The rs7k IS an mpc killer. lets look at why:

the mpc=1200 the rs7000=1400.

What the rs7k gives you ABOve the mpc:

3 insert effects (none on the mpc at all)

64 instead of 32 mb of ram expandability

more intuitive lay out for live use

more knobs for more live control

master effects section (one of the most killer features i've seen on a live piece of gear in a while. bravo).

a ton generator (while not perfect, is still more than usable)

what the mpc has over the rs7k:

2 midi ins and outs (compared the the rs7k's 2 out and 2 ins)

multisampling (the rs7k allows drum maps, but not velocity switching)

velocity sensitive triger pads (the rs7k has two)

"the basics" (which i could care less about)

32 channels of midi (16 on the rs7k).

Now, for myself, the benefits of the rs7k more than kill the mpc. I don't use 32 channels of midi out of one sequencer, i use my sampling for live use so i'm not worried about velocity switching, and who needs two midi ins? The mpc was/is a piece of crap (many of my friends have them) whose only redeeming factor was the pads being able to mute/unmute tracks (and the rs7k can do more than one mute at once, where the mpc can't do that). I'm sorry, i wouldn't spend 1200 dollars on a drum machine that's lacking. for 200 bucks more i can get something MUCH more inspiring and powerful for live use. in the end, still try both machines for yourself. you might like the mpc.

To put quite simply I had the RM1X and I was looking for a sampler. I sold the RM1X and purchased the RS7000. My RS7000 does exactly what I wanted it to do (RM1X super sequencer plus decent sampling). So I am a satisfied client and I have no bugs on my RS7000.

It is a great machine if you now what you want

The RS has it weaknesses, but as some ppl said before, nothing is perfect and if you don´t mind the negative things about the RM/RS series, you´ll get a very rewarding machine. And i don´t understand, why you complain about the price. You get a hardware-sequencer with 5980 preset-phrases, 300.000 notes capacity, 1/480 ppqn resolution, a TG with 1063 tweakable sounds and 63 drumkits, two MIDI-outs, SCSI, a sampler with pitch, kit, seq+slice (like ReCycle (TM)) functionality, four effectsections, track-EQ, master-EQ with it. When i compared it with the Elektron Machinedrum, that costs $US 1100....guess what instrument gives you more bang for your money?

And 1399 is not the last word. I am sure the price will drop down to 1100 within the next few months.

If you ever wanted a hardware sequencer with a sampler that can do also pitch your samples across the keyboard and can do "ReCycle" (for Green-House....;) ) It is the right choice. If you think MPC works better for you, (or Emu MP7 or Korg Electribes or whatever) go for it. Everybody has to find the best tool that works for himself. RS won´t do it for everybody, MPC won´t do it for everybody.

It seems, when i look at the controversity about the RS, you either love it or hate it.

the only one that can decide what's best for you is yourself....go check out the RS7000 and see what it can do...personally i really love my RM1x and the RS7000 is basically an RM1x with better housing, more knobs, more effects, more and better sounds, and a very nice integrated sampler with recycle functionality.....

some people might not be able to live with the fact that you have to stop when switching betweeen record or play mode, and that you cannot hear the other tracks play while in grid mode, but personally this never was a big issue for me, i still enjoy using my rm1x

so make sure to check out the RS7000, specs-wise it kicks the MPC's ass, but maybe you like the workflow and/or interface in the MPC better..

Olaf