looking to buy a groovebox

[drewwardlaw]

Hi, first post here.
I'm looking into getting a groovebox. I play in a two-man band (guitar player and bass player, and a drum machine which I control) and I would like to start adding samples to our sound for live performances. From what little I've read, it seems like a groovebox-style sampler would be my best bet for an easy-to-use, all-in-one drum machine/sampler/sequencer, which is what I'm looking for. However, there are so many options I have no idea what I should get. Here are some things I'm looking for in a machine:

-decent sequencer for creating full songs, since this will be the band's primary source of rhythm
-ability to import .wav files from my computer
-ability to sync with mid foot controller (like a behringer fcb1010)

I think that's about all I'm looking for at this point. I'm very new to electronic instruments (I've only used the alesis sr16 drum machine) so hopefully I'm asking the right questions. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be great.

[wiss]

akai mpc 1000, look around and you can find one for less than $500

[drewwardlaw]

Are the mpcs pretty easy to learn on? I'm definitely a beginner with this stuff, so I'd like something that's made for people with little or no experience with samplers, like myself.

[wiss]

very simple to learn

[N8-R]

You may want to know that, unlike "grooveboxes", the MPC usually doesn't have a preset sound / sample bank. You need to load your own, or if you're lucky, you'll find someone selling the MPC with a bunch of sample disks or a stocked hard drive (if that model does have a hard drive installed).

Still, the MPC is a great solution. Works for me, since I have all the samples that I need. I just won a 2000XL on ebay yesterday for next to nothing and I'm very excited about it.

I've also owned a 2500 and a 1000 over the past 2 years or so. Excellent machines, no matter which one you get.

[th0mas]

akai mpc 1000, look around and you can find one for less than $500

+1
You can get a memory upgrade for very cheap if you get a non-akai memory module that is compatible - you need to check against the list here: http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=26775. With 128 megs you should be able to load whatever samples, or loops or whatever you want for a set and not run into RAM constraints (unless you load entire backing tracks, then I suggest an ipod )

The MPC1000 also has a third-party OS that is far superior to the stock AKAI OS. This is called JJOS. There's 3 different versions: free, V1 paid, and V2 paid. I suggest you use the free version right away: it doesn't take anything away from the akai version and fixes some nasty bugs where in the AKAI OS your saved sets can eventually get corrupted and not load.

[bpt114]

If you would like a groovebox with immediate playing ability may I suggest the Roland MC range. This series includes more basic models like the MC-303 and MC-505 to the higher end MC-808 and MC-909. They all have built in drum and synth sounds which can be edited and sequenced into songs. I own an MC-909 and know that it can also load samples via USB and can also be expanded with one SRX series ROM card. I haven't used any of the other models mentioned but there is a ton of info available on the web for all of them. I also have an MPC1000 (with jjOS) and I find it more user friendly than the MC-909. However, the MPC is more of a blank canvas (it does have some built in drum programs) whereas the MC-909 has built in drum sounds, syth sounds, and demo sequences. Finally, the MC-909 meets all three of your requirements and can usually be found in the US $500 - $700 range.

[th0mas]

do NOT get an MC-303. Otherwise it's possible an MC would do the trick for you. but do NOT get an MC-303. It's terrible.

Unless if you were to think of your "top 448 sounds" and argue "we need dogs barking. It's definitely in the top 448."

[megamanx]

korg esx

[Dubersive]

A lot of people recommend the Yamaha RS7000 or the E-MU Command Station. Then of course there's the MPC and Korg Electribe series as mentioned above.

Really depends on what level of advanced programming you would like, as far as I can tell. I know next to nothing about the MPC's or Korgs other than what's been said here on the forum, but the RS7000 and E-MUs are often toted for the depth of their MIDI sequencing.

If you're looking for straight up approachability though, I'd go with the MPCs or Korgs, because the last two I mentioned are known for being a bit on the complicated-side.

[balma]

as far as I know he wants a sampler drum machine.

And the guy does not have experience on synthesis programming.

Get an AKAI MPC or a Roland SP....

I would not recommend A command station or a roland groovebox for these cases. Neither a RS7000 or the ESX1, since they are more for fast sound design and creation of small rythmical loops with SHORT samples, since you have to deal with memory limitations.

With an AKai MPC or an SP, you con import wavs to the samplers, create and organizate sample groups to be triggered on the fly, add effects, sample your own instrument solos, and having them ready to be played in any moment.