I think your asking one question but getting lots of different answers. The key is to look at WHO YOU ARE. It seems your a novice/beginner (with no disrespect intended my dude) when it comes to the MPC. You say you have used FruityLoops (tight program, but really a borderline joke when it comes to protools, reason, logic, digitalperforma, etc.). You also make it clear your not going into HIP HOP as a career path. So, it sounds like your having fun, letting it see where it takes you. Tight!!! Couldn't give you better advice than to get off of Fruity Loops and get an MPC. Here's the deal, the MPC 3000 is more of a "collector's item" than "powerful drum machine". Don't get it twisted, the 3000 is/was/will always be what it is. Its kinda hard to explain, but its like an old chevy. There nothing like a carb, 3 on the tree, rear wheel drive, the whole nine. But you wouldn't go buy an old classic car, because they aren't practical for daily driving. Same deal with the MPC 3000, its a classic machine that WILL NEVER BE DUPLICATED, but since then, there have been advancements. However, you still see old farts driving there classic chevies everywhere, even though gas is almost $5.00 a gallon. There is nothing to replace the feel of the machine you learned to make beats on, and for alot of producer's the classic feel is THE SOLE REASON they prefer the 3000. If anyone out there see's it different, please chime in and speak. Back to YOU, though. I would recommend getting the MPC 2000, not the 2000XL OR 3000, or 1000. Here is why, and again, ladies and gentlemen, please give us your feedback----------If you just want to LEARN HOW TO USE an MPC, the 2000 is going to do that, without spending the extra money that you would on a 2000XL. At your stage, you may or may not like making tracks on a drum machine!!! There is no reason to pay for a 3000, because that is overpriced do to its "sentimental value" lol. The 2000XL would be my advice for you, but I don't get the feeling that you would immediately benefit from the OPTIONS that the 2000XL has added to it. I would say get a 1000, but I have TRIED to get comfy on it, and I just couldn't. I hear this from alot of MPC users, that it was just A LITTLE WEIRD. I think that the MPC 2000 is very cheap these days, between $300-$500 usually. The MPC 2000 will get you in the game, without having to spend $700-$1200 for what you may need later. And, it will always hold its value, so just make sure you get a good deal. You can always resell it for what you paid (if not more, Danielsan!!!) and then GO and BUY an MPC 2000XL if you decide to become the next Timbaland or Dr. Dre. Good luck and feel free to holla-------
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Peace
