Used mpc vs. fixing up an asr-x pro

Posted in an asr-x thread that I don't think anyone is reading, so reposting here:

I'm having a helluva time making a decision, and I hope some of you mpc/asr-x heads can help me out with some opinions/advice/ideas.

I've been producing music on computers for many years now, and I've just about had it. My production chops have finally come up, but at the same time I kind of get board sitting at the computer working on music. I sit in front of the computer for 8-10 hrs a day for work anyway, and working on music after that is really starting to feel like a chore.

So, I've dug out my old asr-x pro to bash out some beats on the couch, away from the computer.

Way back in the day I bought an asr-x black new. Took every penny I had. I had no troubles with that box, but sold it for an adat if I recall... bad choice. Anywayz, I bought a used asr-x pro. It's got the 8 out, scsi w/ internal zip and dance rom - straight loaded.

But... The pads are totally shot, they are hard, and the springs I can tell are just worn out. I broke the volume knob, it still works, but it's a little wobbly, and can put some noise into the output if wiggled. The transport buttons don't fire sometimes. And most importantly, the sequencer is f'ing odd at times.

So after all this, the Q:

Do I take the time and $$$ to fix up the asr-x pro with new custom pads/springs, new volume knob, maybe some new rotary encoders, try to fix the transport buttons, buy an external zip drive for the pc, or do I buy a used 4000, 5000, or 2500?

I've been lusting after mpc's for over 2o years now, never really worked with one. But love the sound of the asr-x pro. It is thick and punchy, two things that don't always go together, but when the do...

Money is also tight, as it is always...

I welcome ur opinions.

hard decision. personally I hated the asr, but u can get busy on it. mpc is smashin the asr. asr is chunky though.

I bought a new floor model 2500. I think it's going back though. For what I do, and how I make music, I don't think it's a good fit. We'll see though. Still trying it out. A few things are cramping my style - no hd, I haven't gotten the usb connection to work yet, very small cf card, and akai os. If I was committed to the 2500 I'd fix these problems, but I'm not committed, so I'm not really giving it a fair shake.

I will say that the 2500's sound is crunchy/crispy, whereas the asr-x is ballsy/punchy and a little bit gravelly. They've both got a sound.

Yeah, I feel u, that's still at least $300 for something that I'm probably gonna return.

To break it down, I don't think the mpc is doing anything that battery and a pad control can't do - other than get me the f away from the computer, work quickly and sound good.

nowaysj wrote:Yeah, I feel u, that's still at least $300 for something that I'm probably gonna return.

To break it down, I don't think the mpc is doing anything that battery and a pad control can't do - other than get me the f away from the computer, work quickly and sound good.

no groovebox will do anything computer programs wont do besides take you away from the computer.

How much could it possibly cost to fix up the ASR? tact switches and what not shouldn't cost much at all...