From Day One, the Akai MPC MIDI Production Centers have been something special. Not just the world's best sampling drum machines (although they are certainly that). Not just the MIDI sequencers that continue to set the standard for immediacy and ease-of-use (ditto). But more. A new class of musical instruments whose unique combination of raw power and intuitive interface has made them the creative tools-of-choice for the musicians and producers who have shaped popular music over the past 10 years. (Of course, a lot of companies say things like this about their products, but in the case of the MPC2000, it's really true. Ask around.)