Help Me Decide On Some Hardware

Ok, so I've decided to re-up my studio arsenal with some hardware. I know for a fact that by August, I'll have an MPC2000 or 2000XL. And I should be able to afford one more piece of equipment by then. The only problem is, what should that one other thing be?

Should I get a turntable so I can get samples? If that's the case, I'm looking at a Technics 1200 MK II.
Should I get a 8-16 channel mixer? What's one for a good price? (Around $300-$500)
Should I get a keyboard? I'm not nice with the keys yet. I'm planning on taking some piano lessons this summer and probably throughout next year. So until then, if I get a keyboard it's gonna definately be a MicroKorg. I've heard that the Neptunes uses one and I know for a fact Kane Beatz uses one and his shit is nasty.

As far as studio monitors, those are gonna have to wait. I'd love to have them but I'd rather get some more equipment first. My Logitech Z-2300's are just gonna have to do for now.

So, any suggestions on what I should go with first? Or if you have any other recommendations, please let me know.

Lol thats a very hard decision. I was thinkin of gettin the keyboard first because it stepped my music up so much since I got it. All I know is how to push keys and the notes but I never focus on what note.

Turntables I would try messin around with turntables for a while because you might get tired of it when its all a new experience and ya progress is slow on getting used to everything.

A mixer is important but not a necessity it. Could do it all wit a mouse if you hook up the MPC to a program on the pc. It speeds your work flow up tho. You would want it alot more if you not using the pc. Me personally I would get the mixer and the monitors at the same time it makes sense. You may get a good sounding mix then when you cop the monitors you might think it sounds like shit.

I'd say forget about the MPC and grab a keyboard, a drum pad(like a trigger finger or MPD), and some good monitors. But if you're set on the MPC then go ahead and cop that and a keyboard.

Nahh man, I'm definately stuck on the MPC. Fuck some lame drum pads. I'm slowly but surely tryin to get out of software. I'll still use software for things like mixing until I can get a mixer and whatever. But once I get a nice setup going, bye-bye FL.

@AllAboutMoney: Yeah man, I've never used a turntable before. I was just planning on using it to record samples into the MPC. I wasn't really tryin to start scratchin or nothing....well, not yet at least. You think it would still take a little while getting used to for just recording?

So far, y'all got me thinkin that a keyboard is the best idea. Which originally was my first thought. So I'm thinkin about coppin a MicroKorg. Any other ideas?

Nah I dont think so. I watched people do it before. You just gotta have a good ear for it and know how to push buttons fast enough when recording.

I wouldn't be so quick to get out of software... don't be drawn into all the hype about hardware.

For the Microkorg yeah it'd probably be good, the only thing I'd say is the keys on that thing aren't full size. Play with it some before you decide to get it or something else.

u better stick on that software boi lol im tellin you all tha money u gon spend on a keyboard just for sounds...shit u could get hella sounds for your software n jus get a controller. but itz on you. i think honestly id get tha monitor speaker lol :D

Haha. Nahh, that's understandable. Software is definately the way to go if you're strapped for cash. I'd never knock FL ever. It's where I started and where I am currently. But I'm really tryin to get serious on this production thing and Fruity Loops is NOT a good look. I couldn't imagine actually walkin in to work with an artist and all I got is a fuckin' laptop.

^^ shyyyt i could lol :D and i hope you know that mr. 9th wonder does that...tha buddy in ur sig lol he walkin into tha studio wit jay z and had "threat" on his laptop on "fruityloops"

my point is software is now getting to tha point where itz stupid to waste money on hardware. only reason i would is if i was way rich or i had already esablished myself as a pro producer. i would only get it if it was extra...not a necessity to me. at this point in tha game u can have a beat made wit fl, some sick soundfonts, and if your good at mixing and mastering, damnit u gotta million dollar track. fuck all tha bullshit

itz whoz behind tha creativity in tha project. tha expensive hardware will have nothing to do with how good your beat comes out

Haha....I knew somebody was gonna point that out sooner or later. Yeah, I know 9th uses only FL. He's one of my favorite producers. It's just, me personally, I couldn't do it. Honestly, I don't even have a laptop so I can't do it (LOL). I've had my heart set on some hardware for the longest time. I'm not doing it so my beats can sound better. I'm a firm believer in the music depending on the producer. I'm just tryin' to be official. And I can afford it so....:thumbup1:

oh well in that case lol see i cant afford it so i use only whatz needed to make it hot. but if u got tha bread, tha more tha merrier right? lol

If your tired of Fl why not try moving up in the software foodchain, cubase, or protools, and add some high quality vsti's, and shit. You should do a lot of reserch fore your buy a keyboard the choices are mind bogglingly vast check this thread on the Microkorg:
Alesis Micron or Korg MicroKorg ? ? ? - Future Producers

^^^

Thanks for that man. Very good read. Made me rethink alot. Honestly, I'm leaning more towards a turntable now so I can get that good, hard to find vinyl. I can't really play the keys that well (thought I plan on learning soon), so I really just wanted the MicroKorg for the sounds. And honestly, I've been reading up on that Alesis Micron for the past couple of days and should I get a keyboard, I'll probably scoop that one up instead. It's got alot of good reviews on MusiciansFriend.com and the way they were talkin about it on FutureProducers really makes me wanna use it.

Instead of spendin money on a Micron or MicroKorg, why don't u get a Korg TR, Alesis 6HD, Motif or somethin else.
Where are all ya sounds gonna come from, if u not usin a computer and plug-ins?
Or u only want synth sounds?