Here's the deal guys. I'm an aspiring, beginner "music maker" (rap,hip-hop, pop, light-dance type stuff) and I'm looking for the best machine to fit my style. Before I go any further, I should say that I'm looking to spend $500.00 or less but if I find an INCREDIBLE deal on something I think I can go as high as $600.00 (if absolute need be)! Anyway, I've recently purchased a used VS-880EX and I'm looking for something on which to create my music. Originally I was focusing my search on drum machines but now I realize that I may need something more "well-rounded" (in terms of variety of sounds) I think I've disregarded the BOSS DR-202 and the ROLAND MC-303 and have somewhat norrowed my search down to one of these... YAMAHA DJX, RM1x, ROLAND MC-307, XP-30, JX-305 or JV-50. (all used of course and some, like the MC-307, the XP-30 and the JX-305 I might as well scratch off the list as they're most likely out of my price range)
Being a beginner though, I'm not sure exactly what I need. However, I'm assuming I need a workstation instead of strictly a synth because I need an onboard sequencer? (which I have no idea how to use nor do I have any idea how to program a beat or even what MIDI is!) Anyway, as you can tell I've got a LONG way to go but nonetheless I'm extremely determined to find the right machine and ultimately create some amazing songs! Anyway, I won't take up anymore of your time but any possible advice would be incredibly appreciated. Once again, I apologize for writing so much, thanks so very much in advance and take care everyone!!
ollie
o.jolis@worldnet.att.net

I think the mc-303 would be a good start. Either way you look at it there's not one machine out there for $500 thats going to give you everything you need. I just messed around with the MC-307 and it reminded me of the MC-303. Not knowing what midi is a pretty big problem yo should go get a book and read up because your going to need to know it once you start getting deeper into production. Whatever you do decide to buy make sure it has a sequencer or you won't e able to do what you want.

You don't need a sequencer if you have a VS880 - you can overlay tracks on that machine. Get the sounds that you like and the beats that you need - sequencers are cheap and easy to come by.

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Uncle Dave

definitely get the jx over the 303. it has everything the 303 plus more. but the greatest advantage is that it has 61 keys. so you'll be playing a keyboard instead of pushing those little buttons. Anyhow, the guy above is right, you can just use the 880 to record. can i ask why that was your first piece of gear?

Well, if you want a good MIDI controller keyboard with 61 touch sensitive keys, on board sequencer, sampler, real time effects, and even a damn ribbon controller...all for under 500 bucks,
your best bet is probably the Yamaha DJX. It has virtually everything and is something pretty good to start out with. If you still have cash get an RM1X sequencer (16 Tracks) to hook up to it, because as you get better you may find the DJX onboard sequencer (6 tracks only) a bit lacking.

JX-305, MC-307, and MC-505 are all out of your price range, and you can do *almost* everything those roland instruments can do with just the DJX.

Disregard it's cheesy appearance and the onboard speakers (which are really not that damn bad...save you the cost of an amp), just get it, and start having alot of fun.