2000>SP-404 OR 2000>EPS16+.. What combo?

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

keep what you got, and buy a 404 outside of that deal...

the 404 is cool for effects and a lot of sample time... a LOT of sample time. You can get hours with that machine.

Thanks for your input homie! I could easily look up but I'm at work right now, how much memory space does the 404 give you?

And just one effect I heard was a lot better was the 303's reverse effect? I hear the 404 is mad cheesy, but thats not what my ears tell me from some of my homies beats.

the 404 sort of streams the samples off the memory card you have installed... so I think you can put a 1gb in a 404... who the hell knows how much that is. I think the 404 also has the lo-fi recording settings which makes you able to record even more.

Mhmm! That would b very sick! As far as live performances go.. Does this machine keep pad memory and all that if you save a song/samples in it? Like will there be a folder for each certain track I make on the 404?

that is on the card automatically I believe... I have the 303 and im sure it's the same thing here... but you don't need to push any save button. when you record a sample (you record it to a pad right off the bat) and you can then power off right away and power on to find it still there... it's like the card is non volatile memory.

mr_debauch wrote:that is on the card automatically I believe... I have the 303 and im sure it's the same thing here... but you don't need to push any save button. when you record a sample (you record it to a pad right off the bat) and you can then power off right away and power on to find it still there... it's like the card is non volatile memory.

Just like my SP12. I love that feature so much.

I'm looking to pick up a 404 myself. The combination of MPC x SP 303 or 404 seems to be a really solid one. I love chopping and sequencing on the 2000XL but the effects on the SP would make a really nice addition.

Did you end up acquiring yours?

I use a 404 with my XL, it's been a great addition my setup. The effects are good and sampling in Lo-Fi mode ads some nice crunch.

My only complaint is that the 404 (non-SX) uses a proprietary file type, so you can't import the files to your computer.

I got mine for $150 on eBay not too long ago, if you are patient you can get a good deal.

Saw this video using both...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2kx0mUowvg