500 vs 1000

I'm trying to decide between the 2 and I want to get an idea of what the differences are? Aside from the # of pads, portability, and price, what features are missing from the 500 that the 1000 has? My main need is for a sequencer to use to record my synthesizer into using midi and use the sounds from my synth. I would also like to be able to record some guitars into it, can both do this? Are any essential sample features missing from the 500? I can do without the luxury features like autochop and the extra 4 pads of the 1000, but I want to make sure that none of the necessary sample editing features are missing from the 500. I also don't need the portability of the 500. My only interest in the 500 is that maybe I can get what I need out of it and save a few hundred at the same time. But, I have no problem spending a little extra in that price range to get everything I need. So, can some of you mpc experts help me out with my decision, and give me some idea of what both can do based on my needs? Thanks

I also don't need the portability of the 500

that settles it
you're not gonna save much money buying the 500 as opposed to a used 1k

Thanks Antonym,

I'm new to mpc's, is that the main reason for getting the 500? Based on my needs, will it still satisify what I'm looking to do? I'm going to buy it new, whichever one, so I can return it if I'm unhappy. Can I record sounds from my synth into the 500 with midi as well as live guitars?

Antonym,

I also wanted to make sure my synth keyboard will sync up w/ whichever mpc I end up getting. I know a lot of ppl today are using newer model synths like the triton, fantom, motif, but I'm planning on using an Alesis QS8 thats 11 yrs old. When setting master/slave, is that a setting my keyboard needs to have, or is that all done in the mpc? Because I don't believe my keyboard has those settings, though it does have midi.

I started out on a 500. I just picked up my 1k last night.

The 500 was a great first MPC. But I was unprepared for how much easier it is to work on the 1000. Everything is faster.

I am using the old Akai OS too... after getting somewhat familiar with this one I am going to load the JJ OS.

That said I will get another 500. Probably when the used price starts dipping down to 300 bucks or so. It shouldn't be too far off... I saw a used 500 at GC go for 400 bucks.

jk81: as you get to know your mpc, your needs will evolve. you'll start thinking "man, i wish i could do THIS or THIS that X machine does."
this quote from the post above makes a lot of sense:

The 500 was a great first MPC. But I was unprepared for how much easier it is to work on the 1000. Everything is faster.

from my perspective, this is the serious problem with the 500.

portability: the 500 is about 3x as portable as the mpc1000, which is in turn 3x more portable than other mpcs due to its laptop size. difference: power outlet. fortunately, i've never really run across a time when i was unable to power my mpc1000. granted, i can't climb a tree and make beats, but i do take it with me wherever i go, daily.

as for the keyboard, i don't know the model but you probably shouldn't have any problems. if it sends midi signals, you're good to go.

Check your keyboards spec, if its syncable it should be via midi clock, which the mpc provides

fortunately, i've never really run across a time when i was unable to power my mpc1000. granted, i can't climb a tree and make beats, but i do take it with me wherever i go, daily.

lmao at the image of some kid in a tree making beats, lol.

Thanks, I think I am going with the mpc1000 as long as my keyboard will sync.

How is sample editing different on a mpc than on software, such as ableton live 6, where you seem to be able to chop down to almost every single note.

i chop down to literally every single note on the mpc1000 every time.
every note, every time.