MPC 5000 Pads. After a recent move, I was excited to unpack my MPC 5000, a trusted companion in my beat-making journey. Sadly, my excitement turned to frustration when I discovered the pads were completely unresponsive. It was like my beloved drum machine had suddenly gone mute.
Resurrecting the Beat Machine: My MPC 5000 Pad Resurrection Story
After some frantic online searching, I stumbled upon this video showing a potential solution that involved making small, strategic cuts in the pad sensor sheet itself. The theory was that over time, the sensor sheet can become stiff or stuck, preventing proper signal transmission when the pads are struck. Freeing these sensors with a sharp blade seemed like a risky, but potentially rewarding endeavor.
Fixing The Pads On An MPC 5000 – Video
Embarking on the Unknown (and Unwarranted!)
I want to be clear: this is not a how-to guide. This is simply my account of how I approached this problem and the steps I took. Proceed at your own risk, as disassembling your MPC 5000 could void your warranty and potentially cause damage if done incorrectly.
First, I made sure the unit was completely unplugged and disconnected from the power source. A brief surge of electricity would have been the end of my and the MPC. Safety first!
Next, I turned to the internet for guidance on safely disassembling the MPC 5000. MPC Stuff has a detailed video showing the full disassembly process, and I highly recommend checking out their content to familiarize yourself with the internal components before attempting anything yourself. I followed their video showing how to remove the pads, taking extra care to note the placement of each screw.
With the pads removed and the sensor sheet exposed, I armed myself with a sharp scalpel-type blade. This is where things got nerve-wracking. Following the general idea I’d seen online, I carefully made small cuts along the edge of each pad sensor.Â
Once I was satisfied (and trying not to breathe too heavily), I cautiously tested each pad. I kept the sensor sheet exposed on the MPC 5000 pads to test. To my relief, some of the pads were showing signs of life! Encouraged, I continued making small adjustments to the cuts until I had achieved a satisfactory level of responsiveness across all the pads.
With the sensor sheet adjusted, it was time for reassembly. I carefully placed the pads back into their slots, making sure they were properly aligned, and then meticulously reassembled the MPC, tightening each screw.
Back in the Groove!
The moment of truth! I plugged the MPC 5000 back in, powered it on, and held my breath. Then, I smashed the pads and made some beats! The pads were alive!
Conclusion: A Risky Gamble That Paid Off
While the thought of taking apart my MPC 5000 was daunting, I’m incredibly glad I took the leap. It now works as it should, and I’m having a wonderful time playing with it, creating new beats and melodies. While this method might not be for everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend it without thorough research and a healthy dose of caution, it breathed new life into my beloved MPC 5000. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some beats to make!
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