My first sampler was an Akai S2000 which was a budget rack sample player. It didn't impressed me enough since my E-MU 1212m with the Reason NN-XT did the job far-far better. This was around 2004. Then I bought an MPC 1000 in 2011 and the JJOS2XL actual version to replace the annoying Akai OS. So you think, Kontakt or any other software sampler handling things better and more efficient? I bet you will change your mind when you spent a few hour with the MPC1K under JJOS2XL. Far the best and easiest hardware sampler I seen until nowadays. My enthusiasm rooted one hand because the excellent sound engine and another hand because the JJOS2XL operation system. These together makes this beast as a real warrior. It can drive 2 gears outside, and the MPC1K didn't get the terrible MIDI timing problem like the MPC5K, so it can be as precise like any other pro MIDI gear. I tried it in many ways, in the bed at evening, connected my phone's out to the input and sampled some favourite phrase from a science interview with Michio Kaku. On the stage controlling my DAW on the notebook and release some long sample. On my vacation in the hotel room creating the first impressions after an inspirative day. This gear can fit near any situation if you able to plug it. You can expand the memory to 128 MB and add a simple IDE 2.5 HDD. The CF card slot is default. If you don't use the special JJOS2XL format, the basic PGM files can be read by MPC 2500/5000 models. The sequences are compatible except the effects section. For some bad points, it has a terrible workout in physical. If you buy one as second hand, you better to look around for pad set replacement kit, and check the faders if you can!

Nothing i've used so far is as quick and easy for laying down rhythms and quick melodies. JJ OS2XL - turns it into a pretty powerful sequencer for all my synthesizers as well. I find it more efficient and tactile than using Ableton with less hassle. More fun for live performances as well. Studio in a box. Down side is the learning curve and getting around the fact that it's really 1980s tech... but using what works is what counts, not how fancy your gear is.

Great machine. RAM is a bit small, so you will probably need to upgrade it if you plan on doing some heavy duty production. Just as good as the MPC 2500 in my opinion, only more compact.

Dopest MPC. Best bang for the buck, small size and has all the good stuff the larger MPC's have. Great one as a first-MPC purchase.

This is my workhorse during my live performances. I use the JJOS2xl on it. Very stable midi in and out. Solid as a rock.

Awesome for loading samples and slicing loops. Better Days mainly uses it to play live shows with snippits, loops, and random samples we created or ripped off a movie.

Upgradeable.

Sold the 1000, the 2500 is a lot better and feels built to last longer. My 1000 has multiple issues after light use with the buttons not working.

Great 5 star feedback but it needs the jjosx2xl and then you have a bomb in your hands

Indispensable for producing hip-hop beats.

This was my first hardware device for music production and I completely regret selling it. I’ll probably end up getting another one in the future as it’s a perfect package when it comes to an MPC. Very versatile, very fun, can generate immmediate musical results.