MPC500 effects and workflow with Ableton

Hi, I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to using samplers...

I've downloaded a few sample libraries, mostly from vintage drum machines, and have created a different PROGRAM for each of them. Is this the best way, or is it easier to have only 1 PROGRAM made up of the samples I'll be using?

Do you process the samples in a DAW before loading them on the MPC (I mean compression, EQ, reverb) or do you use the on-board effects? Any tips for making sure all the different programs all sound at around the same level?

So far I've been creating sequences in Ableton, exported them as MIDI files and loaded these into sequence tracks. This is a pretty painful process as they both use different MIDI mappings. Does anyone use a similar process? If so did you change the MIDI mapping in Ableton or on the MPC? How does it work for you?

Thanks!

I don't use Ableton and did everything in the box when i owned a 500. The honest and easy answer is try and see what works best for you.

It makes sense to have separate programs for different samples i.e. drums, keys, basses, pads, to make life easier when making beats.

I preferred to use separate tracks for individual sounds, again for ease, so i'd end up with kick-track 1, snare-track 2, hats-track 3, bass-track 4, sample-track 5 etc.

I preferred to chop on the 500 and create programs on the 500 but as i said earlier it depends on what's best for you.


The 500 has good effects and did what i needed them to do. You should do a comparison of your filter in Ableton and your filter on the 500 and see which sound you prefer and use that one (likewise for the compressor, bitgrunger etc.)

I think it all boils down to if you need visual AIDS to get your shit done or not, if you work better with visual AIDS stick to the DAW side of the road but if you can work with numbers, do it ITB.

Good luck (really wishing i never sold mine )

I usually chop and edit all my samples in Ableton and make the programs on my computer using mpcmaid. then i load the programs to the SD Card.
Sometimes i sample and edit all in the mpc500 but thats pretty rare.
I use the MPC as a performance tool more than a production tool.