I'll answer this because I know that most people won't. Why not? Anything about RAM or loops you can do a search on, and find the right room. No too many people respond very nicely to vague questions, even though I know you sound like you are just starting out. When I first got it, I was pissed at how little sample time it had, even after knowing all the specs before I used it. The RAM upgrade gives you almost 25 minutes of sample time in mono.
http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=26775&p=1077740&hilit=Galik+C#p1077740 where I found RAM dirt cheap.
My advice to you:
Always sample in mono (unless the record or .wav you have is shyte, in that case try to edit it before putting in the MPC, or use something else) - and do not add any effects while sampling. Also, the "
Stretch" feature under the
TRIM MODE is good once you get used to it, but if you want a sped-up or slowed-down sample, record the sample that way to begin with. Like, if you are using a turntable, and playing a 45, switch it 33 1/3 or vice-versa, or just pitch it up or down.
People say
Read the Ufkin Manual and whatnot, but since I never owned an MPC or any Akai product before, most of it sounds like it was written for people who have some experience, if only just a little. I'm telling you, as much as you paid for the MPC, it's worth it to buy the tutorial for 40 bucks. Simple things that I did the hard way made it easier to layer drums, correct timing errors, and when I get annoyed, I turn the thing off - no need to be like that.
As far as looping goes, I would have to hear something you made to know exactly what you are talking about. Learn the
Step-Edit (
tutorial) (I never really got into the MPC's technical side), and try to make a simple loop, recording each sample on a separate track. Hit TRACK - rename example Track 1 - Snare and then record just the Snare part. One of the big problems I had was just making sequences as I thought of things, but unable to delete/add to pieces of it since I recorded everything to one sequence and one track.
Anyways, I don't have much else to tell you right now. Some of the beats I made, people hated, and some of the ones I didn't like too much, a few people liked. Just play around with it, keep the receipt and box just in case, but check my post about the RAM upgrade, and have fun with it. If it's not fun for you, you will never get anything out of it.
Piece,
Galik-C
