MPC 1000 setup, need some advice

So, I decided to buy an MPC 3000, but that will prolly take some time b/c I need to save some money and find a part time job first!
Regardless, I made a shopping list for the things I need

an mpc 1000 ~ $1100
a turntable for chopping records ~ $200
total = $1300
So, will this work ? Any advice on additional equipment or advice on the equipment I already chose? What about cables that I need to buy to hook up my turntable to the mixer and then to the mpc?
Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I decided to start with the MPC 1000 instead

honestly just download fruity loops. and im not trying to being a dick.

hmh. emphasis on trying I guess.

I have a couple of mpc 3000s. You won't be dissapointed with the build of these boxes. They are solid. What you may notice is that they could be seen to be a bit more bulky and less stylish than the newer models. There is of course the trade off in transferring files to and from the box. There is no usb.
But in all honesty, I'd say give it a try. Lets be honest, as long as the thing is in good condition you'll be able to sell it off for a fair price if it doesn't work out. But if you take the time and trouble to get into it, its a fantastic machine. I used to have a 2500 with JJOS and don't regret for a second selling it and getting a 3000.
Check as much as you can the state of the unit you buy, but otherwise I'd say you should be ok. Remember, stores like mpcstuff can sell you spare parts should you need them...

also, assuming you don't have them already, a good set of headphones and speakers wouldn't go amiss...

Yeah, I definitely know which headphones I'm buying: *click*
Also, what do you think of this mixer?

I don't know, knowing what I know today (and having spent some $ on mixing desks that I no longer own) I'd stay away from that brand. Not because they are all crap, some of the stuff they sell gives decent bang for the buck. However, there is simply better sounding stuff available for a not-so-big difference in price. You might end up buying twice.

doctah wizard wrote:So, I decided to buy an MPC 3000, but that will prolly take some time b/c I need to save some money and find a part time job first!

Sounds like it will take years.

Use that time to make a better decision and decide if music production really is for you. Just look at how many MPC's you see for sale on eBay and elsewhere, the result of shattered dreams and wishful thinking by people who just 'wanna make beats and have a myspace'.

You shouldn't have to spend loads of money to find out if you have any musical talent to work with, so take advantage of freely available or low cost music software (such as Reason) and see whether you have what it takes.

Learn about synths, drum machines, midi, sampling, recording & mixing etc with the software and then decide whether you want to take your production to the next level by incorporating hardware into the studio.

Yes, MUSICAL TALENT is often overlooked by wannabe producers who mistakenly believe that the equipment is what make dope beats and that 'anyone can do it'.

The MPC3000 does not really meet the needs of an absolute beginner to music production, it's a classic machine with a classic price. The 1000 is probably the best entry-level MPC in terms of features and price, with the 500 coming in next. You can always upgrade to an older or newer model as your skills develop and you know which features matter most to you...

Use that time to make a better decision and decide if music production really is for you.


you really need to have a couple "build" sessions with a hardware based producer..


The gear does not matter if you don't have technique...


you could spend 10,000 and have no skills... so it wouldn't matter.



+1 on anything berhenger... widdack

clint246clint wrote:

doctah wizard wrote:So, I decided to buy an MPC 3000, but that will prolly take some time b/c I need to save some money and find a part time job first!

Sounds like it will take years.

Nah, not really, it will take about 2-3 months And believe me I thought a lot about whether I should try the mpc or not and in the end I decided to get a job and buy one. I can assure you that I thought about this very carefully!

clint246clint wrote:Yes, MUSICAL TALENT is often overlooked by wannabe producers who mistakenly believe that the equipment is what make dope beats and that 'anyone can do it'.

I am quite confident of my musical talent :'D

The MPC3000 does not really meet the needs of an absolute beginner to music production, it's a classic machine with a classic price. The 1000 is probably the best entry-level MPC in terms of features and price, with the 500 coming in next. You can always upgrade to an older or newer model as your skills develop and you know which features matter most to you...

You know, I was think about that too today and I think Ishould start with the 1000 and then "upgrade" if I want to.

Use that time to make a better decision and decide if music production really is for you. Just look at how many MPC's you see for sale on eBay and elsewhere, the result of shattered dreams and wishful thinking by people who just 'wanna make beats and have a myspace'.

Yeah, I'll definitely think about it , what the hell I am thinking about it everyday @_@
I just love music so much, that's why I know I have the drive to do this.

EDIT: Now that I chose the MPC 1000 it reminds me: The JJOS has a lot of stuff, maybe I shouldnt buy a dj mixer at all?
At least not yet, so I can save the money for a mixer, I think you can use a pre-amp to connect the mpc with the turntable, right? That's what my research told me.

You make the beats not the machine. You make you dope, not the gear. So get the machine you can afford now. Why wait?

Chances are, if you love music you already have everything else you need. A pair of $20 headphones (or some computer speakers) and an ipod you can hook up to your MPC to sample from. Or skip the ipod and sample straight from itunes.

Then all you need is stuff to sample. Hit the net.