Just picked up a 500!

So right now, I'm the proud owner of three MPC's, the 2500, the XL and now the 500. I've been stumbling on great deals in the last month. Got the XL for $100 (needed a new screen and internal drive, but came with the 8 outs and 32mb ram) and I got this MPC500 for $212 (pawn shop fees). A friend gave me the ticket (if you don't know anything about pawn shops then don't worry, it was my first time also) for fixing his MPC2000, so I had to pay the above price to get the machine.
So I got home with this crazy idea that the MPC wasn't made to replace what you already have, mainly do your thing outside the studio, then bring the unit home to transfer everything to your main MPC. WRONG! This little machine is DOPE! The small screen isn't cool on any drum-machine made withing the last few years, but it's so easy to get around. After playing around with it for about 30 minutes, I'm convinced the MPC500 can do anything you really need it to do. Sample, chop, sequence. The sequences is just as tight as my MPC2500, and the pads feel pretty good also. The unit I have is a little scarred, but basically unused. I am the 3rd owner of this thing, so you know the previous owners didn't do much with it. The pads are a little stiff still, but I'll get the nice and loose in a few weeks.
All in all, I just want to let anyone know who may be wondering if the MPC500 can do what they need it to do, yes it will. These little machines are packed with enough features to get he job done. It sounds great, feels good, and very easy to adapt to.
Good job Akai/Numark!

If you use it in conjunction with a program like Recycle and REX2MPC you have no problem doing complicated chops either . . .

I have no intent on upgrading from my 500. I love the thing; especially after the last OS update.

When I was in the market for an MPC -- a 2000XL just didn't make sense. I'm hoping on A) getting one that works, B) getting one that works and won't need repairs in a year. Then, I'm going to have to get a flash card reader, 'cause it's 2008 and I'm not touching any magnetic removable media. Also, I'm hoping that whatever 2000XL I land on has an effects board -- 'cause if not, it's pretty useless to me. When I bought my 500 I got a free 128mb expansion when the 2000XL can only go up to 32.

if cream of beats is singing the praise, you know its legit.

"if cream of beats is singing the praise, you know its legit."

haha, I'm honored! really!

"Then, I'm going to have to get a flash card reader, 'cause it's 2008 and I'm not touching any magnetic removable media."

Very true, because I have the XL and I'm going through hell trying to get the card reader to work. Scsi4samplers has them, but he's asking almost $300 for the card reader, and I'm not about to pay 300 bux for a CF drive when a complete XL barely sells for $500!
I'm not sure if I'd ONLY use the MPC500, but it is a very capable machine. You can literally take the 500 and a portable turntable (no mixer/pre-amp) and make beats on ANY trip, and if you have a portable radio, this would be the ultimate mini combo.
It's been a long time since I've bought equipment, and been totally satisfied with it. Even if I paid full price for it, I'd still feel like I didn't get ripped off.

The other thing to consider is the 2000 is BIG. If you're tight on space, it's a pain. I have my 500 sitting on a small table and I move it all around without worrying about taking a tumble.

And it has a nice build about it. Feels sturdy.

I have a strange feeling that after the 500 is discontinued everyone will lust after it like the SP-303 or 404, especially if some producer claims he did an entire LP on it or something.

I have had a 500 for a couple of months and I use it with my ASR-10; I love it.
Everything I need and then some.
I sometimes use it solo too.
I do not understand the hate on this little machine.
I have used 3 MPC60s, a 2000 and a 2000XL and I'm not missing anything.
I even prefer it over the XL.

>I do not understand the hate on this little machine.

Haters are usually ppl who don't dig into it, hence don't know how to operate it properly. It's as absurd as hating guitar, because you don't know how to play it. After all, it is only an instrument. It requires skills and the right attitude.