Alright, budget start up advice, i been searching, need help

yo, i got between 500 and a grand to spend.
my bro wants to split a copy of reason so we can get upgrades and post stuff on the website etc. Before i take that jump (not really that impressed by reason) anyone got any suggestions on which mpd-16 / soft samplers/cheap hardware samplers may work better than others for producing hiphop? should i just say f**k it and dig for the cheap used 2k/xl? i was thinking about waiting for 1k, but been getting an iffy feel about it and dying to make music before nov.3rd. finally got the other turntable and am burning to make something to rhyme over and not have to wait on someone to make the beat for me (made a few before with cakewalk/gigasampler/acid/soundforge/vegas) also have a beurgoning vynl collectionfor samples and real drums/bass/keyboard. want touch/velocity sensitive. have a pc with sb. audigy platinum. can anybody offer up some pros/cons? maybe this is oft asked, but i dug around and couldn't really find specifics.
thanks in advance!
mike

Dude save your self the headache and get the mp 2000xl.Cheap software sounds cheap.I have reson and never use it.its
not bad,but if you want to put your own personality
into something get the mp,with reson you are stuck with sounds it comes with and and maybe some refills. if you don't like the mp at least you have resale value. the cheapest i'v seen one
go for is $800.00 used.Try selling reson,or any other software( everyone is using cracks )note- there is a learning curve on all new gear the mp is no exception,be prepared to
eat, sh*t,and sleep, with it.Once you get the basics
down you'll wonder how you ever did with out it.I'm
more of a hardware guy, i like to touch my gear turn knobs, feel the instrument. Software seems impersonal to me and it can have a tendency to crash. The mp is a lot more stable and rarely freezes up. (but it will)whatever way you go try it out before you buy.If you go for the mp, try to get one with the zip drive and memory up grade, it makes life easer. good luck!

IMO, if u got the doe, go with the hardware first, and then you can incorporate software (if needed). i've got tons of software that i rarely use. (all free BTW). the mpc was a great investment as far a production. nothing beats the hands-on approach.

Cop the MPC!

mpc2kxl for sure!

I say get that reason and recycle along with a oxygen and then get an mpc and link it all up to midi and you're good to go.....I would kill for a copy of reason.......

2kxl or 1000? i guess i can wait for nov. anyone got any real idea of the 1000's flaws yet?
mike

I have an MPC2000XL and Reason. Reason is more of an all in one tool that "technically" is capable of doing the same thing as the MPC including sampling so you're by no means restricted to just Reason sound banks BUT what Reason is not capable of is that MPC "feel". I can't speak for everyone else but I see the MPC as a sequencer first and sampler second, the sampler imho is lackin'. The ease of use is a big factor for the MPC also. If you go the software route I would seriously consider upgrading your soundcard to achieve lower latency.The Audiophile 24/96 is a popular choice.

All in all the MPC route is gonna run you around 1000.00 just for the unit, your still gonna need sound sources unless your sitting on a decent record collection. The software route will probably run you about 500-750 depending on what hardware you decide on. I'd recommend the 24/96 audio card w/ Oxygen 8 and Reason, about 600 bucks. How powerful a PC your using will also effect the performance on the software side. Now for the downside. Conflicts, crashes and hair pullin! With software this is gonna happen more often then you would like. With the MPC this is almost not an issue. I'd go the software route for now and save up for an MPC as I think the prices on em is going to continue to drop. Nothing is better then the MPC but I think Reason is the better choice for you right now. Good luck what ever you decide.