Just got my mpc live 2, first steps into mpc land. I have a feeling I will be a regular viewer of your channel. Really fantastic explanation and walk through, thankyou so much.
I LOVE these beginner's guides. I have owned a Live for a few weeks now, but really haven't gotten a good idea of how to do a good workflow yet, but working on it. But these videos are awesome for their completeness and clarity. Thank you for doing them.
Can you please do a video covering " From BPM" and Match. No one seems to know how to properly use this feature and NO ONE covers it! Thank you! Subbed! 3 channels! @@TUBEDIGGA
Just got my MPC Live and I've been watching your tutorials...probably the most informative on RUclips. One thing I wanted to point out to those who are new to sampling (as it pertains to melodic instruments), the glaring short coming of the MPC Lives Key Group/Program set up, is that the Key Groups are divided ONLY by note range, with no option to divide them by velocity. In a true "multi-sampled instrument" (think of NI Kontact or an Akai Z8s grand piano for example) you would have multiple samples (more than four) to cover the various strengths of playing the instrument. MPC Live/X only gives us four sample layers to achieve this. If the Key Group could utilize velocity and note range as means to divide up and perform samples, then we would have a truely formidable sampler. Anyone familiar with Chicken Systems "Translator" software knows what I am talking about. The same principal actually goes for drum programs as well, but there is a work around. You can mute group A1 to B1-H1, A2 to B2-H2 etc together and divide which pad group is played via velocity. Use that in conjunction with the four sample layers per pad, you could have a responsive acoustic drum kit, fit for a triggered drum set....assuming "realism" is your thing.
Thank you for all your hardwork and intuitive videos! Ive learned alot since ive been watching your videos. God bless and keep up the great lessons my friend👍
A very detailed clear explanation of the MPC interface regarding a specific feature called key groups . It is a well done training video. I think it would have helped to show the outcome of all the settings you reviewed---an example of a key group instrument being played etc. Shows the sounds, etc.
It's clear that you have developed clout by adding much value through these videos. I agree with you nearly point-by-point as you have variously extolled the virtues, and limitations, of the MPC Live. Now that Akai is rolling out updates and I think they "listen" (some), and in light of your aforementioned notoriety, have you considered a video "wishlist" of realistic updates you'd like to see? I think it could be leverage. Plus, would just like to hear a distillation of your thoughts on how to make it better (through work flow, features, not so much hardware updates). Regardless, thank you as always. - Scott
Thanks Scott, it’s a good idea for a video and I think I will make it soon. I’ve refrained from expressing my wish list as many others bombard Akai with these requests, but they do need to be communicated. I cant guarantee I have enough ‘clout’ as you say to speed the process up, but let’s see.
+TUBE DIGGA yes, but I think while others bombard them (I am on the forums), your endorsement and critique is more measured - that is to say without vitriol I see so much in the forums. Something about winning flies with honey rather than vinegar... Best!
I have been provided, say, 5-10 WAV samples each of which go up the scale from one point to another, but they aren't labeled what Note they are to be assigned. I have to figure out what the note of each of the samples to best create a Keygroup Program from them. Thanks for the rest of this, which will come in handy once I figure that part out...
i Signed on your channel, many thanks for your videos. I have a problem i am using keygroup but i'd like to play my sample assigned to force pad witj akai keyboard how can i do this?
Newbie question: I have tried multiple times to create a multi sample keygroup. I understand how to assign each note to each keygroup(in my case 15 individual keygroups) but when I go to assign a sample to a pad the pad skips to a different keygroup. For instance, I assign sample to keygroup one and then touch the next pad to assign sample two and the keygroup jumps to 3? Any ideas where I might be messing up? Thanks for any feedback.
Hey fam, anyone know if I can apply the same ADSR amp envelope too the entire keygroup program when I have five samples for one keygroup? Even when I select all, it only makes the and envelope the same for that one group of notes in the keygroup of the keygroup program???
tube digger is there not faster way , im trying to make programs in mpc one so i can just throw it in the akai s5000 , the keygroup is the same ive noticed
Trying out the keygroup function, but Im having trouble making the sample sound good after playing a sequence made in the track editor. Sounds like a badly tuned imstrument or like the musician is not hitting the right note. Any idea what im doing wrong? Tried turning off all filers and effects....
Awesome man . . .watching all the way from Mozambique (just watch John english there is part from his movie where he speaks about a mission in Mozambique kakakaka)
I don’t understand how to keep/apply the looping settings I made in the Sample Edit page to a keygroup. I’m trying to resample a synth, and need the 0snap looping to get it perfect and seamless. It seems like once I make the keygroup, those sample settings disappear and the limited keygroup sample edit settings are the only that apply.
HI Andrew, unfortunately the crossfade looping isn't as perfect as it should be, and also you can only choose a forwards loop type for the crossfade loop to work - so choosing the ping pong type (which in general is better for smoother loops) will disable crossfading. If you still need more advice on things like this I offer Zoom lessons and tech support, my email address is int he description if you're interested.
@@TUBEDIGGA I had actually accidentally assigned the sample to a pad before applying any loops/edits on the Sample Edit page. So my loops weren't showing up. Fixed the whole issue, thank you though!!!
Is there anyway to change the delay timing? When I switch the tempo, it throws the delay timing off for that tempo, and I cannot find a way to get the delay timing to match, because I can't find any delay setting or something like it to change the delay of the sound? Please, anybody?...SBN RESONATE
It depends on what delay you’re using - I can’t remember what delay I used in this video if that’s what you’re referring to but regardless, it needs to be a sync’d delay. There’s a few in MPC like the Air Delay and the Delay Tape Sync that can be sync’d to the sequence bpm at different time divisions. However, you’ll always initially get timing issues if you change tempo, for example when switching from one sequence to the next. The delay needs to catch up to match the change in tempo as it trails off from the previous sequence.
I can’t remember if they fixed this (if not it is because of the way keygroups work and span multiple pads), but you previously couldn’t load a sample from the browser straight on to a pad as you can with a drum program. I think you have to load a sample in to memory then go the program editor and assign the sample from the SAMPLES page in the editor for the keygroup program
Coming as an S5K user, I wanted to make damn sure it had basic sampler capability. Appreciated Sir. My question though, is this: Can you trigger different samples for one key based on velocity, as you can with the S series? E.g. say I want to record/play a pennywhistle with different expressions for each note based on velocity... can it be done? If so, I am sold... you could do at least 3 layers on the S5/6k this way.
@@TUBEDIGGA i was trying this at the the same program. I want to adjust the same autosampled keygroup to different volumes, fx... Etc... Like using multiple instances for the same plugin without changing program
Does anybody know why my insert effects are not working with my keygroup sound? They are on and I am turning the send up and down, and there not doing anything?...SBN RESONATE
Are the effects placed/inserted on a RETURN? If not, the sends wont do anything. Sends 'send' a portion of the particular program or pad to a RETURN and 'return' the effected sound back into the signal path.
hi, when you create a multisample instrument you have multiple zones. Each zone has its own filter. How do you automate the filter of all key groups with one qlink ?
You can't. Each keygroup within a keygroup program has it's own individual filer so they can respond to things like velocity/pressure etc, which is good when playing them via a midi keyboard for example. Automating them all simultaneously is not an option. It's the same with pads in drum programs.. The work around is to add a filter as an insert effect on to the entire program, and using a qlink to control the cutoff etc.
@@TUBEDIGGA Thank you for the confirmation, yeah i know the workaround, but that wont do the job if you like to modulate the filter envelope amount sind an insert has no envelope:)
@@TUBEDIGGA This is a bummer. Sometimes the keyzones are all a part of a single multisampled synth obviously. The Live is SOOOO so great at creaiting virtual instruments out of multisamples, but editing is truly way too tedious IMO
Dude, do you offer lessons via skype or something? Your vids are way better than Akai's but I sometimes get thrown off by missing a step or not understanding a core concept. I'd be more than happy to pay for some real time guidance.
Charles Cowper You would just have to tune the sample by ear to match it to a particular key. Pad 13 in pad bank D is middle C so I’d use that as the reference point
Hello TD! I understand the chromatic side of the concept for keygroup program. But I still don't see why i should add more than 1 KG. Could you explain me please ?
There's a few different reasons why you might want to have more than one. One reason is if you want yet another way to set up a drum kit. Another is if you have a full range midi controller, and you want to assign one voice to the bass range and a second voice for the lead range. Yet another is to preserve the detail of timbre as the voice samples are pitched; the further a sample is pitched away from its key note, the more the sound quality drops.
Yes - but it depends what you mean by whole keygroup. A keygroup program contains up to 128 keygroups. The basic way to use a keygroup program is to use one sample like a string sample which would be spread across the entire range of notes - and of course you can use the AMP envelope for that and any additional keygroups you wish to add. If you’re using the keygroup program as a multi sample instrument (multiple keygroups with different pitches samples to emulate a real piano for example), you can select ALL from the top of the master page of the program editor. You can now edit a particular parameter (the amp envelope) and ALL keygroups will be affected. In either case ALL is how you change all keygroups simultaneously.
@@TUBEDIGGA I guess, I mean that I've sampled multiple notes of a synth and want to set a 'master envelope' for the whole program. i.e So all the pads behave the same way.
Buka Glasna Slices can be used in keygroups but not automatically. Chop programs are by default drum programs basically. So you have to add a slice to each keygroup manually but it’s worth the effort as you can do some interesting things. I have a video coming up which covers exactly this thing. I did a live video of this subject last year but deleted it as the audio was sub-standard.
321gogogogo There’s no such thing as a drum track. You have tracks which you assign different types of programs to. Drum programs are best used for drum samples, sound effects and anything else and the pads are essentially individual in the sense they aren’t mapped chromatically from the lowest note up to the highest. Whereas Keygroup programs map samples chromatically. You can use any sample in either but they are suited to different types of content.
Thanks for the reply, this is a different workflow than Maschine and it's going to take me a bit of work. Really loving the pads, and portability and despite the crashes I love the unit!
I’m an old groove box user old Roland’s and Korgs. Am considering a live, love the portability aspect, but would love to have the CVs that the x has... would be good if Akai could work together with soft synth developers with some type of plugin format that could be built into the x or live
There’s no physical limitations in my opinion, the additional outputs are perfect. It would be nice to have maybe 8 Qlink knobs but 4 has not held me back. I don’t rely on audio tracks so 8 is overkill for me personally.
dude call Akai. your vids are better then the info on Akai's website.
Just got my mpc live 2, first steps into mpc land. I have a feeling I will be a regular viewer of your channel. Really fantastic explanation and walk through, thankyou so much.
I LOVE these beginner's guides. I have owned a Live for a few weeks now, but really haven't gotten a good idea of how to do a good workflow yet, but working on it. But these videos are awesome for their completeness and clarity. Thank you for doing them.
You're welcome!
Can you please do a video covering " From BPM" and Match. No one seems to know how to properly use this feature and NO ONE covers it! Thank you! Subbed! 3 channels! @@TUBEDIGGA
Key groups are quite laborious on the MPC live :( Wish there was an automap by root key option.
You do the best, clearest and most simplified tutorials on RUclips!
👊👍⚡️
Just got my MPC Live and I've been watching your tutorials...probably the most informative on RUclips. One thing I wanted to point out to those who are new to sampling (as it pertains to melodic instruments), the glaring short coming of the MPC Lives Key Group/Program set up, is that the Key Groups are divided ONLY by note range, with no option to divide them by velocity. In a true "multi-sampled instrument" (think of NI Kontact or an Akai Z8s grand piano for example) you would have multiple samples (more than four) to cover the various strengths of playing the instrument. MPC Live/X only gives us four sample layers to achieve this. If the Key Group could utilize velocity and note range as means to divide up and perform samples, then we would have a truely formidable sampler. Anyone familiar with Chicken Systems "Translator" software knows what I am talking about.
The same principal actually goes for drum programs as well, but there is a work around. You can mute group A1 to B1-H1, A2 to B2-H2 etc together and divide which pad group is played via velocity. Use that in conjunction with the four sample layers per pad, you could have a responsive acoustic drum kit, fit for a triggered drum set....assuming "realism" is your thing.
Your vids are very useful and straight to the point without the bullshit, keep it up thanks!
Thank you for all your hardwork and intuitive videos! Ive learned alot since ive been watching your videos. God bless and keep up the great lessons my friend👍
perry pecoul Thanks Perry, peace X
A very detailed clear explanation of the MPC interface regarding a specific feature called key groups . It is a well done training video. I think it would have helped to show the outcome of all the settings you reviewed---an example of a key group instrument being played etc. Shows the sounds, etc.
This vid helped me out a ton, thanks 🙌🏾
It's clear that you have developed clout by adding much value through these videos. I agree with you nearly point-by-point as you have variously extolled the virtues, and limitations, of the MPC Live. Now that Akai is rolling out updates and I think they "listen" (some), and in light of your aforementioned notoriety, have you considered a video "wishlist" of realistic updates you'd like to see? I think it could be leverage. Plus, would just like to hear a distillation of your thoughts on how to make it better (through work flow, features, not so much hardware updates). Regardless, thank you as always. - Scott
Thanks Scott, it’s a good idea for a video and I think I will make it soon. I’ve refrained from expressing my wish list as many others bombard Akai with these requests, but they do need to be communicated. I cant guarantee I have enough ‘clout’ as you say to speed the process up, but let’s see.
+TUBE DIGGA yes, but I think while others bombard them (I am on the forums), your endorsement and critique is more measured - that is to say without vitriol I see so much in the forums. Something about winning flies with honey rather than vinegar... Best!
BELIEVE ME......Akai is watching and they WILL listen to what YOU have to say! They look at views of their products as future SALES. Work with them!
Thanks for posting these vids👏 recently just bought an mpcx and these are helping loads👊🏼
I have been provided, say, 5-10 WAV samples each of which go up the scale from one point to another, but they aren't labeled what Note they are to be assigned. I have to figure out what the note of each of the samples to best create a Keygroup Program from them. Thanks for the rest of this, which will come in handy once I figure that part out...
Oh wait at 12:15 you pretty much show where that root note can be found. That is if MPC is good about detection with accuracy. Sweet. Now I can start.
Really having a hard time figuring out octaves for my 808s. Coming from maschine I would just click keyboard mode and it was simple.
i Signed on your channel, many thanks for your videos. I have a problem i am using keygroup but i'd like to play my sample assigned to force pad witj akai keyboard how can i do this?
Another great upload!!! Thanx u so much!!! :-)
Newbie question: I have tried multiple times to create a multi sample keygroup. I understand how to assign each note to each keygroup(in my case 15 individual keygroups) but when I go to assign a sample to a pad the pad skips to a different keygroup. For instance, I assign sample to keygroup one and then touch the next pad to assign sample two and the keygroup jumps to 3?
Any ideas where I might be messing up?
Thanks for any feedback.
Hey fam, anyone know if I can apply the same ADSR amp envelope too the entire keygroup program when I have five samples for one keygroup? Even when I select all, it only makes the and envelope the same for that one group of notes in the keygroup of the keygroup program???
but how do you set the root note for one note
tube digger is there not faster way , im trying to make programs in mpc one so i can just throw it in the akai s5000 , the keygroup is the same ive noticed
If I have a midi keyboard hooked up to my live, I won’t need to use the key group function, yes or no?
TD you are the best! I wish you nothing but props homie!
Thanks for this! Really helped me understand keygroups.
Trying out the keygroup function, but Im having trouble making the sample sound good after playing a sequence made in the track editor. Sounds like a badly tuned imstrument or like the musician is not hitting the right note. Any idea what im doing wrong? Tried turning off all filers and effects....
No idea from your description, you’ll have to provide more details, what sample, what keygroup program etc.
Thank You. This is product is in high demand!
how to record internal low pass filter on the keygroup???
Awesome man . . .watching all the way from Mozambique (just watch John english there is part from his movie where he speaks about a mission in Mozambique kakakaka)
I don’t understand how to keep/apply the looping settings I made in the Sample Edit page to a keygroup. I’m trying to resample a synth, and need the 0snap looping to get it perfect and seamless. It seems like once I make the keygroup, those sample settings disappear and the limited keygroup sample edit settings are the only that apply.
HI Andrew, unfortunately the crossfade looping isn't as perfect as it should be, and also you can only choose a forwards loop type for the crossfade loop to work - so choosing the ping pong type (which in general is better for smoother loops) will disable crossfading. If you still need more advice on things like this I offer Zoom lessons and tech support, my email address is int he description if you're interested.
@@TUBEDIGGA I had actually accidentally assigned the sample to a pad before applying any loops/edits on the Sample Edit page. So my loops weren't showing up. Fixed the whole issue, thank you though!!!
Is there anyway to change the delay timing? When I switch the tempo, it throws the delay timing off for that tempo, and I cannot find a way to get the delay timing to match, because I can't find any delay setting or something like it to change the delay of the sound? Please, anybody?...SBN RESONATE
It depends on what delay you’re using - I can’t remember what delay I used in this video if that’s what you’re referring to but regardless, it needs to be a sync’d delay. There’s a few in MPC like the Air Delay and the Delay Tape Sync that can be sync’d to the sequence bpm at different time divisions. However, you’ll always initially get timing issues if you change tempo, for example when switching from one sequence to the next. The delay needs to catch up to match the change in tempo as it trails off from the previous sequence.
Priceless..thanks!
how do you load a sample to the keygroup to actually play ?
I can’t remember if they fixed this (if not it is because of the way keygroups work and span multiple pads), but you previously couldn’t load a sample from the browser straight on to a pad as you can with a drum program. I think you have to load a sample in to memory then go the program editor and assign the sample from the SAMPLES page in the editor for the keygroup program
Coming as an S5K user, I wanted to make damn sure it had basic sampler capability. Appreciated Sir. My question though, is this: Can you trigger different samples for one key based on velocity, as you can with the S series? E.g. say I want to record/play a pennywhistle with different expressions for each note based on velocity... can it be done? If so, I am sold... you could do at least 3 layers on the S5/6k this way.
Yes you can set velocity sensitivity for 4 layers per pad
@@TUBEDIGGA excited to get one in my hands. i fly home monday, should be waiting for me at the post office XD
Is there a way of mixing at different volumes same duplicated keygroup? Diferent fx...etc...
Great channel!
Yes, all programs and their respective parameters are independent from one another
@@TUBEDIGGA i was trying this at the the same program. I want to adjust the same autosampled keygroup to different volumes, fx... Etc... Like using multiple instances for the same plugin without changing program
Does anybody know why my insert effects are not working with my keygroup sound? They are on and I am turning the send up and down, and there not doing anything?...SBN RESONATE
Are the effects placed/inserted on a RETURN? If not, the sends wont do anything. Sends 'send' a portion of the particular program or pad to a RETURN and 'return' the effected sound back into the signal path.
hi, when you create a multisample instrument you have multiple zones. Each zone has its own filter. How do you automate the filter of all key groups with one qlink ?
You can't. Each keygroup within a keygroup program has it's own individual filer so they can respond to things like velocity/pressure etc, which is good when playing them via a midi keyboard for example. Automating them all simultaneously is not an option. It's the same with pads in drum programs.. The work around is to add a filter as an insert effect on to the entire program, and using a qlink to control the cutoff etc.
@@TUBEDIGGA Thank you for the confirmation, yeah i know the workaround, but that wont do the job if you like to modulate the filter envelope amount sind an insert has no envelope:)
@@TUBEDIGGA This is a bummer. Sometimes the keyzones are all a part of a single multisampled synth obviously. The Live is SOOOO so great at creaiting virtual instruments out of multisamples, but editing is truly way too tedious IMO
Dude, do you offer lessons via skype or something? Your vids are way better than Akai's but I sometimes get thrown off by missing a step or not understanding a core concept. I'd be more than happy to pay for some real time guidance.
Monsta Munch Yes, please email me tubedigga@gmail.com
A bit of a bummer that it cannot read a directory with multisamples and automatically make a keygroup of it
Hi how do you specify the original key for the pitch of the sample? thanks.
Charles Cowper You would just have to tune the sample by ear to match it to a particular key. Pad 13 in pad bank D is middle C so I’d use that as the reference point
@@TUBEDIGGA Cheers!
Hello TD! I understand the chromatic side of the concept for keygroup program. But I still don't see why i should add more than 1 KG. Could you explain me please ?
There's a few different reasons why you might want to have more than one. One reason is if you want yet another way to set up a drum kit. Another is if you have a full range midi controller, and you want to assign one voice to the bass range and a second voice for the lead range. Yet another is to preserve the detail of timbre as the voice samples are pitched; the further a sample is pitched away from its key note, the more the sound quality drops.
Really useful as ever. Is there any way to set an envelope for the whole key group?
Yes - but it depends what you mean by whole keygroup. A keygroup program contains up to 128 keygroups. The basic way to use a keygroup program is to use one sample like a string sample which would be spread across the entire range of notes - and of course you can use the AMP envelope for that and any additional keygroups you wish to add. If you’re using the keygroup program as a multi sample instrument (multiple keygroups with different pitches samples to emulate a real piano for example), you can select ALL from the top of the master page of the program editor. You can now edit a particular parameter (the amp envelope) and ALL keygroups will be affected. In either case ALL is how you change all keygroups simultaneously.
@@TUBEDIGGA I guess, I mean that I've sampled multiple notes of a synth and want to set a 'master envelope' for the whole program. i.e So all the pads behave the same way.
@@myblueextremes1526 Like I said, select ALL on the master page of the keygroup program editor and you can modify all keygroups simultaneously
@@TUBEDIGGA Ah right, got it. Thank you!
Can you enable note on in keygroup programs
Yes, that is the default pad play mode for keygroups anyway.
Can the slices be put to keygroups automaticaly and saved as a keygroup program? Thanx
Buka Glasna Slices can be used in keygroups but not automatically. Chop programs are by default drum programs basically. So you have to add a slice to each keygroup manually but it’s worth the effort as you can do some interesting things. I have a video coming up which covers exactly this thing. I did a live video of this subject last year but deleted it as the audio was sub-standard.
Buka Glasna And yes, you can save the keygroup program for later use
Would someone explain why we don't just load the samples into a drum track?
321gogogogo There’s no such thing as a drum track. You have tracks which you assign different types of programs to. Drum programs are best used for drum samples, sound effects and anything else and the pads are essentially individual in the sense they aren’t mapped chromatically from the lowest note up to the highest. Whereas Keygroup programs map samples chromatically. You can use any sample in either but they are suited to different types of content.
Thanks for the reply, this is a different workflow than Maschine and it's going to take me a bit of work. Really loving the pads, and portability and despite the crashes I love the unit!
Update the firmware
I recorded musical tracks in a chromatic scale using key groups on an mpc one. When I export it it turns it into noise
Thank you
Why you selling your live ?
To get the X so I can cover all aspects of both machines
I’m an old groove box user old Roland’s and Korgs. Am considering a live, love the portability aspect, but would love to have the CVs that the x has... would be good if Akai could work together with soft synth developers with some type of plugin format that could be built into the x or live
So what’s the physical limitations of the live ? You can only have 8 audio tracks ?
There’s no physical limitations in my opinion, the additional outputs are perfect. It would be nice to have maybe 8 Qlink knobs but 4 has not held me back. I don’t rely on audio tracks so 8 is overkill for me personally.