MPC60 Software Version 3.10

Do you have an Akai MPC60 or MPC60-II with the original version 2.12 software? Our version 3.10 software update is basically the software of the MPC3000 ported to work on the MPC60 or MPC60-II. It adds the following features:

Sampling No Longer Limited to 5 Seconds
The 5 second limit for new samples is gone, allowing you to sample individual sounds up to the limits of memory (13 or 26 seconds, depending on whether or not your MPC60 contains memory expansion.) And sequence memory is no longer erased before sampling.

Stereo Sampling
Version 3.10 won't put a stereo sampling input on the back of your MPC60, but it does provide a method of creating stereo samples. Simply sample the left and right sides of a stereo sound separately as mono sounds, then a new screen in the software automatically re-syncs and combines them to form the stereo sound.

MIDI File Save and Load
Load standard PC-format MIDI file disks or save sequences as MIDI files. Move sequences between your MPC and PC or Mac sequencers.

Reads All MPC3000 Files Including Stereo Sounds
Reads all MPC3000 files, including mono or stereo sounds (saved to MPC60 floppies) and directly reads MPC3000 hard disks (MPC-SCSI required). Reads all MPC60 files.

Sound Compression Doubles Sound Memory
This features resamples existing sounds in memory from the normal 40 kHz to 20 kHz, thereby fitting into half the memory space. This works surprisingly well for most sounds (not so well for cymbals). In an expanded MPC60 (26 seconds) containing all compressed sounds, that's equivalent to 52 seconds of sounds.

Voice Restart for "Sound Stuttering"
Sounds may be set to restart when a single pad is played repeatedly, for "sound stuttering" effects. Also, sounds may be set to stop when finger is removed from pad, and any sound may be programmed to stop any other sound (choked cymbal stops ringing cymbal).

8 Drum Sets in Memory
Hold up to 8 drum sets in memory at once, each with 64 pad assignments from a common bank of up to 128 sounds. When saved to disk, sounds in drum sets are now saved as individual sound files, eliminating redundant sound data on disk when saving sets that share sounds.

4 Pad Banks for 64 Pad Assignments
Doubles the number of sounds immediately playable.

Hihat Slider Doubles as Realtime Tuning
The Hihat Decay Slider may now be assigned to any pad and may alternatively affect tuning, decay or attack in real time, with all movements recorded into the sequence.

Cut and Paste Sample Editing
Any portion of a sound may be removed and inserted at any point within another sound with single sample accuracy.

Hard Disk Save and Load
If you own the Marion Systems MPC-SCSI Hard Disk Interface for the MPC60, hard disk save and load operations are now included and work with the Iomega Zip 100mB or 250 mB drives.
NOTE: See right side of page regarding MPC-SCSI.

Step from Note to Note in Step Edit
In Step Edit, the REWIND [<] and FAST FORWARD [>] keys may now be used to search to the previous or next event within a track, regardless of location. Also, you may now cut and paste events.

Streamlined MPC3000 Displays
Screen displays are improved and more intuitive, nearly identical to the MPC3000. For example, 4 letter pad names are replaced in screens by the full sound name.

New Sequence Edit Features
Most sequence editing functions now permit selection of specific drums to be edited. The new Shift Timing feature shifts track timing independent of timing correction. And the new Edit Note Number Assignment feature permits, for example, all snare notes in a track to be changed to rimshots or any other sound.

New Sound and Sequence Files in 3.10 Format
We've created a few sound and sequence files in the new version 3.10 format that you can download here.

Also Works on ASQ10 Sequencer
Version 3.10 can also be installed in the Akai ASQ10 Sequencer, adding the above features related to sequencing. (Details)

And More
Three-level sound stacking or velocity switch per pad. Simplified interfacing with external MIDI gear. MIDI Local Mode. Automatic "best sound start" removes dead space at start of new drum samples. 16 LEVELS provides 16 attack or decay levels.

And here are some FAQs about Version 3.10.

Version 3.10 Software costs $195 and may be installed in an Akai MPC60, MPC60-II or ASQ10. It comes on 4 user-installable chips. Installation is fairly simple -- just remove a few screws and lift the top panel to expose the 4 software chips, remove them from their sockets using a blade screwdriver or knife edge, and plug in the new software chips. Most users install it themselves.

Version 3.10 Software
Only $195
(U.S. Dollars)

IMPORTANT: A printed User Manual is NOT included. We've run out of printed manuals and will not be printing more due to the low demand. Instead, the entire manual is available as a download here.

Regarding the Marion System MPC-SCSI Hard Disk Interface

NOTE: As of March 1, 2009, Tom Oberheim's Marion Systems has stopped manufacturing the MPC-SCSI due to diminished demand. However, he'll make another batch if there is enough demand. If you definitely wish to purchase one at for the former price of $300, email us to let us know and we'll add your name to a waiting list. When the list grows long enough, Tom will make another batch and we'll contact you.