Thinking of Sp-808 to my mpc 3k & ensoniq 16+ setup

Hello everyone.

Any Roland SP-808 users here?

I've been thinking of grabbing 808 to complement my MPC 3000 + Ensoniq EPS 16+ studio setup. I need a sampler/groovebox for live performances/making beats during trips. 3k and Ensoniq are heavy as m**cker + MPC 3k is not really god for live performances in my opinion. Need something more felxible.

Watched some youtube videos and I've read some reviews and it seems to be a monster in terms of its fx functions, the d-beam system and so on.

Got a good (I assume) deal for 808 - about 250$. Second owner, almost no sign of usage, ex condition, working like a charm.

The main question: is 808 a A-Z sampler on which I can do loads of chopping, sequencing etc.? Or is it suitable only for loops playback and s**t? I do chop a lot so its quite important for me. Still I know I can midi it with mpc or ensoniq but I'm mainly on point that I can easily take it anywhere I want and make beats for a whole day long.

Also I've read something about the ZIP drive working slow or some other issues.

At first I was to Sp-303. Do You guys know how the comparison 303 vs 808 looks like?

Can You say anything about its sound/sonic character?

I'll be grateful for Your feedback and advice.

Had one from like 98/99 to 2003...man, weird machine...No sequencer, not really great for chopping, better for loops. Digital 8 track. Lots of effects. Eventually developed a workflow that ended with finished beats, but took a while and really looking back it lets me know how much more I love my MPC's and how solid their sequencers truly are. Some fun can be had with the 808, but results will definitely vary. Peace-

i have one but only use it for fx..

the built in zip drive is a nightmare, i hate it and couldnt imagine using it for anything else other than fx.

just my 2 cents, i would much rather have a sp 404 again but the fx on the 808 are much better in my opinion.

Medisin wrote:i have one but only use it for fx...

+1
I have one.

The fx analog sequencer by steps with analog sound design is simply spectacular & amusing, really.

Thanks for Your feedback mates!

It seems that 808 is not the one I'm looking for. I'll give it up on this one.

Probably I'll stick to 303 and try to hunt one on ebay (f*ng shipping and custom fees killing me).

Let me ask You an additional question:

Is the mpc 2000 compatible with mpc 3000 files? I mean: can I load up samples and sequences/songs from my 3k straight to mpc 2000?

The reason I'm asking: for example I'd like to play a live jam in a club and want to play beats, mute tracks etc without need of draging the 3k monster around (I'm also a bit concerned to trip around with my 3k LE. Don't want to end up with some drunk fella spilling beer or wahtever on my gear.).

Simply: would the 2000 work as a 'playback' sampler?

I'm writing about 2000 classic, not the 2000xl.

Cheers.