I read that the 500 has a 48-track sequencer and I've been curious to know if you can program a tune like in the QY-70, for example. Is it just a phrase sampler like the sp 404 or you can program melodies like in a midi sequencer, using pitched samples of synths etc?
I don't know if I made myself clear, though...

If you're planning on buying a new MPC500, then I would advice a seconhand MPC1k instead.

Pitching samples is be possible with both, but honestly the 500 is quite crappy for the most part. You will need to make full programs manually yourself, which is painfully slow when it comes to workflow.

The MPC1000 has JJOS capabilities and can do more advanced stuff because of that in a more user friendly way! I'd drop the idea of buying a MPC500 altogether.

I'm pretty sure it's only a sampler, with no internal sounds. Don't have one tho, so someone step in and correct me if I'm wrong. I know carbono has one, so you can PM him any specific questions you have on the machine and he'd probably help you out.

Ayo... carbono! Where you at homie?!

Its a sampler. - You can play loops, one shots, and pitch samples across the pads to play melodies.

Its a 48 track sequencer - and yes, you can make up melodies, chords, etc etc.. Anything.

You can use the sequencer to program the samples youve loaded into it or send midi out to something else!

It's kind of shit to program, cos they skimped out on the screen and number of controls big time.. But it is actually quite powerful..

Just dont expect great sound quality when you're running it off batteries - it sounds OK when on mains, but on batteries it gets really noisy.

with jj os!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(most ideal sampler available IMO)

sorry to double post, but PLEASE take PHeMoX's advice, or you'll wish you had.