vMPC2000XL is an open-source emulation (unofficial) of the Akai MPC2000XL MIDI Production Center hardware sampler. The software is available as a standalone application, as well as a VST/VST3/AU plugin for compatible digital audio workstations on Windows, macOS, and Linux (support for Linus is experimental).
The original Akai MPC2000XL is a more technologically advanced take on the classic MPC60 sampler. Manufactured in the early 2000s, it provided the same intuitive Akai MPC workflow while offering more RAM memory, higher polyphony, and other hardware improvements. It did, however, retain the legendary groove and “feel” of the old-school MPC samplers.
See also: Best FREE Sampler VST PluginsThe free vMPC2000XL plugin is a close emulation of the Akai MPC2000XL sampler. The software doesn’t emulate the signal path of the original hardware, so it doesn’t color the sound per se. However, it simulates the MPC’s digital voice filter. According to the info provided by the developer, this aspect of the emulation was “tweaked by ear” to resemble the hardware as closely as possible. On the other hand, the internal circuits are not emulated, so the samples won’t sound different simply because you’re playing them via this plugin. You might want to look into something like the SPre plugin for achieving that kind of effect.
More importantly, though, vMPC2000XL closely recreates the workflow of the Akai MPC2000XL hardware. Every menu screen and software feature is modeled after the original instrument. As a result, you’re getting an authentic Akai MPC2000XL experience in software format. The vMPC2000XL interface is certainly not the most intuitive in this age of virtual instruments and VST plugins. That said, it is a great way to experience the classic MPC beat-making workflow.
vMPC2000XL can be downloaded completely free of charge from the project page. The source code is also available. To use the plugin version of the instrument, the standalone application must be installed first (comes in a separate installer).
More info: vMPC2000XL (28.6 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU plugin format for Windows, macOS, Linux)
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Last Updated on April 23, 2020 by Tomislav Zlatic.
