I want to make music, dammit!! Advice would be great help!

Hey guys, Im completely new here. I've wanted an MPC for agesss now, but Im still so stuck in what to get. Firstly, Its definetly either the MPC1000 or the MPC2500. Now, In England, I can get the MPC2500 for £900, or the MPC1000 for about £670. I really want to use it for cutting samples, using them and adding some cool drum beats - and I know both of these machines can do just that, and you see - im not too sure I properly need the extra features on the MPC2500 if i just want to use samples and drums. Whats the difference? is performance better?

Also - To get the proper set up - correct me if im wrong:

I want an MPC
A controller MIDI keyboard
A Macintosh Laptop/Computer
Software (Fruity Loops)
Speakers

thanks a lot guys i promise you if you could help I'd be really greatful, thanks so much,

-Dynamo

buy a mpc and some decent monitors first. learn that, and then move on to the next piece of equipment.

if you just wanna use samples and drums then why did you need fruity loops? not sayin dont go that route but just wondering. if you could cut that out the loop as well as the midi controller then you could definately do what you wanna do.

like flip said, the mpc and monitors will do for now and maybe a turntable for your records. now if you're more into keyboard beats then thats a different story but for samples and drums, man thats all you should need.

focus on your mpc and way to hear what you're doing (i.e. monitors) and move up from there

I did a lot of stuff on fl but the mpc replaced it. Now im using ableton live with the mpc, perfect combination for me.

The main advantage of the 2500 over the 1k are the better pads, but theres a replacement already you can order for 150 $, features/ performance are the same. So if you dont need the extra outs go with the 1k

Are the effects better on the 2500? What's the closest thing to an onboard CD sampler for the 1000 without using a computer?

Hey guys thanks so much -
I dont have any music software, but what i meant was Do i need a software (i.e. something like fruity loops).

I also dont want to JUST work with samples - I like weird funky keyboard sounds - very similar to Timbaland's music.

I think ill go for the 1000 - thers a new model - all black - did they adjust the pads on this one possibly?

by monitors...do you mean those speakers? Im so sorry for looking dumb but seriously you guys are helping me out so much

** I also have Two Turntables and a very basic mixer (ive been dj-ing for a few months now).

-Thanks again,
-Dynamo

if you start with just the mpc, you can sample anything. anything at all, including "weird funky keyboard sounds", if you're into djing, you probably know some good places to buy records, just use those as your sound source for the moment. what part of london you from?

Dunno what exactly you wanna do. You say you've been dj'ing for a few months now. Do you also wanna make mixtapes besides beats?

I like acid and soundforge for making mixes and layering cuts over beats and such.

I've bought the mpc2kxl about a year ago. It takes some time to learn how to use it well but you can already do a lot with the mpc. I'd check out the mpc2kxl aswell though. If I'm not mistaken, some dude from the uk got one for 40 pounds in the uk with a faulty floppy drive but that's easily replaced. I don't know what you're budget is but you might be able to get a great deal on the xl.

Now I'm using cubase for tracking out my beats from the mpc. I feel it's more suited for what I'm doing now than soundforge and acid. You got people that swear by cubase, others go for protools or nuendo. Try some demo versions or something and see what you like best.

Currently I'm looking to get a keyboard/workstation. My laptop isn't that fast and I'm afraid of latency issues with a midi master keyboard so I'm looking at something like the tr61 or juno-g. If you're planning on buying a new mac, you should be good with a master midi keyboard.

It all comes down to working with stuff that you like and that's all a matter of taste. I'd first get an mpc, a decent soundcard and some good monitors/headphones. And if you don't have a computer, get that aswell. If you haven't used audio software before, you should be good for at least a couple of months. If you've mastered all that, I'd look into getting a good midi master keyboard or a good workstation.

Check out tweakheadz.com and read the guide. You'll probably find some answers right there about what you need. First thing to do is sit down and think about what exactly you're trying to accomplish in the future...

thanks for all the advice guys.

Ok, so a little may seem confused, heres the run-down:

I want to make beats (instrumentals) and hopefully sell them to artists.
I want an MPC as I heard they are amazing for drum beats and I've been watching hundreds of youtube videos. I also want to use chopped samples with the MPC.

I do dj, in my room - i practice mixing - but this is not really what i want to do now, I really want to just focus on making beats.

I do have a local place where i buy my vinyl records.

If i buy an MPC(1000 for example) will I need a program to record the music? Such as Logic?

What is Cubase? What does it do? I've heard lots of people mention it but never knew what it was.

Im in London, kensington area and im 17. (for those who asked).
Dont stalk me now!

Thanks so much again,
appreciate it!

-Dynamo

Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer are all Sequencers and Audio recording software.

As far as your MPC questions, it's going to take a while for you to learn how to use it..The 1000 and 2500 work the same way as do the 60, 3000 etc..it's what you put into it and how creative you are musically that matters..the only difference between the units are the features