Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great product especialy for those wanting to make some hip hop or techno or whatever. Everything came in the box; mpc, ac adapter, manual, quick start, cf card, and latest version (1.31). The manual is great I have learned much in just a couple of days, though im still learning but its great. great price for what it is capable of.

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Sample and create music wherever inspiration strikes with the portable Akai MPC500 all-in-one Music Production Center. Whether you travel around the globe or across town, the MPC500 is the ultimate answer to your mobile production needs. It weight just under 3 pounds--a perfect fit for your backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase--and it can be powered for up to 4.5 hours on 6 AA batteries
The MPC500 combines a 48-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 12 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads. It comes standard with 16 MB of on-board memory and can be expanded up to 128 MB of RAM. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and the MPC500's CF card.
Key Features
Battery powered (6 AAs) or wall powered (AC adapter included)
Pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for responsive, accurate programming
12-level function places one sound on all pads with progressive level or tuning per pad
Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Support for standard WAV files and MIDI sequences
Analog I/O, headphone output, MIDI I/O
Sounds included to get started quickly
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Low-pass filter with resonance per voice
On-board effects: two stereo effects and a master effect

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(2) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs
(1) Headphone Output

MIDI Input/Output:
(1) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(1) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +5dBu

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song
24 "Active (loaded)" Programs max

Pad Details:
12 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Power Options:
12V DC 500mA pin-negative power adapter (included)
(6) AA batteries [lasts about 4.5hrs continuous use w/backlight ON]

Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.73 x 6.89 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 2.93 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility

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Alesis SR16 Drum Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)Some history on this device: The Alesis SR-16 has been in production since 1991 and has gone through only slight revisions to the hardware since its original release. The 16-bit drum samples are still the same today as they were on this unit over 15 years ago. It is regarded as a break-through piece of studio gear and regarded by many studio engineers as the first rhythm machine capable of producing a convincing enough drum track capable of replacing a real drummer in studio recordings for rock applications. (Prior to the SR-16, rhythm machines were commonly used in pop music in the 80's, but it was always clear to trained ears that a rhythm machine was used, the SR-16 successfully blurred the line and made it possible to use rhythm machines in genres that generally frowned upon electronic drums such as: rock, country and blues) You'll hear the SR-16 on many professional tracks by top name recording artist from the early to mid-90's.
Today the SR-16 can still be found in many professional and home recording studios. With the emergence of Pro Tools and other PC based Digital Audio Workstations, stand alone rhythm machines have become much less popular today in pro recording, but they are still very popular in home studios and for performing solo musicians around the world.
Comparing the SR-16 to newer products: Rhythm machines produced by Roland/BOSS, Yamaha and ZOOM are the SR-16's primary competition, with Roland and Alesis often cited as leaders and innovators in pro electronic percussion (these companies also produce the best quality electronic kits and the same samples are used in their rhythm machine products). Some of the features common to newer rhythm machines not found on the SR-16 include: 24-bit samples, more memory, bass guitar sequencer ability to store MIDI files on device.
Ease of use: Aside from its convincing sound quality, perhaps the reason the SR-16 has remained in production and a favorite among musicians is its ease of use. The SR-16 was designed with the non-drummer solo musician in mind and is considered one of the easiest rhythm machines to program. It's interface has been copied (but many would say not trumped) by BOSS, Yamaha and others. The manual, while poorly edited does more than any other rhythm machine owners guide to cater to solo musician who doesn't understand the first thing about sequencing drum tracks and it's A,FillA,B,FillB pattern foot switch configuration makes it easier to improvise with... In short, you don't get much customization with the SR-16, but what you do get feature was is going to be the most popular setup which makes the device much more approachable than many modern rhythm machines and sequencer options. Has a full MIDI in/out through implementation so the SR-16 can be patched in and controlled from DAW's (Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, etc...)
Comparing generations: If you're buying previously owned model be aware that some features have changed over the years. First generation SR-16 models (1991-circa 2001) had about 1/2 of the user memory than that of the current production SR-16. Also, the first generation units did not have a headphone jack. In the early 2000's Alesis updated all the preset patterns creating a market for "vintage" SR-16 machines. Also, over the years the price has dropped significantly. The SR-16 was originally marketed as a high-end studio product with a price tag around $400. While the quality of the unit has only improved, the price has dropped as computer parts have become less expensive (also newer units are mass produced in Asia).

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One of the most popular drum machines ever made, the Alesis SR16 Drum Machine has been used by everyone from songwriters to live performers to remix engineers as their drum machine of choice. It features a great selection of over 200 realistic, natural drum sounds, offered both in dry form and sampled with our quality digital reverbs. And Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it's played harder--just like an acoustic drum--for truly realistic performances.
The SR-16 features 50 preset patterns that were actually played in by top studio drummers, not just programmed and quantized. The SR-16 also provides complete MIDI implementation, a footswitch input, flexible programming and editing features and velocity-sensitive pad buttons. It's easy to use so you'll be up and composing in minutes.
Dynamic Articulation Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.
This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you'd expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don't get the same sound twice for further creative realism.
Specifications
Audio Outputs: 4 (2 stereo pairs)
Pads: 12 velocity sensitive (w/Dynamic Articulation)
Sample/DAC Bit Resolution: 16/18
Sounds: 233
Sounds Accessible via Pads: 12
Sounds Accessible via MIDI: 120
Polyphony: 16 voice
Panning: 7-position user programmable
Velocity Response: 8 loudness levels via pads, 127 via MIDI
Timing Resolution: 96 ppq
Time Signature Range: 1-128 beats per pattern
Tempo Range: 20-255 bpm
Notes/Patterns/Songs: 12,000/400 (200 user, 200 preset)/100
Kits: 50 user, 50 preset
MIDI Program Change Response: Kit
Sync: MIDI Clock/Song Position Pointer
Footswitch Jacks/Functions: 2; start/stop, count/A/B/fill
Other Features: Sound stacking, step editing, stereo samples with reverb and ambience
Dynamic Articulation: Modulates tone
Power: 9 VAC External Transformer, UL and CSA Approved
Dimensions: 9.25 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 2.5 pounds

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Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)Looking for a dual drum and bass machine to keep my chops on beat, the zoom machine was perfect for practice sessions. It sounds excellent pluged into my home surround sound and really gets my creative improvisational juices flowing. I play fusion, rock, blues and jazz in the style of EVH to VAI. This machine gives me a nice work out and jams in many styles. Excellent practice tool to keep you fresh and really allows you to work on your creativity.

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The RT-223 is a drum & bass machine for any kind of rhythm play. Small in size and light in weight, this low-profile unit will go with you anywhere. You can get a session going with your very own rhythm section in a flash, anywhere, anytime.


Seventy different kits from Rock Drum to Voice Percussion The range of drum kits built into the RT-223 is simply amazing. A total of 70 drum kits are built-in, with acoustic drum sounds for rock, R&B, funk, and jazz. Add an analog rhythm machine great for Techno and Hip Hop. Ethnic percussion sounds are also available. There are also five Human Voice "Beat Box" Percussion kits that are currently all the rage in Hip Hop. Create advanced rhythm tracks where kick, snare, scratch and other instrument sounds are expressed as human voices.

Create your own drum kits A drum kit consists of 13 pads x 3 banks = 39 sounds. Sound sources can be freely selected and assigned to the pads. Fine-tune parameters such as pitch, level, and panning to create your own original drum kits. The RT-223 lets you store up to 127 user-programmed kits.

Twelve built-in bass sound sources Choose from electric bass styles such as Pick, Finger, and Slap. Or select Acoustic Bass, Synthesizer Bass, or one of the other bass sources, 12 in total. To create a bass line, you can play the pads with assigned chromatic pitches just like a keyboard. A dedicated switch quickly lets you mute the bass sound at any time.

Two types of effects to control EQ and Ambience The overall EQ and tonal quality of a drum kit can be adjusted with the COMP EQ effect. The REVERB effects can be used simultaneously. These effects can also be applied to bass sounds. Up to 40 settings for each effect can be stored as patches.

440 preset patterns cover all musical styles From Rock, Jazz, and Funk to Club and House, the RT-223 comes with 440 playing patterns that can be used straight away. A large number of phrase variations including intro, fill-in, and ending patterns are also provided. By simply combining these, you can whip up a backing rhythm that delivers the goods.

Touch-sensitive pads let you build original patterns Programming your own patterns is a snap, thanks to the touch-sensitive drum pads. The RT-223 records not only your timing, but also the dynamics of your finger work. You can create and store up to 511 patterns. The process is made even easier through visual cues provided by the self-lit pads.

Quickly create original songs with FAST method You can combine any number of drum patterns in any order to create a song. In addition to step input where you select patterns one by one, the RT-223 also offers the innovative FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method. With FAST, you use simple mathematical symbols such as +, -, (, and ) to specify the pattern lineup. This is especially useful for songs with repeated patterns. To play pattern number 12 eight times and then pattern 25 sixteen times, you simply enter "12 x 8 + 25 x 16". By enclosing this in brackets and adding a multiplication factor such as "( ) x 4", the entire sequence can be repeated. The RT-223 lets you store as many as 100 songs for automated backing.

Groove play mode lets you play patterns like a DJ Assigning patterns to pads allows you to trigger patterns simply by tapping the pads. This is great for live performances and for DJ use.

User-friendly design for simple operation The RT-223 is a dedicated rhythm machine designed to make rhythm programming truly easy. You can take the shortest possible route from idea to finished song. No need to boot up a PC and start DAW software, or laboriously read sound source data into a sampler. Most controls on the top panel of the RT-223 have only a single function, and there are no complicated multi-level menus. The backlit LCD shows all important information at a glance.

Total control with a foot switch Intro, pattern 1, fill-in, pattern 2, ... ending. Imagine controlling such a sequence just with a foot switch. With a Zoom FS01 Foot Switch (sold separately) you can rock out live, triggering patterns with your foot. You can also use the switch to start or stop a pattern, perform tap input to specify the tempo, trigger the bass drum sounds, switch between hi-hat open/close, and much more.

Metronome function for simple repeat practice The built-in metronome with its dedicated key is handy for simple repeat practice. In addition to the standard 2 - 8 beat, you can also use 6/8 beat, 7/8 beat, 2+3 beat, 3+4 beat and other mixed beat settings.

MIDI IN connector and external line input The MIDI IN connector allows synchronized play with an external device. By receiving note messages, the RT-223 can serve as drum sound source module in a MIDI-based system. The line input accepts the signal from a CD player or other line-level source, or from a guitar or bass via an effect. Seamlessly integrate the RT-223 into any session.

2-way power from size AA batteries or AC adaptor The unit will operate continuously for eight hours on a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Whether on stage or during rehearsals in the studio, the RT-223 is always ready. For extended studio work, an AC adaptor (sold seperately) can also be used.

What's in the Box Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine, User's Manual

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Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read one of the negative reviews and at first was not going to buy this machine. Then I thought how much of a geek I can be and said what the heck. Glad I done that because this machine is incredible. It has every feature you can think of and it can do anything. Programming it was very easy if you read the manual and the preset beats are nice too. Funny thing happen when I was purchasing it, the salesmen said not many people buy these machines anymore, they buy the drum software instead. Well I guess I'm sticking to the basics...Great Drum Machine...

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The Boss DR-880 drum machine is a rhythm-programming powerhouse thats loaded with world-class drum, percussion, and bass sounds from Rolands famous SRX library. It also includes a stunning collection of original waveforms. You can get microscopic with the Boss DR-880, but you also have the option of taking the simple route with its three EZ Compose buttons, which allow original patterns to be constructed without note-by-note programming hassles. Patterns can be taken deeper with the Groove Modify feature, where various groove and triplet feels can be applied. Ghost notes and fills can also be added automatically.

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Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Review

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(More customer reviews)I had the SR-16 and out of all the drum machines I ever owned it was the most user friendly so when I noticed the new SR-18 I had huge expectations, basically this is the same machine but they have made some very weird changes, my first complaint is you have to save every single thing that you do, they took this to the point of being completely ridiculous,every single edit you make must be saved I am not kidding. and then something weird; I noticed that whatever tempo you decide to play a pattern in it is automatically saved, one of the least important things (to me anyway) so now every pattern has it's very own tempo, that just seems strange to me, one thing I liked about the SR-16 was when you wanted to change the length of a pattern you were give the option of taking bars off the end or the beginning, the SR-18 is like every other drum machine and you can only cut off the end, the SR-16 also had an output to dump all of your data onto a tape or cd (or whatever you prefer) so then you never run ot of memory, The SR-18 does not have this cool feature either,the sounds are good,lots of cool presets but drum machines still have a very long way to go before I will get too excited, I thought this was supposed to be an upgrade. ?

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The next-generation Alesis SR18 drum machine is loaded with cutting-edge drumsets, electronic drums, one-shot hits, and modern percussion sounds--from hip-hop to country and everything in between--for any cutting-edge musician's performances and compositions. It also offers an effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, and compression so you can output recording or performance-ready sounds. And Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it's played harder--just like an acoustic drum--for truly realistic performances.
You can plug in an instrument, such as a guitar, and play along for setup simplicity. You can play in bass parts using the pads on the SR18 or connect a MIDI keyboard for fast, musical low end. The SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries for on-the-go composition
Key Features
Large, 32 MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
Over 500 drum and percussion sounds and 50 bass sounds
Built-in Alesis effects: reverbs, EQs, and compression
Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
Programmable Drum Roll function
Mute/Solo Function: mute drums, bass, and percussion or individual pads
Flexible wall (adapter included) and battery powering (six AA, not included)
Backlit LCD
100 preset patterns, 100 user locations
12 velocity sensitive pads
Tap tempo for instant beats exactly as you want them

Dynamic Articulation Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.
This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you'd expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don't get the same sound twice for further creative realism.
Specifications
Sound set: 32 MB, multi-sampled
Polyphony: 32 voices
Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument (guitar)
Outputs: 1/4-inch stereo pair, 1/4-inch TRS, 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone
MIDI: in, out/thru
Footswitch: two inputs - start/stop, count/A/B/fill

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