For myself the difference is not equal to the huge price difference. Would love a 3k - but this video helps me make a decision today, and I just bought a 2000xl. Thanks
Thanks for chiming in.. these tests, I think, are quite important for exactly this kind of thing.. making informed decisions, in relation to vintage boxes, isn't always about the resale value. I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment out of the XL. PS. I've got a deep dive 2000XL tutorial series on here, if you need it 🙏🏻 ua-cam.com/video/hdPl70BWjpg/v-deo.html
@tonelab could you do a video for the xl showing how to sample 2 different sources and using them in the same sequence. I tried on mine, and it kept changing the pgm back to the 1st sample i had recorded. Thx.
They're both very similar in sound. To my ear, the attack of transients seem a bit more pronounced and I also have a feeling that there's a little bit of either a bump or a high shelf in the higher frequencies on the 2000XL. Both machines are marvelous, I'm an owner of the 2000XL and have never owned a 3000. Very cool video!
I was afraid that I wouldn't hear a difference and also that I would. In the end I did hear a difference that was mostly revealed on the keys and 808 loop once pitched down.
I can't hear any difference apart from a slight volume difference with the DX7 sample. Looking with a spectrum it looks like the 3000 filters out the higher frequencies starting at 8khz for the DX7 sample but doesn't seem to be doing anything for the TR-808. Interesting comparison I had a 2000 back in the day and thought it sounded more or less like an S1100 which sounded like anything else really, once we hit 16bit 44.1khz the differences I could no longer pick unless someone did something that would result in a difference (running the input signal too hot, playing the sample at a higher or lower rate than what was sampled etc).
I have both of these MPCs. I've even done a simple comparison and they don't sound the same plus the swing seems different. I love both MPCs so much that I'm not bothered with getting a modern MPC. I love the workflow from both of them and they give me the sound that I like. I don't mind that it takes longer. It's the end result that matters. The 3000 rules for me as it's button per function and sounds great
I have the 3K and OG 2K. Folks, there is a difference. However, neither is going to make you better. I use my Live 2 and 61 Key more than anything. At the end of the day, it’s more about your creativity than your gear.
There’s a fade in thing happening on the drums on both units. (Attack). (Round 2) Otherwise the 3k has more bottom especially on keys. Bonus round kicks are strange. Some have click on the attack some don’t. When one unit clicks the other doesn’t. Lol. All from one sample. May be an alternating velocity bug inherent on those MPCs. Which makes good happy accidents. Great video!
I had a battle with a close friend of mines the mpc 3000 vs mpc 2000xl ,the 2000xl can read the 3000 disk, but the 3000 could not read the 2000xl disk without freezing up. we tried 5 times. no xtra memory or etc.
Interesting, they both definitely have their own individual sound. To my ears the 3k had something nice going on in the low end, but the 2kxl had a "clickier" attack and a little extra grit in the saturation. Can't say one is better than the other, like choosing between a Stratocaster or Telecaster it just depends on the flavor you like. But I think they both sound sweet! Do you still see an older MPC as a viable option in a modern studio? I don't need any of the standalone functions or software instruments that are available in newer MPCs, I just want a really good Sampler/Sequencer. However, speed and fluidity are important to my workflow. Do you notice a big difference in time it takes to work on newer and older models?
Yeah, I really like the 4000.. it was the last ambitious project by the former Akai company.. it might've been the thing that sent them broke!? ..there's a comparison clip on here of the '4000 VS.' I just like how solid it is to work on.. and how clean it is.. it's also capable of 24bit / 96kHz.. which is impressive, considering it came out 20 years ago.. and the recent MPCs only started offering those depths/rates, again, about a year ago! - So, grab one while they're not ridiculously expensive.. they're not much more than an XL these days, which makes no sense to me.. as they're 4x the spec of a 2000XL and has an engine like a Synth! ..built-in effects, hard-drive, CD-burner (ok, useless mostly, but great to test tracks out in your car!) USB support + optional ADAT interface👌🏻
@@tonelab Thanks for the suggestion! Spent all day watching tutorials and listening to demos of the 4k and I think I’m sold in terms of speed and convenience of the 4k (at least once you get past the initial learning curve). However I kept finding people saying that 1. the pads feel different between different models of MPCs and 2. they also had different feeling swings in their sequencers. Neither is really a deal breaker, but I was wondering if you had any insight.
I have the 2000XL, the 3000, the 4000 and the X.. the X's Pad's feel different to the others.. but, I honestly can't tell my XL, from my 3000 or my 4000. The 3000 swings are a little different.. but the 2000XL and the 4000 are so close it's negligible 👍🏼
The XL 2000 sounds good.. the 3000 is legend and a bit bigger but the price difference is huge. Thank you for that video. Can you also make video for the grooves? Cause that‘s a point 3000 users mention a lot. That the swing of the 3000 is special and "better" than from the 2000ands.
Nice comparsion. Thanks for taking the time comparing these. Personally i prefer the 3000 over the 2000XL. It seems to have a fuller and richer sound compared to the 2000XL. The 2000XL is a nice sampler as well but sounds rather flat compared to the 3000.
Thanks 🙏🏻 I've seen a few people writing about the 3000 being 'lo-fi', but.. my ears were detecting a little more sparkle.. which then suggests the 2000 might be the better choice for Lo-Fi'ers 👍🏼
Well, I don't personally classify either of them 'Lo-Fi', myself.. because, they're both 16 bit, 44.1kHz.. which, was the standard for "CD Quality". The SP1200 is probably the front-runner for the 'Lo-Fi' label, in terms of true 'Lo-Fi' Samplers, that being 12 bit. But, then '12 Bit' wouldn't just qualify as 'Lo-Fi', that's a little easier said than done.. if you listen to the Emulator II, which is 8 Bit, that's actually much cleaner than the SP1200.. and would probably be more of a challenge for the S900/S950... oh, now that's not a bad idea! 👍🏻
From someone who’s a producer and an audiophile who knows a lot about hifi I can definitely say the 3000 sounds more lively, bigger and more powerful compared to 2k which sounds more dusty,rolled off in the high end. They both have good qualities to them but the 3000 definitely has a stronger more hifi sound
I hear it too, especially on the piano pad, but it is extremely subtle. Counterpoint: my 2000xl has digital in and out, so you don’t have to touch the converters. The 3000 only has digital in. Looked around online and found out the 2000xl and 3000 actually use the same converters. But every component affects the audio quality.
The difference I noticed was what Ive been knowing after playing with both of them. The 2k has a bump somewhere in the 100hz range the 3 a little lower the 4000 somewhere in between. The transients of the 3k are a little more pronounced which will lead you into trouble going straight to an interface which is why aloth of 3k heads got an affinity for analog front ends when recording. Plus the 3k came as one piece (No upgrades needed except for OS roms and memory) While the 2000 you needed to get the 8 outs expansion memory upgrades and efx. So that coupled with a variance on the sound turned alot of the linn MPC ppl off from the 2000. However Pete Rock made some heat with thie 2k along with Wajeed who got his 2k from his mentor J Dilla. The latter was able to do some things that made you think Dilla was behind it the whole time
I feel like you could easily match the 2KXL to the 3K with a touch of saturation like Fab Filter Saturn, that said id echo the other comments here - There a difference but not 1000s of dollars difference.
Did anyone notice that 2000xl had more bass on individual output (Round 2 output 4) than main output (Round 2 main output) especially listening to that 808 kick
The optional output board has different electrical path ways to the main stereo outs, which is evident if you look in the service manual.. and many people have mentioned a difference, although... some say the main outputs sound better?! ..I won't debate either or is 'better', but.. I did notice a slight difference 👍🏻
Hello, this is exactly what I was looking for. I have an mpc one and an xl, since I got the xl I haven't touched the one. I've been looking for the 3k but all my equipment is for techno house jams, would you say there's no need for a 3k for that style of music? I want more dawless jam with wine at home and less laptops
The 3000's great, but if you're happy with the XL, then it's probably wise to stick with that.. as the XL has loads more useful features that aren't on the 3000. They do, however, sound slightly different from each other, as you've probably gathered watching this clip. PS. If you're wanting to get deeper into your XL, check out the deep dive where I walk-through all the features, 1 by 1 👍🏼 ua-cam.com/video/hdPl70BWjpg/v-deo.html
They both do the job but price difference is really massive and 3000 has no wav even visual one just numbers when you chop. You can chop so fast on 2000xl. I love my 2000 xl specialy for house and techno.
I've got an ASR-10, which will be making it's way into the series shortly.. hopefully, I can source some local peeps to provide some 'borrow time', when I exhaust the challenges from my own stash 🙏🏻
ASR-X if you have another sequncer to run it. I have both the ASR-X and the MV8800. The S760 rack sampler has more punch than the MV. MV is a bit clunky now too. ASR-X has a lovely sound. Effects are lush
@@AgentsofRush the Roland sound is extremely good, I'm talking about on pretty much all of their units that sample. Sp202 has held its own with the Sp12 in comparison. The price difference is not warranted for their differences in sound. The MPC 3000 sounds good until you put it against an MV-8800. People don't want to see that comparison. It would have alot of folks but hurt from the differences. The Asr 10 and most of the ensoniq sampler's are also in a class of their own. Punchy and thick and clean and gritty depending on how you set them
The 3000 hits slightly harder to my ears but I can't understand the mentality of getting too wrapped up in the small differences between these units. We're using dusty old records, noisy vintage gear, RCA cables and whatnot, then try to be all discerning about the negligible sound differences in these machines. Your average listener on an average system will probably not hear a difference to a finished beat. There's so many variables before and after the sampler that affect the sound and probably makes more sense to focus on those things, which have more of an effect on the overall sound. It's not like comparing an MPC to an SP 1200, where you're really going to hear a difference. Still, it's cool to run these experiments!
'Download & Play' kits for SP1200/MPC now from TONELAB!
store.tonelab.au
It's not only about the sound, the 3000 is a piece of art, the 2000 a working horse that lasts forever
For myself the difference is not equal to the huge price difference. Would love a 3k - but this video helps me make a decision today, and I just bought a 2000xl. Thanks
Thanks for chiming in.. these tests, I think, are quite important for exactly this kind of thing.. making informed decisions, in relation to vintage boxes, isn't always about the resale value. I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment out of the XL. PS. I've got a deep dive 2000XL tutorial series on here, if you need it 🙏🏻 ua-cam.com/video/hdPl70BWjpg/v-deo.html
@tonelab could you do a video for the xl showing how to sample 2 different sources and using them in the same sequence. I tried on mine, and it kept changing the pgm back to the 1st sample i had recorded. Thx.
MPC 2000XL + a Nice EQ for me. :) Would love a 3000, but not at the price they fetch, now.
One of the key routes to success is Not what Machine or how many Machines you have but knowing the one you chose like the back of you hand.💯👍🏾✌🏽
This man has the 100 % CORRECT approach!
Nice comparison! You should have more subscribers.
🙏🏻
They're both very similar in sound. To my ear, the attack of transients seem a bit more pronounced and I also have a feeling that there's a little bit of either a bump or a high shelf in the higher frequencies on the 2000XL. Both machines are marvelous, I'm an owner of the 2000XL and have never owned a 3000. Very cool video!
I was afraid that I wouldn't hear a difference and also that I would. In the end I did hear a difference that was mostly revealed on the keys and 808 loop once pitched down.
Yeah, I wouldn't say either is bad.. just a little more 'on it' here and there.. I found the individual outputs quite surprising too 🙏🏻
I can't hear any difference apart from a slight volume difference with the DX7 sample. Looking with a spectrum it looks like the 3000 filters out the higher frequencies starting at 8khz for the DX7 sample but doesn't seem to be doing anything for the TR-808. Interesting comparison I had a 2000 back in the day and thought it sounded more or less like an S1100 which sounded like anything else really, once we hit 16bit 44.1khz the differences I could no longer pick unless someone did something that would result in a difference (running the input signal too hot, playing the sample at a higher or lower rate than what was sampled etc).
if you listen with subwoofer when he compares tr-808 on main outputs 3000 has more bass than 2000xl but sound almost same on individual outputs
I have both of these MPCs. I've even done a simple comparison and they don't sound the same plus the swing seems different. I love both MPCs so much that I'm not bothered with getting a modern MPC. I love the workflow from both of them and they give me the sound that I like. I don't mind that it takes longer. It's the end result that matters. The 3000 rules for me as it's button per function and sounds great
I have both, but nice comparison!
I have the 3K and OG 2K. Folks, there is a difference. However, neither is going to make you better. I use my Live 2 and 61 Key more than anything. At the end of the day, it’s more about your creativity than your gear.
Could you test the akai mpc 500 please :D
There’s a fade in thing happening on the drums on both units.
(Attack). (Round 2)
Otherwise the 3k has more bottom especially on keys.
Bonus round kicks are strange.
Some have click on the attack some don’t.
When one unit clicks the other doesn’t. Lol.
All from one sample.
May be an alternating velocity bug inherent on those MPCs.
Which makes good happy accidents.
Great video!
Thanks 🙏🏻
I had a battle with a close friend of mines the mpc 3000 vs mpc 2000xl ,the 2000xl can read the 3000 disk, but the 3000 could not read the 2000xl disk without freezing up. we tried 5 times. no xtra memory or etc.
Interesting, they both definitely have their own individual sound. To my ears the 3k had something nice going on in the low end, but the 2kxl had a "clickier" attack and a little extra grit in the saturation. Can't say one is better than the other, like choosing between a Stratocaster or Telecaster it just depends on the flavor you like. But I think they both sound sweet!
Do you still see an older MPC as a viable option in a modern studio? I don't need any of the standalone functions or software instruments that are available in newer MPCs, I just want a really good Sampler/Sequencer. However, speed and fluidity are important to my workflow. Do you notice a big difference in time it takes to work on newer and older models?
Yeah, I really like the 4000.. it was the last ambitious project by the former Akai company.. it might've been the thing that sent them broke!? ..there's a comparison clip on here of the '4000 VS.' I just like how solid it is to work on.. and how clean it is.. it's also capable of 24bit / 96kHz.. which is impressive, considering it came out 20 years ago.. and the recent MPCs only started offering those depths/rates, again, about a year ago! - So, grab one while they're not ridiculously expensive.. they're not much more than an XL these days, which makes no sense to me.. as they're 4x the spec of a 2000XL and has an engine like a Synth! ..built-in effects, hard-drive, CD-burner (ok, useless mostly, but great to test tracks out in your car!) USB support + optional ADAT interface👌🏻
@@tonelab Thanks for the suggestion! Spent all day watching tutorials and listening to demos of the 4k and I think I’m sold in terms of speed and convenience of the 4k (at least once you get past the initial learning curve).
However I kept finding people saying that 1. the pads feel different between different models of MPCs and 2. they also had different feeling swings in their sequencers. Neither is really a deal breaker, but I was wondering if you had any insight.
I have the 2000XL, the 3000, the 4000 and the X.. the X's Pad's feel different to the others.. but, I honestly can't tell my XL, from my 3000 or my 4000. The 3000 swings are a little different.. but the 2000XL and the 4000 are so close it's negligible 👍🏼
The XL 2000 sounds good.. the 3000 is legend and a bit bigger but the price difference is huge. Thank you for that video. Can you also make video for the grooves? Cause that‘s a point 3000 users mention a lot. That the swing of the 3000 is special and "better" than from the 2000ands.
Thanks 🙏🏻 ..yep, already working on a 'Swing' series.. which will follow the 'Sonic Shoot out' series 👍🏼
Nice comparsion. Thanks for taking the time comparing these. Personally i prefer the 3000 over the 2000XL. It seems to have a fuller and richer sound compared to the 2000XL. The 2000XL is a nice sampler as well but sounds rather flat compared to the 3000.
Thanks 🙏🏻 I've seen a few people writing about the 3000 being 'lo-fi', but.. my ears were detecting a little more sparkle.. which then suggests the 2000 might be the better choice for Lo-Fi'ers 👍🏼
Strange as I find the 2000 more full. The 3000 has a slight hole somewhere in its frequency range.
@@tonelab honestly i think neither of them sounding Lo-Fi. The 3000 has a good amount of punch in the bottom end though.
Well, I don't personally classify either of them 'Lo-Fi', myself.. because, they're both 16 bit, 44.1kHz.. which, was the standard for "CD Quality". The SP1200 is probably the front-runner for the 'Lo-Fi' label, in terms of true 'Lo-Fi' Samplers, that being 12 bit. But, then '12 Bit' wouldn't just qualify as 'Lo-Fi', that's a little easier said than done.. if you listen to the Emulator II, which is 8 Bit, that's actually much cleaner than the SP1200.. and would probably be more of a challenge for the S900/S950... oh, now that's not a bad idea! 👍🏻
@@tonelab it isn’t the bit depth that determines the fidelity, it’s the sample rate. Higher bits means lower noise floor.
From someone who’s a producer and an audiophile who knows a lot about hifi I can definitely say the 3000 sounds more lively, bigger and more powerful compared to 2k which sounds more dusty,rolled off in the high end. They both have good qualities to them but the 3000 definitely has a stronger more hifi sound
I hear it too, especially on the piano pad, but it is extremely subtle. Counterpoint: my 2000xl has digital in and out, so you don’t have to touch the converters. The 3000 only has digital in.
Looked around online and found out the 2000xl and 3000 actually use the same converters. But every component affects the audio quality.
The difference I noticed was what Ive been knowing after playing with both of them. The 2k has a bump somewhere in the 100hz range the 3 a little lower the 4000 somewhere in between. The transients of the 3k are a little more pronounced which will lead you into trouble going straight to an interface which is why aloth of 3k heads got an affinity for analog front ends when recording. Plus the 3k came as one piece (No upgrades needed except for OS roms and memory) While the 2000 you needed to get the 8 outs expansion memory upgrades and efx. So that coupled with a variance on the sound turned alot of the linn MPC ppl off from the 2000. However Pete Rock made some heat with thie 2k along with Wajeed who got his 2k from his mentor J Dilla. The latter was able to do some things that made you think Dilla was behind it the whole time
I feel like you could easily match the 2KXL to the 3K with a touch of saturation like Fab Filter Saturn, that said id echo the other comments here - There a difference but not 1000s of dollars difference.
Did anyone notice that 2000xl had more bass on individual output (Round 2 output 4) than main output (Round 2 main output) especially listening to that 808 kick
The optional output board has different electrical path ways to the main stereo outs, which is evident if you look in the service manual.. and many people have mentioned a difference, although... some say the main outputs sound better?! ..I won't debate either or is 'better', but.. I did notice a slight difference 👍🏻
wow wasnt expecting to actually prefer 2k xl over 3000. Owned one before and thought that it sounded really bland and almost clinical
same... more defined low end
Hello, this is exactly what I was looking for. I have an mpc one and an xl, since I got the xl I haven't touched the one. I've been looking for the 3k but all my equipment is for techno house jams, would you say there's no need for a 3k for that style of music? I want more dawless jam with wine at home and less laptops
The 3000's great, but if you're happy with the XL, then it's probably wise to stick with that.. as the XL has loads more useful features that aren't on the 3000. They do, however, sound slightly different from each other, as you've probably gathered watching this clip.
PS. If you're wanting to get deeper into your XL, check out the deep dive where I walk-through all the features, 1 by 1 👍🏼 ua-cam.com/video/hdPl70BWjpg/v-deo.html
I don't know why they made so many mpc's left handed but if I could afford a 3000 it would be worth it just for the correct layout configuration.
Because of copyrights
Not much different between the two but the 3000 has a tad more heavier Tobe than the 2000XL that sounds a bit cleaner.
They both do the job but price difference is really massive and 3000 has no wav even visual one just numbers when you chop. You can chop so fast on 2000xl. I love my 2000 xl specialy for house and techno.
That's right.. huge price disparity, you get a lotta MPC for the price of a 4000 nowadays 👌🏼
asr-x vs mv-8000
I've got an ASR-10, which will be making it's way into the series shortly.. hopefully, I can source some local peeps to provide some 'borrow time', when I exhaust the challenges from my own stash 🙏🏻
ASR-X if you have another sequncer to run it. I have both the ASR-X and the MV8800. The S760 rack sampler has more punch than the MV. MV is a bit clunky now too. ASR-X has a lovely sound. Effects are lush
@@AgentsofRush the Roland sound is extremely good, I'm talking about on pretty much all of their units that sample. Sp202 has held its own with the Sp12 in comparison. The price difference is not warranted for their differences in sound. The MPC 3000 sounds good until you put it against an MV-8800. People don't want to see that comparison. It would have alot of folks but hurt from the differences. The Asr 10 and most of the ensoniq sampler's are also in a class of their own. Punchy and thick and clean and gritty depending on how you set them
@@justinmerritt3843This is facts. Roland’s groove boxes and samplers are all sonically brilliant.
XL controlling an S950 destroys everything.
The 3000 sound better, but not by much.
The 3000 hits slightly harder to my ears but I can't understand the mentality of getting too wrapped up in the small differences between these units. We're using dusty old records, noisy vintage gear, RCA cables and whatnot, then try to be all discerning about the negligible sound differences in these machines. Your average listener on an average system will probably not hear a difference to a finished beat. There's so many variables before and after the sampler that affect the sound and probably makes more sense to focus on those things, which have more of an effect on the overall sound. It's not like comparing an MPC to an SP 1200, where you're really going to hear a difference. Still, it's cool to run these experiments!
This test should have been done "blind". People have a lot of bias going into this.
You can't record vocals on track's with them, cant do everything on them, i rather get the mpc x se,