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Akai MPC-60 II 

MIDI PRODUCTION CENTER (1991)

Akai sampler

"The MPC60 II is a minor upgrade from previous cult sampler MPC 60.  
First evident difference is cometical: the classic modes features a metal case which looks and feels less cheap than the plastic one from Mk2. Added a cool headphones output but removed the handy tiltable display. "

 Main Data 

Roger LINN and MPC60 prototype

Company: Akai / LINN
Country: USA / JAPAN
Weight: 10,5 Kg
Dimensions: 495 (w) x 127 (h) x 471 (d) mm
trend price : 1200€

Class: sampler
Pads: 16 dynamic
Dates: 1991 
Display: LCD 240 x 64
Resolution: 12 bits
Sampling rate: 40 kHz
Polyphony: 16 voices
Filter: none
LFO: none
Envelope: 1 EG A-D
Sequencer: 16 tracks
Sync: Midi, SMPTE, trigger
Swing: 50-75%
Memory: 750 Kb
Storage: 720Kb FD
CPU: intel 80186
DAC: PCM54HP
ADC: PCM77P 

Latest OS: 3.10  OS Originally early OS cannot handle samples longer than 5 seconds, but this limit has been removed with latest OS 3.10, as well as mono sampling adding a special "pseudo stereo mode" albeit the MPC hardware is of course still monophonic.
ALTERNATIVE OS the VIMANA 3.15 is a special OS developped by third-part with different functions. It can be changed swapping 4 EPROMS. We do not tested it, so we have NO INFORMATION about this one. 




main panel features a 240 x 64 pixels LCD backlit display (with contrast trimmer) which can be tilt, 16 velocity sensitive pads, a volume knob, a data encoder, a slider, 56 buttons and a 720 kB DD disk drive.

Rear panel terminal connectors:
- stereo main analog outs+ 8 separate outs + 2 send returns
- balanced signal input (switch between HI/MED/LOW gain)
- 2 Midi inputs (with merge option) + 4 Midi ouputs
- Metronome out
- headphones out
- 2 assignable foot switches
- Sync I/O with level trimmer.
- RS-232C connector (factory not activated, can it be removed to install optional Marion SCSI board) 

FACTORY RESET PROCEDURE : Special TEST DISK is AVAILABLE somewhere to check out:
1. DAC Trim
2. ADC Monitor
3. CPU RAM test
4. Battery CDAM test
5. Sound Memory test


Nothing for now

- owner 's manual (3.10 OS)

- no original service manual for MPC MK2, you can use the one from mk1 which is basically 99% the same.

Scegli tra la vasta selezione di blocchi già pronti più recenti: intro a tutto schermo, caroselli immagini di bootstrap, Slider dei contenuti, galleria di immagini responsive con lightbox, parallax-scrolling, sfondi video, menu hamburger, intestazioni fisse e altro ancora.

 In details 

Intel



SAMPLER  the main core based is an Intel 8-bits 80186 which manages 16 channels polyphony; DAC is a Burr Brown PCM54HP and ADC is a PCM77P.

Internal sampling engine is based on a 12 bits which recording frequency range is fixed to 40 kHz. Sound edit system includes some sample edit functions:

16 voices

-DAC is a Burr Brown PCM54HP


12 bits 

-ADC is a Burr Brow PCM77P

40 kHz rate

-monoponic sampling

Sample Structure

Sound edit system includes some sample edit functions:

volume gain set

up to + 6db gain

Sample tuning 

range from -12 to +6 semitones

Envelope

 a mini EG for amplitude with Attack + Decay segments
- mono / poly / gated sample play modes

Sample trim process

with coarse of fine search

Pad Assign

Assign 2 or 3 samples to a single pad with possible velocity switch threshold.

MPC60 II performance

Main functions for live performance:

 - FULL LEVEL switch: plays all pads at full gain velocity
- NOTE VARIATION slider: a real-time controller changes the decay, tuning, attack of a sample
- 16 LEVELS: assign a sound to all pads with 16 variation of a single parameter (volume / tuning for chromatic play / decay / attack)
- NOTE REPEAT synched rolls or fills for recording (can be changed using quantisize level)
- TRIGGER set allows to play a single set from external source (special standalone mode)
- DRUM MIX special screen with overview mix, analog ouputs assigned as well as management of send/return to hook external FX unit. 
MPC

Sequencer

MPC60 mk2
Recording

Track

Each track can be assigned to internal sounds or external Midi channel (it also handles exclusive systems).

A special TOOL (FREE) for 3.1 allows to convert MPC sequences to standard SMF Midi files,

Swing

Swing mode

Sequencer wing mode from 50 to 75%. This spice up the grooves! 

Quantisize

Quantisize

Correction tempo can be set to 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T,1/32 , 1/32

Drumulator

Sequencer functions

Change signature, loopmode, solo mode, overdub, punch IN, shift offset, tempo change, erase and copy. 

Each pad can be assigned to a different MIDI note for external triggering and some basic Control changes.

SYNC SYNC internal tempo range from 30 to 300 BPM can slave-synched to:
- external Midi clock
- SMPTE 
- external trigger 
- tape FSK24

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System Memory

Sample Ram

750kB sampling memory, doubled if optional memory board EXM003 (or equivalent MUTECH DMC-04). Companded mod doubles sample time with quality loss (only for 3.10)

Programs

8 programs, each contains 16 sounds per bank / up to 4 banks. 
- 128 sounds (only 34 for OS lower than 3.1)

RAM expansion

Sequencer

- 20 songs
- 99 sequences
- 99 tracks
- max 60000 events

Storage

Data can be saved to floppy 720Kb drive or special 793 Kb format (unrealiable effects on PC). Optional SCSI is available, typical is Iomega zip or Hard disk

Disk Upgrade

Internal 720kb disk can be replace by more modern USB disk, still slow but more reliable and can contains a lot more of information.Pictures from Mk1, but it is still the same operation:

Our Verdict 

" A minor upgrade from cult machine, but headphones is really dope for night jamming!  seems to be more rare than Mk1. "

Sound 
quality

Interface

Build
 quality

Rarity

Quality / 
price

Overall

CONS

-  expensive
- no filter
- no LFO modulation
-limited memory

PROS

-sound
- cult classic
- intuitive sequencer
- plastic case



Are you a MPC60  fan? how do you use it? You do not agree with our review?  Let us know in the comment field just below 

DISQUS COMMENTS WILL BE SHOWN ONLY WHEN YOUR SITE IS ONLINE

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MPC60 demo