To operate the MPC2000 it is necessary to first boot it from a system disk, insert your operation disk (currently it is up to V1.7 if you haven't already got it I suggest you download it from www.Akaipro.com as it contains new features that I refer to throughout this guide and includes lots of bug fixers) into the floppy drive and turn the power on...

The version number of the operating system will appear for a few seconds, a few pretty lights will shine and it will sound like there are some small rodents having an orgy inside it until the main screen appears. At this point I would usually get playing but I suppose I should warn you that unlike computers that load automatically from their hard drives the MPC always needs booting from disk (that is unless you have got the optional Flash ROM with the operating software saved on it) and you should make some back-up copies of the boot disk in case one of those rodents soils the master!.

All data on the MPC is stored on RAM and therefore the data is lost when the power is turned off. In order to play any sounds after turning the power on you must load them from disk, lets get loaded...(included is a WINZIP file 694kb with a program to get you started).

Step 1 - Insert disk into floppy drive.

Step 2 - Press the DISK key (3 on the numeric keypad) whilst holding SHIFT key.

Step 3 - You will see an inverted portion of the screen next to the File: path, it will read STUDIO_SET .PGM, if you scroll right with the data wheel you will see the individual sounds relating to that program, i.e. BASS_DRUM .SND etc., and at the end the sequence file HIPHOP_BEATS .ALL.

Step 3a - For now we are interested in loading the whole lot so go back to STUDIO_SET .PGM and press DO IT. A screen will appear with the option to cancel or continue press LOAD. The message will say 'loading...', when complete it will return to the aforementioned screen.

Step 3b- To load the sequence turn the data wheel to HIPHOP_BEATS .ALL and press load, you will be given the option to load ALL or INDIVIDUAL sequences press ALL. When loaded press MAIN SCREEN button.

Playing The Sounds:-

You should now be able to hear sounds when you press the pads, to hear the other sounds press the PAD BANK key to go through banks B,C or D.

The 64 bank/ pad combinations are as follows:-

Drum pads in bank A: A01 through A16.

Drum pads in bank B: B01 through B16.

Drum pads in bank C: C01 through C16.

Drum pads in bank D: D01 through D16.

The 16 drum pads are dynamic, the harder you play them the louder the sound will play. If you press the FULL LEVEL key (the light goes on) no matter how hard you play the pads the sound will play at its maximum dynamic level, I suggest you leave this on for now until you get the hang of playing the pads.