Help choosing the right drum machine

Whats up guys. I'm brand new to the 'drum machine' world, but I've played drums for years and am opening to doors to the Acid Pro world, and it seems like a drum machine would be a great investment as well. I was first pushed in the Akai MPC direction after discovering that DJ Premier uses the MCP60-II (all you haters on this machine have just been discredited!) but in terms of someone who is a rookie w/ drum machines, yet has the potential in terms of knowing rhythms/etc. what would you reccomend model-wise?? The fact that Premier has so much success with the old 60-II says something to me, in terms of not HAVING to cop the newest, most expensive model. thoughts??

also, if i could save myself from spending 1500 that'd be nice

You could get MPC 2000XLs second hand for cheap. I would say that it's the best bang-for-your-buck that you could spend on an MPC. However, if you have the cash, the 2500 is a good machine, too. It's like an XL on steroids; more ram capacity, more midi outs, bigger lcd screen, etc. You'll have to look into it though, do your hw and don't simply take my word for it.

I doubt if there's any MPC60 haters out there!

Anyway, I agree on the 2000xl. I prefer the MCD version (or an upgraded xl). Best MPC for the cash. If you have the money to burn the 2500 is a good machine.

I use a 2500. I like the CF cards and the ability to drop samples into it from the computer.

I banged my head against the wall for a while over the 2000xl MCD and the 2500. It finally came down to the 2500 being newer tech. that's about all.

To me the screen is too small on the 500, the 1000's pads suck, and the 2000xl back use scsi which I wasn't really interested. I used it with all my old samplers and got rid of all the old drives etc and didn't really want to go back to that. It's not bad at all, I just wanted something that fit better into my current studio.

I'm sure the magic of a Linn MPC really makes a difference to some people, but others won't notice the difference and will think they're too limited. they're all pretty good, just for different tastes.

In the end they're all limited by the same things, if your samples suck and you have no beats, the MPC won't make you great.

However, the programming style of the MPC is much more inspirational than a computer for me anyway. better beats flow quicker.

I forgot to say, the 1000's pads suck, but it's still a much loved machine it seems. I like it a lot as far as the programming goes, but the pads will need to be replaced in 1 to 3 or so years depending on how well your unit is built and how much / hard you use it. Many people combine it with the mpd16 (I think that's the one), and it is great they say.

Anyway, I'm new to owning an MPC myself, but I've played several different ones. I think they're all great. Think about what's important to you, memory, computer inegration, price.

It seems the 2000 (not the 2000xl) is possibly the least liked for some reason. never used that one so I don't have an opinion.

the 60's a great machine but finding qualified repair techs and parts is getting harder ....

2KXL Fully loaded would be a good machine, you can do alot with it.

The fact that Premier has so much success with the old 60-II says something to me

but...no machine will make you sound like Premier or anybody else out there

co sign about the 2000xl,good choice (yeah,I probably wrote that cause I own one)

yea i know, thats not my purpose either (well, maybe set the bar that high but not steal a 'greats' sound). Its soundin like there are pros/cons for every machine its just choosing the most appropriate machine for what im lookin to do. The whole pad issue w/ the 1000 is turnin me away from that machine, and the 2000xl is lookin like a good buy but all the ones im findin new are kind high in price (and yes, im lookin for a new machine). anybody know where to find a new XL (preferably online) in the 800 price range?? (or at least cheaper than 1300)?