Giraffe Dung

I'd go with Maschine myself, or if I wanted to do everything in the box I'd bite the bullet and cough up for an mv8800. They should have gotten a professional designer in as well, it looks like a kids toy. I like the battery powered aspect though, hopefully Roland or Akai will come out with something completely cable free soon.

Also, you've been able to record into Ableton Live since at least v4. I think you've always been able to since v1.

What's the model? There's a chance there's a switchable line/mic setting in the settings. Mic inputs are crap compared to line, because they're not designed to be capable of the full frequency range, and they're also preamped- which distorts line level stuff. If you're not concerned about quality and just want something that works, you'll find a 'usb2 audio interface' on ebay for a fiver. One of those from Hong Kong style deals. It won't be much cop but it'll work...

Does your soundcard control panel let you choose what you're recording? If so make sure it's just on the input, not 'what u hear' or similar.

Use line in not mic in. Make sure your gain level is set correctly on the mixer and the soundcard input. It should be absolutely fine.

The Diablos are alright, nothing special tracking or sound quality wise but I'd say better than the 505 and the standard Ortofon Concord and if you've no headshells they're probably the best value you can get...

ladies and gentlemen please join us again in six months when foly discovers that the royal family are lizards and the new world order is upon us...

How did you not get disqualified for using such an obvious sample?! Liked the track though mate

It's just for the calendar events

I have an NGU crew vinyl somewhere from 2004 and it's AWFUL. I can't remember why I bought it. Actually I think I can, I think I thought that the track with Apocraphe sounded okay in the shop... *shudders*

dirk more or less sums it up perfectly... a 2000xl is a bit frustrating to use because it's so slowwwwww, but aesthetically and ergonomically it wees all over the 1000. The 1000 however is much better value in terms of what it can actually do, especially with the jjos. £350's not a bad price for a 2000xl, it should have 32mb ram though- and ideally compact flash too. An extra ton should get you a black 1000 though. A year ago I'd have said spend a bit more on a 2500 but you'll be lucky to find one that cheap now. If the money's a concern, I would say it would be better spent going towards a 1000. If you've just got £350 burning a hole in your pocket, go for it. It's fun. That said, try for £300 if you can...

zehr gut

99% of loopers are awful. I just use Wrekkstylz Variety Pack Looper 1&2 & Cold Cut Combo 5, which are just collections of well known (read: decent) beats, and usually I have a favourite looper on the go that'll have a loop or two that catches my attention for a few days. The Dirty Deeds 2 looper has just come out and it's an effing work of art. Definitely download it. Lots (and lots and lots) of very good original beats, the quality control's actually quite high, and the artwork is just . The samples are overkill though, especially as they can't be triggered by keys. Takes ages to load on my computer.

"I'm a lyricist, slash producer, and I've got guns so don't think I won't shoot ya-" *turns off* beat sounds nice and laid back though

yourlooper.com