I bought an ASR-X Pro about a year ago thinking it would be a worthy & much cheaper alternative to paying out big bucks for an MPC3000. I was DEAD WRONG. It was honestly the worst gear purchase/mistake I have ever made and I ended up selling it 2 months later along with some other gear to buy an MP...

I know, I know, you didn't want to, and you felt bad doing it. But has anyone ever tossed a synth or drum machine?

I just threw away my Casio Rz1, because 4 pads were done, and a couple outputs were janky as h**l.

Damn, thats awesome. I had to beg for my pops to get me a Yamaha DJX for xmas when I was growing up. haha

Your son will love the keyboards you got him.

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate you taking a listen.

I know you guys are not fans of hip hop much, but here is a new album my group and I just released. Mostly sample-based 90's type stuff, except for last rack feat. percee P. Which is original all synth. You can tell I recorded live because of all the filter modulation. haha. http://jimspoolroom.band...

I dont know why you guys are complaining, you do know it does come with D-Beam right!!! haha

Just by the name, and info here
http://www.trademarkia.com/monotribe-85172421.html

I think its going to be a new electribe, with one track dedicated to analog, prob same arc /sound as monotron. Price range $400-$700. (Like any Korg product thats not flagship)

I think you are on the right path with the ION. Other ones in your price range are Access Virus B Keyboard, Roland JP8000, Korg MS2000, Novation Xstaion or Nova Keyboard. If you want a ton of bread butter sounds, I always thought the Roland XP-30 would be great if I were in a band.

If you want realistic drum sounds and dont want to buy a sampler (mpc, emu, ensoniq, etc..) I would go with a Yamaha motif rack or drum machine they made in last 10 years or so. I always thought they did the best at creating the realistic drum sets.

Interesting, I guess everyone has there preferences. Besides an MPC and older ensoniqs. I always thought Korg Sequencers, Triton & M3, were faily simple, intuitive, at least compared to Roland and Yamaha gear.

My vote goes to the CZ5000.

Space Women is a jam man, sounds real good. Lots of changups, and mixed really well. A+++ Definitely the strongest of the three you have up.

Quick 80's type Beat. All synth sounds are from Kawai K5000, Drum Sounds are Akai XR20 Samples.

I think your guys assessment is off, I have a microsampler, and can add a sample in chromatic fashion, then add a filter and mess with the sound. Bunch of diff filter types as well. You can only do one effect at a time though, which is maybe what you were referring too. You can also only sequence on...

I think it all boils down to what sounds do you want. Id suggest a Korg x50 if you just want a boatload of rompler sounds. If you want to prgram or get wacky sounds, then get a dedicated synth. Tough to program, but I love the arp on the k5000s

Good for consumers, bad for anyone hoping they would make a newer/updated sampling keyboard.

Although limited, I really like the microsampler. Its not asr10 like people expected (or wanted) but it sure beats out the Roland SP range, and its tons of fun.