Essential resources for all MPC users - software applications, web sites, manuals - some sites are mine, most are third parties.
MPC Web Sites
MPC Samples - Huge selection of MPC expansions, specialising in multisampled drums and instruments. And home of the MPC Bible!
MPC Forums - the largest MPC community on the planet, running since 2002 with over 1 million posts and over 80,000 members. My main hang out!
Crates Motel - Mixing & mastering videos with an MPC focus, from Conan Manchester.
Reddit MPC Users Group - largest MPC group on Reddit, run by Cubilas.
MPC Facebook Community - consistently friendly and helpful Facebook community for MPC heads.
Akai Professional – Makers of the MPC series.
JJ OS – Third party OS developer for MPC1000 and 2500
Roger Linn Design – Father of the MPC, support and downloads for 60/3000
JJ Manual – Stan Steez site for his JJ OS1 manual, with faqs and info. The site is now dead, but I’ve linked to the Internet Archive version.
Stereoroid MPC1000 Site – FAQs and tutorials for the MPC1000 (from Internet Archive)
Free MPC Software Applications
Amit Talwar’s Apps – a collection of Amit’s personal apps, many of which work with MPC/Force files
MIDI-to-Pattern Convertor – free online tool that can convert a MIDI file into an MPC pattern, good tool for Force owners (MPCs can load MIDI files natively, the Force cannot). Supports multi-track MIDI files as well.
Convert with Moss – convert wavs and sampler instruments into mpc xpm files
MPC Beats – Akai’s free version of the MPC Software (registration required for download). Has track limits and missing some instrument plugins and FX, but is otherwise pretty much identical to the MPC Software.
MPC Maid – Free, cross platform program creator for MPC1000/500/2500/500 program format only.
Paid MPC Applications
Akai’s MPC Software – The software version of the current MPC eco-system. Can be used as a standalone app or controlled by MPCs or most MIDI controllers.
Instrumap – creates keygroup instruments from folders of sounds. This is able to create an instrument from multiple pitched samples recorded over multiple dynamic levels.
MPC Keygroup Creator – batch creates ‘single sample’ MPC keygroup programs from folders of samples (one sample per instrument)
Kit Creator – Windows/Mac app that automatically generates sample kits for MPCs and Ableton Live.
Kit Maker – converts Maschine kits and other sample kits into MPC format
Legacy Akai MPC Operating Systems
These are the official Akai operating systems for legacy MPCs only – note that the MPC60 OS is not available as a standalone file as it is hard coded into the unit’s ROM chips.
| Model | OS |
|---|---|
| MPC1000 | 2.13, 2.12 |
| MPC2500 | 1.24, 1.23 |
| MPC5000 | 2.0, 1.02 |
| MPC500 | 1.31, 1.30 |
| MPC4000 | 1.71 |
| MPC2000XL | 1.20, 1.14 |
| MPC2000 | 1.72 |
| MPC3000 | 3.11 |
| MPC60 | 2.12 (N/A) |
JJOS Operating Systems
The JJOS is a third party MPC operating system made for the MPC1000 and MPC2500 only. It is developed by one of the people behind the original MPC1000 OS (who was allegedly part of the team involved in the MPC2000XL). The original JJOS was primarily the Akai OS with a number of essential bug fixes (most importantly a fix for the disk corruption issues in Akai OS), but a number of additional features were also added such as ‘global program edit’, audio tracks and an improved file management system.
There is also also several paid JJOS versions, which have progressively added more advanced features to these legacy MPCs, although due to the limited ROM memory available in the MPC1000/2500, adding new features often meant that some existing features had to be removed.
Read my JJOS Beginner’s Guide for more info on JJOS including a breakdown of all the different versions – and of course check out the JJOS site itself; JJOS MPC1000 and JJOS MPC2500.
JJOS Downloads
Below I’ve included firmware downloads for the various JJOS versions, including the older editions that are no longer developed. Remember you mist use the OS file made for your specific MPC (either MPC1000 or MPC2500). ‘Paid For’ JJOS firmware files are effectively just trials with the save screen disabled (but all other features are fully working) – purchase and enter an activation code to unlock the save screen.
| JJOS Version | Latest OS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JJOS Free | MPC1000, MPC2500 | Basically the Akai OS with bug fixes and a few extra features. A no-brainer. Install Guide |
| JJOS1 | MPC1000, MPC2500 | The original ‘paid for’ JJOS which is structurally similar to the free JJOS but has many additional improvements. No longer available to purchase, but can be freely installed if you have JJOSXL license. |
| JJOS2 | MPC1000, MPC2500 | This OS involved a massive change to the core structure of the MPC OS and introduced some much more advanced sampling features. From this point onwards, programs created in these newer JJOS versions were not fully -backwards compatible with older JJOS or Akai OS. |
| JJOS2XL | MPC1000, MPC2500 | Overhaul of JJOS2 and still my favourite JJOS version which in my opinion contains the best blend of features. Install Guide |
| JJOS128XL | MPC1000, MPC2500 | Developed exclusively for the optional ‘large’ screen hardware upgrade that can be purchased from MPC Stuff – this OS will not work in a standard ‘small screen’ MPC. Confusingly, this is NOT the large screen version of JJOSXL. Install Guide |
| JJOS128SP | MPC1000, MPC2500 | Large screen version of JJOSXL. Requires a JJOSXL license and the large screen hardware. Install Guide |
| JJOS3 | MPC1000, MPC2500 | Small screen version of JJOS128XL. Requires a JJOSXL license. Install Guide |
Other Third Party Operating Systems
Roger Linn, original designer of the MPC range currently offers an updated OS for the MPC60. A company called ‘Mansell Labs’ once offered an MPC3000 upgrade called the Vallixi, however that site suddenly (and without any notice or explanation) stopped fulfilling orders for the Valixi chips many years ago. The site is now gone but you can still pick up Vallixi chips on Ebay (some are second hand, others appear to be ‘clones’ of original chips). You can read this forum topic for more information on ‘Vallixi-gate’.
‘Current’ MPC & Force Operating Manuals
Akai have put all their User Guides on a single page:
Current MPC Manuals & User Guides (standalone MPCs & MPC Software)
Latest MPC Tutorial Courses From MPC-Tutor
Legacy MPC Manuals
The following are the latest version of the official Akai technical manuals for legacy MPC models:
MPC1000, MPC500, MPC2500, MPC5000 MPC2000XL, MPC2000, MPC4000, MPC3000 MPC60
JJ OS Manuals
Manuals written for the JJOS either by JJ himself or by MPC-Forums.com member, Stann Steez.
On line manuals to read directly from JJ’s site
MPC1000 (Free JJ OS), MPC1000 OS1, MPC1000 OS2, OS2XL, OS128XL
MPC2500 Free OS (3.10), MPC2500 OS1, MPC2500 OS2, OS-XL, OS128XL
Service Manuals
If you are into repairing the internals of your MPC, then you may need to consult the official service manuals which contain circuit board diagrams, part numbers and general servicing information. Thanks to DJ Khayos for the 5000 manual!
MPC1000, MPC2500, MPC5000, MPC2000XL, MPC2000, MPC4000, MPC3000
21 Responses
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May 2, 2013 8:51 pm
thank you for somthang new..
Mar 1, 2016 5:16 pm
sir, I have one mpc 5000 and I need help please help me. The problem is, when I creat one seq. in 2/4 or 3/4 time sig, first time when I creat it, its play like loop but when I save it in my harddisk and when I reload the same seq. it play only one bar. why???
Mar 25, 2016 12:34 am
Sir this problem. In all mpc5000. Resion OS.
May 28, 2013 7:49 am
Welp….hows about a “compare//contrast” of functionality? I’ve used a small number or these on Mac as well as owning Chicken Systems’ Translator (a massive joke for a software, by the way). I use my MPC 1000 as a brain for my electronic drums….it takes FOREVER to set up all of the Velocity settings for a kit. Any of these programs allow you to copy layer settings? Any of them help you set up mute groups any easier (hi-hat programing sucks!). Not to mention a form to place output routing! A constructive guide to the best software editor-per-intended-use would be amazing. I feel slighted…just because Akai made headway with the rap/hip-hop market, that means the rest of us can’t enjoy/participate in the innovation? Just say’n.
::casio
May 6, 2020 9:18 pm
the trouble is worth it it sounds amazing! Straight out the box software as nothing on the mpc…I’m talking straight out the box now…software you gotta add things to get on the mpc level.FACTZ!
Jun 17, 2013 12:31 am
Hello, I’ve had my MPC-60 since 1992 and I still use it with my Ensoniq ASR-10. But, I now have Logic Pro 9 and would like to know how to transfer my MPC-60 files from floppy to my DAW without having to track the full songs. I’ve purchased the new MPC Renaissance and would love to trigger my MPC-60 sounds in it as well as play the sequences in the Renaissance from my MPC-60 songs. Can you tell me what software I need to get to be able to do this? My MPC-60 is running OS 3.10, and I use a Mac.
Thanks in advance and take care.
K
May 8, 2016 5:05 am
well you can do sys-ex file export through midi. that might take awhile it will let you send your midi files and samples thought midi to your computer….takes a while…
Hmm its sounds like you want the recorded song midi files from the MPC…
Send those via Sys Ex send to your computer OR via floppy
then hook up all of your gear with midi cables in and outs correctly then open your midi files in LOGIG
assign the midi channels to play the right samples – just make sure its all the same…
now hit play…
Logic should be triggering all of your midi devices correctly….
so the MPC have to be put into a receive mode as I recall…
Nov 10, 2013 8:47 pm
are there any mpc editors for mac that allow you to hear your drum layering??
when i was on a pc i used do this this easily in buebox..
however in both pad 187 and mpc maid it seems that you can only hear ONE layer at a time..am i missing something?? and rs-16 seems not to do layers at all..
i would really appreciate any help..
warm regards,
J
Sep 18, 2014 2:24 am
there a new one:
shuriken beat slicer, beat slicing and midi export with pgm export for mpc500 mpc1000 and mpc 2500
only runs on linux!
https://github.com/rock-hopper/shuriken/releases/tag/v0.3.1
Mar 24, 2015 9:33 pm
Hi Andy!
many compliments for your work, it’s really a great web site, full support!
may I ask you which is the best way/software in your opinion to create programs on mac for my mpc 5000?
thanks a lot man
Jan 18, 2016 3:22 pm
Hi i have a new mpd 232 and search for better SW like MPC Essentials?
It seems the The full Version of MPC Software 1.9.1 is not 2 buy or update ?!
i have Magix samplitude (Win with i3) and a older Mac Book. 🙂
Thanks for reading (and answers)
Mr Trek continues
Apr 3, 2016 5:23 pm
I am trying to connect my MPC 5000 to my Mac and make music from the MPC to the computer. Is there a software program like garage band where I can play my MPC to my Mac with ?
Thanks
Brian
May 8, 2016 5:12 am
ABELTON Live you can trigger and actually reprocess the audio coming out of the MPC…
So say you want USE ableton for some synths plugins…and use MPC for drums..
you can set it up to record the MPC drum pads while sending that audio to incoming audio channels in ableton to process them further…
You have to get the software and some midi cables and a digital audio interface…
Jan 17, 2017 10:26 am
i am just getting into the music game. i am buying the new Mpc x when it comes out. i have a mac computer already. how do i buy sound from your your website. . when i buy then do they automatic download to the mpc x software. or do i have to drag and drop the file in the software. just want to know before i purchase them…… thanks
Jan 17, 2017 10:35 am
Hi, you just download them from the link we provide and then drag & drop into the software.
Mar 6, 2018 9:39 pm
How can I extract .snd files from a PC formatted Zip disk that was used on my MPC 2000. The disks are starting to fail and I want to get all of my sounds into Logic X before they fail. please help me!
Jul 29, 2018 6:35 pm
The entire contents of a Zip disk can be copied to any other disk on a PC including a thumb flash drive. The files will then be usable on your PC. You need to find an old Zip drive to plug in to your PC so the Zip disks can be read though.
Aug 28, 2019 8:30 pm
Which of these (besides the official akai software) do you recommend for users of the MPC Live? I have MPC 2.6 but I would like to use a more streamlined program for making drum programs with on a secondary machine that I do not plan to license. Thank you!
Dec 8, 2020 7:55 pm
I just got comfortable navigating and using the Mpc essentials software, unfortunately my pc died and I bought a new MacBook.
I was told you guys no longer make MPC Essentials or update older existing versions.
what is similar to Mpc essentials as far as creating drum tracks and manipulating vast files?
also I’ve been requesting a download link for Mac beats for the last and have yet to receive an email.
Aug 7, 2021 3:17 pm
Hi! Is there some 2000xl software for windows?
May 5, 2022 7:05 pm
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