Technical questions for the MPC2000xl and the MPC2000
By Db75 Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:26 pm
OK i don't own a drum machine and have never used one.

but with the MPC...when you want to make a sequence...do you HAVE to use the drum pads? Because the way I do things on software drum machines is not to use a keyboard or anything, but to simply click where I want each sample to go.

I suppose it's a matter of preference but the fact is, I don't have much talent with instruments, and so using a computer I can put exactly what I have in my mind into a sequence, without having to worry about my incompetence with a keyboard affecting the end result.


It may be that using the drum pads is actually very easy, and perhaps better than the way I described..what's your opinion?

Thanks
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By Smoove03 Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:37 pm
well there's no mouse to point and click where you want to go so your going to have to settle for the pads. but dont be sad, they are what I call "crack pads". they are very addictive and tend to be very powerful when it comes to making beats.

but seriously, if you've been working with software you should know how to program drums. close your eyes and flow wit it. its not hard at all. and you dont need to be a pro with a keyboard to write a hit. just be creative.

when i first switched over from ALL software to hardware, I thought I wouldnt do a good job and I thought it would be hard. but once you get used to the controls and learn what you can do with the mp you will be glad you made the switch. dont worry about not knowing much about instruments....you'll get better along the way.

good luck :twisted:

you'll love it

By Db75 Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:41 pm
thanks!!!


"crack pads"....hmmm :? i hope that comparison is not based on experience!
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yo

By binger0 Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:48 pm
The mpc also has a step mode which you can enter each sound in manually. The pads are easy to get used to. Its more expressive and helps make a feel to the music instead of it being "robotic". The pads also are velocity sensitive so when your playin it gives accents and a whole lot of other elements that are a beyotch to program. The MPC is a very easy instrument to pick up. Just takes a few months.
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By butcher Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:51 pm
u dont need to know how to play instruments to tap out a beat. as long as u know the basic kick snare pattern u will be fine with the mpc. and u will probably find it a little more exciting than software as well.

By Db75 Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:01 pm
thanks,


i know that you don't need to know how to play instruments, i was just worried that i wouldn't be able to get things how i wanted them.


but i'm looking forward to getting an MPC.



Big L is the man
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!

By bboutit Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:12 pm
You can track beats with a MIDI keyboard, but trust me, you will love the pads. There is nothing like them.
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By Smoove03 Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:41 pm
Db75 wrote:thanks!!!


"crack pads"....hmmm :? i hope that comparison is not based on experience!



LOL haha
naw aint bout no experience but it does show in the folks that freak wit it....just a comparison :wink:
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By DSTRUCT Mon Mar 29, 2004 10:11 pm
yo if you get an mpc, and dont use those pads (just use step edit), thats nuts. dont do it! get it, and beat the sh!t outta those sixteen grey pads/ I spit mean and state facts/ hit treez and chase yac/ wit hienekins then blaze tracks/
damn i got carried away right there! my bad!
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By aoism Mon Mar 29, 2004 10:50 pm
The pads are good for the most part .... though a bit OVER sensitive sometimes, resulting in unwanted double notes :)

If you want to "point and click", you can easily use Cubase or Logic to talk to your MPC. Just set your computers midi output to the MPC and click away to get your beat. When done, either save the midi file on disk and stick it in the MPC, or just record the beat being played back from the computer.

I usually make the beat first using the MPC's pads, then bring it into Cubase for tweaking. The step editor is OK on the MPC, but only for quick changes ... like if something is 1/5th a second off beat because you played with Quantize on. I think the step editor would be horrible for creating an entire beat from scratch, though :)

bk
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By binger0 Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:21 am
ive used acid before as a seq. puttin notes in at piano roll.