How to get started on the MPC 2000XL -HELP!

**I have an MPC 2000XL w/ 8 assignable outputs (not sure what those are for, but from I've read not every MPC has them) - My MPC has a zip drive**

Ok, so I just got my MPC back after relocating and I'm ready to take another stab at trying to work with it. I have the manual and I'm purchasing the MPC 2000XL tutorial as we speak. I am still a bit frustrated as to what I need to get the basics started. Im confused on

-What type of ZIP card reader I should be buying?

-Why do I need one? (I sample sounds in from the inputs on the back, right? chop + sequence within the MPC, send the completed project out via the outputs on the back, right? so we're does the card reader come in?)

-My main computer at the moment is a iBook G4 running OS x 10.4..will a zip file that was created on a mac work within a MPC?

-I need some sort of a preamp to sample from a turntable right? I've heard DJ mixer worked well, but are they the only one's with built in preamps? -I try search pawshops + craigslistas much as I can and sometime I come across like 8 channel mixers, will they work?

**ALSO in the mean time, until I find a mixer...can I still sample in from another audio source w/o using a preampe (i plan on getting one, but until find one..I just want to know if i would be able to do so)

I am completely new to the MPC, and producing in genereal..I'm not coming from software to hardware...it's all new to me..so please excuse my lack of tech terms and what not..

At this point, I just want to get started..but its just sitting there currently looking pretty..which sucks..hopefully the tutorial is a bit better then the actual manual.

Please let me know guys, there is so much knowledge out here on MPC's it can be a bit overwhelming for a novice..just need help with these questions...thank you.

-What type of ZIP card reader I should be buying?

none, if you don't already have one...get a card reader

-Why do I need one?

when you turn the sampler off, everything stored in memory is erased. so if you want to save it, then you need something like a zip or card reader. however, if you really do everything in one go - make the beat, track the beat to disk/tape - then you don't really need one, and that is pretty baller. however, that's an extreme baller case, and you'd be basically crazy for not saving (but thats ok). you'd have to redo all the beat from scratch if you wanted to edit it.

-...will a zip file that was created on a mac work within a MPC?

no, mpcs have no concept of zip files. for simplicity sake, lets just say they only accept WAV and MIDI files.

-I need some sort of a preamp to sample from a turntable right?

yes. a dj mixer works great, as does a tiny dedicated preamp (very cheap in thrift stores when they come up). an 8 channel MIGHT work, but again, for simplicity's sake, let's say it wont.

..can I still sample in from another audio source w/o using a preamp

totally. it ideally needs to be line level (ipod, computer, cd player, vcr, preamp, etc...)

...(side note, try not to hijack other people's threads, as you did in another. it gets confusing when you start asking your own questions which may or not be related to what the original was.)
Other than that, good luck. For a newb, the older MPCs can be a lot harder to get into...but they are amazing when you get into it.

[size=150]nogginj
Senior Member[/si
You are the man!!! great job showing him!!!

onassism wrote:[size=150]nogginj
Senior Member[/si
You are the man!!! great job showing him!!!

Get me a glass of water kid.

all you need is the manual to find solutions to your questions.
Also the Beatmaking On The MPC 2000XL is a great addition/alternative

Dont rush them, go slow.
Any questions , lots of people will help.

Before asking see also older threads as the answers are there.

Finally it would be better to post on the propper sections as well, better chances for help

Enjoy!!!