Just bought MPC500 today, Sampling questions

Hey guys, new to the Forum. Just wondering if you could help me out with a few questions please.

First, is it possible to take MP3 files and sample parts of them to the MPC itself, or must it be converted somehow to? I heard they are .snd files and .pgm, but Im not sure how to convert if needed. Any ideas?

Second, is there a program that allows you to take full MP3s and cut out pieces to put on each Pad?

Third, Should I just go out and buy a record player and forget about the whole MP3 thing?

Thanks! Hopefully with all your help many new beats will soon be along their path to greatness.

Kaydren wrote:First, is it possible to take MP3 files and sample parts of them to the MPC itself

Yes, once recorded, then they're saved as their perspective extensions.

Second, is there a program that allows you to take full MP3s and cut out pieces to put on each Pad?

Yes, any good daw or two track editor will work.

Third, Should I just go out and buy a record player and forget about the whole MP3 thing?

No, I'd actually add that as an added accessory.

Does the 500 not worklike the 1000?Because you should be ableto chop sample, and then assign the samples to pads..... I do not know, but I thought the 500 had almost all the same features as the 1000, just with a few less knobsand pads....??