Sub-forum for discussion about the DAWs and mobile apps that you use with your MPCs
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By elevated Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:12 am
Anyone have any thoughts here? I'm creating a new workflow where I begin composing in the MPC, and then bring the project over to my DAW (Ableton) as early in the process as possible.

The traditional way of doing this is just to record the MPC output onto separate tracks. And then work in the DAW.

Does anyone export the MIDI file, and bring that into the DAW? And then bring in the samples you used? I'm seeing some advantages in flexibility, if doing this works out,,,
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By elevated Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:49 am
The MPC sequencer is the most fun and quick way for me to start a song. Mostly because I'm so used to it.
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By m:t:c Thu Nov 24, 2011 7:49 am
I'd go with recording it in as audio. Turn on count-in (1 bar metronome-click) for play for easy track alignment in DAW.
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By Lampdog Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:20 pm
m:t:c wrote:I'd go with recording it in as audio. Turn on count-in (1 bar metronome-click) for play for easy track alignment in DAW.


+1
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By Ibunshi Fri Nov 25, 2011 7:55 pm
i'd almost assume ableton is flexible enough so it can be used as a sound module/sampler where the mpc's only function is to trigger sounds in ableton. So when you then record in ableton there wont be a need to transfer anything as you got both the sounds and the midi data recorded on the computer.. Like someone already said - use the mpc as a midi controller.
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By tapedeck Fri Nov 25, 2011 8:54 pm
Ibunshi and Arkyve have a good idea that i think will cover your bases.

just use the samplers in ableton, and you can still use the mpc sequencer.

then, when you've got something going that you like, simply hit record in ableton and record the mpc sequencer as midi data.

so yer still using the mpc sequencer, yer just putting the midi data into ableton as you do it and you dont need to transfer any sounds / programs.

its a really flexible / powerful approach and seems like exactly what yer after.
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By elevated Fri Nov 25, 2011 9:05 pm
Hmm,, I keep forgetting that I can record MIDI from MPC sequencer to Ableton sequencer,,, I really do wanna try that.

Tapedeck:

My issue with this suggested approach-- It cuts down on my speed. I'm fastest on the MPC when I'm playing the pads, choosing/creating the sounds, and creating the sequences ALL while focusing on the MPC. I'm much slower and less effective when I'm jumping back and forth between two systems repeatedly. Could have to do with my ADHD :lol:
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By tapedeck Fri Nov 25, 2011 9:45 pm
that all makes sense homey but i mean you gotta make the choice - be a little slower building the programs on the computer, or build the programs twice ... once on the mpc, then transfer sounds, rebuild in ableton.

unless you are simply ok with recording audio tracks, with either approach you are going to have to build the programs in software. by using the mpc as a sequencer only, you only build the programs once in software. no 'transferring' necessary.

feel me?

dont get me wrong, i really like making programs in the mpc, but i was just offering an option that sounds like it does what you are trying to do.
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By elevated Sat Nov 26, 2011 1:55 am
You're all totally right,,, I appreciate the input. I'm realizing,,, I don't wanna recreate shit out of the MPC. Not sure what I was thinking :lol:

For now I'll record audio loops out of the MPC, when I start a project in there. Ableton is dope for recording little loops out of the MP. Plus there are some slick ways of modifying the loops once there in the computer, if it comes down to that.

And I'm also gonna start using the MP as a controller more. Ultimately I wanna be working mostly in Ableton,,,,, it works well for me (now that I finally figured it out,,.
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By m:t:c Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:04 am
Yup, tried working solely with mpc, solely with logic, but what nailed it for me was the combination! Best of both worlds, can't beat that!
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By Lampdog Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:16 pm
m:t:c wrote:Best of both worlds, can't beat that!
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By elevated Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:34 pm
Cool,,, anyone wanna jump in and describe their hybrid MPC / DAW composing workflow? Now I'm curious how yall are doing it.