Adding Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheel Control If you have a MIDI control keyboard connected to your MPC, you can utilize the pitch bend and modulation wheel to add additional expressive control. In the PORTA/MOD screen, set PITCH BEND to 16 and WHEEL > LFO to 100. With a note playing, engage your pitch control on your keyboard and you can now bend all the notes in the instrument. A setting of 16 effectively gives you as maximum bend of +/2 semitones, the maximum setting of 100 gives you a complete octave of bend (+/-12 semitones). With a WHEEL>LFO setting of 0, the MPC simply modulates your sounds using the LFO settings in the LFO screen and will ignore your keyboard's mod wheel movements. But if you increase the WHEEL > LFO setting, you'll start giving up proportions of the LFO control to your mod wheel. At a setting of 100 the amount of LFO modulation is dependent entirely on how far your mod wheel is engaged. If you pump the mod wheel up and down you'll be able to hear the amount of modulation rise and fall simultaneously. **Please note that pitch bend and mod wheel settings cannot be controlled by your MPC hardware, it's purely for attached controllers. If you don't intend using a modulation wheel, I suggest you leave WHEEL>LFO set to 0. If you would like a some modulation but also leave a little in reserve to be controlled by the modulation wheel, set a WHEEL>LFO of, for example, 50%. ***CREDIT to THE MPC BIBLE by Andy Avgousti from MPC Samples dot kom.***
MPC live 2 Retro is my first what ever it is, but I managed to write and arrange a beautiful piece of music with out opening the manual .I have no experience making music any other way other than live into my Tascam dp32 and that seemed harder to figure out than this mpc so I think the mpc is the greatest inspiration and tool I've ever had ! It's amazing ! It's easy to figure out with no experience just pushing buttons ans figuring out what it does.
Channels ‘’contextualizing’’ musical gear in the current landscape is really what’s missing in that content niche, thanks for bridging that gap, kudos!
Is the Instrument Collection worth it tho? Sound quality wise compared maschine kits/key groups? It’s really f-ing expensive and I’m wondering there are actual must haves in there. The only one that looks good to me is studio strings
So first, worth is subjective. To one person 500 is a lot of money, to another it may not be. To me, it is still a lot of money. I will say I basically never buy plugins at full price, I always wait for a sale, so take that however you choose. Personally, given how much they expand what the MPC can do, and how each of them has their own unique strengths, I would happily pay 200 maybe 250 for the full package. I paid 200ish for Komplete and 200ish for the V Collection, I won't usually pay 500 for any plugins no matter the manufacturer.
It may not map automatically, but you can use midi learn to assign each of those to whatever you want. Especially filters and parameters for your plugin instruments or effects.
I learned how to use Ableton Live with Serato a little bit back in high school but I couldn’t stand working on a computer and just clicking on a mouse all day, so I dropped it. I grew up admiring the hip hop greats in producing like Premier, Pete Rock, Buckwild, Large Professor, Q-Tip etc. and I learned they used drum machines. Last year I could finally afford an MPC One after looking up lots of videos on it, and it was incredible. And just last week I got the MPK Mini Play, MPK Mini Plus, and a Focusrite Solo to record my bass on the MPC. I didn’t have to break the bank like I always thought I would have to, just to make my own beats the hands-on way. And the quality and efficiency is there as well. It definitely took a lot of trial and error to learn how to maneuver and work everything, but now it’s as simple as turning it on. Dope video and props on your setup and opinion of it!
i have been producing for almost 15 years now. when i started the MPC was impossible to get where i life - now 15 years later i got an MPC ONE + and i don't regret having missed out all the mpcs before. but for the same reason why i can't agree with you about the mpc as a starting point. it makes more much sense to spend some time in DAWs to learn what even exists and how music production workflows even work before you try to get on an mpc. an mpc is way easier to get into when you know what you're looking for to do.
Hi Dylan, great Video as usual ;) But what the Point of get MPKmini+ for an MPC Setup if you can't control the MPC with it? Seems to me a better Idea to get a Korg Microkeys 37 with much better Keys and 80-90€ cheaper?
Although the MPK doesn't map all its buttons automagically, you can still map them manually. That's where the extra knobs come handy. Something that I haven't figured out how to on my Launchkey Mini but the MPK does very well is "Program Change" using the drum pads. Since the MPC already has drum pads, activating the "Program Change" feature allows you to use the MPK's drum pads to change/arm tracks - it's a nice workflow boost. If you're curious, the option is under "Preferences" > MIDI/SYNC > Midi Input (at the bottom) > Program Change There you can change Program Change to change Program, Sequences or Tracks.
I love your vids and vibe man. I turn into more of a groovebox nerd everyday. I started with a new gen mpc moved to the force. I’d really like a og live again but like you I use a lot of plug ins so I’ve been considering the maschine + for some inspiration and a different workflow I know nothing about
thank you! I really appreciate that! I love the maschine plus but definitely keep in mind that a lot of the NI stuff doesn't work in standalone, but it still has Massive, FM8, Prism, Monark, Polysynth, Drumsynth, Bass synth, and a bunch of expansions you can use that are mostly samples
@@ForecastGrim I loved my time with the 707, definitely had some quarks but selling that thing was the thing that stopped me from selling gear after that.
Interesting, I have the combo Force + Launchkey 37. So both of them are Ableton friendly, but both also understand each other. Just plug and pla via USB, very convenient
This video is definitely necessary whether you said beginner or not. The only reason I want a Live 2 is because of its storage, drive bay and I/O. It's identical to the MPC 2000 I used to own. My partner is killing it on the One. I have the Touch and it works great for me
I have the Force but its not a travel option and although I have other machines I like to stay frosty with the Akai sounds so I was considering a Live or the One as a travel companion.
I've only played with DAWs a little. I'm a guitarist who's been learning synthesis for the last couple of years. I like playing on hardware, even if it's a digital synth. Anyhow, I started with a Circuit Tracks and found it hard to learn because the "UI" is so ambiguous. I bought an MPC Live II and, though it'll take me a while to learn everything, it was easy to learn the basics. I was making songs the first day I had it and I know I can grow with it. There are some annoying bugs, especially with the plugins, but overall, I absolutely love it. The autosampler is also wonderful if you have hardware synths.
Sound dope! Make up your mind and when you do you will do better? If you focus you learn better and faster. So pick the best tool to grow with. Maschine for example :-). Would you use the Akai mini plus with your Maschine plus
That’s what I’m waiting for, the Akai Controller integration.. with the MPC .. especially MPC 61 keys .. Both sequencers recognize each other .. So I can place my MPC next to my turntables .. in the next .. room and have the keyboard in Control room ..
@@DylanParisMusic I think they hold back on options, for Repeat Hardware sales.. Like Big Pharma .. Don’t create a Cure ! All MPC .. For Example 8 more Audio Tracks with Punch In / Out features to Hope in the Booth and Do Vocals .. Akai Made the DPS 16. Recorder Years Ago ! The 8 Audio tracks are Cool for Importing Wave files , to do a Remix etc .. or live Acoustic Instruments.. Along with Elastic time stretched.. 1.5 bar sample into 2, 3 bar sample into 4 bar. Who wants a Mercedes Benz with Cloth Seats! So The Live 3 and MPC xl , needs to be a Beast.
Ive had Maschine mk3 and Mpc one but returned it. Ive got the mpc live 2 and the portability is awesome. I dont have to carry headphones or extra wire. Just power it on and thats it. I also got Novation launchkey 37, and thats also a good midi controller.
@@DylanParisMusic yes. I got the novation with integrated keys to Ableton. I tried Akai Mpk mini but the turn down was theres no transpose button but I think they changed that to the Mpk plus which is good. Also The arturia minilab line is also good but the transpose key is also a problem. 😊
In my humble opinion! And thank you for the top video by the way. I think if you're wanting to go DAWless, you're looking to get away from a screen and in particular a touch screen. For an entry unit, I would suggest an SP404 and or a Volca Sample. Something with more limitations than an MPC will help to not overwhelm the beat maker.
I definitely feel like the integrated hardware and software approach in a standalone box is distinct from a computer daw experience, but when using something like the Elektron boxes, I do see a difference between those and this
I find it to be a substantially different experience. I don’t necessarily dislike Ableton or other DAWs but there is something fundamentally different about working with standalone integrated software in a hardware box, for better and for worse
(Akai MPC)The King!!!!You wouldn't love your favorite groove box if it wasn't for the MPC it has a lot of off spring From SP's to MV's and Maschine's The mpc is there father whether ya like it or not.
@@DylanParisMusic No doubt. You should check out Jermaine Dupri's video's that guy has hits he's made for people like Usher Mariah Carey etc. all on old floppy discs.He put one disc in and it has a whole song on there without the vocals of course but it's really cool to see all those sounds on a 1.4 mb disc.
The moment you said "Babies first Groove box" was an 'instant-follow' moment for me
Adding Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheel Control
If you have a MIDI control keyboard connected to your MPC, you can utilize the pitch bend and modulation wheel to add
additional expressive control.
In the PORTA/MOD screen, set PITCH BEND to 16 and WHEEL > LFO to 100.
With a note playing, engage your pitch control on your keyboard and you can
now bend all the notes in the instrument. A setting of 16 effectively gives you
as maximum bend of +/2 semitones, the maximum setting of 100 gives you a
complete octave of bend (+/-12 semitones).
With a WHEEL>LFO setting of 0, the MPC simply modulates your sounds
using the LFO settings in the LFO screen and will ignore your keyboard's mod
wheel movements. But if you increase the WHEEL > LFO setting, you'll start
giving up proportions of the LFO control to your mod wheel. At a setting of 100
the amount of LFO modulation is dependent entirely on how far your mod
wheel is engaged.
If you pump the mod wheel up and down you'll be able to hear the amount of
modulation rise and fall simultaneously.
**Please note that pitch bend and mod wheel settings cannot be controlled by
your MPC hardware, it's purely for attached controllers.
If you don't intend using a modulation wheel, I suggest you leave
WHEEL>LFO set to 0. If you would like a some modulation but also leave a
little in reserve to be controlled by the modulation wheel, set a WHEEL>LFO
of, for example, 50%. ***CREDIT to THE MPC BIBLE by Andy Avgousti from MPC Samples dot kom.***
Nice
MPC live 2 Retro is my first what ever it is, but I managed to write and arrange a beautiful piece of music with out opening the manual .I have no experience making music any other way other than live into my Tascam dp32 and that seemed harder to figure out than this mpc so I think the mpc is the greatest inspiration and tool I've ever had ! It's amazing ! It's easy to figure out with no experience just pushing buttons ans figuring out what it does.
That’s awesome!! I’m glad to hear you were able to get into it intuitively!
@@DylanParisMusic. If you don’t mind sharing what stand is this your placed boy the akai one. A the mini on.
Thank You for the heads up on 3rd party expansion creators!most helpful👏🏾
🙏🫡😎
The MPC One is truly an enjoyment when u get the hang of it
Agreed!
@@DylanParisMusic what stand is this
Channels ‘’contextualizing’’ musical gear in the current landscape is really what’s missing in that content niche, thanks for bridging that gap, kudos!
I appreciate that feedback! I’m glad what I’m doing is appreciated 🙏🙌 thanks for watching
Is the Instrument Collection worth it tho? Sound quality wise compared maschine kits/key groups? It’s really f-ing expensive and I’m wondering there are actual must haves in there. The only one that looks good to me is studio strings
So first, worth is subjective. To one person 500 is a lot of money, to another it may not be. To me, it is still a lot of money. I will say I basically never buy plugins at full price, I always wait for a sale, so take that however you choose.
Personally, given how much they expand what the MPC can do, and how each of them has their own unique strengths, I would happily pay 200 maybe 250 for the full package.
I paid 200ish for Komplete and 200ish for the V Collection, I won't usually pay 500 for any plugins no matter the manufacturer.
It may not map automatically, but you can use midi learn to assign each of those to whatever you want. Especially filters and parameters for your plugin instruments or effects.
I learned how to use Ableton Live with Serato a little bit back in high school but I couldn’t stand working on a computer and just clicking on a mouse all day, so I dropped it. I grew up admiring the hip hop greats in producing like Premier, Pete Rock, Buckwild, Large Professor, Q-Tip etc. and I learned they used drum machines. Last year I could finally afford an MPC One after looking up lots of videos on it, and it was incredible. And just last week I got the MPK Mini Play, MPK Mini Plus, and a Focusrite Solo to record my bass on the MPC. I didn’t have to break the bank like I always thought I would have to, just to make my own beats the hands-on way. And the quality and efficiency is there as well. It definitely took a lot of trial and error to learn how to maneuver and work everything, but now it’s as simple as turning it on. Dope video and props on your setup and opinion of it!
That sounds like an awesome setup! Thanks for sharing your experience and watching my video!
i have been producing for almost 15 years now. when i started the MPC was impossible to get where i life - now 15 years later i got an MPC ONE + and i don't regret having missed out all the mpcs before. but for the same reason why i can't agree with you about the mpc as a starting point.
it makes more much sense to spend some time in DAWs to learn what even exists and how music production workflows even work before you try to get on an mpc. an mpc is way easier to get into when you know what you're looking for to do.
Hi Dylan, great Video as usual ;) But what the Point of get MPKmini+ for an MPC Setup if you can't control the MPC with it? Seems to me a better Idea to get a Korg Microkeys 37 with much better Keys and 80-90€ cheaper?
Although the MPK doesn't map all its buttons automagically, you can still map them manually. That's where the extra knobs come handy. Something that I haven't figured out how to on my Launchkey Mini but the MPK does very well is "Program Change" using the drum pads. Since the MPC already has drum pads, activating the "Program Change" feature allows you to use the MPK's drum pads to change/arm tracks - it's a nice workflow boost.
If you're curious, the option is under "Preferences" > MIDI/SYNC > Midi Input (at the bottom) > Program Change
There you can change Program Change to change Program, Sequences or Tracks.
Oh good callout! that's an awesome mapping idea
Suppose I play some chords, can the MPC one play some pattern on this or an arpeggio like an arranger? (e.g. RA-90)
I love your vids and vibe man. I turn into more of a groovebox nerd everyday. I started with a new gen mpc moved to the force.
I’d really like a og live again but like you I use a lot of plug ins so I’ve been considering the maschine + for some inspiration and a different workflow I know nothing about
thank you! I really appreciate that!
I love the maschine plus but definitely keep in mind that a lot of the NI stuff doesn't work in standalone, but it still has Massive, FM8, Prism, Monark, Polysynth, Drumsynth, Bass synth, and a bunch of expansions you can use that are mostly samples
Trust me you want an MC 101 or 707 if you are a Groovebox nerd.
@@ForecastGrim I loved my time with the 707, definitely had some quarks but selling that thing was the thing that stopped me from selling gear after that.
Interesting, I have the combo Force + Launchkey 37. So both of them are Ableton friendly, but both also understand each other. Just plug and pla via USB, very convenient
Nice video. But you could have recorded the screen of the Mpc instead of your face. Would have been more useful..
Hi, can you use the pads on the mpk to play the drums? And also can you use the transport controls on the mpk to trigger the mpc? Thanks!
This video is definitely necessary whether you said beginner or not. The only reason I want a Live 2 is because of its storage, drive bay and I/O. It's identical to the MPC 2000 I used to own. My partner is killing it on the One. I have the Touch and it works great for me
Thank you 🙏 the Live is definitely awesome too
the one pro has a bunch of improvements..
No way to see the screen
I look 4 production quality over price.
Great vid. Can u give the link of the MPC + keyboard stand. Not the same as the one in the description. Thanks
It actually is the one in the description! Two of them :)
@@DylanParisMusic smart guy 🤣🤣🤣🤣
My entire home music studio utilizes only a dozen main pieces of hardware including instruments and mics. My MPC Live 2 is one of the top 3! 🙌✌️
That’s rad!
Top 1 and 2 is????
@@magnuseriksson8081 My Macbook Pro and then a toss up between Roland FA07, Korg Wavestate, Roland MC-707 or Line 6 Helix.
I have the Force but its not a travel option and although I have other machines I like to stay frosty with the Akai sounds so I was considering a Live or the One as a travel companion.
"Dawless" mpc studio is free for pc this is just a cumputer that runs mpc studio and nothen else kinda wack
Pretty new to all this stuff and having trouble setting up my mpk261 with my mpc1 any help would be super appreciated. 🙏
does that stand hold both the mic one and the mpk mini???
It’s two stands next to eachother :)
I've only played with DAWs a little. I'm a guitarist who's been learning synthesis for the last couple of years. I like playing on hardware, even if it's a digital synth.
Anyhow, I started with a Circuit Tracks and found it hard to learn because the "UI" is so ambiguous. I bought an MPC Live II and, though it'll take me a while to learn everything, it was easy to learn the basics. I was making songs the first day I had it and I know I can grow with it. There are some annoying bugs, especially with the plugins, but overall, I absolutely love it.
The autosampler is also wonderful if you have hardware synths.
Sound dope! Make up your mind and when you do you will do better? If you focus you learn better and faster. So pick the best tool to grow with. Maschine for example :-). Would you use the Akai mini plus with your Maschine plus
Haha I think this is good advice for your average music maker and bad advice for a RUclips channel
Literally selling my Polyend Play Plus and buying an MPC One Plus. My first Groovebox was also the original Novation Circuit.
Thank you, Dylan.
Thanks for watching! MPC One Plus is an insane value imo, it can take a bit to understand the workflow but it’s a beast
Hello! How did you change pad colors on your Akai MPK mini plus?
I don't recall doing anything manually to do that, but I may have, it's been a while
Please make more tutorials on how to make a beat from scratch from A to Z full process would be way awesome…..
Noted! They don’t always do as well views wise but I’ll work on some in the future
That’s what I’m waiting for, the Akai Controller integration.. with the MPC .. especially MPC 61 keys .. Both sequencers recognize each other .. So I can place my MPC next to my turntables .. in the next .. room and have the keyboard in Control room ..
That would be awesome
@@DylanParisMusic I think they hold back on options, for Repeat Hardware sales..
Like Big Pharma .. Don’t create a Cure !
All MPC .. For Example 8 more Audio Tracks with Punch In / Out features to Hope in the Booth and Do Vocals .. Akai Made the DPS 16. Recorder Years Ago !
The 8 Audio tracks are Cool for Importing Wave files , to do a Remix etc .. or live Acoustic Instruments.. Along with Elastic time stretched.. 1.5 bar sample into 2, 3 bar sample into 4 bar.
Who wants a Mercedes Benz with Cloth Seats!
So The Live 3 and MPC xl , needs to be a Beast.
Ive had Maschine mk3 and Mpc one but returned it. Ive got the mpc live 2 and the portability is awesome. I dont have to carry headphones or extra wire. Just power it on and thats it.
I also got Novation launchkey 37, and thats also a good midi controller.
Nice! the 37 always looked like the sweet spot for that Launchkey line to me, I never got one but it looks awesome
@@DylanParisMusic yes. I got the novation with integrated keys to Ableton. I tried Akai Mpk mini but the turn down was theres no transpose button but I think they changed that to the Mpk plus which is good. Also The arturia minilab line is also good but the transpose key is also a problem. 😊
nice video.👍🏾
WAS YOUR PLAN TO MAKE IT THIS GOOD :)
Thank you!!
In my humble opinion! And thank you for the top video by the way. I think if you're wanting to go DAWless, you're looking to get away from a screen and in particular a touch screen. For an entry unit, I would suggest an SP404 and or a Volca Sample. Something with more limitations than an MPC will help to not overwhelm the beat maker.
Dont, be that guy that says mpc is a groove box. wait......
It’s too late! It’s the title of the video 😮
I love it
😎🙌
No such thing as "DAWless" in 2023. MPC is trying to keep up with computers. IT IS A DAW, just in a box.
I definitely feel like the integrated hardware and software approach in a standalone box is distinct from a computer daw experience, but when using something like the Elektron boxes, I do see a difference between those and this
@@DylanParisMusic i guess if you dont like clicking around on a PC then yes you're right
I find it to be a substantially different experience. I don’t necessarily dislike Ableton or other DAWs but there is something fundamentally different about working with standalone integrated software in a hardware box, for better and for worse
GOOD JOB BRO
Thank you!
Midi and cv/gate as USB can made it the heart of a DAW-less system.
Then the UI is very nice (try a MC-101 or 707...).
oh man, yeah the 707 was both more intuitive for me to pick up and also way more difficult for me to try to do complex stuff with.
(Akai MPC)The King!!!!You wouldn't love your favorite groove box if it wasn't for the MPC it has a lot of off spring From SP's to MV's and Maschine's The mpc is there father whether ya like it or not.
So much history with the MPC!
@@DylanParisMusic No doubt. You should check out Jermaine Dupri's video's that guy has hits he's made for people like Usher Mariah Carey etc. all on old floppy discs.He put one disc in and it has a whole song on there without the vocals of course but it's really cool to see all those sounds on a 1.4 mb disc.
That sounds cool! I’ll check it out
I'm really more interested in the stand...😮I'd love to know what you got going on there this looks like it be fun to play live
Links in the description under Gear Stands 😎🫡🙏
@DylanParisMusic you the man thanks!
Thanks for watching! 🙏