EarlGreenMusic wrote:how do you use your mpc?
I sample everything from vinyl through my MFC42 filter, and then trim and chop all samples. Next is setting them up adding some tuning + envelopes and such, and then I get down with the sequencing. I usually finish how I want the main samples/"musical loop" first before I add any drums. Then it's bass, drums and percussion, and some playing around on the Rhodes or synth, and if I come up with something, I sample it into the MPC. I can't start with drums unless I want to play everything myself or have really chopped up sounds that can be played. I have to get the feel of the sample, and what parts I want to express, trying to get it to sound cohesive, like it's a "band playing together" and not just a random drum machine on top of some samples. Not easy, not always success, but I try. Then it's some final mixing of the levels, but I usually mix while I create, I can't work with too crazy volumes on the stuff.
EarlGreenMusic wrote:what programs are you using?
Like in computer programs?
I don't use that at all in my beat making. I get everything down in the MPC. I use garageband or Reaper when I record and mix raps on my beats tho'.
EarlGreenMusic wrote:how do you record?
I record the stereo output dry or through my stereo tube compressor into either my Digital Tascam recorder or my MacBook.
That's my workflow, best to me. You want the best workflow? THE ONE THAT WORKS BEST FOR
YOU! Experiment, try different things, you'll probably come up with your own way of doing thins, and you may be inspired to switch it up every now and then, watching how others do it (in this thread and such).
But all I can suggest is some time management. If your busy during the week, set aside a day just to listen to Cd and records and sample what jumps out at you. Then a day to focus on making different drum tracks. 
