MPC 500 Sampling workflows

I've decided to finally sit down and figure out my sampling workflow on the MPC 500. I want the flow to be fast and I don't want to have to do a lot of thinking about how I name and organize things at least when I'm first working on a track.

I've come up with a couple of ideas to try. The next track I make, I think I'll try these 2 workflows to see which one works best for me. I'm thinking the second one is going to be best since I'll be able to play them right after I record the sample. Also this will be new for me too cause each sample will have it's own program and track. I don't usually work this way and I'll have samples all over a program. That's not been to good when I get a lot of samples and forget what's where. Also, sometimes I'll accidentally change the program for a track when I start working with new programs. These flows should fix that problem too.

Do you guys have any other workflow ideas you could share? Comments and advice on these?



WORKFLOW 1 - Sample first and work out the pad assignments later

#SAMPLING#
1. switch to record mode and sample something
2. name that sample A01 and don't assign it to a pad
3. record something else
4. name that sample B01 and don't assign it to a pad
5. record something else
6. name that sample C01 and don't assign it to a pad

#SETUP A#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it A
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it A
3. assign sample A01 to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample A02 on pad A2, sample A03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want

#SETUP B#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it B
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it B
3. assign sample B01 to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample B02 on pad A2, sample B03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want

#SETUP C#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it C
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it C
3. assign sample C01 to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample C02 on pad A2, sample C03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want



WORKFLOW 2 - Setup tracks and programs and assignments as I go

#SAMPLE A#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it A
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it A
2. switch to record mode and sample something
3. name the sample A01 and assign it to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample A02 on pad A2, sample A03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want

#SAMPLE B#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it B
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it B
2. switch to record mode and sample something
3. name the sample B01 and assign it to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample B02 on pad A2, sample B03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want

#SAMPLE C#
1. switch to track mode, spin to a unused track and name it C
2. switch to program mode, make a new program and name it C
2. switch to record mode and sample something
3. name the sample C01 and assign it to pad A1
4. switch to trim mode and copy that sample however many times I'd like to cut it and assign each sample to a pad (like sample C02 on pad A2, sample C03 on pad A3, etc...)
5. set the start and end points for each sample so I get the regions I want


For all these, if the program makes the cut and it's song worthy, I might go back and rename the program and the samples to something more descriptive. I might use the discard feature in trim mode for all the samples too so I can save RAM.

Just thought of something else too. Instead of making a new program. I'll make one program in the project that has all the A bank pads set to MONO and Mute group 1. Then copy that program for each track. Save me some clicks and dialing motions.

I just scanned the OP and all the flows looked the same.

Don't over think it, do it and see for yourself.

Whatever works for you.

I don't have a workflow, the machine tells me what to do and I do it. I wish I had a workflow of my own.

Thank you. This is very helpful. I have no workflow at all.I treat the 500 like a fat kid eats his dinner,desert FIRST. LOL

The workflow is the veggies, good for you but not as tasty. Sometimes I get so caught up in instant gratification, I never finish anything.

I think the things I've figured out is...

Pick the track first and then switch to program mode, you'll be on the right program for that track

Don't change the progam when your in program mode or you'll change the program for that track. Instead switch to an unused track and then switch to program mode and change the program.

Always name your tracks or it'll be hard to figure out what tracks your using

In program mode, hit the pad of the sound you want to edit and then switch to trim mode and you'll be on the sample for that pad. This way you don't have to scroll around looking for a sample by name. Much better.



Yeah glad to share any knowledge, the manual doesn't tell you the path of least resistance.