AKAI MPC5000 Reference 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

1 3 4

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:

2

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.

Introduction 2

7 8

12 13

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.

5

6

9

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

11

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.

3

15 16 17

19

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

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.

18

20

Introduction 4

22 23 24

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

25

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.

5

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

27

28

29

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.

Introduction 6

33

30

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

32

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.

7

35

37 38

34

36

34. [AFTER] Buttons (12):

When these buttons are engaged during recording, the Q-LINK slider or knob associated with the selected [AFTER]
button will overwrite any existing slider data on your track. Additionally, these buttons can be configured to send MIDI
Continuous Controller information to control external MIDI devices. See 'Program and FX Q-LINK Controllers' on page
179 for more about this.

35. Q-LINK Knobs (8):

These knobs let you manipulate your sounds in real-time. The knobs can be assigned to control various parameters in
SLIDER mode, or to send MIDI continuous controller data to external modules. See 'Program and FX Q-LINK
Controllers' on page 179 for more about this.

36. Q-LINK Sliders (4):

These sliders let you manipulate your sounds in real-time. The sliders can be assigned to control various parameters in
SLIDER mode, or to send MIDI continuous controller data to external modules. See 'Program and FX Q-LINK
Controllers' on page 179 for more about this.

37. [ERASE] Button:

Use the [ERASE] button to delete events within a track. You can use this button in real-time during recording, or to
delete events using the ERASE window. For more information see page 25.

38. [NOTE REPEAT] Button:

Holding this button down when you strike a pad causes the pad to retrigger the sample at a rate indicated in the 'Timing
Correct' Window ([F1] (T.C.) on the MAIN page). Note Repeat allows for the playing of drum rolls, hi hat runs with

Introduction 8

40

52

varying amounts of swing, and other fast percussive effects not easily played by hand. For more information see the
section entitled 'Note Repeat' on page 28.

39

41

42

 Front Panel

The MPC5000’s front panel has several noteworthy features:

39. [MEMORY CARD SLOT]:

The MPC5000’s [MEMORY CARD SLOT] accepts 'Type I' and 'Type II' Compact Flash memory cards. These cards are
used to store your audio and song data.

40. [DVD ROM] drive (Optional):

Here, you can install an optional CD-RW/DVD ROM drive (Model #CDM-25). Using this DVD drive, you can load WAV,
AIFF or SND samples from CD, sample from CDs, create data backups of your work, and record Redbook audio CDs to
be played on any CD player.

41. [FOOTSWITCH] Jacks (2):

This is where you connect a momentary footswitch. You can use a footswitch for several functions, including punching
in or out, starting and stopping the sequencer, or even playing selected pads. For more information, see 'Using the
Footswitches' on page 195.

There are two types of footswitches: normal open (the contact is open when it is not pressed), and normal closed (the
contact is closed when it is not pressed). When the MPC5000 is powered on, it automatically detects the type of foot
switch connected, so you can use either type of foot switch.

42. [PHONES] Input:

Connect your stereo headphones to this jack. This jack mirrors the signal from the [STEREO-OUT] jacks. The volume
of the headphones is controlled by the [MAIN VOLUME] knob.

 Rear Panel

All of the MPC5000’s inputs and outputs can be found on the rear of the unit. They are as follows:

44

45

46

49

50

48

43

47

51

53

43. [STEREO OUT] Jacks:

These are your MPC5000’s main outputs. Connect these jacks to your recorder, mixer, or speakers.

44. [RECORD IN] Jacks (1/4” / Mic Combo):

Use these inputs to record samples into your MPC, and record streaming disk tracks to the internal Hard Disk.

The [RECORD IN] jacks are 1/4" / Mic combo jacks, allowing either type of connector to be used. The input level for
this jack is controlled using the [REC GAIN] knob.

9

45. [MIC/LINE] Switch:

This switch sets whether the source plugged into the [RECORD IN] is a mic level or a line level source. If set to MIC,
the input will be preamped for optimal level.

WARNING! Incorrectly setting this switch to MIC will yield distortion on devices not requiring a MIC Preamp. Make
sure your source requires amplification BEFORE setting this switch.

46. [PHONO IN] Jacks (RCA):

Use these jacks to connect a turntable or a CD player with RCA connections to your MPC. The input level for this jack is
controlled using the [REC GAIN] knob. For best performance, be sure to set the [INPUT] phono/line switch properly.

47. [ADAT] Digital Out:

This output is used to connect ADAT capable digital devices. This connection uses an optical cable to send 8 tracks of
ADAT digital audio to a recording device. For more information on configuring outputs, see page 195.

48. [DIGITAL IN/OUT] Jacks (S/PDIF):

These are the coaxial digital input/output. This IN is to connect digital outputs such as a CD player and a DAT. This
OUT sends out the same signal as the [STEREO OUT].

49. [PHONO GROUND] nut:

If your turntable requires it, use this nut to connect the turntable ground wire.

50. [LINE / PHONO] Switch:

This switch determines whether the [PHONO IN] RCA jacks will be line or phono level. When set to PHONO, an RIAA­Class phono preamp will be applied to the input. Set this switch to the 'LINE' position, for sampling a line-level source
(CD player, DJ mixer, Minidisk, etc.) and to the 'PHONO' position for recording with a turntable.

WARNING! Incorrectly setting this switch to PHONO will yield distortion on devices not requiring amplification. Make
sure your turntable requires amplification BEFORE setting this switch.

51. [ASSIGNABLE MIX OUT 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8] Jacks (1/4”):

These individual outputs can be used to output each pad sound separately, allowing you to send individual sounds to
external mixers or effects. Using these outputs, you can perform advanced mixing for your songs.

52. [USB] Port:

This USB 2.0 port allows for connecting your MPC to you computer, and allows you high speed access to you MPC's hard
drive from your computer.

53. MIDI] Jacks (2 IN, 4 OUT):

The MPC5000 can send and receive MIDI data through these jacks. Connect one of the MPC’s outputs to the MIDI input
of an external device and one of the MPC’s inputs to an external device’s output.

Introduction 10

 Bottom Panel

54

54. Ram Expansion Slot:

This is where the optional EXM-E3 RAM expansion module can be added. This will increase overall sample time to over
36 minutes (mono), of which a single sample can be over 24 minutes long.

11

Hooking Up Your MPC5000

The following diagrams will demonstrate how the MPC5000 can be integrated into your recording setup. Note that the
diagrams below use every connector on the MPC and that your setup may vary from the ones shown.

 Output Connectivity Example

01. Connect the [STEREO OUT] to Powered Monitors

This will allow the main mix of your MPC to be heard.

02. Connect the [ASSIGNABLE MIX OUTS] to a multi-track Hard Disk recorder.

This will allow individual samples and sounds to be sent individually to be recorded.

Other examples of ways you can connect your MPC5000's outputs include connecting the [STEREO OUT] to a mixing board to mix the MPC
alongside other instruments, and using the [ASSIGNABLE MIX OUTS] to send certain sounds to external effects processors.

Note: The MPC5000's outputs are pseudo balanced. Use 'Balanced' or 'TRS' cables wherever possible to maximize
sound quality, but no volume degradation will occur when using standard 'TS' type cables.

 Analog Input Connectivity Example

01. Connect a synthesizer or a Microphone to the [RECORD IN] jacks.

Sources plugged into the [RECORD IN] jacks can be sampled to be used in Sample Programs. The [RECORD-IN] jacks are 1/4" / Mic combo
jacks, allowing either type of connector to be used. The input level for this jack is controlled using the [REC GAIN] knob.

Input sources can be monitored using the Input Thru feature. See page 92 for more information. Additionally, these
sources can be used for Hard Disk Recording. See page 67 for more information on Hard Disk Recording.

NOTE: The input sensitivity of these jacks are determined by the [LINE/MIC] switch. Setting this switch incorrectly can
cause clipping and distortion. Be sure to determine whether your source is line level or mic level before connecting your
device

Introduction 12

02. Connect the output of a turntable to the [PHONO IN] jacks.

This will allow sampling from vinyl. If your turntable requires a preamp, make sure the [LINE/PHONO] switch is set to 'PHONO'. If the turntable
requires grounding, connect the grounding wire to the [PHONO GROUND] nut.

WARNING! Incorrectly setting this switch to PHONO will yield distortion on devices not requiring amplification. Make
sure your turntable requires amplification BEFORE setting this switch.

 Digital Connectivity Example

01. Connect the [DIGITAL IN/OUT] jacks to a digital recorder

This connection is a 48 kHz S/PDIF type digital audio signal.

NOTE: The S/PDIF jack on the back of the MPC5000 looks like a standard RCA connector, but you should not use
ordinary audio cables for this connection. S/PDIF requires special 75-ohm 'digital audio' cables to work properly and will
most likely result in very loud white noise if you use the wrong type of cables. If you’re hearing clicks, pops, or white
noise when using S/PDIF, your cable is the likely culprit.

02. Connect the [ADAT] output to a Digital Recorder.

This optical digital output supports 8-channel ADAT format. See 'Setting the ADAT Digital Output' on page 195 for more information on
configuring ADAT output.

 USB Connectivity

To connect your computer to the MPC5000, use a standard USB cable.

For more information on USB mode and connecting your MPC5000 to your computer, see 'Connecting the MPC5000 to
Your Computer' on page 191.

13

 MIDI Connectivity

To connect your MIDI devices to the MPC5000, do the following:

03. Connect the MIDI output of your MIDI device to one of the [MIDI IN] ports of the

04. Connect the MIDI input of your MIDI device to one of the [MIDI OUT] ports on the

For more information on connecting MIDI devices to your MPC5000, see 'Using the MPC5000
with External Devices' on page 185.

MPC5000.

MPC5000.

 Footswitch / Headphone Connectivity

01. Connect a footswitch to each [FOOTSWITCH] jack

Footswitches will allow you to start and stop your MPC, punch out, or do many other
functions. See page 195 for more information.

02. Connect headphones to the [PHONES] input.

This will allow you to monitor the output of the [STEREO OUTS]. The level of the
headphones is controlled with the [MAIN VOLUME] knob.

Introduction 14

Basic Concepts and Terminology

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts since you’ll encounter them
throughout this manual.

 Sequence

A sequence is the most basic 'building block' of music you can
compose on the MPC. MIDI information from the MPC’s pads,
buttons, and Q-LINK controls (or an external keyboard) are recorded
to tracks within a sequence. Each sequence has 64 tracks and the
MPC5000 can hold up to 99 separate sequences at one time.

The length of a sequence can be set from 1 to 999 bars and you can theoretically create an entire song using only one
sequence. However, the MPC has a special SONG mode that lets you arrange several short sequences together to
create a song. This allows you to create a sequence for each section of your song and to arrange and rearrange these
sections however you’d like.

For example: by creating a separate sequence for the verse, chorus, and hook of a song, you can use Song mode to
quickly arrange the verse, chorus, and hook in any order you’d like. This saves you from having to repeat the same
section (such as the chorus) many times throughout the song. More importantly, SONG mode makes editing and re­arranging your song easy since you can simply change the order of sequences (or number of repetitions for each
sequence) instead of re-recording the entire song.

Song mode is also where you can record audio tracks directly to the Hard Disk. This will be discussed further later on.

 Tracks

The MPC 5000 has two types of tracks - sequence tracks and Hard Disk recording
tracks. Sequence tracks are found within sequences. A sequence has 64 tracks
and each track can record a performance. For example, you can record the
verses for a song on track one while recording the choruses on track two.
Alternatively, you can record different instruments on each track.

Note that your performances are recorded as MIDI events and the actual digital audio is not recorded onto a track.
Because of this, you can edit your performance many different ways once the performance has been captured. See the
section below entitled 'Note number, velocity, and length' below for more on this.

Hard Disk recording tracks are recorded in song mode. Using Hard Disk recording, you can record a live performance,
such as vocals or guitar, and have these tracks play back with your song. The MPC5000 can have up to eight Hard Disk
tracks. Two can be recorded simultaneously.

 Song

As we stated above under the 'Sequence' description, the MPC has a special
SONG mode that allows you to arrange different sequences together to form a
song. Each time a new sequence is added to a song, we say a new 'step' is
created within the song. You can use song mode to arrange different sections
(verse, chorus, hook, etc.) of a song together.

Songs are created and arranged in the MPC5000’s SONG mode. Each song can have up to 250 steps and the MPC5000
can hold 20 songs at one time. See 'SONG Mode' on page 61 for more information about this mode.

Song mode is also where you can record audio tracks directly to the Hard Disk. This will be discussed further later on.
See HD RECORD on page 67 for more information.

 Sample

When you tap the pads on the MPC5000, you trigger various different sounds that we call 'samples.' Samples are
digitized snippets of audio that can be recorded using the [RECORD IN], [PHONO IN] or [DIGITAL IN] on the rear of the
MPC, loaded from a memory card, CD-ROM, internal Hard Disk, or transferred from a computer (via the USB port).

Once a sample is loaded or recorded into the MPC5000, it can be manipulated in different ways. For example, a sample
can be trimmed down in length, looped, pitch-shifted or processed using one of the various effects found within the
MPC. When you are finished editing your sample, you can assign it to one or more drum pads so that you can play the
sample with those pads.

15

The MPC5000 supports 16-bit samples at any sample rate (audio imported at sample rates higher than 44.1k is
automatically downsampled during playback). Samples can be either mono or stereo.

 Drum Pad

The MPC5000 has 16 pressure sensitive pads that are used to trigger sounds. These pads are arranged in 4 banks
called 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'D.' These banks can be quickly selected using the [PAD BANK] buttons giving you easy access to
64 different sounds. Use PROGRAM mode to assign samples to these pads.

 Sample Program

A Sample Program is a file that contains a list of all samples to be used, and
settings for each sample (i.e., pad assignments, loop points, pitch tuning, effects,
etc.) The MPC’s PROGRAM mode is where you can edit and assign samples. The
MPC5000 can have a total of 128 programs in memory.

There are two kinds of programs that use samples for their sound source: Sample
Programs, mostly used for creating drum programs and easy and quick assigning
of samples to a pad, and Keygroups Programs. With Keygroup Programs, you can
use one sample (or more) and spread it across two or more keys and play the
sample chromatically over a keyboard. That way there is no need to sample every
key of, for instance, a piano. For more information on Keygroups Sample
Programs see page 130.

 Synth Programs

Synth (short for 'Synthesizer') programs are new to the MPC5000. The concept of a Synth is an instrument that is
capable of producing a very wide range of sounds electronically. Synths have been the basis of popular music since the
late 60's, across just about every genre of popular music. Browsing and playing through the included Synth Programs
will give you an idea of the vast variety of sounds that Synth Programs are capable of producing.

 Note Number, Velocity, and Length

When you are recording a sequence, every time you tap a pad, three key pieces of data are recorded on a track:

The note number (i.e., which pad you struck)

The note velocity (i.e., how hard you struck the pad)

The note length (i.e., how long you held the pad down)

Once this information is recorded, the MPC can playback your performance exactly as it was recorded. You can also do
things like edit or delete notes, overdub (add) more notes to an existing performance, tighten up your timing through
the Timing Correct feature, and much more. These various functions are covered in detail in 'The Sequencer' on page

21.

If you are familiar with MIDI sequencing, the terms and concepts described above may already be familiar to you. If
you’re new to MIDI sequencing, don’t worry—the MPC5000 handles most tasks automatically. All other tasks that
require user input are covered throughout this manual.

 RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a space where you can temporarily load audio and MIDI (song) data. The MPC5000
ships with 64MB (megabytes) of RAM and can hold about 768 seconds (over 12 minutes) of mono sound. The EXM-E3
expansion module raises your memory to 192MB and increases your total recording time to over 36 minutes.

Note that RAM contents are deleted when the MPC5000 is turned off. If you wish to keep your work, you must save
your work on either a memory card or the internal Hard Disk.

 Memory Card

Compact flash memory is similar to the Hard Drive, but in a portable format, allowing you to take your projects with
you, or to back up your data.

About Memory Cards: There are several types of memory cards available today. The MPC5000 supports 'type I' and
'type II' compact flash cards only, so please make sure you purchase the correct type of card.

Introduction 16

Operating Modes

The MPC5000 has several different modes of operation. Each of these modes handles specific tasks such as arranging
your sequences (SONG mode) or recording your own samples (REC SAMPLE mode).

Each mode can be accessed using the MPC5000’s drum pads.
To enter these modes, press the [MODE] button and tap the
pad associated with the mode you want. The name of each
mode is listed in yellow at the upper right of each pad.

 MAIN Mode ([MAIN])

This is the start page of the MPC5000 and is displayed when
the unit is powered on. Use this mode to record your
sequences. Should you get lost, pressing the [MAIN] button
will always return you to this page.

 Q-LINK Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 1])

Here, the function of the Q-LINK slider can be set. Various
real-time performance data and Effect parameters can be
recorded and entered here, as well as sending MIDI
continuous controllers to external modules.

 DISK Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 3])

Here, you can access the various storage media available to
you. This is where files, such as samples and sequences, can
be saved, or retrieved and edited.

 REC SAMPLE Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 4])

Here is where you can record your own samples for playback on the MPC5000's pads.

 TRIM Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 5])

This is where you can edit individual samples, deleting silence, adjusting overall volume of recorded samples and so
forth.

 PROGRAM Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 6])

Depending on if the type of program is Sample, Keygroup or Synth, this page will allow individual samples to be
assembled into a group for playback on the individual pads, playback of a sample over several pads or allow editing of a
Synth program's virtual analog parameters.

 MIXER Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 7]

This mode is where the mixing of individual pads or complete sequencer tracks can be done graphically, much like using
an external mixing board. Which output the signal is sent to, and what effect bus and how much effect is used per
sound is also determined here.

 MIDI/SYNC Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 8])

Here, you can sync up your MPC5000 with other devices, and control different aspects of MIDI.

 OTHER Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 9])

Here, you can find different settings that don’t fit easily into other categories, such as Master level, pad sensitivity, etc.

 ARP Mode ([MODE]+[Pad 10])

This mode allows you to edit the Arpeggiator. This is mode can also be edited by pressing the [ARPEGGIATOR] button.
For more on the Arpeggiator, see page 145.