Note Number, Velocity, And Length; Ram; Memory Card; Operating Modes - Akai MPC 500 User Manual

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Chapter 1: Introduction

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 Chapter 3: Sequence feature on page 13.
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 MPC500 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 MPC500 ships with 16MB
(megabytes) of RAM and can hold about 136 seconds of mono sound. The EXM128 expansion module raises your memory to 128MB and
increases your total recording time to over 24 minutes.
Note that RAM contents are deleted when the MPC500 is turned off. If you wish to keep your work, you must save your work on a memory
card.

Memory Card

Compact flash memory is similar to RAM, except that the information stored on a compact flash memory card is not lost when the MPC500
is turned off. The MPC500 ships with a 32MB compact flash memory card on which you can store your work.
Note that the MPC500 cannot play your songs or sample data directly from a memory card. Your data must first be loaded into RAM
memory before it can be played.
About Memory Cards: There are several types of memory cards available today. The MPC500 supports "type I" and "type II"
compact flash cards only, so please make sure you purchase the correct type of card.

Operating Modes

The MPC500 has 14 modes of operation. Each of these modes handles specific tasks such as arranging your sequences (SONG mode) or
recording your own samples (RECORD mode).
Twelve of the 14 modes can be accessed using the MPC500's drum pads. To enter these modes, hold 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.
The remaining two modes (SEQUENCE and TRACK) can be accessed through the [SEQUENCE] and [TRACK] buttons on the MPC's
front panel.

Sequence Mode ([Sequence])

This is the "main" page of the MPC500 and is displayed when the unit is powered on. Use this mode to record your sequences.

Track Mode ([Track])

This is where the 48 individual tracks of a sequence can be viewed. Which track you will be recording to is chosen here.

Slider Mode ([Mode] + [Pad1])

Here, the function of the Q-Link slider can be set. Various realtime performance data can be recorded and entered here.

Load Mode ([Mode] + [Pad2])

This is where saved files, such as samples and sequences, can be retrieved and edited.

Save Mode ([Mode] + [Pad3])

Here is where your data will be saved to disk for later retrieval.

Record Mode ([Mode] + [Pad4])

Here is where you can record your own samples for playback on the MPC500's pads.
MPC500 Operator's Manual rev 1.0