Debating on Fill-In For EPS 16+

...I've been wondering what I could put in place of my EPS 16+ to be used in tandem with my 2kXL. I definitely want a dedicated sampler, so I was considering one of the Akai racks from back in the day...the S1000, S1100, S3000XL and so on. But I want effects, too. There's a lot I'd miss on the EPS 16+, but it's a machine I'm trying to move away from a bit. Not to abandon it, but just to broaden my knowledge of technology because I've been with the EPS for about 12 years. An ASR rack may seem like a logical step forward, but I'm not sure. Any recommendations...

The s3000XL is a solid choice. Some people say they sound to synthy, but I like that.

KoolSha178 wrote:The s3000XL is a solid choice. Some people say they sound to synthy, but I like that.

I've read a lot of good things about it, too. There's a version with a CD-R drive, too, right?

I dont think you can get a cd-r, but it comes standard with scsi so you can daisy chain your scsi devices. if your patient one will roll around on eBay with a hard drive.

KoolSha178 wrote:I dont think you can get a cd-r, but it comes standard with scsi so you can daisy chain your scsi devices. if your patient one will roll around on eBay with a hard drive.

Is there anything else I should know about those "S" models? Is there a model I should NOT consider at all? I wish I could consider the Z4 or Z8, but the prices are outrageous!

i can tell you first hand, i had a z4 for about a month when i was sorting out all this money amd gear, it aint worth it, it sounds paper thin. go for the s3000. if you can look for the s3200xl, its the 3000 with all the effects and a built in cd. all that good stuff.

DOVESKI wrote:i can tell you first hand, i had a z4 for about a month when i was sorting out all this money amd gear, it aint worth it, it sounds paper thin. go for the s3000. if you can look for the s3200xl, its the 3000 with all the effects and a built in cd. all that good stuff.

THAT's the model I'm looking for! Thanks man!

I would stay away from the ASR rack in your situation. Only because you say you want to braoded your techincal knowledge. The ASR rack is very similar to the EPS in the way they operate. They have the same architecture.

MAD T wrote:I would stay away from the ASR rack in your situation. Only because you say you want to braoded your techincal knowledge. The ASR rack is very similar to the EPS in the way they operate. They have the same architecture.

Quite right, quite right...I guess the ASR rack suggestions was just me not being able to "let go" entirely,