Drum programs

So.. I've been using the MPC since 2001. Started on the 2000xl, now using the 4000.
And I have only once messed around with multiple drum programs.

My usual workflow is to just fill up the 4 or 6 sound banks that I have in one program... and it's usually more than enough.

Am I missing something by not using multiple programs? Am I unintentionally limiting myself in some way that I'm not aware of by not using more than one program in a session?

follow up question. Can using more than one program be useful in a live performance where I would want to play a few different beats, without loading more than once?


Keep in mind that I don't really know what programs do exactly, I only have this vague idea that they free up your pad banks for more sounds.

A "Program" = a bank of sounds OR a "drum kit", if you will.

I always have multiple programs loaded up, and I usually make 'em by hand as I go.

Say you sample Miles Davis (example), you have your audio chunk in the "TRIM" window. Now, lets say you want to chop that into 32 slices/chops. Do it but create a NEW PROGRAM. This will take your 32 slices - put them across pads 1-16 for PAD BANK A & B and automatically name your new program/kit (name is related to original sample name).

If you do the above you will end up with a new "PROGRAM" (drum kit/sound bank/etc) named "MILES01", which is your original sample sliced up into 32 equal chunks and automatically assigned to your PAD BANK(s) A & B.

A "Program" is meerly a group of sounds that have been assigned to pads.
Usually I have one program for drums, one program for what ever sample chops, pre-created MIDI programs (for various functions), and an "all audio" program where I assign my takes from audio tracks to pads as one-shot samples... just to keep everything neat and for optimal control.



TLDR - A "Program" can be viewed as a "drum kit" or "sound bank". A bank/kit of sounds that are already assigned to a pad. Each "Program" can have different sounds with different pad assignments.