Recording a sample is simple with the MPC2500 and can be done via either analog inputs or digital inputs. If you are recording to the digital input (from a digital output of an external device), the sample rate needs to be set at 16 bit, 44.1kHz (CD quality).
Connect the output of your device to the input of the MPC2500. The MPC2500 has 1/4 inch analog inputs and S/PDIF coaxial digital inputs. If your device has standard RCA plugs, you will need an RCA to 1/4 inch adapter.
Once the device is connected, press the Mode key, then Pad 5 to access the recording options. Select your input from the list (Analog, Digital, Stereo Out, and Internal CD). Select Stereo or Mono Left or Mono Right, depending on your preference. Play the source and check the levels, adjusting the level up or down via the Rec Gain knob. Select the Threshold level for what level the incoming signal will be for the MPC2500 to start recording. Make sure you don't set it too low or too high. Check the recording level meter for what the level is for the part of the track you want to record. Finally, set the time you want the sample to be recorded. Press the Record (F6) key, then play the source. The MPC2500 will record for the specified duration when the input level hits the threshold.
Note that if you are recording a digital signal or from the internal CD, the threshold option is not available.
Edit samples by selecting a sample to edit and going to the Trim page (Press the Mode key, then Pad 6) to display the entire waveform. You can place start and end points in the .wav, and trim unwanted parts of the .wav from this field. Change the start point of the sample by selecting the Start Point field and turning the data wheel. Hit Pad 15 to play from the entered Start Point to make sure it is accurate. Select the End Point by going to the End field and turning the data wheel to the appropriate point. Once the start and end points are entered, hit any of Pad 1 to Pad 12 to play the edited sample from start point to end point.
You can change the length of a sample without changing its pitch with the Time Stretch feature. Go to the list of samples and select the one you want to stretch, then press F6 to go to the Edit field. Select Time Stretch from the edit list. The original tempo of the sample is displayed. You can use percentages to make something longer or shorter by setting original tempo to 100, then choosing a percentage above or below to change the length. After doing the time stretch, the MPC2500 will display Keep/Retry. Press F5 to keep or F4 to retry it.