& you can sample this (my pitbull)

Hey. . .first post after reading forums for a while now. Your posts contain lots of good info along with some pretty frickin' funnny sarcasm.

Anyway, a question about which MPC: I want to start sampling music to make my own loops & beats. I have no delusions (nor real desire) to do this on a truly professional level. . .I just want to put the bits of music together that I hear in my head (largely for myself). .

I was thinking about getting something on the lower end of the spectrum to start like the 500 (or even a simple roland 404). I have no MPC experience so my ignorance would be bliss when it comes to not being spoiled by the better quality/features etc of the 1000 or 2500. The portability of the 500 is a nice bonus for me.

My questions:
•Will the 500 suite my needs?
•Will i be able to sample/loop songs relatively easily? (yes. I promise to read the manual before asking how)
•Is it a potential waste to start on the 500 and then get a second MPC down the road if I outgrow it?
The build quality of the pads of 1000 scares me a bit (until antonym pads are out at least) to the point i would rather eventually get a 2500.
•Does anyone here use the 500 on the basic level while also rocking the 2500?


Any insights/experiences would be helpful.

Thanks guys.

My questions:
•Will the 500 suite my needs?
Most likely.

•Will i be able to sample/loop songs relatively easily? (yes. I promise to read the manual before asking how)
yeah, sure, go get the manual now, it's free. read through it before the purchase so you can see what you are getting into.

•Is it a potential waste to start on the 500 and then get a second MPC down the road if I outgrow it?
No, lots of people outgrow gear and get bigger and better down the road.

I was thinking about getting something on the lower end of the spectrum to start like the 500 (or even a simple roland 404).

I wouldnt recomend getting a sp404 until you master a mpc.

•Is it a potential waste to start on the 500 and then get a second MPC down the road if I outgrow it?

youll probably outgrow it fast, its a very small machine

I wouldnt recomend getting a sp404 until you master a mpc.

conversely you might be like me and after learning the MPC feel too constricted within the 404. i still love the 404 though.

most bang for buck is still without a question the 1000, fully maximized...buy it used/practically trashed on ebay. look for one w/ messed up buttons/pads/data wheel and replace everything. so much money can be saved.

thanks guys for the input...

I'm gonna download the 500 manual (& probably the 1000). I'm gonna read a bit more through the forums and then hopefully get some hands on time somewhere.