I've got a Zoom HD8CD, an electric guitar, some effects, and a monomachine. I am looking to get one or two samplers to help me construct tracks....I was thinking portable could be really nice.....like maybe an SP-404 or an MPC 500....but then I started to look at used prices and figured I probably could get both used for less than $600...they seem to cover slightly different territories as far as sampling goes.....could be a nice pairing...anybody using both?

my setup is basically mpc2000xl with some ezzzPeeez

lot of cats round here use only SPs but I can't really get down like that except when I want to for fun but the beats are never as good (in my case), I need the sequencing functions...

that said personally I think the mpc500 is a piece of trash...it's junky feeling, the pads suck bigtime (soft pads/playability are one of the MPCs biggest benefits). one of the things cats say about like the sp505 of 606 is that they are what happens when "roland tries to make an mpc"...this is not really fair, but there is some truth to it and the same could be said bout the mpc500...it's what happens when "Akai tries to make a portable sampler like the Roland SPs". Personally I would get a 404 to work with when you are on the go, have some drum sounds loaded in it so you can work on beat ideas on the go, and have more of a centerpiece MPC in the lab like a 2kxl or 1k with JJOS2

Agreed. Don't get the 500. Even though it has a better sequencer and real pitch, I'd get 2 404s, a 404 and any other sp, or save for the 1k w/jj.
look at these features

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~mpc1000/chart.htm

I use an mpc2500 and a 404 together, bouncing sounds back and forth via 32mb flashcard, and I don't think I'll need anything else for as long as they both work. if not for jj i would sell it and buy 2 404s. mmmm 3 404s (drool) or... a microsampler or sampletrak and 404 combo?

yeah man, i've got an mpc2000 with a 303 and 404.

i do my sampling into the 303 then run that into the 2000 which runs out into the 404 then to the mixer. i do all my sequencing in the 2000 whiles getting good sp sound and effects at two different points. you can sample at 3 different points as well.

i would definitely recommend them in combination. just pick which version you want for which tasks and go for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twHhcB4D-po

2000xl and sp303... he switched up now and uses a 404 i thought i had seen one where he had a newer mpc but cant find it now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze9YXrtyhQg

I like the looks of the MPC1000 and they seem to be a good deal used until you realize that to get full use out of one you will need to install a hard drive, 128mb ram, and the pay version of JJ OS. If you've got one of the blue ones (which are the cheapest used) you probably will need a pad upgrade. In the end we are probably talking $750 or more (way more if you buy new).

this is a dope technique i didn't even think of trying; i was getting tired of sampling in & out of each unit *salutes*

I had the mpc1k with 404 but I sold the akai. Now I use a microsampler with my 404 and this does the trick for me. Sometimes I miss my akai a little but most for storage space.

@ KEL

how do you do the bounces b/w the 404 and mpc?

i don't know which direction you bounce but i was trying to bounce sounds from 404 to the mpc and the file format is that sp shit, not basic wav...i guess this wouldn't be a prob if you bouncing from mp to sp...

sinapse, if you using the 2kxl i don't think you can do it. pretty sure it only works with 1000/2500

Apparently it only works w/ 64mb cards and under. sometimes I'll need to sequence and pitch so chain of command goes source+sp+mpc. but then i'll record manually back into the sp if I want to be able to play the beat live or something.

ah right i forgot about the card limit

Wordd. Thx for the replies, fellas.

Yea I am using 2kxl and also my card isn't under 64 MB...I am fine with recording the chops manually, actually I kinda prefer it b/c if the chops are stereo i can choose channels and also add diff efx at diff levels as I'm doing it...you could do that with resampling and card transfer but the time probably balances out...

I have a mpc 1000 for sell. Not really using it... PM me if you in the so cal area and interested..But I use mpc sp and computer together all connected with analog connections... MPC slows me down but the samples sound so good in it...

Just got a 64mb card for my mpc to try this 1k to 404 technique and found that when i took a program on the 1k and saved the program on the card put it in the 404 and only pads 1 and 2 play the whole sample, not the chops? any advice? How are you guys doing this? Do I need to format the card in the mpc record stuff and then put it into the 404? thankx in advance.