Using the XL for a liveset

I've got a few days ahead of a show where I am considering using my MPC on stage.

I want to use it for mainly a backing track, with snare parts, bass drum parts and Hi Hat parts mainly. Maybe some Jungle like chopped breaks. I may also use other sounds I have depending on if I get this all going good. Gotta Start with the basics, and figure out the PLACE of the MPC.

The main hub of my live set will be the Korg ESX-1. This will determine the tempo of the song with each pattern on the ESX-1. It will have a different tempo for each pattern and the patterns will be a mix of samples of what I'll be mixing live as a song. I assume I can figure out how to make the MPC respond to the tempo changes of the ESX. Any advice?

Muting and unmuting is really powerful with the Korg as far as Improvising. I could do a whole set with just the ESX-1, but I think there should be something else going too, to Utilize my Mixer Channels and my 2000xl. I don't want to get confused though. I've got to come up with a simple system.

I'm not going to use the MPC for playing the pads (aka live drumming), But i've heard that you can mute and unmute Tracks with the pads, so I've got to check that out. That I think will be the Key. tips are welcome.

I was thinking of using one sequence on the MPC per 'pattern' (in effect a song) on the ESX-1. Maybe stop the track on the ESX and go to ambience from a laptop, and get setup with the right patterns/sequences lined up on the two samplers. So I've got to read the manual to learn about the track muting/unmuting function again and experiment putting it to use. Any Tips from someone who's done this before?

I just need to hash this out in my head before I actually try it out. If there is anyone else out there who's following this train of thought and has any suggestions pls let me know. I think this is coming from the right angle. Basically, improvise muting and unmuting sequences, and then also SENDING the MPC channels into the EFX processor of the ESX-1, which will be dependent on me LIVE in the situation.

I want this to be good, and Might make a recording if I get it all figured out. I can also make available a liveset i did with a homie a few years back with two Korg ES-1's for the hell of it. Its for the same show. It was recorded on Tape and Maybe mics, not sure. Just respond with asking for a link and I'll make it available. We were called Crown Edit.

Here's the link of the show, just for fun: http://blindpigmusic.com/calendar.html

Wed. 5
BATTLE OF THE BITS
NINTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL REMIX COMPETITION
@ Blind Pig Ann Arbor MI

WITH BARON KNOXBURRY,
JDSY, THRILL TRAIN,
AND GINA & THE EASTERN BLOCK
$5/ under 21 $8
18+ Doors 9:30 pm

let me know if you have any suggestions.

J.S.

First of all, yes you can slave the MPC to the tempo of the esx. They esx must be transmitting midi clock, and you set up the MPC to receive it. It's shift+a number button , can't remember which, but its all in the manual. Be sure to do clock and not MTC and you'll only be receiving tempo info.

As for how to pull it off, well, you can have patterns that just match the patterns on your esx, that way they are always starting and ending at the same spot. The other idea is to have the patterns on the mpc much longer...integer multiples of the length of the main esx pattern. this way you can get some variation going on via the mpc. Here's the 'tip' you're looking for...construct a couple patterns in the MPC, variations of each. Then string those together into a 'song'. Now there is a super handy function in the song screen where you can bounce the entire song back down to a sequence. Do that, and now you've got your much longer 'song' in the form of a pattern/sequence. Now, you can still use sequence functions like track mutes and 'next sequence' via the pads.

Honestly though, I think you've got it backwards trying to 'hash this out in your head before you actually try it out'...get in there and try it. You can think, and think, and theorise, and ponder, and forum all you want - just to hook it all up and realise something like the ESX and MPC just don't play nice together. Also, just coming from experience, with such short notice do you really want to be bringing in all this new gear and setup? Laptop + two samplers seems excessive, to me. I would personally want to find any way I could to ditch the laptop, but again, that's me, and I find it strange in the first place telling someone else how to do their setup ;].

Still, hopefully the tip about song mode -> sequences or something else in that rant helps you.

Yes, Thank you, the tip about putting sequences into a song then back to sequence is a helpful idea actually. I was planning in trying to make longer dynamic sequeces anyway. And I think you're right about just diving into it and getting everything set up and see if it actuallly works! thanks for reminding me.

I actually only will use the Lap top for playing back WAVS so it isn't a big deal to have it on stage. It just gives me breathing room, and maybe a break so I can just chill for a second. I did a set the other week where all I did was play Wavs and mess with FX on top with the mixer and the ESX-1 and It went well. I've used the esx tons of time live, so I'm comfortable with it.

I'll let you know what is going on if i have another question