New to MPC's Looking to buy one

Hey Guys, I just joined the forum. I currently have an Akai Xr-20 which barely gets the job done when It comes to beat making. I got it about 8 months ago to get my feet wet in Producing. It was a cheap buy a GuitarCenter for about $270. Unfortunately, it has no sampling abilities, limited outputs, and only onboard presets. I decided that If I was going to really get into beat producing I was going to need something better. What Im currently looking at is the MPC 500. It has 2 inputs, a USB connection, and Is portable, and you can do digit sampling. I was excited, when I saw it, but knew I going to have to save up some money. (Im only 16). I currently have an Ensoniq ESQ-1 synth, which is pretty good for basslines and such, so as far as a synth, Im covered. Couple questions I wanted to ask.
Is the MPC 500 a sufficient upgrade from the Akai XR-20? Or should I save up more money and go for MPC 1000?
Will I need a turntable to sample, or can sample anything into the inputs? (Like A CD, Or MP3)
Does anyone have any Ideas on a good setup for Jazz and Hip-Hop based stuff for under $800?
Does the MPC 500 come loaded with any samples? Or do I have to download them?
As you can see im pretty new to the MPC world, but it is pretty neat from what I've seen. I joined the forums to help guide my way to get better more sufficient equipment. Also, I got a bunch of friends who Rap, and want to buy some tracks. Thanks In Advance
Chris

Any MPC is a substantial upgrade to the XR20. The MPC 500 eliminates all the limitations you have discovered in the XR20, and in that price range it is a great device. I am a 1000 guy myself and would prob get a used MPC 1k instead of the MPC500, only because of the screen limitations of the 500.

Go to GC and play with all of them and see how they feel to you.. The 500 is a great device, but I am a believer of "getting what you pay for".. Keep doing your reseach and make sure you buy the device that you can grow with and not outgrow quickly. And if you don't plan on being extremely mobile with it, I would also check out the MPK49, if you have a computer to use a DAW with, that may get you where you want as well.

I hope this info is helpful.

Appreciate it man, I'll def. take a look at the 1000 because of the digital outs, and multiple mixer outputs also more pads, bigger screen. Also, should I pick up a turntable, so I can sample with that or should I just sample with the PC, and send them to the MPC? Also does the 1000 or 500 come with some presets so I can kinda get the feel with it? Does the pads on the 1000 feel good, or are they stiff? Also, when I chop samples can I individually assign them to Pads of my liking? Sorry about all the questions, Im just trying to get an idea. I'll def. go and check out all the MPC's out at Guitar Center, then I'll see. Appreciate it Man
Chris

mpc, esq and turntable will give you a killer set up. it's near perfect. the esq is a great synth.

till you get the turntable, you can sample from any sound source - cd, mp3, tv... and of course you can sample the esq.
you can also use usb to drag wav files from your computer to the mpc 500 and 1000.

you can download lots of samples -- nearly all the classic drum machines are in one folder (check pirate bay or any peer to peer).
do a quick search on the forums for lots and lots of links to d.loads.

as for which mpc - i have the 1000 and love it. i haven't used a 500.

Can't actually add something to with these guys said, but I still have my mpc500 stock sounds (it came with more samples then the 1000) with all the classic drummachine samples.

If anyone needs them hit the pm

Thanks Guys for all the help, Im starting to save money for 500 or 1000, then I'll pick up a USB turntable. Any other suggestions?

Vinyl. Lots and lots of vinyl. And some good speakers and/or monitors

Alright Guys. This is what im aiming for:
Akai MPC 500
USB Turntable
Shitload of Records
Cables

ChrisSousa wrote:Alright Guys. This is what im aiming for:
Akai MPC 500
USB Turntable
**** of Records
Cables

thats a good start and remember this when u get ur mpc please,please,please read the manual just a heads up and last have fun with ur ****...peace

i think you should get the 1000.. much more better than the 500.. im only 13 =]

Yeah, Im really debating between the 1000 and 500, im just really tight on money. Im trying to get my summer job back but with this economy who knows man. I will def. read the Manual at least twice, which many people fail to do and dont get 1/2 of what their equipment can really do. The main reason Im getting an MPC is that the XR-20 has not sampling abilities. An MPC without sampling abilites, is like a computer without the internet. Think about it.

One other option if money is tight would be an mpc2kxl Very cheap these days (ebay) If you were to pick up a 2000xl you would want one with the compact flash card reader to archive samples. I have the 1000 and it gets the job done. If you decide the 1000 is for you just make sure it has the upgraded pads. If not you will be on a waiting list like i am shelling out $179 The main difference between the 2000 and the 1000 is usb sample transfer and more ram with the 1000 winning in both catogories. I will say the JJOS upgrade for the 1000 turns it into a BEAST! It gives it many of the functions the mpc4000 has. mpc1k+JJOS=LOVE

faze1 wrote:One other option if money is tight would be an mpc2kxl Very cheap these days (ebay) If you were to pick up a 2000xl you would want one with the compact flash card reader to archive samples. I have the 1000 and it gets the job done. If you decide the 1000 is for you just make sure it has the upgraded pads. If not you will be on a waiting list like i am shelling out $179 The main difference between the 2000 and the 1000 is usb sample transfer and more ram with the 1000 winning in both catogories. I will say the JJOS upgrade for the 1000 turns it into a BEAST! It gives it many of the functions the mpc4000 has. mpc1k+JJOS=LOVE

^^ word up.. the 2000xl is a good option if you cant get the 1000

emphasis on a stack of good wax

im new to the whole mpc also and i bought the xl,,it was a little battered when i bought it but i got a good deal on it and now look at my avatar..i havent used any other ones so i realy cant compare but i can say i frigin love this joint,,and its been puttin out some decent stuff for a beginer,,but remember like these dudes tell ya,,read read read read read,,,if i was you i would start reading now,,,,,i have a 500 that will be here in about 4 days and i have half the manual read already,,plus its broken so i gotta fix it before i can even use it lol....