I currently own this setup

SP12(midi out)
To
Akai s950(midi in)

MPC2000(midi out)
To
Ensoniq EPS16+(midi in)

Im a Hip-Hop producer, mad in Love with the Lo-Fi, lower bit type of crunchy griddy feel. Im learning the Akai s950 right now, but do not know much at all of the Ensoniq EPS 16+. I was going to learn it after the950, but I just had a friend offer to trade HIS SP 404 for my Ensoniq..

I understand the EPS has the most memory time to sample with from my current setup, but Im already used to my 5 second limitation from my SP12 that long sample time isnt needed for me. Creati ity with shorter time is always dope. Im just crazy about pads, I LOVE pads, and playing my samples like that.

The 404 would be the slave to my MPC2000 if this trade happens. PLUS I really like the Portable feature for Live performances at shows or on the streets.

PROS/CONS please!

JaytheRumor

I miss my EPS 16+. That sequencer on the eps is one that many a company should copy, I love the simplicity of it. The effects with the Waveboy disk if you have it I thought were just great.

I cannot speak for the sp404 as I have only the sp808 and sp606, I know it has more sampling time than the eps 16+ but some my best music was done on the eps 16+, its sound that it adds to a sample I feel is waay better than Roland samplers, its a shame Roland didn't buy out Ensoniq what a match that would have been.

But with its longer sampling time, easy of use and portability I think ya won't go wrong with the sp404 and if ya could swing keeping the eps and still be able to get the sp404 then I would go that route.