A Full-Featured Sampling Workstation from 2002
Released in 2002, the Akai Professional MPC4000 Music Production Center represented the pinnacle of the legendary MPC series at the time. Combining a powerful 128-track MIDI sequencer with a 64-voice, 24-bit stereo digital sampler (32 voices at 96kHz), and 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, it delivered rock-solid drum programming and extensive sampling in a single desktop unit.
Building on the iconic "feel" and groove of classics like the MPC60 and MPC3000, the MPC4000 introduced high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz sampling, making it the only hardware MIDI production center of its era with such capabilities.
More than just a drum machine, the MPC4000 was the first in the series to support Keygroup programs alongside traditional Drum programs. This allowed producers to play multi-sampled instruments—like pianos, basses, strings, and synths—from a connected MIDI keyboard, just like Akai's rackmount samplers.
It boasted broad compatibility with sound libraries from Akai (S1000/S3000 series, Z4/Z8, MPC2000XL/3000), Roland S700 series, and E-mu 3/4 series. Sampling options included direct digital/analog inputs, a RIAA phono input for turntables, internal CD drive, and even resampling of its own output.
Powered by a custom LSI sampling engine and high-performance Intel Strong Arm CPU, the MPC4000 offered advanced editing: looping, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, slicing, and dynamic 6-pole resonant filters. A 64-point modulation matrix, three envelopes, and two LFOs per voice provided synth-like depth.
Four simultaneous effects processors delivered reverbs, delays, chorus, and more. Real-time control came via two note variation sliders and four Q-Link knobs/sliders, with a Q-Link sequencer for cyclic modulation.
The sequencer supported pattern-based and linear workflows (playable simultaneously), up to 960 ppq resolution, 300,000 notes, and graphical editing (piano roll or drum grid).
Storage included 272MB RAM (expandable to 512MB), an 80GB hard drive, and CD-RW drive. Connectivity featured extensive MIDI (2 in/4 out), USB (host/slave), SCSI, optional analog/digital expansions, and the akSys software for computer integration.
The Akai MPC4000 remains a beloved powerhouse for professional studio production and live performance, bridging hardware reliability with deep sampling and sequencing capabilities. For more legacy info, visit AkaiPro.com.