What MPC should I get?

I know regular posters and helpers must be FED UP with this same question from newbies, but I searched and found valuable information: STILL I'm missing something... I hope MPC veterans can help me out!

I'm a software-based beatmaker for a few years now and I'm having lacks of inspiration recently: I feel I'm missing the "organic" feel of hardware. So I decided to switch from software to a more gear-based production style.
I read lots of opinions like "the MPC is dead" or "the MPC is useless" or "why use an MPC when you can use software that does the same?"; I took these as ignorant remarks and kept my will of buying a drum machine/sequencer.

At first I was doubting between the Akai MPC and the Roland MV series, but I made up my mind for the MPC.

What I'm lookin' for is a model that would give me "grime", the famed MPC inimitable sound. I know that the most recent models kind of lost that because of the upgrades in sound quality, so I'm hesitating between the MPC60II, the MPC3000, and the MPC2000XL.
I mainly want this for drums and chopping/rearranging samples Primo-style.
I'm a little scared of the 60II because I think it may be too much old skool for my pretentions, but I just wanted to know what veteran users think of these models! Which one you recommend since "modern grime", if that term even exists, is what I'm lookin' for?

If you could give examples of well known producers that use any of these 3 models it would help me a lot, to give me a live idea of what the machines would sound like!

Thanks in advance, and respect for the creation of this forum!
ONE LOVE

Well, I could buy any of the MPC's, but I really wanted that grimey sound, hence I think the MPC's 4000, 2500 and 1000 wouldn't interest me, neither the Roland MV's!
Thanks for your tip though

Any more opinions are welcome!

PEACE

ya between those i would say the 2000xl for sure.

easy to mod in a CF reader, cheaper then both of those, well unless you find a cheap, in great shape 60.

if you want the grime sound, get a older S series rack sampler, sample into that, resample into the MPC and volia, grimeyness lol. Same with all the other MPC's too.

Peace,

Rob

Yes indeed, at first I wanted the 2000XL but I learned that the only problem about it is that it sounded too "clean" sometimes! So I lost a little bit of interest in it because of that.

But that idea with the S rack is curious to say the least hehe thank you Rob!!

But damn no one likes the 3000? I was actually more into that one right now, I would just like to see more thoughts... more opinions please!

PEACE

i'd get the 1k. at the beginning i also thought it sounded maybe a little too clean but that depends on the samples you feed it with. i've been enjoying my mpc for half a year now and the "mpc feel" came with the moment i'd cut my first own breaks. since then i don't worry about this thing being too clean or whatever people say about it, the question is what you do with it.
the only reason that i see for buying an mpc of the models mentioned above is that they look better

image the 2k would be replaced with a 1k or a 500

btw his stuff is really really good http://www.myspace.com/damuthefudgemunk

that grimy sound sh'it is overated. There is actually a thread on the forum comparing the sound quality of different samplers, and its the same sh/it. its more about knowledge not equiptment. there are many tricks to achieve a grimy sound on any sampler. dont fall for that s.hit. Youll end up with some sampler that has twice as many years than seconds of sample time, while some veteran producer is pickin up some new sh,it.

@ Henning: is the MPC1k that good? 'Cause I been reading that the pads are really sh*tty :/ the specs are nice though!
I'm gonna be feeding the MPC mainly drums and vinyl samples, for which I prefered lower sample rate for more grittiness, reson why I excluded it in the first place. BUT I'm gonna check better on the 1000 now, thank you, I appreciate your thoughts!

@ juxt: but isn't the grimy sound of older MPC's a fact? Because of the lower sample rates... I see what you mean though, I'll definatly check those comparisons. Thank you as well, I really appreciate it! Your comment made me think of getting a more modern MPC, cheers!

Right now I'm more pending to the 2000XL side... any more feedback appreciated!

No 3000 defenders?

Pson101 wrote:@ juxt: but isn't the grimy sound of older MPC's a fact?

i guesse, but a lot of people who talk about older mpc are either defending their mpc pride, trying to sell you something, or just kept listening to the hype till they believed theres a big difference. Just get a modern mpc and figure out different methods of creating artifacts of audio grime.

If you do decide to get older gear you should pick up a sp1200, even though i never used it - there is a lot more talk about its sound than any mpc. Many of the best producers created their best shit on it. but i wouldnt recomend it.

and speaking for myself the 1000 is an ill machine

I guess you're right on your statements. Lol some funny but true ish about that pride, its kinda obvious! I am definatly more into getting a modern one now after those points of view. I could get that grime in the final mix!

Word the SP was in equation at first, but its kinda like the MPC60 when it comes to features so I lost interest in it. I think both are too much limited to make muzik nowadays! Even Pete Rock switched to the 2kXL.

At first I wanted a 3000, I dunno why but it seemed the best... what do you think about it juxt? About the 1000, 2500 and 4000 too if you get a chance... but specially on the 3k.

I never messed with the 3k, but i can't possibly see a reason for getting it. the price a lot of em go for is crazy. why pay mad dough for something over 10 years old.

Never touched a 4k, never want to. It just seems OD to me.

i like the 1000 and the 2500, they are both good machines. I cant ask for more.

but this is just my opinion.

Yes indeed the 3000 aren't cheap at all! My preference for this model was because it was the "bridge" between the 60II and the 2000XL, the 2 others I wanted.

And I appreciate very much your testimonies my friend!
I'm more leaning towards the 2kXL right now though.

Any more opinions?

Pson101 wrote:@ Henning: is the MPC1k that good? 'Cause I been reading that the pads are really sh*tty :/ the specs are nice though!

my pads are fine. if they ever break down i'm gonna buy a mpd16 ^^

I see the 1000 is a good setup then!

I want to thank you all for your feedback... but STILL I'm doubting between the 3k and 2kXL :/

ONE LOVE

a big advantage of the 3000 are it's 4 midi outputs, that means you can control twice as much midi equipment with it as with the 2kxl but apart from that the 2kxl has a much lower price and more features. so buy the 2kxl or a 1000