Some questions plaguing me...

Okay, so I'm hoping to purchase my first machine within the next few weeks/months and I've been doing my research and I'm stuck between the 1000 and 2500 models.

I'm currently checking around to see how much the 2500 is more than the 1000.

BUT, in the meantime, I have a few questions that our (I think) applicable to all MPCs.

1. Does my soundcard affect my ability to transfer samples from my computer to the machine via USB? Because I've read a mention of soundcards.

2. Does the memory of the 2500 need to be upgraded as the memory is often on the 1000 model?

3. What does a memory increase allow the user to do more of?

4. What is the use of a hard-drive in any model? Is this useful if I won't be going mobile with my machine?

5. Where would it be wise to look to get the better prices of the machines?

6. From my research the MPC1000 is 450-600 but I'm not sure of the 2500 as there doesn't seem to be many on eBay or other places I've been looking? Can someone give me a rough estimate? How much did you get your 2500 for if you have one?

7. Is the 2500 worth the extra money for build quality and features compared to the 1000? Especially if I may went to upgrade in future?

I'd be really apprieciative if anyone could help with any questions! Thanks in advance.

1. No, type of soundcard does not affect sample transport via USB
2. Both the 1000 and 2500 come with 16mb of ram stock. They're both upgradable with a max. of 128 mb
3. More ram gives u more sample time. 16mb is somewhere around a minute of stereo sample time, 128mb allows u to have 12min. of stereo samples loaded up in ram.
4. Harddrive is always a nice feature for direct saving. Transferring data between the mp and pc takes more time then when u have all ur samples and programs on one HD
5. Check every store and e-bay/ craiglist, second hand stores...
6. 1000-1200 new, 700-800 used. Depends on features, upgrades and extra's.
7. Yes. But it depends on ur situation and prioritys. 1000 is nice for on the go. It's as powerful (software wise) as the 2500 and less expensive. The tilt screen, extra audio and midi outs, more dedicated buttons, bigger and better pads and more workspace were all worth the extra money IMO. Other users might disagree with me on this point.

Wow, thanks a lot for answering all of them!

But could I be a pain and ask a few questions regarding RAM, I'm not sure I fully understand it.

So more RAM is more time I can sample live directly to the MPC? Could you elaborate please?
Do the RAM come in 128mb sticks? As I look on ebay here, they seem to be only 32mb, so that leaves me to think there are 4 RAM slots available?

Also, is £450 for an MPC 1000 with 128mb a good price? Or would it be better to get an MPC 2000XL for around £400 and increase the RAM for around £40? I like the sturdier build of the 2000XL aswell as the bigger pads that don't seem to have issues?

Also if I bought the MPC 1000 is it worth upgrading to JJOS? What other features does this add? How much would it be to upgrade to this?

Also a last question, I'm not so sure if the MPC is newer or older. I know there were issues with older MPC pads, but even if the MPC is old will they only break if you're really bashing them?

This link will answer all ur questions about RAM for the 1000/ 2500
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=26775

Mpc 2kxl is sturdier, bigger pads of course, but the 1000 has more, better and faster features. Plus it allows u to have JJOS. The free version is already a lot better then the Akai OS. It deals with a lot of bugs and enables a lot of features the Akai OS still hasn't integrated in their OS yet. Check the JJOS forum for more info.

But a mpc1000 with maxed ram for 450quid would be a nice price, if it's in a mint condition. U prob have to go out and get the pad upgrade. or buy one with the upgrade already installed, which is of course more expensive. A good investment cause the pads will die out eventually.

U want the build quality of the 2kxl, I would suggest to go for JJOS and good features, ur concernd about the pads, I would say mpc 2500

Hey guy's i installed a 160 g samsung drive into my mpc 2500 , it still say's 16mb when i start the machine ,i was just wondering if it should still say that plus i aint getting 12 mins of sample time ? please help to my understandign i could install this drive it just will only go up to 120 g's readable on mpc ?