Post your views and questions about the Akai MPC2500
By JayP Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:27 am
Ok so I found the problems to my questions earlier,

I have figured out how to set the MPC as a Master or a Slave using Logic pro, but now my question is...

When using the MPC as a Slave and Logic Pro as the Master, is it possible to send MMC messages from the MPC to control Logic's transport? I have tried sending MMC out the Master and the clocked turned to "off" but it doesnt seem to work. I'm trying to modify my drums on the MPC say after I have record some synths in logic. If I turn off the MPC slave and modify my drums I can't hear whats recorded in logic because they are no longer sync'd for playback.

Is this something I just have to deal with? or is there a solution?
By MPCMatic Sat Apr 16, 2011 1:14 am
When I compose in Logic I move samples to the EXS sampler and use my MP as a midi Controller.




..Here's what you could consider....you could enable your midi clock...create a midi track on the MPC and assign the Logic synth to a midi channel on the MPC...and sequence everything on the MPC..soft synths and samples..that's what I Would do...that's what I do when I use Reason.....if you do this...I would recommend JJ OS XL for this...it's awesome for sequencing software synths.
By JayP Sat Apr 16, 2011 1:44 am
I see what your saying, I think after fiddling with both using the MPC as a master and slave I think the best choice for me is to use the MP as a slave, for the simple reason that I can edit midi notes more precisely within logic and visually see what I have entered(not to mention FX and automation). On the MPC this just seems more cumbersome and less visual/perscise if I use the MPC as a master. I also like chopping/editing and programming my drum/samples/bass in the MPC and layering synths on top etc..

I do use JJOS (the free version), I figured since it was a general midi and not JJOS specific I would post my questions here.

Ive tried using the ESX24 to load and program drums but I can't figure out how to edit individual sounds(ADSR, Filters etc..) it seems that the only option is to edit the global program parameters. Also, how well does the ESX load and map Akai formats? I've tried watching videos and reading articles on the ESX but It just doesn't float my boat... on the other hand, the new Korg drum programmer in reason 5 is probably the closest software sampler to the MPC.
By MPCMatic Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:49 am
JJ OS XL you can see the Midi Notes on the screen and it scrolls over the midi notes..also it could turn pads into chords when your using a midi track..and you can use the arpeggiator.Its dope.

If you're primary interest is layering synths on MPC drum patterns...you ought to just create midi tracks on the MPC to sequence the synths...JJ OS XL is the way to go especially if you like a visual of your midi notes.....Just my humble opinion.
By JayP Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:04 am
Word, I have been planning on buying the OS XL upgrade. I just checked some youtube videos and it seems like midi editing is wayyyy doper like you said, you may be right about using the MP as the master...either way, I feel pretty confident now that I understand pretty complex midi routing etc... should step my game up!

Will I need to backup my MPC hard drive before I install JJOS XL? Im wondering because I know that you can test JJOSXL before purchasing and I don't wanna loose everything on my drive...

Edit: I guess I could just temporarily take out the hard drive and use a CF card to load the OS to be sure lol.
By MPCMatic Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:29 pm
You can download the full version of OS XL.You just won't be able to save anything until you purchase the password.

Look at apple forums for "Using Logic as a s sound module" or search the web and see if anybody has a template you can download with all of the synths assigned to mid channels.
By JayP Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:43 am
i really appreciate your insight. I got everything situated as the master and I couldn't be happier with this new workflow. I'm defintely going to pick up OS XL when I get some extra cash, I tried out the non-saveable version and it was so ill! the arrpegiator and chord choices are doooope not to mention the other features!
By JayP Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:18 pm
Something caught my attention now that ive made some beats using the MPC as a master...

After you are satisified with your takes, are you printing the midi tracks to audio by resampling from the main outs and assigning it to a pad?

Is it possible to extract midi data from the .project file and open in a daw to print tracks? I guess you could set the MPC as a slave after the final beat and track everything out that way... (I may have just answered my own question lol)