By binger0
Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:45 pm
i think he is finshing it up. Good lookin cashstill. Midi thrus are very important if you want to daisy chain MIDI devices.
Utilizing all 4 sample programs in the same sequence.
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yes, it's true!! the mpc can use 4 programs of 64 sounds (a total of 256) simultaneously in the same sequence.
simply load the programs you want to use then hit "shift+6" and select to edit either "DRUM 1-4" (those are your 4 internal sound program slots). to assign a program to the slot, change the program name listed at the top. another method is to hit the "Drum" button to edit the assignments to your program slots in the same screen.
to change which program is being triggered in the sequence screen, simply go beside the parameter "S:" (think of the s meaning source) and change DRUM1 to another DRUM program slot (you can also change the DRUM to MIDI as well if you wanted to trigger only outboard gear and none of the internal sounds. changing device 1-16 corresponds with midi channel output).
in addition to that, you can use more than 4 different programs (or as many sounds as your ram permits -{shift+4 hit openwindow}- ) for a total of 24 different programs that can be loaded into the mpc at once.
to use more than 4 programs in a sequence, you'll have to understand how program changes can work in your favor. however, this does not mean you'll be able to use more than the available 4 program slots. program changes simply allow you to change the program assigned to any of the 4 DRUM program slots mid sequence by entering the change via step edit or the "pgm:" parameter in the main sequence screen. at no time in one sequence can you use more than the 4 separate programs.
the mpc uses what are called "program numbers" to categorize the individual programs loaded. each program loaded into the mpc can have a different program number that can be altered or changed. to do that, simply go to the program screen (shift+6 then either DRUM1-4) and hit "open window" while you have the name of your program highlighted with the cursor. do a double check to make sure that each program has a different number. you'll need to make note of those numbers and the programs assigned to them if you intend to take advantage of this feature without incident.
the easy way to preview a program change or to assign one to a track is the "pgm:" parameter in the main screen (which is usually set to off) where you can input a program assignment to a DRUM program slot. the best way to implement a program change and have it automate at any point in the sequence is via step edit (find the bar position, hit insert, program change+program number).
because you can only have 4 programs playing at any one time in a sequence you should be paying close attention to what DRUM program slot you have performed this function on. when you input a program change this will change the program assigned to the DRUM slot globally... most errors occur when people input a program change on a DRUM slot that they are using on another track in the sequence for other sounds (makes for some interesting experimental combinations).
the most common use of a program change is two steps before the end of a sequence. this is done so that when the following sequence plays back the new program is already in place and ready for the first note. program changes sometimes take a few extra steps to happen fully.
also program changes can be controlled via midi too. just send the correct message listed on the midi implementation chart (refer to mpc manual).
well, there's a bit of information for you. I feel that program changes are essential to learn if one really wanted to realize the full potential of their mpc.
1-0ne
