sampler/sequencer quandries

[Reverend Sunrise]

What's happening. I posted previously regarding synths with sequencers and was advised about the groovalicious merits of the Korg Emx-1. I could only use its onboard sounds, which I hear are pretty rad, but with some respectable bass synths at my disposal I came to the conclusion that I should get a sampler/sequencer so as to capture some their dirtiness and free my a*s up a bit while playing. The ES1-x would be the logical choice I guess, but I'm wondering about their sample storage space, and I hear that the memory cards are cumbersome in loading up. I'm also wondering how effectively I could load up pad and string samples from my polys as well in the face of polyphony and available synth parts. I checked out the MPC 1000's too, but from what I gather they aren't that live-oriented, and plus they are considerably more expensive. Basically, I don't know jack-s**t about that which I'm inquiring and I've always found members on this forum to be helpful. I've searched a lot of posts and scurried about on the net, but I would appreciate any thoughts from people who maybe have done similiar such things with their es1x's, or if there might be other suitable options. Thanks for your time.

[cartesia]

if you want to play string samples polyphonically, the ESX will not suffice. It has two monophonic sample parts that can be played on a keyboard, the rest of the parts are for drums/loops etc.

An MPC 1000 would be a good choice - you can get a 3rd party OS for it called JJ OS that adds lots of features including some oriented at live use.

Besides the MPC, it sounds like a rack sampler + a separate sequencer would be best suited to what you want. The benefit of rack samplers is they are incredibly cheap now.. akai S3000/S5000 etc. One of those + perhaps an RM1X or a Command Station to sequence it and you would be on some serious gear for perhaps half the cost of an MPC 1000

[Stab Frenzy]

MPCs are great for live use, I used to use a 1000 live, I have an ESX now and I think that while they're different machines the MPC makes a better live workhorse. You can't tweak stuff as easily live but an MPC1000 and a KP3 would be an awesome combo for powerful sampling and sequencing and tweakable live effects.

An SP-404EX could be worth looking into as well, and you could get an ESX and a 404 for the price of an MPC1000 probably. The two of them would make a great live coupling, I have them both for my new live thing.