what makes mpc1k better than other samplers (sp-303/404...)

tried out a roland sp 404 and kinda liked it, would like to know if there's any special features which can particularly be found on an mpc

Well, don't buy anything until u understand the difference!!

Basically the mpc is a highly capable _sequencer_ as well as a sampler. That makes it much more capable of constructing an entire track in a precise way.

The mpcs have many tracks, many patterns, many channels, can edit sequences in step mode or with operations like cut/paste, etc. The so-called sequencing on the roland sp-x0x is very primitive in comparison.

And mpcs can sequence other gear using midi cables as well.

And mpcs have more controlled/precise tweaking of sample parameters such as filters, layers, looppoints, trimming and envelopes.

And now with OS2.0 there is a lot of realtime tweaking (filter/pitch sliding etc.) you can do with the mpcs and record it into the sequence.

But the sp's have some cool effects, and can hold a lot of samples.

I think mpc's are alot more geared to studio use than those sp303/404's. It has individual outs, good midi connections, a good lcd screen..etc. The boss sp's were made as a dj tool..

thank you for the quick replies.
looks like i won't buyt an mpc in the near future. thought about it, and i must say that the idea of an interface which controls all the other synth/sampling/recording gear without using a computer is lovely but since there wouldn't even be left enough monay for a microkorg if i bought the mpc1k, i'll go for the sp404 ... but thanks again;)

For a beginner just getting into the whole beat making process, what would be better to start with an mpc or the SP-303/404? THanks.

depends, sps could frustrate a potentially good producer and keep him from pursuing the craft or it could help develope a dope style. do you have the patience to work with the limited capabilities of an sp?

Well in all honestly I just want to start making beats. I do on ym keyboard but thats kinda too simple and it doesnt really have what I want. As I a beginner I willing to learn as much as I can, so in essence my question is, what machine would be easier to use and pay off in the long run?

I think the mpc will be easier to use but there will be more stuff to learn. The sp-x0x series are very simple in operation but the sequencer and sample editing are all done by using your ears. There is hardly any visual info on what you're doing. You have to figure out your method of working more by yourself since the manual is only 40+ pages that really only explain the basics and AFAIK there is no sp-x0x forum worth mentioning. This might/could be too daunting for someone who just starts making beats. On the other hand if money is an issue and you really want to start making beats using hardware and not take the software (fruityloops, renoise ...) route then the SP-404 is a nice machine with a lot of potential and loads of sampling time for a small price (compared to a new mpc1k). Did this make sense?

I didn't read all the replies, but how are you gonna sequence your micro korg with a SP303. The MPC would actually work out better witha micro korg then one of those little roland boxes

YEa that def. helped pt3r, thanks alot. Yea moneys not an issue for, well once the summer starts at least. Thanks bro.

bhunt wrote:I didn't read all the replies, but how are you gonna sequence your micro korg with a SP303. The MPC would actually work out better witha micro korg then one of those little roland boxes

uhhh... you didn't read it at all. he mentioned nothing about sequencing and nothing about the microkorg. what were you reading? not being mean but this is SO out of place.

oar1125 wrote:For a beginner just getting into the whole beat making process, what would be better to start with an mpc or the SP-303/404? THanks.

if i was a beginner....

i'd buy an mpc60.

I checked out the mpc60 and it looks like it costs more than the mpc1000. Why would it be better for a beginner? Im not being sacrcastic just serioulsy asking.

ibn wrote:

bhunt wrote:I didn't read all the replies, but how are you gonna sequence your micro korg with a SP303. The MPC would actually work out better witha micro korg then one of those little roland boxes

uhhh... you didn't read it at all. he mentioned nothing about sequencing and nothing about the microkorg. what were you reading? not being mean but this is SO out of place.

look above at his later post, looks like i read more than you

I have teh SP-404 (haven't got MPC yet...since I was screwed on ebay) and I must say it is sweet for sampling things and putting effects on them. But since I use Acid for putting the sounds together, it's kinda effed if you wanna do drums that are quantized (in case you don't know that's a tool that helps you stay right on beat). You can make a decent pattern with it but you can't turn that into a Wav file for your computer. I tried hooking up my keyboard to it (roland EXR-5s) through MIDI but the ish didn't work

I'm pretty hyped to get the MPC for it's 16 levels function, which lets you play a sampled sound at different pitches and they're already mapped onto the pads. The 404 does have a couple pitch effects, one being chromatic but you have to turn the knobs...to get it like the MPCs you'd have to do alot of resampling, and then truncating those...