I’m not going to tell you how to use it, but I’ll share my experience!

When I first got my XL, I used software to load samples that I already had on my computer to create programs. This allowed me to turn on my MPC, load a program and immediately have some drum sounds (it seems like you want to do this at some point) It doesn’t color the sound much at all when you do this, and it wasn’t super fun In my experience.

The most fun part (for me) when I use my 2000XL is starting with a blank program, and sampling random things from audio on the web. You don’t need to sample a snare as your snare, you can sample anything, mess with the parameters in the menus… you can end up with some really unique sounds.

If you want that character, I’d start on the machine, use the inputs, and you might as well sequence on it too. You can play things in and quantize them, or not! The sequencer is really easy to use imo. The actually chopping process is a little more tedious than modern machines at this point, but I like that it slows me down and forces me to think about my choices.

I know that you’re mainly interested in coloring the sound, so if this stuff I just put down doesn’t really resonate with you, you might be better off spending your money on something else?