Page 6
Chapter 1: Introduction
Rear Panel
31 32 33 34 35
30
PHONES
OUT
DIGITAL
RIGHT LEFT
STEREO
OUT
IN
36
RIGHT LEFT
RECORD
IN
AB12
MIDI
OUT
37
ASSIGNABLE MIX OUT
MIDI
SCSI
IN
12345678
WARNING:
SHOCK HAZARD-DO NOT OPEN!
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR!
VORSICHT:
BERUHRUNGSGEFAHR-NICHT OFFNEN!
IN
OUT
38
SMPTE
MODEL NUMBER MPC2000XL
....
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO C K
DO NOT OPEN
POWER
ON OFF
AKAI E.L
100- 240V
50/ 60Hz
23W
MADE IN CHINA
39
AC100- 240V
50/ 60Hz
23W
STEREO OUT PHONES
or
Connect your stereo headphones here.
The same sound is output to the STEREO OUT
LEFT and RIGHT jacks.
STEREO OUT LEFT/RIGHT
os
These are the main output jacks.
RECORD IN
ot
These are the input jacks used for sampling. These
stereo phone jacks are balanced inputs.
MIDI IN
ou
These receive MIDI signals. MIDI 1 and 2 signals are merged.
MIDI OUT
These send MIDI signals. Since A and B are
independent, it is possible to handle a total of
32 MIDI channels.
SCSI
ov
This is a 50 pin SCSI interface connector that you
can connect to external disk drives for loading and
saving data.
POWER
ow
This is the power ON/OFF switch.
DIGITAL IN/OUT (option)
ox
This allows you to sample data directly from an audio CD or DAT. It is also possible to record the
entire digital data from this output to a hard disk recorder or DAT, such as the AKAI DR16 or DPS12.
ASSIGNABLE MIX OUT (option)
oy
This allows you to set up to 8 separate outputs for
individual sounds. This gives you more control of
the mixing of the sounds, especially when using an
external mixer or effects unit.
SMPTE IN/OUT (option)
oz
If the unit is equipped with the SMPTE option, these
jacks are used to synchronize to a tape that uses
the SMPTE time code.
AC in
o{
Connect the provided power cable here.
Page 7
Chapter 1: Introduction
Handling Floppy Disks
The Disk Drive
The 3.5 inch floppy disk drive will accept high density and low density disks.
Disks are inserted into the drive thus:
The label should be facing upwards when it is inserted (actually, it is physically impossible to insert
disks the wrong way round without using an extreme
DISK EJECT BUTTONDISK ACTIVITY LED
WRITE PROTECT TAB
regularly save your work as you are working. All good computer users do this and it prevents the accidental
loss of data should power be accidentally removed from the instrument. This also serves as a form of ‘undo’
- if you make some kind of mistake in your programming and editing and can’t fix it, you can load the last level
of editing back into the unit. It may be a bit tedious to keep stopping every now and then to save your work but
it is better than losing some valuable sounds.
HIGH DENSITY
DETECTION TAB
amount of brute force!).
To eject the disk, simply press the DISK EJECT but-
ton. When a disk is loading, saving or formatting, the
DISK ACTIVITY LED will be lit. Never eject a disk
while the DISK ACTIVITY LED is lit.
As a result, it is vital that you save your work to disk
before turning the power off otherwise you will lose
your work and, unless previously saved or backed
up, it will be gone for ever. In fact, it is a good idea to
Taking care of your Disks
Floppy disks contain valuable sound data and, as such, should be treated with extreme care. Please observe
the following points, therefore:
1. Never slide the metal cover back and touch the disk. Finger marks may render the disk unreadable.
2. Don’t leave the disk in the drive whenever possible. When the disk is in the drive, the metal protective
cover slides back exposing the actual disk inside and this makes the disk susceptible to picking up dust
which may cause read errors.
3. Do not leave your disks in a hot car.
4. Do not place your disks next to any magnetic sources such as speakers, amplifiers, televisions, etc..
Also, try to avoid X-ray machines. At airports, it is sometimes possible to ask for your disks to be inspected by hand at security desks but, with the added security at airports these days, this may not be
possible. Always check with the security officer though, just in case. Security X-ray machines are generally safe with disks, though. If in doubt, make backup copies which should be left at home.
Note: Some checked-in luggage is X-rayed by quite powerful machines that are not as safe as those
that check hand luggage. It is probably best to take your disks as hand luggage.
5. Do not leave your disks around when drinking liquids - one accidental spillage could ruin a lot of work!
6. Always use high quality disks. Whilst cheap ones may be appealing, they are prone to errors more than
good ones.
7. Try to ensure that the write protect tab is switched on (i.e. the tab does not block the hole). This will
prevent accidental erasure, formatting and loss of data. It may be a nuisance to try to write to the disk
and find it write protected but it is less of a nuisance than accidentally over-writing a set of your favourite
samples and programs!
8. Try to get into the habit of labelling your disks - it will pay dividends in the end when you are searching
for something.
9. Invest in a sturdy carrying case for your floppies especially if you are a gigging musician. Heavy duty
metal camera cases are ideal and some flight case manufacturers now make special heavy duty disk
flightcases.
10. Even if you are using a hard disk of any sort, please make sure you have backed up your work to floppy
disks. It can be time consuming but it will be worth it if you ever have a problem with your hard disk!
Page 8
Chapter 1: Introduction
CD-ROM care
Dust, dirt, scratches or warps on the CD-ROM may lead to faulty CD-ROM data loading. In order
to take full advantage of the CD-ROM player’s performance capabilities, follow the precautions
outlined on this page.
Disc handling
Hold the CD-ROM by the outer edge only, supporting it at the center with your index finger if
necessary.
Avoid touching the unprinted side of the disc.
Do not glue any labels or stickers etc., on the disc.
Disc storage
Do not store the CD-ROM in a location which is subject to direct sunlight, high humidity, or hot air
from heating appliances.
Always return the CD-ROM to their plastic cases for storage.
Disc cleaning
It is recommended that you periodically wipe the recorded side of your CD-ROM with a
commercially available silicone cloth (such as that used for cleaning camera lenses or glasses) in
order to remove dust, dirt or fingerprints. Wipe the disc gently, being careful not to scratch its
surface.
When wiping the disc, refer to the illustrations below. Unlike records, CD-ROM should always be
wiped in a straight line from the center to the edge.
Do not use volatile chemical substances such as denatured alcohol, cleaning fluid intended for
analog records, or antistatic fluids, as these may damage the CD-ROM.
Page 9
Chapter 2
The Basics
Chapter 2: The Basics
Page 10
Chapter 2: The Basics
Hooking Up Your System
The following diagram shows how to hook up the MPC2000XL to a MIDI keyboard, two sound
modules and a CD ROM.
You can connect other external SCSI devices (such as a hard disk, ZIP drive, etc.) to the SCSI
interface on the rear panel so that you can save or load samples, songs, etc.
CD ROM player
MIDI IN 1 or 2
MIDI OUT A
MIDI OUT B
Connect power cord and
plug into power supply
RIGHT LEFT
RIGHT LEFT
PHONES
STEREO
OUT
DIGITAL
RECORD
OUT
IN
IN
MIDI
OUT
ASSIGNABLE MIX OUT
MIDI IN
Multi timbral MIDI sound module
12345678
SCSI
OUT
MODEL NUMBER MPC2000XL
SMPTE
AB12
MIDI
IN
MIDI OUT
Multi timbral MIDI keyboard
Multi timbral MIDI sound module
POWER
ON OFF
IN
MIDI THRUMIDI IN
MIDI IN
If you only want to use the MPC2000XL as a drum machine for now, don’t connect the MIDI keyboard,
the sound modules, or make any MIDI connections. If you choose to connect an external MIDI
device, connect the MIDI Output of the MIDI keyboard to MIDI Input of the MPC2000XL, and the MIDI
Input of the MIDI sound source to MIDI Output of the MPC2000XL. MIDI Output provides an A or B
Output. Normally use Output A when there is only one sound source. If you want to use a sound
source from the connected MIDI keyboard, connect the MIDI keyboard MIDI Input to the
MPC2000XL MIDI Output. (In this case, it is necessary to turn the Soft thru function on the
MPC2000XL off. For details, refer to “Setting the Track’s MIDI Channel” on page 52.) To connect
multiple sound sources, use the MIDI THRU jacks of the MIDI device. Connect the MIDI Output of the
MPC2000XL to the MIDI Input of the first MIDI sound source. Connect the MIDI THRU of the first
MIDI sound source to the second MIDI sound source, and so on. MIDI can handle up to 16 data
channels, the MPC2000XL has MIDI Output A and B each with 16 channels enabling you to handle
32 channels of data.
Page 11
Chapter 2: The Basics
The Terms Used in MPC2000XL
Here are some definitions of terms used in the MPC2000XL that you should know:
Sequence
A sequence is the most basic unit in creating data on the MPC2000XL. The performance data
from a MIDI keyboard or pad is recorded on each track within a sequence. Each sequence has 64
tracks, to which performance data can be recorded. It is possible to create up to 99 sequences.
Sequence
Track 01
Track 02
Track 03
Piano
Bass
Organ
Track 64
Although data equivalent to a maximum total of 300,000 notes can be recorded on the
MPC2000XL, the number of notes that can be recorded within one sequence is limited to a maximum 50,000 notes.
Note:
It is not possible to Load/save sequence data that exceeds the 50,000 note limit.
(Unused)
When a sequence file that exceeds 50,000 notes is stored on the MPC2000 using the
ALL mode, only 50,000 notes of data will be read when this file is loaded. In this type of
case, use the MPC 2000 to create a separate sequence of the data that was cut from the
original sequence read into the MPC2000XL, then load this into the MPC2000XL and
connect and play the 2 sequences using the SONG mode.
Track
There are 64 tracks in a sequence to which individual performances can be recorded. For example, track 1 could be the piano, track 2 could be the bass, and track 3 the organ. Normally,
each track is recorded one at a time. It is also possible to record a new track while playing the
recorded tracks. Each track can be turned on or off individually. It is possible to record different
piano solos to track 1 and track 2 and compare the combination with the other tracks. You can
select either a Drum track or MIDI track. The drum track plays the recorded data of the internal
sampler. The MIDI track plays the sound of the external MIDI sound source connected to MIDI
OUT.
Song
This function sequentially plays the data of a sequence. You can set the order or number of times
to play the sequence. This is used to play multiple pieces consecutively, or to complete a song by
arranging the sequence data for each part. In the MPC2000XL there are 20 songs, each having
up to 250 steps. A sequence is assigned to each step to create a song. In doing so, it is also
possible to set each step to repeat a number of times.
Song
Step
1
2
3
4
250
Seq
1
103
1
23
Page 12
Repeats
2
1
2
3
Chapter 2: The Basics
Sound
Each individually sampled recording in the MPC2000XL is called a sound. A sound can be recorded or loaded from a disk. The start or end of a sound can be changed or the looping of a
sound can be set on the TRIM page. The sound is assigned to a note number and it is possible to
set the envelope, filter, or pitch. Assign a note number to each pad to play the sound from the
MPC2000XL drum pads.
Drum Pads
Sounds are played by assigning them to a drum pad. It is possible to assign up to 64 sounds by
combining the pads with the pad bank keys(16 pads x 4 pad banks). To play a sound from a pad,
assign a sound to a note number then assign the note number to a pad. Details are described in
the “Creating and Editing Programs” chapter. By playing a pad, it is also possible to send the MIDI
note of the note number assigned to that pad from the MIDI output.
Note Number
This refers to the position (note) of the MIDI note event on the keyboard. For example, the note
number for Middle C on the piano is 60. The lowest key on the piano is A-1 which is note number
21. On a MIDI track, the MIDI keyboard performance data is recorded as a note number. On a
Drum track, the note number is used to play back the sound in the internal sample. If you play the
pads and record to a drum track, the note numbers assigned to the pad will be recorded on the
track. When you play back this track, the sound assigned to the note number is played back.
Program
A program is a collection of sounds assigned to 64 note numbers. It is possible to set the envelope
or filter on each note number individually. It is possible to create 24 programs on the MPC2000XL.
The sound is played back by a pad or MIDI note only when it is assigned to a note number in a
program. By assigning a note number to a pad, the sound assigned to that note number can be
played from a pad. When a sequence is played back, the sound is played with the note data
recorded on the track. (When the snare drum is assigned to note number 50, the snare drum is
reproduced with the timing recorded on note number 50.)
You can instantly switch the program by selecting it in PROGRAM mode. It is also possible to use
the MIDI program change feature to switch programs.
A maximum of up to 4 separate programs can be played simultaneously on the MPC2000XL.
Page 13
Chapter 2: The Basics
Operating the Front Panel and Screen
Before you can use the MPC2000XL, you must learn how to use the cursor keys, data fields,
numeric key pad and Function keys.
Turn the power on. After the initial loading screens, the following screen will appear:
Sq:01-(Unused)
.......................................................
™:120.0(SEQ) Timing:1/16 Tsig: 4/ 4Tsig: 4/ 4
Count:OFF Loop: ONLoop: ON Bars: 0Bars: 0
..................................................................................................
Tr:01-(Unused) ON:YES Pgm:OFF
S:DRUM1:OFF New Pgm-A S:DRUM1:OFF New Pgm-A Velo%:100
STEP EDIT Tr -
TrMUTE SOLO Tr +
Now:001.01.00
This is the Main Screen and most playback and recording of sequences is done with this screen
displayed. It is discussed further in the chapter entitled “Recording Sequences.”
If at any time while operating the MPC2000XL you are confused and want to return to this screen,
press MAIN SCREEN.
The Cursor, Cursor Keys, Data Fields
Make sure that the Main Screen is showing. If not, press MAIN SCREEN.
The cursor is displayed as white letters on a blue background. You can move the cursor around
the screen using the four CURSOR keys located on the front panel. These four keys are referred
to as the CURSOR LEFT, CURSOR RIGHT, CURSOR UP and CURSOR DOWN keys in the
manual. Try moving the cursor around the screen, then move it back to the upper left corner.
Notice that the cursor does not move from letter to letter, but lands only in certain locations, usually
to the right of a colon (:). These areas are called data fields and each one controls a specific
parameter. For example, the upper left-most data field is called Sq: (an abbreviation for sequence). To the right of this field is another field containing the name of the selected sequence.
The Numeric Keypad and DATA Wheel
Make sure that the Main screen is displayed. If not, press MAIN SCREEN.
To change the data in a field, move the cursor to the field and use the DATA wheel. By rotating the
DATA wheel one click to the right, the number will increase. By rotating the DATA wheel one click
to the left, the number will decrease. If you continuously rotate the DATA wheel, the numbers will
continuously increase or decrease.
There are fields in the data field where you can enter the numbers directly with the numeric keys.
Move the cursor to the field, enter a new number from the numeric keys, and press ENTER. For
example, to change the tempo to 100.0, follow the steps below:
1. Move the cursor to the : : (Tempo) field.
2. Enter 1000 (ignoring the decimal point) with the numeric keys and press the ENTER key.
Page 14
Chapter 2: The Basics
There are also fields that select functions instead of entering numbers. Rotate the DATA wheel to
select these functions. For example, move the cursor to the Timing field. Rotate the DATA wheel
one click at a time and check the display change in the field. After you have finished, turn the field
back to “OFF”.
The Function Keys
Make sure that the Main Screen is showing. If not, press the MAIN SCREEN key.
Immediately below the LCD screen are six keys labeled F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6. The functions
of these keys change from one screen to the next; these functions are always displayed on the
lowest line of the screen. For example, while the Main Screen is showing, the bottom line appears
as:
TrMUTE SOLO Tr +STEP EDIT Tr -
When a function has a frame such as , that function will be carried out. When the function
is reversed such as , you can move to that page by pressing the corresponding function
key (press [F2]). If only characters are displayed such as , it means that that is
the currently selected page.
Most of the screens in the MPC2000XL have function key displays, and the lowest line of each of
these screens indicates the function of the six function keys while the selected screen is showing.
Some screens have less than six active function keys and some have none.
Page 15
Chapter 2: The Basics
Basic Functions
Loading and Playing Programs
All sounds and programs are stored on the memory held in RAM and the data is therefore lost
whenever the power is turned off. In order to play any sounds after turning the power on, you
must load them in from the CD or external device connected to the rear panel SCSI interface. The
procedure for loading files from a disk is described in the “Disk Operation” chapter, but to get you
started, the following steps enable you to load sounds from the enclosed CD and play them from
the drum pads:
Please note:
You must have a CD ROM player connected to the MPC2000XL in order to load the sounds
descibed here.
Insert the enclosed CD into the CD ROM player.
1
Hold down SHIFT and press LOAD (3 on the numeric keypad).
2
View:ALL FilesView:ALL Files
File: Size= K
.......................................................................................................................
Device:Floppy Free Free memory
snd= 16K
Type=No diskType=No disk seq= 2640K
Move to the Device: field with the CURSOR keys and select the SCSI ID number of the
3
SAVE FORMAT DO ITLOAD
LOAD
CD ROM with the DATA wheel.
View:ALL FilesView:ALL Files :ROOT
File: MPC2000XL_DRUMSFile: MPC2000XL_DRUMS Size= 2K
.......................................................................................................................
Device:SCSI-5 Free Free memory
snd= 16K
Type=PC seq= 2640K
Move to the File: field with the CURSOR keys and press OPEN WINDOW.
4
SAVE FORMAT DO ITLOAD
LOAD
The MPC2000XL_DRUMS file will be selected.
......................................................................................................
ROOT MPC2000XL_DRUMS
MPC3000_DISKS
MPC60_DISKS
STANDARD_DISKS
........................
..........................................................................................................
Directory
Close
............................
Page 16
Chapter 2: The Basics
Press the RIGHT CURSOR key to open the file and then select a drum set file (ambience, dry
5
or gated) with the UP/DOWN CURSOR keys.
In this example, we will choose the ambience drums.
......................................................................................................
MPC2000X AMBIENCE_DRUMS
MPC3000_ DRY_DRUMS
MPC60_DI GATED_DRUMS
STANDARD
........................
..........................................................................................................
Press the RIGHT CURSOR key to open the file and then select
6
Directory
Close
............................
AMBIENCE_SET__1.PGM with the DATA wheel.
......................................................................................................
AMBIENCE 20_C_MUTE .WAV
DRY_DRUM 20_CHINA .WAV
GATED_DR AMBIENCE_SET__1 .PGM
AMBIENCE_SET__2 .PGM
AMBIENCE_SET__3 .PGM
........................
.........................................................................................................
Press Close [F4]. AMBIENCE_SET__1.PGM will be displayed in the File: field.
7
View:ALL FilesView:ALL Files :AMBIENCE
File:AMBIENCE_SET__1 .PGMAMBIENCE_SET__1 .PGM Size= 2K
.......................................................................................................................
Device:SCSI-5 Free Free memory
snd= 16K
Type=PC seq= 2640K
SAVE FORMAT DO ITLOAD
Directory
Close
LOAD
............................
Press DO IT [F6] and then press CLEAR [F3].
8
......................................................................................................
........................
..........................................................................................................
The loading screen will appear.
9
......................................................................................................
........................
.........................................................................................................
Replace same sound in memory
:NO(FASTER)
[CLEAR] erases existing P & S
[LOAD ] adds to existing P & S
Replace same sound in memory
:NO(FASTER)
Loading S2_AMBKIK2 .WAV
[CLEAR] erases existing P & S
[LOAD ] adds to existing P & S
Load a Program
Load a Program
CANCEL LOADCLEAR
CANCEL LOADCLEAR
............................
............................
Page 17
Chapter 2: The Basics
When loading is finished, press MAIN SCREEN and try the sounds by hitting the drum
mr
Sq:01-(Unused)
.......................................................
™:120.0(SEQ) Timing:1/16 Tsig: 4/ 4Tsig: 4/ 4
Count:OFF Loop: ONLoop: ON Bars: 0Bars: 0
..................................................................................................
Tr:01-(Unused) ON:YES Pgm:OFF
S:DRUM1:OFF AMBIENCE_SET__1 S:DRUM1:OFF AMBIENCE_SET__1 Velo%:100
STEP EDIT Tr -
TrMUTE SOLO Tr +
Now:001.01.00
Playing the Drum Pads, the PAD BANK & FULL LEVEL Keys
Each recorded sample is called a sound. To hear some of the drum sounds you have loaded, play
the 16 drum pads on the front panel. To hear other sounds, press the A, B, C or D PAD BANK
keys, then play the pads again.
The 64 bank/pad combinations are as follows:
Drum pads in bank A: A01 through A16
Drum pads in bank B: B01 through B16
Drum pads in bank C: C01 through C16
Drum pads in bank D: D01 through D16
The 16 drum pads are dynamic—the harder you play them, the louder the sound will play. Press
the FULL LEVEL key (the idicator lights), and no matter how hard you play the pads, the sound will
play at its maximum dynamic level. Press the FULL LEVEL key again to return to normal dynamic
operation.
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Chapter 2: The Basics
Selecting Programs
A program is an edited set with note numbers and sounds assigned to it. The MPC2000XL can
hold up to 24 programs. Each program has 64 sound assignments. If you change from one program to another, playing the four banks of pads will produce entirely different sounds.
When you played the drum pads, you were hearing the sounds assigned in Program 1. To change
to Program 2:
1. Hold down SHIFT and press PROGRAM (6 on the numeric keypad). The DRUM select screen
will appear:
Pgm: 1-NewPgm-A
.......................................................
Pad:A01=Note:37 Pad assign:PROGRAMPad assign:PROGRAM
..................................................................................................
Note:60=Snd:OFF
Mode:NORMAL
ASSIGN PARAMS AUTO
DRUM PURGE
2. Select DRUM 1, 2, 3 or 4.
3. Move the cursor to the Pgm: field. Select program 2 using the DATA wheel.
4. Play the sounds in program 2: Select Pad Bank A and play the sounds, then select Pad Banks
B, C and D.
5. Repeat step 3, except select program 3 and play the sounds. Repeat this procedure to hear the
other programs.
6. To return to the Main Screen, press MAIN SCREEN.
PLAY
The NOTE VARIATION Slider, ASSIGN and AFTER keys
The NOTE VARIATION slider can be used to change the tuning, attack, decay, or filter value for a
sound assigned to a drum pad by moving the slider while playing the pad.
Here are some examples for uses of NOTE VARIATION slider:
1. The slider can control the decay for a hi-hat sound. This would simulate the action of a
drummer’s hi-hat pedal, changing the hi-hat decay time each time the pad is played. By using
the decay switch feature in the program and setting the sound so it switches according to the
decay value, it is possible to simulate a closed hi-hat gradually opening by moving the slider.
2. The slider can be assigned to tuning for a tom tom. By moving the slider when playing the drum
pad assigned to a tom tom, it is possible to change the tunings.
3. The slider can control the filter value for a sound containing a filter setting. This will change the
sound each time the note is played, to play analog synthesizer samples and hold filter effects.
The NOTE VARIATION slider data is recorded onto a sequence with the drum notes. For details
about this, please refer to “Step Edit” of the “Editing Sequences” chapter.
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