Finally got an MPC! First impressions and noob questions

Hey guys. So i finally got an mpc (1000). First impressions? Confusion.

Making the switch primarily from DAWs (Reason/Pro Tools), it seems the MPC is hugely tedious on even the smallest tasks like trimming. This may be good or bad, time will tell. I also dont admire its recording capabilities, i mean a basic ppm or vu meter would be a massive help in terms of recording optimum levels; as opposed to two bars that 'peak' at the far end of the spectrum. I am really keen on some advice for time stretching. So far I can record samples, trim, loop, chop, assign to pads, but I really need to understand the MPC's time stretching and, or time correction capabilities - whats your approach?

Example: Recorded 1 bar drum loop, Recorded 1 bar loop from Grant Green's - Grant's Dimensions (includes percussion). The drums i would imagine would be easier to work around in terms of time correction/stretching, however, I really struggled making a smooth sequence from the Grant Green sample. From the 1 bar loop, I chopped it into 5 seperate parts, then later re-recorded a sequence with it. The drums in this example havent been chopped so its just a 1 bar loop. So, drums sound spot on but the grant green sample needs a lot of time corection/stretching to become a seamless loop (and on beat).

Ive only had the MPC for like 2 days so I obviously have a long way to go.
Any advice on time stretching, or other alternative would be appreciated!!

Cheers

Multiple posts really aren't required.

astral_Signal wrote:Any advice on time stretching, or other alternative would be appreciated!!

forget timestretch and just retune the sample til it fits.

put the whole thing on one pad, and trigger that pad at the beginning of the sequence.
as the seq and other (correct) drums play, adjust the tuning parameter of the pad with the new loop until it sits at the right speed.

note, after each tuning change, wait for the loop to re-trigger the loop so you can hear it retuned from the beginning of the sequence to see if it loops properly.

dont forget to check out JJOS!

tapedeck wrote:forget timestretch and just retune the sample til it fits.

Are you talking about tuning pitch? I find that pitch shifting is a lot more noticeable audibly when trying to correct timing. I'm getting closer though, chopped a 2 bar sample into 10 pads, but the timing on the last 2 beats is off by a few milliseconds. Doing heads in