Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
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By Blue Haze Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:55 pm
Just messing with Reason 2.5 improved my understanding of the same program parameters on the 4k. I like the ease of learning on Reason and the ability to transfer that understanding back to the 4k. I feel that I`m getting closer to letting the genie out of the bottle. That way I can make any wish I want with the 4k. :D






























This is an bakayaro free post :D
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By AWW_NAWW Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:35 pm
yeah I gottah get reason. im wating for three to come out
By renegadebliss Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:22 pm
Blue Haze wrote:Just messing with Reason 2.5 improved my understanding of the same program parameters on the 4k. I like the ease of learning on Reason and the ability to transfer that understanding back to the 4k. I feel that I`m getting closer to letting the genie out of the bottle. That way I can make any wish I want with the 4k. :D

This is an bakayaro free post :D


one cool thing that Reason has that MPC 4000 doesn't is in the NN-XT sampler ,it
has 8 way Zones' compared to our 4 way.


Dave

By kid christou Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:46 pm
as a new user who has just read this thread...I am scared shitless.

i am currently going through the manual chapter by chapter (I am now on the sampling chapter) and so far I am making sense of things.

now i have read this and feel like i am going to have problems creating my programs (i will mostly be creating DRUM programs). can anyone please give a new jack like me some step by step instructions on what they do to remove all these screwed up default settings.

much appreciated.

kid
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By Blue Haze Thu Feb 17, 2005 3:26 pm
kid christou wrote:as a new user who has just read this thread...I am scared ****.

i am currently going through the manual chapter by chapter (I am now on the sampling chapter) and so far I am making sense of things.

now i have read this and feel like i am going to have problems creating my programs (i will mostly be creating DRUM programs). can anyone please give a new jack like me some step by step instructions on what they do to remove all these screwed up default settings.

much appreciated.

kid


Check out these points by Feline this cat got it together.

[quote="feline1"]Yeah, I certainly have opinions on the default program set-up.


One thing I discovered after about one year of owning the MPC4000 -
the default value in Programs for the ATTACK (R1) on the AMP ENVELOPE is "1"
(1 *what*, you crazy ass coders?!?)

Anyways, however,
that is NOT the fastest attack value -
the fastest attack value is ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!

However, I and many others did not suspect this for months and months.

Thus, any samples you load into a default program will have those crucial inital attack transients slewed off!
(I remember sampling my Roland CR78 drum machine,
I was utterly baffled how, even at 96/24 sampling,
the samples sounded so *DIFFERENT* ..... until I realised about the Attack)

A great many MPC4000 users complained that the MPC4000 lacked the "punch" of the MPC60/3000/2000......... I do believe this is the main reason why -
any drum samples become emaciated by this attack until you are wise to it!


The default part, program, keygroup and zone levels,
plus the amount of amplitude modulation from velocity,
are SCREWED -
keep them as is,
and your sample volumes will hit a "ceiling" all the time.

It took me months to work out a combination of values that let me
use Note On velocities of 0 to 127 in sequences,
and see a corresponding volume change, linearly, all the way up without
hitting ceiling.

I honestly gave up asking Akai for more info on this "gain architecture", I never once got a f*cking proper reply from them about it.
(At least the FX return level did finally get sorted,
even if it got me banned from the DPSWorld EZboard in the process..... :lol: )

In fact, almost ALL the modulations keep hitting "ceilings" -
I mean try sending an LFO to the filter cutoff,
it's so easy to drive the filter permanently 100% open.

You have a combination of "LFO Level", then Modulation level in the matrix (+ve or -ve), then the filter level......
does it get added or multiplied or wot? very confusing
(and lack of proper units make it more opaque)



BH

Don`t be scared the manual explains the functions, but it doesn`t show you how to use it. It assumes you know this already. But from my constant twiddling and reading of Reason Ignite Series with Reason 2.5 the reason shows me HOW TO USE THE PARAMETERS. I came from a 2xl and a Triton Studio but never honestly tried to program a patch or do synthesis. Yes I would do a combination but like most users just using the mpc as a loop sampler and choosing the presets on the Triton. I sold my Triton as I realized I can sampler my sounds and use the 4k just like a Triton, Motif, and whathaveya.


As I come more and more experience with the process of synthesis the parameters and what is the hell the envelope is suppose to do comes much clearer. The major difference between software like Reason and the 4k is the graphic interface and user-friendlyness. Reason is basic and easy to learn, 4k is complex and difficult to understand with just the manual and no guides, but I just transfer the tips and knowledge I learn from Reason to the 4k. Like alot of experienced users said start on some basic and small gear learn the basics and then go to the more advanced gear. I started on a 2xl but no TR808, no Boss SP303, no Electribe, No Casio so alot of sh*t I didn`t know. But with software I can try the classic gear emulators and get the understanding of the process.


For example twiddling with Redrum awakened me to how useful 960 off resolution and seq edit can be for editing drums and step sequencing a drum pattern. Before I would play the pads and hit note repeat set to the timing but now I have a deeper understanding of 1/8, 1/16 and higher resolutions with seq edit and I can step in complex drum patterns are just combine. I love the song "I wanna get to know Ya" sung by G-Unit produced by Red Syder so I know what the 4k can do in the hands of a master musiciian I just have to learn to get to that level. Just like the BluePrint 1 and 2 it is in your hands with the tool you got 4k baby. :D


Small tip the process is the same what ever gear you have if you learned on a TR 808 or Electribe drum machine you can transfer the understanding to a 4k or MV. The other difference is what the manufacturer calls the same functions and where are they llocated. :idea:

By gmm04e Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:41 pm
feline1 wrote:It took me months to work out a combination of VALUES that let me
use Note On velocities of 0 to 127 in sequences,
and see a corresponding volume change, linearly, all the way up without
hitting ceiling.

So,Feline what are these values?
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By ikke Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:45 pm
Blue haze, you´re talking like an mpc is the same as Reason?? :o
Get outta here! :lol:

An MPC is the same as Madtracker, indeed. Its a mad-tracker with limitations. But paleese.. Reason? :cry:
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By Blue Haze Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:49 pm
ikke wrote:Blue haze, you´re talking like an mpc is the same as Reason?? :o
Get outta here! :lol:

An MPC is the same as Madtracker, indeed. Its a mad-tracker with limitations. But paleese.. Reason? :cry:


ikke eat a dick and shut the f*ck up!!!! You no english reading dickhead. :roll:
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By ikke Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:56 pm
And I quote: "The major difference between software like Reason and the 4k is the graphic interface and user-friendlyness. Reason is basic and easy to learn, 4k is complex and difficult to understand with just the manual and no guides" ... :roll:
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By Blue Haze Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:06 pm
ikke wrote:And I quote: "The major difference between software like Reason and the 4k is the graphic interface and user-friendlyness. Reason is basic and easy to learn, 4k is complex and difficult to understand with just the manual and no guides" ... :roll:


FU*K learn to read in Context!!! The process of sythesis and the ease of the learning process is easier and the the techniques can be used on ANY GEAR. But I don`t wish, nor desire, to waste my time or energy on a FRUSTRATED, UNIMAGINATIVE, C*o*c*k*su*c*k*e*r like you. Like I said before die a slow miserable death you D*CK Eating BYTCH!!!!!!


Go read your abcs :twisted:
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By ikke Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:10 pm
"The process of sythesis and the ease of the learning process is easier and the the techniques can be used on ANY GEAR."

:roll:


For the love of god, the mpc is no syntheziser!! Its a full sampler, with a limtited sequencer and some lame effects. And thats it dude.
You rather seem kind of frustrated.. seeing all your weird posts lately. :(
Remember, there are no friends and no enemies on the internet.. Its just some text. Dont get too deep into it. K?
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By Blue Haze Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:15 pm
To all those reading this I and the cocks*u*c*k*i*n*g b*a*stard ikke have problems since he called me a jackass some threads back because I try to help others, ask for help from Akai Japan, and I wouldn`t bend to his rant about selling my 4k and buying a mv8000 like I got time to follow a fool **** please!!! We started the same time and ask you can see I try to innovate and motivate. . All he does it come with negativity and why we should all get an MV8000. Fool I`m happy with what I got. I just want to learn my Z8 sequencer with pads inside and out cuz I love great music.





So for everyone else if you dig "Girls, Girls, Girls by jblaze, Back in the days by erkah badu`s group frequency, Get the Congo by Larriueax, or any classic material like Half on a Baby, or new shit like "Reality" by 9th Wonder. Check out the method of sythesis on classic emulators or get the real thing like a Moog and play with it. Even that rebirth can teach you something if you never touched a keyboard. Music is the process and the feel of the musicians. Reason in my case made MY UNDERSTANDING OF SYTHESIS PROCESS EASIER all I said. Sythesis means to change the sounds it doesn`t matter if you are using an analogy oscilator of variable voltage alternating to produce a pitch you can mode and shape, a short looping sample, or a sample you sample from vinatage or the lastest synth on the market to make a pitch you can mode and shape. I had a Triton studio before too until I woke the **** up once I understood the process of sampling more.

Like I said before asswipe started ranting. I got more understanding of sythesis twiddling with Reason 2.5 cuz one I work with an easy to use guide called the ignite series, hand on approach help all of the other information of previous material sink in and basically went back to the 4k found the same parameters although with different names and no graphic interface like Reason and tweaked out what I was looking for. :wink:









For all other idiots that want to argue. One of my favorite producers that makes beautiful cutting edge music who CDs I buy on the strength of his name is Trevor Horn. He seems to release productions every 5 to 8 yrs now but alot of this sonic structure is made with samplers. It sounds like its off a straight keyboard but like a true master he really knows how to sound design and make his own programs, combinations and whathaveyas. I follow him and his advice. Check out Sound and Sound back issues.



A tool in the hands of a child is just a toy, A tool in the hands of a mastercraftman is a treasure indeed.



Once more like alot of experienced users said that one should start on a basic gear first, learn the ins of outs on how to use it then move to more advanced gear. Since alot of us when straight to advance gear why not get a software emulator of basic gear an learn on that if you wish.

It helped me and to me that all what counts since my understanding goes up.

I have friends all around the world. On this board I received alot of help to many to name at once and I met some assholes too.

ikke you are a lame you can roll your eyes like when you blow hard on Tyrone c*o*c*ksucker. Since you came at me calling me an **** for no reason when you thought you were going to get rid of your gear (who cares one less dipshit asking dumb shit) I got no love for you. You don`t have any music, tips, or everything to help or share or that I could learn cuz you are hot air. Just get low and blow off tampon and let the others see, experiment, and try for themselves to see if Reason helps them or not.


:idea:


































P.S. ikke swallows, ikke swallows, ikke swallows c*o*c*k*s*u*cker :lol:

By renegadebliss Thu Feb 17, 2005 7:20 pm
ikke wrote:"The process of sythesis and the ease of the learning process is easier and the the techniques can be used on ANY GEAR."

:roll:


For the love of god, the mpc is no syntheziser!! Its a full sampler, with a limtited sequencer and some lame effects.





First off, I personally would say that it is just as much a synthesizer as the Triton or any of the
ROMPLER's that's out there. At least with the MPC 4000 you can pick your own samples
to start off with and actually have excellent control of those samples thanks to Zones and Program Modulation.

And to be honest, the MPC 4000 has a farily complex subtractive synthesis engine built into it. With it's 3 2 pole filters, 3 Envelopes and 2 LFO's to couple with it's 64 point modulation matrix, actually makes it a better synthesizer then many "synthesizers" out there.


The sequencer is pretty good for what is was made to do. Just because it is not Linear
(though it can be) does not make it limited. Perhaps you limit yourself by being
linear. It's a matter of perspective.

Sometimes, I like to shut my eyes and just play. That's very hard to do with a Linear sequencer, as it's all visually orientated.



Dave


Dave