Elektron Musical Instruments

Hi group, I am new here & do not yet own an MD.
I am thinking about buying an MD SPS1-UW soon but
haven't been able to find one locally to play with &
try.
So I will probably just order direct if I do go for
it.

I've been a sample-based production type artist & have
used Akai MPC3000, Sequential Circuits samplers &
SP-1200's for most my music over the years.

I am now venturing more into sound design & building
my own loops using analog outboard gear & various
synths/samplers.
So I can make my stuff sound like old samples & loops
off vinyl, but it's %100 original.
As well i would still incorporate sound & samples off
vinyl in my current music, so I need something that
samples as well as generates its own sounds.

I've recently gotten into using NI's Kontakt soft
sampler & was looking at Kore as well, but am debating
going with software & leaning towards hardware like an
MD.
I was wondering how the MD SPS1-UW would hold up as a
core production tool for me.

In comparison to the MPC, can you tap out beats in the
same manner? 
Or must they all be "programmed" in step sequence /
pattern style?
Are the drum pads/switches velocity sensitive?

How does the sample engine sound, say in comparison to
an SP-1200 or classic MPC's? Is it similair, lo-fi?
From what I've read it is my understanding any samples
I want to use must be MIDI SDS dumped in, versus
sampling straight from a source, correct?
Can you edit samples within the MD itself, or must it
all be done on your PC?
I am wondering if I can use it standalone with just a
basic Dj setup & some outboard, no PC.

I do both Hiphop (old school underground sounding) and
some downtempo/dance/electronic'ish sort of stuff as
well.

Forgive me if the questions are novice, but as I
mentioned I am still debating whether the MD is right
for me, one thing for certain is it sure looks cool...

I would appreciate feedback & comments from you MD
(especially SPS1-UW) users!

Thanks!

-josh

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com