i would suggest getting an MPC 1000. but if you do, be prepared to spend some extra cash on the jj os, it's worth every penny.

Word guys, even though the sales people say the mpc1k can be used for live use, it takes a lot of prep to pull it off. The 404 has more pad banks and more memory, like ram mem. With the 404 you can be WAY more intuitive with the fx buttons and knobs, way more i owned a 1k for 6 months and never used it, i liked my old 303 for the live stuff, also with the mpc you need to record in the time you set, on the 303/404 you can record in the sequencer with the metronome turned down and record all kinds of stuff right in.


P.S. I have heard the 555's loop function is not all it's cracked up to be, like you can record loops and sounds in, but you cannot erase things that are in the loop capture. An electribe can do something, like turning things on and off in realtime without messing up the loop. hope this makes sense. --jeff--

well I dont know anything about the MPC 1000 I got an MPK 49 and the pads aren't comfortable and out of reach for me anyway, but the 404, is the shiiit, its great if you want to throw ideas in sample banks, I think it really lets you improve your playing I got a bass I throw headphones practice see if I can get a couple of good riffs going, also you can use the MFX like a pedal, if you have pointy toes!, you can just daisy chain 1 trs wire from the mic with your guitar and than connect the phones output to your amp, and bam have an effect box, even add drums if you dont have any. I kind off want an MPC I have pro tools and am more comfortable messing with the 404, if only i can use the knobs with pro tools to adjust samples maybe get a trackball, for making a drums i like the MPC at least the looks of it I haven't really tried it

Well, thanks for the insight guys! In the end it looks as though I'll be getting a used MPC1000. I found one real close to where I live for a really good price. I already have a hard drive and RAM that I can throw in it and it's the newer black style and supposedly has the new pads. My thought is if I don't like it I can always sell it and more or less make back what I put into and then either get the 404 or 555. We'll see. I hope it works with me and how I want it to. I've done so much research into these things my head hurts. Enough reading and more playing.