I — The Machine
1994
MPC3000
The Holy Grail
Original illustration
The quantum leap. 16-bit CD-quality sampling at 44.1 kHz, doubled polyphony to 32 voices, onboard effects, resonant filters, and SCSI connectivity. Most critically, quantisation could be completely defeated — enabling the loose, human timing that became J Dilla’s signature.
This was Roger Linn’s final MPC. After the 3000, he parted ways with Akai. A limited edition black version (2,000 units, individually numbered) remains one of the most coveted pieces of music gear ever made.
Sampling
16-bit / 44.1 kHz
Polyphony
32 voices
Memory
2 – 32 MB
Effects
Onboard
Filter
Resonant LP
Price
~$3,995
Notable Work
Donuts by J Dilla (2006) — 31 tracks of groundbreaking production recorded from his hospital bed. His MPC3000 (serial #499) now resides in the Smithsonian.
2001 by Dr. Dre (1999) — up to five MPC3000s chained together via MIDI.