new to electronics, need help picking out a sampler

[drewwardlaw]

New to the board. I'm looking to add some light ambient sounds and field recordings (conversations I hear on the bus, etc) to my band. It's just guitar and me on bass and controlling a drum machine (alesis sr16). I've never owned or used a sampler/sequencer before, and I just need something very simple to do the above. Also, I'll need to be able to use it live, so I'll need it to be footswitch/midi footswitch-able, but basically I just need it for a stop/start function, as I plan on replacing the sr 16 with the sampler loaded with sounds. So I'm pretty lost other than hearing good things about the sp-303 and 404. But I don't even know if these machines can do what I want. I understand the Behringer 1010 can't send a stop/start signal, is that correct? I'm cross-posting this on the 404 forum as well, I hope that's not frowned upon. Thanks for any help you guys can give me, and maybe this doesn't make sense, so just ask me for clarification, I'll do my best!

[UbiquitousCanuck]

I'm not sure about the other stuff, but the 404 does have the ability to run on battery power and has an on board mic, whereas the 303 does not. So that might be helpful for your field recordings and things of that nature.

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

I'd go with a regular 404, it can be control with a foot-switch and has way more banks and pads for storing samples. It's important to point out that the sp 303 and sp 404 can only receive midi notes and cannot control other machines.

[drewwardlaw]

thanks euclid, i've decided that if i can get a really good deal on a 303 (<$150) then i'll get one of those but if not i'll just get a 404. ebay and craigslist prices for both have been around $200 lately, and i figure its silly to pay almost as much for the 303 as the 404 costs when the 404 has a decent amount more to offer, and will probably save me money in the long run with the cost of smartmedia vs compact flash cards. so now i'm just deal hunting....

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

Peep dis'
http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-SP-303-Dr-Sample-DJ-Sampler-Effects-Processor-/350376625256?cmd=ViewItem&pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item5194130468#ht_1921wt_886

[drewwardlaw]

ha yeah i've been watching that one. wish me luck!

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

You'll get it. Just don't pay too much, not more than like 150. No telling what the RCA jacks or pads are like on a machine of that age and stuff like that can be a biooootch.

[drewwardlaw]

hey i actually bought a 404 this weekend for $150 off craigslist. it's in great condition, i think i got a great deal. i got it from a guy in a band whose van crashed in Hollywood, so they were selling off all their non essential equipment to fix it.

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

I saw that on craigslist in LA, nice one. I'll trade my 303 for your 404 if you interested

[drewwardlaw]

hmmm.... it's an interesting offer. maybe in a few months. right now i'm enjoying the onboard mic and battery power. i've been sampling on my bus rides to and from work

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

Fa sho man, I understand....if you change your mind just send me a private message. Thanks