MPC Software & MPC Beats Forum: Bug reports, feature suggestions and discussion for the MPC Software and the free 'MPC Beats' application for Mac/PC. If you have hardware-specific questions, please post in the relevant MPC sub-forum.
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By SimonInAustralia Fri May 17, 2013 11:35 am
As Jah pointed out, while debating against the idea, it already does this in Song Mode, where it applies the Track Mixer settings of the first sequence to all following sequences in the song.

It really should be no problem for them to implement it in Main Mode.

I think there should be a setting like on the MPC60/3000, where there is a Master/Sequence/Program setting for the mixer.

When set to Master, there could be a choice for which sequence to use for the Track Mixer settings of all sequences it plays back.

When set to Sequence, it would work the way it does now, with the Track Mixer settings tied to, stored in, and changing when you change sequences.
By labcoats Mon May 20, 2013 3:39 pm
But there are problems with converting multiple sequences to one sequence. Its random and I have not been able to work out what it is that's wrong. Basically I get stuff spewing out of channels they shouldn't be. I was waiting until 1.4, perhaps 1.5 update before really digging in to investigate. Then again I feel like why bother as so few people seem to use next seq anyway.
By labcoats Mon May 20, 2013 3:47 pm
Fanu wrote:One'd think it's not difficult to have a "Make mixers of all sequences match this one" feature where you'd mix your song in one sequence (probably the "busiest one") and then apply that to them all?



Yes that's an option. But why even have that. Just have a mode which allows the mixer to be completely disconnected from sequences. Anyone who still wishes to use the 20+ year old midi mixer attached to sequences mode can still do so. I bet even then only 5% of users would choose to use the that mode becasue it serves little purpose.
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By SimonInAustralia Mon May 20, 2013 6:42 pm
labcoats wrote:But there are problems with converting multiple sequences to one sequence. Its random and I have not been able to work out what it is that's wrong. Basically I get stuff spewing out of channels they shouldn't be. I was waiting until 1.4, perhaps 1.5 update before really digging in to investigate. Then again I feel like why bother as so few people seem to use next seq anyway.

Are you saying that even when each sequence is setup with exactly the same track layout/configuration, it doesn't convert from a multi-sequence song into a single sequence correctly?

I think the poll proved that most people use next sequence, no matter how Jah wants to force the discussion and feature requests to his way of thinking/working.
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By SimonInAustralia Mon May 20, 2013 6:47 pm
labcoats wrote:Yes that's an option. But why even have that.

Because the sequence is the basic working unit, or building block for you compositions, in the MPC.

It makes sense, to me, to have a Master/Sequence/Program setting for the track mixer settings, just like the MPC60/3000 had.

Setting it to Master should give you what you want.

Setting it to Sequence should give the megalomaniac what he wants.
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By JAH Tue May 21, 2013 1:19 am
labcoats wrote:But there are problems with converting multiple sequences to one sequence. Its random and I have not been able to work out what it is that's wrong. Basically I get stuff spewing out of channels they shouldn't be. I was waiting until 1.4, perhaps 1.5 update before really digging in to investigate. Then again I feel like why bother as so few people seem to use next seq anyway.

Sounds like you are not setting up your sequences properly since so many people claim they use this function and there are no reports indicating it doesn't work. Every Track in every Sequence must be set up exactly the same way if you are going to convert a Song to a single sequence and have it sound right. And upon converting, the Mixer settings of Sequence 1 will be applied to all sequences. So while many here love this 25 year old way of working....I avoid the headaches associated with this method by cutting out all the middle steps and record using a single sequence..which is what you are trying to get to after numerous steps.

And for anyone/those that keep bringing up the MPC 3000...stop it. The MPC 3000 uses a Single Program....master mix or otherwise. It can't come anywhere close to doing what is being discussed here with multiple programs.

:popcorn:

...also note that a Sequence is only a building block if you choose pattern based recording. Linear recording using the sequence loop function is the exact same thing but a concept I admit that goes over the heads of some folks.
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By SimonInAustralia Tue May 21, 2013 4:33 am
JAH wrote:And upon converting, the Mixer settings of Sequence 1 will be applied to all sequences. So while many here love this 25 year old way of working....I avoid the headaches associated with this method by cutting out all the middle steps and record using a single sequence..which is what you are trying to get to after numerous steps.

How do you implement instant and seamless switching, during playback, from one part of your single sequence to another part of that same sequence, in the same way that Next Sequence works?

Some users find the use of the Next Sequence feature, and working by joining together smaller sequences, integral to their workflow.

This is how the MPC is designed to work, the Next Sequence and Song Mode features are part of the MPC workflow that MPC users expect, whether you use them or not.

How you choose to work makes absolutely no difference, other MPC users want this feature, so it is a perfectly valid feature request, why are you still debating against it?

You are also using a nearly 30 year old way of working, linear MIDI sequencers have worked the way you are using the MPC, from the beginning, get the fuk over yourself.


Jah wrote:And for anyone/those that keep bringing up the MPC 3000...stop it. The MPC 3000 uses a Single Program....master mix or otherwise. It can't come anywhere close to doing what is being discussed here with multiple programs.

The number of programs being used makes no difference at all.

What matters is that the Track Mixer changes settings between sequences.

Some MPC Software users want the Track Mixer to have similar settings to previous MPCs, such as the MPC60/3000 mixers, so they can set it so that the Track Mixer does not change settings when the sequence changes.

As you pointed out, the MPC Software already does this, when joining multiple sequences together in Song Mode. Other MPC users simply want this functionality to be available in Main Mode, with a setting like previous MPCs have had.


Jah wrote:...also note that a Sequence is only a building block if you choose pattern based recording.

The sequence is always the building block, whether you have a one or more, your composition is built within one sequence, other people use multiple sequences joined together.

Whatever you do in the MPC, the basic building block is the sequence, whether you use a single sequence or many.


Jah wrote:Linear recording using the sequence loop function is the exact same thing but a concept I admit that goes over the heads of some folks.

How do you seamlessly switch from one loop to another, while the sequence is playing?

You can't, it is not the exact same thing, it is a basic concept that always goes over your head.




Why are you debating this?

You have made it clear that it is no use to you, as you use single sequences.

Why are other users not allowed to request and discuss this feature?
By labcoats Tue May 21, 2013 1:50 pm
SimonInAustralia wrote:
labcoats wrote:But there are problems with converting multiple sequences to one sequence. Its random and I have not been able to work out what it is that's wrong. Basically I get stuff spewing out of channels they shouldn't be. I was waiting until 1.4, perhaps 1.5 update before really digging in to investigate. Then again I feel like why bother as so few people seem to use next seq anyway.



Are you saying that even when each sequence is setup with exactly the same track layout/configuration, it doesn't convert from a multi-sequence song into a single sequence correctly?

I think the poll proved that most people use next sequence, no matter how Jah wants to force the discussion and feature requests to his way of thinking/working.


Ive experienced sounds/programmes spewed out of the wrong mixer outs, and perhaps midi data corruption, although that could just be midi being sent to the wrong programme after conversion. Im waiting for further updates to see if it still happens.
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By JAH Tue May 21, 2013 2:01 pm
labcoats wrote:
SimonInAustralia wrote:
Ive experienced sounds/programmes spewed out of the wrong mixer outs, and perhaps midi data corruption, although that could just be midi being sent to the wrong programme after conversion. Im waiting for further updates to see if it still happens.

I spent about an hour today creating songs composed of multiple sequences and converting them. No issues so far. Pretty much all MPCs work the same way. Sequences must be set up exactly the same. Or they will not convert properly. When I have time, perhaps I create a tutorial if I see more forum members having problems on this regard
By labcoats Tue May 21, 2013 2:02 pm
SimonInAustralia wrote:
labcoats wrote:Yes that's an option. But why even have that.

Because the sequence is the basic working unit, or building block for you compositions, in the MPC.

It makes sense, to me, to have a Master/Sequence/Program setting for the track mixer settings, just like the MPC60/3000 had.

Setting it to Master should give you what you want.

Setting it to Sequence should give the megalomaniac what he wants.



Leave it the way it is and implement an option where the user can delink the mixer from sequences universally or on a per sequence basis. I think thats kinda what your saying - right?.
Last edited by labcoats on Tue May 21, 2013 2:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.
By labcoats Tue May 21, 2013 2:14 pm
JAH wrote:
labcoats wrote:But there are problems with converting multiple sequences to one sequence. Its random and I have not been able to work out what it is that's wrong. Basically I get stuff spewing out of channels they shouldn't be. I was waiting until 1.4, perhaps 1.5 update before really digging in to investigate. Then again I feel like why bother as so few people seem to use next seq anyway.

Sounds like you are not setting up your sequences properly since so many people claim they use this function and there are no reports indicating it doesn't work. Every Track in every Sequence must be set up exactly the same way if you are going to convert a Song to a single sequence and have it sound right. And upon converting, the Mixer settings of Sequence 1 will be applied to all sequences. So while many here love this 25 year old way of working....I avoid the headaches associated with this method by cutting out all the middle steps and record using a single sequence..which is what you are trying to get to after numerous steps.

And for anyone/those that keep bringing up the MPC 3000...stop it. The MPC 3000 uses a Single Program....master mix or otherwise. It can't come anywhere close to doing what is being discussed here with multiple programs.

:popcorn:

...also note that a Sequence is only a building block if you choose pattern based recording. Linear recording using the sequence loop function is the exact same thing but a concept I admit that goes over the heads of some folks.


Maybe its because everything I do is programmed. No loops whatsoever. This requires a lot of tracks and mixer channels. Then I would have at least 16 sequences, and lets not forget all those processing and VST plugins. Im talking about a full session, not a little 4 bar idea using a couple of programmes. Essentially I try to use the Ren to completely write and mix a song. I wont use it as a 4 bar looper. So, I throw a lot at it.

I arrange the song in real time. It records the arrangement perfectly, all sequences play as they should. Any issues are experienced after converting the song to one new sequence.

I dont spring up threads when I encounter a problem. I actually do understand this is still early days and I totally acknowledge it could be user error. Im waiting for another update (at least) before I start posting specific observations, and even then it has to be reproducible At the moment it seems random. However, the Ren is pie in the sky to me until the mixer is fixed. I simply dont use it now at all. Why would I put my self through nonsense to do what I can already do issue free. You beta test for the next three years if you wish - I wont because this is what I do for a living. Music (and the gear I use) is not a hobby to supplement my internet activities. Im sure you understand what I mean.
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By JAH Tue May 21, 2013 2:30 pm
labcoats wrote:
I arrange the song in real time. It records the arrangement perfectly, all sequences play as they should. Any issues are experienced after converting the song to one new sequence.

And this is exactly where your problem is. Arranging them perfectly and using them in Next Sequence or Song Mode will not be an issue. Convert multiple sequences into 1 sequence will be an issue every time...especially if you are creating sequences with multi tracks, different mix settings, etc. In you case, converting will always be a nightmare. 1.4 will not help you in this regard. You ignore your best solution...
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By SimonInAustralia Tue May 21, 2013 3:39 pm
labcoats wrote:Leave it the way it is and implement an option where the user can delink the mixer from sequences universally or on a per sequence basis. I think thats kinda what your saying - right?.

Yes, that is what I am saying, and that is why there are the Master/Sequence/Program settings for the mixers in the MPC60/3000.

They just need to implement the same sort of setting in the MPC Software.

It already does it in Song Mode.

In the MPC Software it might be Project instaed of Master, as you still need to save the mixer settings somewhere, and have them reloaded with your beats.
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By SimonInAustralia Tue May 21, 2013 3:42 pm
JAH wrote:And this is exactly where your problem is. Arranging them perfectly and using them in Next Sequence or Song Mode will not be an issue. Convert multiple sequences into 1 sequence will be an issue every time...especially if you are creating sequences with multi tracks, different mix settings, etc. In you case, converting will always be a nightmare. 1.4 will not help you in this regard. You ignore your best solution...

No, the problem is that the Track Mixer is always linked to the sequences.

The problem is that you can't set it to keep the same Track Mixer settings over multiple sequences.

The problem is that Akai have not implemented an MPc mixer with the settings required for it to work with a standard MPC workflow.