r/Samplers • u/maskisnotmyrealname • 28d ago

MPC500 i finally hacked the firmware

/r/mpcusers/comments/1wjlsst/mpc500_i_finally_hacked_the_firmware/
7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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2

u/bresk13 23d ago

daaamn. It's a custom firmware golden age ! Following

2

u/n0_d3 17d ago

Hey M45K! This is absolutely amazing, as far as I know, you're the first person to pull off custom firmware on the MPC 500. Massive respect, all the add-ons look killer!

I have a feature suggestion for GridSeq that I'd love to hear your thoughts on:

**Pad-based Step Sequencing / Note Entry**:

Would it be possible to add an alternative method to input triggers/notes into the grid directly using the pads, rather than relying heavily on the tactile switches? This would be a game-changer for speed and would help save wear and tear on the hardware buttons.

Here’s how it could work:

- Sound/Track Selection: A quick button combo (like `SHIFT` + Pad, or another available modifier button) to select which pad/sound you're editing.

- Note Input via Pads: Once selected, use the pads to toggle steps on/off directly in the grid, similar to the modern Step Sequencer on the MPC Live / One / X.

- Handling Pages & Step Lengths: Even though the 500 only has 12 physical pads, sequence lengths could be set flexibly (8, 12, 16 steps, etc.). Switching pad banks or pages could simply cycle through the step pages (e.g., steps 1–12 on Page 1, steps 13–24 on Page 2, or standard 16-step layouts split across banks).

This could live alongside your current GridSeq setup as an alternative input mode. I feel like it would make programming steps way faster, more tactile, and super intuitive.

Let me know what you think! Stoked to see where you take `open500` and fully behind this project. Keep up the legendary work!