File Management...

So I was wondering what the best way to maintain your samples is...
should you create separate folders for each kit/program and save them on your pc/mac, OR is it best to just load all of your samples that you ever want to use to your CF and just save programs from that...
How are all y'all pros dealing with your samples?

Basicly what I'm trying to do is to incorporate my mpc-1k and Ableton together and I'm wondering how everyone whose tried this has had the best succsess....

Thanks
Frogger



http://www.frogpound.com

i don't have an ableton but that's what i want to add to my set up. on the 1k i've started giving programs there on folder and also sectioned off songs into subfolders of a general "SONGS" folder. before i started doing that it was kind of a pain to have things jumbled up. more than anything go with the type of file structuring you do on your comp.

If you already have a collection of samples and like to combine them to make original kits instead of using pre-made kits, then I have two approaches:

A) Using sample folders... This approach works great if you only have 16MB RAM. The only drawback is it's quite slow to purge unused samples and you'll have duplicate samples saved on the card for the new kit you create.

1. Categorize your samples into folders (i.e. Kicks, Snares, Hats).
2. Copy all of these folders with samples onto your CF card.
3. Create an Empty project that gives you a clean slate to work with when you turn on your MPC.
4. Load sample folder.
5. Go into Program mode and audition the samples in the folder.
6. Assign pads to the samples you want for this kit.
7. Purge all unused samples.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 for all folders.

B) Using Autoload... This approach works great if you have your memory maxed. It's like having a drum module. The only downside is that it takes a few minutes to load in the Autoload folder and you're limited to 24 programs.

1. Use the Program Maker app for the PC to create programs for each of your sample categories. (i.e. Claps.pgm, Congas.pgm, etc...)
2. Create an "Autoload" folder on your CF card.
3. Save all of the programs and samples to the Autoload folder.
4. Turn on your MPC and watch all the samples & programs load!
5. Dial up a program.
6. Audition the samples by hitting the pads until you find one you like.
7. Record the track.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 until you have a hit!

I composed my first song on the MPC 1000 using approach A. I just spent a few hours last night setting up all the programs to use approach B.

I'd like to hear suggestions/comments about these approaches. Anybody have any other ideas on file management?

BTW, I have over 300 samples in the Autoload folder and I haven't hit a limit on the MPC. I only see a 24 program limit.

Peace Out \/

yo chisel thanks for the suggestion of approach B. i hadn't worked it out yet, but i wanted to do something like. i hadn''t delved into thought about it because i didn't get the ram upgrade, but oh she yo when the damn hard drive comes out it's fukin over!

You're welcome. Honestly, I tried composing a song using approach B last night and I didn't like it. First, it took forever to load all the samples into memory. Second, it became a hassle to scroll through all the preloaded samples to get to the new samples I recorded. And lastly, I couldn't save the entire memory like I'm used to doing. I guess it was just too overwhelming to have all the samples loaded at once. So, until someone comes up with a better idea, I'm gonna stick with approach A -- categorize samples by folders and load one folder at a time.

Peace

This has also been looked at in a "MPC1000 Workflow Strategies" thread: http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=12559
That sounds pretentious? Moi?