So it’s been a while since I updated the progress of the 2kxl rehab, but it’s all done now.  Went from a standard 2kxl with audio problems to a Customized Akai MPC-2000xl with full memory, internal Zip, 8-outputs + Digital in/out, and of course, a great custom design.

Take a look at the transformation in the pics below:

This was before. Falling apart, busted floppy drive, rundown pads.

Some of the problems I discovered after picking it up:

1. No Power – FIX: Simple Fuse

2. Bad Floppy Drive – FIX: Installed Internal ZIP

3. Audio In/Out not working – FIX: Installed 8-outs w/ Digital I/O

4. Beat Up Pads – FIX: New Black Pads

5. Ugly banged up case – FIX: Custom Skin

After all the simple fixes, this is what it looks like today:

It took some time between getting all the printing and finding time to do everything while handling duties over at Philly’s best Web Design company.

More details on the specifics coming soon…as well as a new project! Also if you want to get your Akai MPC customized, just check out the store for more details!

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Does the SP-1200 price tag have you giving up on E-mu dreams? Help is on the way.

Ever since the SP-1200 burst onto the scene it’s been a hiphop staple, and it’s price has never really slid over the past 20 years. Any SP-1200, regardless of condition, is hard to find below $1000 and sometimes go upwards of $1500 – $2000. Now that’s simply too out of reach for most of us since it’s primarily going to be just for drums. Not quite affordable in anyway. There are a few options out there that can give you almost the EXACT sound at a fraction of the price. You may have to give up some functionality or some features, but the sound is essentially the same.

E-Mu SP-12 (Turbo)

I purchased one of these second hand for about $300 a good 10 years ago, the price today? About the same. Anywhere from $300 – $600 should get you a nice SP-12 Turbo. What’s the difference between this and the SP-1200?

Well, only 5 seconds of sample time and oh yeah, it uses a Commodore 5.25″ drive, that is if you can find one.  The 5 seconds is really a limitation since it’s for drums anyway, should be plenty (no long crashes!), the drive however can be a deal-breaker. One cool thing is that it has a battery backup so it will keep your sounds last sampled when you turn it off, just track out your drum track to your DAW and who needs a friggin disk drive right? That’s what I used to do.

If the lack of a 3.5″ disk drive is enough to turn you away from the beautiful beast, there’s a cheaper option available.

E-mu Emax (SE/HD/Keyboard/Rack)

The Emax was one of my favorite rack samplers of all time. The sound is undistinguishable from the SP-12/1200 and the only difference is no sequencer and more sample time. Essentially it’s a rack or keyboard version of the SP-1200.  The price tag reflects this as you can pick up any of the Emax models from about $150 – $250. Watch out for busted disk drives, but if it’s cheap enough, screw it, pick it up!

The Emax features a 3.5″ Disk Drive and some units even have a small Hard-Drive inside. This is definitely the budget option when looking to get that EXACT SP-1200 sound.

Note: Stay away from the Emax II if you want 12-bit, the E-max II is a great sampler, but 16 bit.

Classic Price: E-Mu SP-1200 $1000+

Budget Option: E-Mu SP-12/Turbo $300 – $600

Recession Gear: E-mu Emax (I) (SE/HD/Keyboard/Rack) $150 – $250

There are a few other cheaper 12-bit sample options if you’re looking for the sub $100 machines, but you’ll have to wait until the next Recession Gear for that.

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