importztek wrote:You really don't need that book, in my humble opinion.
Who said he needs it ? i just recommend it.
importztek wrote:I started off just like you. First MPC ever and completely clueless as to how to begin.
We all start that way.
importztek wrote:start off by upgrading the OS to JJOS free
Yup, that's what i said.
importztek wrote:then started reading the standard AKAI manual from page 1 all the way to the end
Now that's a good tip. Reading the full Akai user's manual instead of only reading the quickstart guide is a good start point, i agre with you on this.
importztek wrote:while in the meantime actually trying to do some of the things the manual details (best way to learn something is to DO IT not just read!)
I also agree on this, but i find that the Akai manual is really basic, it doesn't go into debth of why doing this or that while the Ebook does (gives explanations). Learning the why and the how to, WHILE DOING IT is exactly the purpose of the beat-making-on-the-mpc1000/2500 book. It also provides sounds to immediatly start practicing your skills. Plus, you can compare your work with the tutor's work all the way through the tutorials. Like i said, everything you learn, you can apply with your own sounds after.
Another cool thing is the fact that it is an Ebook, meaning that you can use the search function (ctrl+F) for key words for a more specific search.
importztek wrote:During this process I also watched about a dozen YouTube videos
That's cool to get some more ideas and inspiration, but the really good and detailed step by step videos are rare.
Like i said, with this book, you will be searching less here and there for your infos and you will be able to put more time practicing your skills right away. Plus, you will have fun finding your own answers and making your own tests/variations all the way through.
importztek wrote:Now creating some pretty filthy stuff that I didn't even know I was capable of
By reading some previous posts of yours, i see that you are not a total beginner : "Coming from about 3 years just working with FL and Acid Pro. Mainly produce hip-hop but also electronica beats (and a combination of the two which is my favorite)." So you already have some knowledge related to music creation/software samplers etc., which helps you understand the basics. I don't know if it is OP's case.
I also come from a software background, i have read the Akai user's manual from page 1 to the end and i can say that it doesn't even come close to that Ebook. The BeatTips Manual is also a great book, i read it before going to bed
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Like i said, i have no affiliation but i trully believe it was a good purchase. On your side, how can you tell if you haven't read it ? Personnally, i like to pick up my infos from different sources.
EDIT: Oh, and the Ebook now covers basic functions of the free JJOS
Peace
